LOVE STORM

by Beryl Trebble

  Kris felt claustrophobic as people closed in on her to help, and before she was further humiliated by crying, she lifted her head proudly, brushed everyone aside and said, "Please, excuse me. I shall call a taxi and go home. These things happen, but this is a little too big to repair in the cloakroom." Her laugh was almost too bright.

  Raoul moved to her side. "Raoul, please don't come out. I have the fare and I want to be alone right now. Besides, you are the VIP here."

  Turning to Isabella, Kris said smoothly, "I am sure you will see to it that he enjoys the rest of the evening."

  As she quickly turned and walked away, she knew her eyes were unnaturally bright, her tears only spilling over after she had left the room. Her reactions had been superb, but the emptiness inside of her took away any feeling of triumph.

  She gave the driver Lauren's address and had the satisfaction of seeing Raoul come to the door and managed to keep some composure until the taxi drew away. Once in the darkened cab the tears began to fall and didn't stop, even when the taxi drew to a standstill at Lauren's front door. She was sobbing uncontrollably as she ran up the stairs and collapsed against the porch wall, ringing the bell and waiting for Lauren to open the door.

  Lauren opened the door to find her sobbing friend. Her hand flew to her mouth to suppress a scream. The deep crimson stain across her chest instantly made her think Kris had been in a terrible accident.

  "My, God, Kris...what on earth has happened? Let me help you...oh, heavens."

  "I'm not hurt," Kris managed between sobs as her friend pulled her inside. Kris collapsed on to the sofa with bowed head and shoulders shaking, a picture of utter dejection. Lauren put her arm around her best friend and let her cry it out for a while.

  When the tears subsided, Lauren said, "Gosh, what a fright you gave me standing there with your dress in such a mess. I thought you were covered in blood! Why don't you go and take that dress off and have a shower. I'm sure you'll feel better, then we can talk. There's a dressing gown behind my bedroom door you can use. I'll have a pot of coffee and some stiff brandies ready by the time you've finished. I think we'll both need it."

  Settled comfortably in a big easy chair, clean and with brandy in hand, Kris told her story. "I guess it was too much for one day, but now it seems so petty. I mustn't let Isabella bug me; she's always going to be around. I don't intend to let Raoul gloat over my discomfort either. Can I use your phone? I'm going to leave a message to say that I'm spending the night here -- if that's okay with you, of course. Maybe I can borrow some slacks and a sweater from you in the morning."

  "Don't be silly, of course you can. Go make your call, love."

  After she finished leaving her message, they settled down companionably and had a good long 'girl' talk. It had been a long time since they had been in each other's company long enough to have a good heart-to-heart chat. Opening up and talking had done them both a world of good.

  In the early hours, they finally went to bed.

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  * * *

  Chapter Nineteen

  Kris felt ready to face whatever the day held for her as she left for Raoul's apartment around nine the next morning, but she was stunned to see that he was still there.

  He was talking on the phone with his back towards her. She noticed how tall and broad shouldered he was, and how deep and fascinating his accented voice sounded. She gave a little jolt of surprise when she heard he that was making travel plans for the two of them. He must have sensed her presence because he turned abruptly. His eyes narrowed when he saw her. A few seconds later, he ended his conversation and slammed down the receiver.

  "Where the hell have you been? I get a hysterical message on the machine, and then you stroll in as though nothing has happened. You certainly drew attention to yourself last night, and I can assure you, madam, I don't appreciate such histrionics. Whether you like it or not, I'm an influential man. All of my life it has suited me to play low key, and now my future wife causes a furore at the announcement of our engagement. Poor Isabella was in quite a state -- I warned you to leave her alone, damn it. I will not stand for an encore, is that understood?"

  Kris blinked in shock. Isabella had obviously taken in Raoul, and she had probably said that Kris had deliberately spilled the wine in a fit of pique at her presence. She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, he stopped her.

  "I have no time to hear the inevitable excuses you will try to make. In the future, please try to act in a manner one would expect of my wife."

  Feeling like a naughty child, she stood before Raoul, cheeks aflame.

  Abruptly, he turned away. "I have changed my plans. I have arranged that we will be married in the Registry Office two blocks away. With that done, there shouldn't be a scandal about our traveling together."

  Aghast, Kris stared at him. "What kind of man are you? This is something from a TV soap opera. Don't you snap your fingers at me like this and expect me to jump and obey. I refuse to be treated as though--"

  Strong arms pulled her close and held her soft body against his muscular one. His eyes flashed into hers and his sensual mouth stopped only a few centimetres short from hers.

  "I want you for my wife, Kris. I don't want any delays."

  "And what about what I want, Raoul. Do I have a say in any aspect of this marriage? Or am I only an ornament to look good on your arm?"

