Winning the Heiress' Heart

by Susanne Bellamy

  The younger man’s face blanched and he cast a frightened look at Seb and Eva. “He promised no one would get hurt. He promised.”

  Luc stepped out of the doorway to allow his boys access to the tiny cottage. “Tie them up. The police are on their way.” As soon as the three kidnappers were bound and hustled into the bedroom under guard, he lowered his weapon and joined Eva.

  Seb sat, head resting on Eva’s shoulder. A streak of dried blood marked his temple and cheek. Luc hunkered down in front, slowly moving one finger across Seb’s field of vision. Eyes unfocused, Seb was losing the struggle to stay awake.

  Gently, Eva probed his hair. “I think he’s concussed.” She removed her hand. Fresh blood covered her fingertips and she drew a sharp breath.

  He took Seb’s hand and checked his pulse. It was strong but the concussion needed to be monitored. “Let’s get him out of here. I’ll drive you to the hospital.” He hoisted Seb across his shoulders, fireman-fashion and eased him head first through the door.

  Samuel strode up the hill, a cigarette between his fingers. “Hey, boss, Miss Abbott. Police nearly here.” He nodded towards the track. Headlights flashed through thick vegetation and the roar of engines carried up the hill.

  “Samuel, will you talk to them? Seb needs medical attention. I’m taking him and Eva to the hospital. We’ll stop by the police station when he’s out of the woods, maybe in the morning.”

  “Sure thing, boss.”

  Eva touched Samuel’s arm. “Thank you for all your help. It was a real comfort knowing you and Luc and the boys were out here.”

  “Glad we could help, miss. Didn’t think much of that manager of yours. Unfriendly and poking his nose in where he shouldn’t have been.”

  Eva smiled and headed off down the slope. Luc shifted Seb on his shoulders. The boy was heavier than he looked. Nearly a man. And this experience would make him grow up quickly. “Be sure to tell the police about Lutchenko’s attempt to kill Seb. I want that bastard in prison for good. He won’t threaten Eva or Seb again.”

  He strode off, following her to his Jeep. She climbed into the back, and he lowered Seb until his head rested in her lap. “Hang on to him. It’s a bumpy road even in daylight. I’ll make it as smooth as I can.” He started the engine. The first of three police vehicles pulled in behind, blocking his exit while the other two parked in a flurry of dust beyond the gate.

  Two officers jumped out, guns trained on them. “Step out of the vehicle, sir. And you too, ma’am.”

  Luc lifted his hands off the wheel and raised them beside his head. “I’m Lucien Martineau. We called you about the kidnapping. We have an injured boy in the back.”

  Eva hadn’t moved although she had the presence of mind to show her hands. “Officer, my nephew needs to see a doctor. He was kidnapped and—”

  One of the officers trained a flashlight on Seb’s face then flicked it up at Eva. Pale but determined, she shaded Seb’s eyes with her hand. “He needs medical attention. They hit him on the head and he’s bleeding.”

  The younger officer turned to the older and they conferred briefly. “Thank you, Mr. Martineau. We’ll radio the hospital to expect you.”

  “Appreciate it, thanks.” Luc climbed into the Jeep as the police vehicle rolled out of the way. “Won’t be long, Eva.”

  ###

  Her heart thudded as she paced the hospital corridor. Behind the dark green door, Seb lay, pale and unresponsive after surgery. He hadn’t opened his eyes since they’d left the cottage. She wondered if he ever would again.

  By the time they’d got him to the hospital, his pulse was erratic and he was bleeding from his ear. Doctors and nurses surrounded him and she was forced to wait outside the emergency ward with only her dark thoughts for company, while Luc disappeared in search of a phone. She wrapped an arm around her waist. Why was it taking so long? Why wouldn’t they tell her anything?

  Luc appeared in front of her and thrust a cup of coffee into her hand. “Drink. It will be a while before we know how well the operation went.” He put an arm around her shoulders and guided her to a chair in the tiny waiting area. She shivered, craving his warmth but not trusting it. Seb had lost a lot of blood. Despite Luc’s optimism, she feared the worst.