  His voice -- strangely hoarse -- whispered, "You will have your say in many things, Kris. But in this, I must have my own. We must be married immediately, for PJ's sake as well."

  Kris watched his eyes lower to her mouth and trembled in anticipation as his lips brushed hers softly. "Oh, Raoul...."

  The gentleness of his touch was something she hadn't expected and her will relented to his. She closed her eyes in anticipation of his ardent kiss.

  Suddenly, she was released. Kris' eyes popped open only to be met with his back. She felt his withdrawal sharply, as if he had poured ice water over her head. Would he keep to his previous promise and never touch her in passion again?

  "There will be plenty of time to have a reception when we get back. It will obviously be expected of us. You will go with me on this trip, as planned." When Kris opened her mouth, Raoul cut her off again. "Don't worry about PJ. She's fine with Luke and Almeira."

  Suddenly, Kris came back to her senses. In a quiet authoritative voice, she commanded him to turn around and look at her. To her surprise, he did, though his face betrayed nothing.

  "Well?"

  "I will not be married without PJ present, Raoul. You owe it to your child. Play charades if you must, but it's only fair that she is with us when we get married. I won't have it any other way." She raised her chin defiantly.

  Raoul grasped her chin tenderly and said, "Ah, the little cat has claws after all."

  She refused to say another word. Let him mock her decision, but on this one thing she wouldn't back down. Kris had decided to agree to most everything he said, but some things just weren't right, and getting married without PJ present was one of them.

  He gave his infuriating little bow and said, "However, that doesn't alter the fact that we are getting married today. We'll make it up to PJ when we get back. It's not the first time for either of us, so we don't have to put on a big act.

  "Tonight we are staying with long time friends of mine who own a hotel near Paris. They are delighted to be the first to know and I am sure they will put us in the bridal suite and make a fuss. I will, however, keep my promise to you. Our own arrangements can be carried out behind the scenes because, make no mistake, I have no intention of taking advantage of the situation."

  Kris blushed and turned away, wishing that this whole affair was a different dream of her own making. In another reality she could easily see them in a warm embrace, eager to exchange their vows and spend the night making love.

  But this would never come true so long as he refused to touch her. If only there was a way to convince him that she desp
erately wanted his touch, loved his possession.

  In a daze, she only half-listened to his plans for a loveless wedding and a loveless marriage. The thought was not heartening.

  ...x...

  The day passed quickly, under the circumstances, as there was so much to do. Kris was emotionally and physically exhausted when she boarded the company jet beside a still unruffled Raoul. Even during the short civic wedding ceremony, she felt herself in a haze of unreality.

  After take-off, she unbuckled her seat belt and relaxed. A few minutes later, she looked down and caught sight of the heavily embossed wedding ring that sparkled from the sun. I did it, I really married Raoul. I'm now Madame Metier, she thought as she stared at the diamond.

  Ruefully she thought, He is so used to this high-powered life. Nothing throws him at all. He must really think I am a neurotic country bumpkin. Why? Why did he marry me in the first place? And why the rush? Love, sex, even plain old friendship and companionship aren't easily visible on the agenda. Maybe PJ will eventually bring us closer.

  When they arrived at his friend's hostelry, no one would have suspected that she was a bag of nerves. Her upswept hair and immaculate pale blue jersey suit presented a sophisticated self-assured appearance that one would expect of the woman of Raoul's choice.

  He almost sounded enthusiastic as he announced Kris as his bride of a few hours, stressing how it had been a last minute decision so that they could include the East in a working honeymoon. This added to the air of romance that totally fooled Beth and Alain Rogier.

  "All sorts of rumours have been flying around, you dark horse. Not one of them called Kris, I might add! I can't tell you how delighted we are to be the first to know, and indeed the first to meet your beautiful and charming wife." The Frenchman took her hand and kissed it.

  She felt like a total imposter as she smiled broadly.

  Kris started to dread the end of the evening that had begun pleasantly enough, but when Beth suggested they go upstairs before the men, her heart sank.

  It took all she had to act the radiant blushing bride when she saw the pleasure with which Beth ushered her into the bridal suite.

  The heavenly, flower-scented air set a romantic ambiance, candles flickered in silver holders, and champagne in crystal glasses gleamed beside a four-poster bed with satin sheets, seductively turned back at one corner.

  "I am so happy for you, my dear," Beth said. "Raoul is such a good man. It seemed such a shame his having to bring up PJ alone for so long...not to mention such a waste of all that sex appeal!" She giggled, completely missing Kris' grimace. "I must tell you though, we were a little alarmed that he might marry that dreadful da Costa woman. I'm being catty, though. I've never met her, but by all accounts...better left unsaid."