  “Don’t beat yourself up all the time. You couldn’t have known Lutchenko is a criminal.”

  Her jaw dropped. She frowned at Luc and snapped her mouth shut. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

  “You have a very expressive face. You try to hide behind a mask but you have little tells. You’d be no good at high-stakes poker.”

  She frowned and shook her head, “Poker? What are you talking about?”

  “Look, I hope you won’t think I’m speaking out of turn but when the doctor told you how much Seb’s operation would cost—well, I’m guessing you don’t have that kind of money lying around.”

  Heat invaded her cheeks and shame. Unless she got that Tourism Board contract, she was going to have to sell the plantation to fund the delicate brain operation. If the hospital would agree to a repayment plan.

  And if Seb didn’t recover? Her stomach clenched and fatigue gnawed at her brain.

  “Can we not talk about this right now?”

  “If not now then when? Seb’s had the operation and you have to pay for it. Soon. I can help.” Luc lifted her coffee cup out of her hands and placed it beside his on the floor beneath his seat. He took both her hands in a loose hold and ran his thumb across her knuckles.

  Tired and worried as she was, a thrill ran through her body at his touch. Would it always be this way when he touched her?

  “Eva, I know this is a terrible time to ask but under the circumstances—marry me now. We’ll get a special license and get married right away. I can help sort everything out and ensure Seb gets the best care. The plantation need not be a worry for you. I’ll keep it running.”

  He’ll keep it running if I marry him?

  Luc wanted her to give up control of her plantation. But Abbotts were self sufficient, independent, and she’d tried so hard to live up to her family responsibilities. His offer was generous but—

  Did he love her, even a little?

  Her tired brain grappled with the idea of a loveless marriage. Not completely loveless. I love him.

  Was great sex enough of a foundation to build on? Was she greedy to want it all?

  She drew a deep breath. Without his love, she couldn’t do it.

  She eased her hands out of his hold and looked him in the eyes. “Thank you for your offer, Luc. It’s…neighborly, and I was tempted to accept your proposal, but I can’t. Not even on the chance I’m pregnant. It wouldn’t be right.”

  His lips thinned into a grim line. “Is the thought of marrying me so repugnant? I know I’m not your aristocratic gentleman but together we could make a good life here.” He stood abruptly and strode to the window.

  Her heart longed to go to him, wrap her arms around him, love him.

  Tension radiated from every line of his body silhouetted against the bright light. So strong and so alone. Surely she had enough love in her heart for both of them. Couldn’t that be enough?

  But he didn’t love her.

  She closed her eyes and tried to breathe through the pain of letting him go. Without love, it could never be. “Luc, you’re a good man. But we’re wrong together. And I have to look after Seb like his parents would have if they’d lived.”

  “Do you think I’d stop you doing what you wanted? Is that it, Eva? You don’t trust me.” His flat tones shredded her already breaking will.

  The band around her heart tightened another notch. She had to set him free from the responsibility he had shouldered. “You’ve been nothing but kind to us since we met.”

  “Kind?” He spun around and glared, his eyes fierce and dark and filled with pain beneath his frown. “What’s between us has nothing to do with kindness.”

  “I admit I’m…very attracted to you. But lust isn’t a foundation for a m
arriage.”

  “You mean I’m great for a fling but not to settle down with.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at the floor. “No, you’re right. Lust broke up my parents’ marriage. Why would I choose a woman just because I’m in lust with her?” Bitter tones, delivered by the man who had saved her and Seb.

  How could she do this to him? He didn’t love her so why did she feel no better than Genevieve, who’d broken his heart. Maybe that was why he couldn’t love her. Because he was still in love with the woman who had broken his heart. But she loved him and she could do this for him. She and Seb would start afresh, maybe in Australia.

  “You asked me to give you first option if I decided to sell the plantation. I’m selling. Do you want to exercise that option now?”

  ###

  You’re a great fuck, Luc. Eva may have phrased it more elegantly but her refusal echoed Genevieve’s. And he’d never felt so right with anyone as with her.

  How could he have thought she would be different from the others? He’d let down his guard and offered her all that he was but it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough. When would he get it into his thick head? His mother’s adultery tainted his blood and no woman wanted the risk of marrying into such a family.

  Ironic really, that his complaint to his father had been how he didn’t trust women when all the time it was him they didn’t trust. But his compensation was that Eva had offered him the Benson place.

  Definitely ironic.

  Land was cold comfort when the woman he loved couldn’t get beyond what had brought them together in the first place. And that now divided them.

  Bittersweet and ironic.

  Chapter Twenty

  Eva feathered her fingers over Seb’s cheek as he lay in the hospital bed. A lighter bandage now replaced the heavy post-operative one, but his face was thinner and paler. Combined with his stubble and the frown between his brows, he looked older, highlighting the similarity to his father. If he’d been awake he wouldn’t have let her touch him like that, but he was still in the induced coma dictated by the doctor to allow his head trauma time to heal.

  “Oh, Seb, please be well. We have such a lot to talk about and decisions to make, and I really want you to be part of it this time.”

  Except the decision to sell Benson’s place. Her hand clenched in her skirt. There’d been no choice in that if medical expenses were to be met but the sense of betrayal left a sour taste in her mouth.

  “I hope you don’t hold it against me but I couldn’t marry Luc, even to save your inheritance, my love. I can’t bear the thought of being with him knowing he doesn’t love me.”

  The door to the room opened. Surreptitiously, she swiped her cheeks and hunted for her handkerchief.

  Seb’s surgeon stood there, his usually stern expression relieved by a smile. “Ah, Miss Abbott. I was hoping to catch you today. Would you join me for a few minutes?”

  “Certainly, doctor.” She cast a glance at Seb and patted his hand as she stood. “I’ll be back soon.”

  She slipped through the door and the doctor closed it behind her. Slightly embarrassed at being caught talking to an unconscious audience, she asked, “I’m sure he can hear me, doctor. I keep talking to him and telling him what’s happening. Do you think it helps?”

  “I’m certain it does no harm and it may be that he hears you on a subconscious level. Keep talking to him.” Dr. Andrews led her to the end of the corridor and opened the door into his office. “Please take a seat, Miss Abbott. There are a few things to discuss.”

  First and foremost would be payment of the bills. She wondered why the hospital hadn’t asked for payment before now but was thankful that they hadn’t. “I’ve arranged for the sale of our property. The proceeds should be available soon, and I’ll be able to pay the bills for Seb’s operation and accommodation.”

  “Please, don’t worry yourself. Your solicitor has already deposited sufficient funds.” Dr. Andrews shook his head and opened a yellow envelope. He took out Seb’s patient notes and flicked through them. “Besides, that isn’t what I want to talk about. I hope you haven’t been worried about that?” He smiled, removed his glasses, and polished them on his handkerchief.

  “A little. That was good of him. He didn’t mention it to me.”

  “Perhaps he felt you had enough to cope with already. Now, in layman’s terms, we’ve taken Seb off the medication that kept him in the coma state.”

  Surprise, relief, elation surged through her, along with a rush of gratitude for the doctor. “You mean he’ll wake up soon?”

  “I do, and don’t be surprised if he answers questions you’ve asked while he’s been under.” Dr. Andrews’s smile hadn’t left his face.

  She wanted to bounce out of her seat and do a war dance in celebration. They’d have to have a party at home, invite friends and—neighbors.

  Bittersweet, the irony of what they’d traded for Seb’s recovery hit her. Except they wouldn’t have a home to go to. She should have asked Luc if they could rent the house until Seb had recovered.

  Dr. Andrews continued. “We believe he will be fine to go home with you within a week. Will that suit you?”

  Laugh, cry, or both, Eva didn’t know what to do with the news. She blinked back tears. “Thank you, doctor. That’s the best news I could have asked for.”

  “He will, of course, need to convalesce for a time. Rest, no excitement. I believe you have been staying in the hostel nearby while Seb has been with us?”

  “That’s right. I couldn’t bear to be away from him.”

  “Will you go home to prepare for his return?”

  “No. I’ll wait until we can go home together.” She trusted Luc would give them a few weeks.

  ###

  Luc shoveled the last of the mulch into place and stepped out of the garden bed. He straightened and wiped his forearm across his forehead. “Samuel, tell the boys to be sure to tidy up and get those lights strung before they pack up.”

  “Sure, boss. They’re looking forward to having Seb home again. And Miss Abbott.”

  Luc grunted and turned away, but not before he saw a huge grin spread across Samuel’s face. What did he expect? A bloody miracle? And wasn’t that what he was hoping for? His recent visit and discussion with Seb had revived hope that not all was lost. In fact, Seb had offered interesting observations for a patient who had been kept in an induced coma.

  “I’m heading home to clean up and get changed. I’ll bring Annie back with the food by four o’clock.”

  “We’ll have everything ready. Gonna be a nice surprise for Seb. And Miss Abbott.”

  “Wipe that goddamn grin off your face and stop saying Miss Abbott like that.”

  “Okay, boss.”

  Luc climbed into his Jeep and started the engine. He looked over the garden he and the boys had rushed to complete before Eva and Seb returned home this afternoon. In a few months the plants would have gained height and the perfumes would scent the night air. Like they did in her old home, he hoped. Would she understand what it meant? What he wanted to say but couldn’t find words for?

  ###

  Eva drove up the driveway, a mixture of hope and sadness churning in her stomach. Hope that Seb would make a full recovery, and despair that she hadn’t kept his inheritance intact for him. If only she had looked after him better. Seb had nearly died because of the choices she’d made.

  “Look, Evie!” As they rounded the last bend, he pointed at the line up of vehicles parked along the upper stretch of driveway. “We’ve got visitors.”

  Eva sniffed back her self pity. It would not be allowed to affect his homecoming. “Looks like some of your friends heard you’re coming home today. Oh, dear, there won’t be anything to eat or drink in the house.”

  Carefully, she drove between cars to the shed and parked. Seb climbed out unaided and came around to offer her his arm. “Leave the bags for now, Evie. Let’s go see who’s here.”

  They rounded the corner and walked slowly
up to the house. If he leaned a little heavily on her arm, she was just happy that he was alive and walking and talking. But something had shifted within him. He was a man. He had much still to learn but suddenly she knew he would be fine.

  Long tables set up under the trees groaned with food, anchored by a large punch bowl at each end. Colored lights hung between the verandah posts and through the branches of the nearby trees. And gathered around the tables were Seb’s friends, come to welcome him home.

  Home. Not for much longer. Far better to have told him earlier, before—

  Panic set in as she spotted Luc standing at the far end of the table. Tall, dark, and unutterably gorgeous, Luc stood beside a grinning Samuel. Even across yards of grass and over the heads of young men, she was aware of his intense gaze on her. Her cheeks warmed as he watched their progress. He made no move towards them but raised his glass and drank.

  Seb’s friends surrounded him, and she released her hold on his arm. Moe led him to a chair then dropped onto another seat while the others sprawled into casual positions on the grass around him.

  Before Luc had a chance to say anything about the sale to Seb, she was going to ask if they could rent the house for a few weeks. Skirting the group of young men, she headed toward Luc. She had him in her sights when a blue and green Hawaiian shirt stepped into her path and Jack held out his hand.

  Jack Lyons must have a wardrobe of many-colored Hawaiian shirts. She shook his hand and managed a smile for the real estate agent. “Hello, Jack. Long time no see.”

  “True. Hey, I found you a manager by the way. He can come over tomorrow if you want to interview him.”

  “After the last one you found for me, I don’t think I’d trust your choice again. But I won’t be needing another manager.”

  “What do you mean after the last one? I haven’t sent anyone else.”

  Shock whacked her upside the head. “What about Stefan Lutchenko? He led me to understand you’d sent him.”