  She laughed. "Now, I'll let you in on a secret. Alain and I spent our first night here, and since we bought the place, so have many of our friends. It seems to have some special magic for lovers." She patted Kris' hand. "I'm sure you both are eager to be alone. You get ready and I'll send him up in a minute and you can enjoy your champagne together." She left quietly, closing the door behind her.

  Kris turned out the light and walked over to the window, pulling back the curtains. The full moon bathed the room in its pale light. She felt like crying. The whole setting was perfect for a wedding night, and here they were, a huge void between her and the man she had married today. She knew that he did not intend to touch her -- the whole marriage was a farce. How could a sane person get into such a situation so soon after picking herself up from one miserable marriage? she wondered. Will I never learn to protect my heart?

  She whirled around as the door opened. Raoul met her gaze steadily for a long minute, his eyes betraying his indecision. Hope sprung within her chest and she took a step forward, delighted that he wanted to give them a second chance.

  Raoul narrowed his gaze on her happy face, the tension in his body pulled as tightly as a rubber band. The look in her eyes made it clear what she expected, but he swore that would never happen again, and he would damn-well keep his promise.

  Turning abruptly, he closed and locked the door to their suite. The room had a heavenly scent that was pleasing to his senses. Slowly, he viewed the room unemotionally. It had a romantic atmosphere that was hard to ignore, but ignore it he would. He paused only for a moment before crossing the room in several different places, switching on all the lights. Walking over to a lit candle, he snuffed it out. One by one, he extinguished the candles, and, with them, any romantic mood from the room.

  When the room finally met with his approval, he turned to face Kris...his wife. "I do not plan on being uncomfortable and sleeping in a chair or on the floor. It isn't honourable to wake up with a sore back. You will get used to being in the same room with me at night while we are away, though not all will be in double beds such as this one."

  Though his tone was soft, the blank look on his face twisted into an amused grin. Kris' hands clenched into fists at her side, her stomach tightening into knots. Her body was warm and sensitive, and her secret place was wet and ready. Why wasn't her brain connecting with her body and telling it to stop preparing for an experience that wouldn't happen? She wanted to make love with him, but apparently he didn't want her, and there was nothing she could do to change his mind. The knowledge alone was sobering.

  Raoul picked up a champagne bottle by its neck with one hand and picked up two delicately-shaped flutes with his other. "Champagne, my dear? A toast to the bride and groom. We can't hurt our host's feelings, you know?"

  "You drink it," Kris replied wearily. She refused to look up, lest he see the desire in her eyes. "I'm really too tired and it would go straight to my head."

  His voice was barely above a whisper. "Scared you might throw caution to the wind and lose your inhibitions?" It came to him that's exactly what would happen, to both of them. The idea had merit.

  Kris' head popped up and her eyes flared with anger. "For God's sake, Raoul, do we always have to spar with each other and play these twisted little games of yours? I understand your reasons for marrying me, and I have accepted them. No one forced us into this marriage. As stupid as it may seem, it can possibly work if we are at least civil to each other. No, I don't have an ulterior motive for not drinking champagne. I am tired! If you cast your mind back far enough to remember that a lot has happened to my world in the past couple of days, you would understand.

  "Now, if you don't mind, I am going to change and go to bed. You can do whatever the hell you like." She turned away slowly, hoping he would leave it at that.

  Undoing her case, she tried to conceal her shaking hands as she rummaged through it, especially when she realised most of her sleep wear was flimsy, something she hadn't thought about beforehand. She found a light cotton dressing gown, which could double as a nighty. Kris made her way to the bathroom and hoped Raoul would be in bed and asleep by the time she emerged.

  Fifteen minutes later, she left the bathroom, turning out the light and casting the room in shadow. Raoul had extinguished the lights. A soft glow from the moon entered through the window, bathing the room in romance. Was Raoul asleep? Walking silently on bare feet, she made her way to the window. The view was lovely and she stared at it for a long time.

  Without turning, Kris knew Raoul was near. Her breath hitched in her throat and stayed trapped there as she waited for him to make a move, say something. It wasn't what she had expected.

  "My, my, how virginal you look...like an untouched beauty."

  Raoul's breath was hot on her neck and Kris felt her passions increase. She tilted her head to one side, exposing her neck, and Raoul took the offering. His mouth descended, kissing the delicate pale creaminess at the side of her throat. Dimly she felt his powerful hands grasp her shoulders as he worked his hot lips around her throat until he'd turned her completely into his arms.

  He reached up and pulled the nighty down, stretching it to reveal a soft white breast. Kris had the sexiest body he'd seen in a lo
ng time. Just looking at her sent his pulse soaring out of control. As it did now. In one quick, smooth move, he tugged her nighty up, over her head, letting it drop gently to the carpet. Her nakedness sent his blood into a boil and his eyes roved over her hungrily. Desperately he wanted to explore her many secrets and learn her soft love sounds when he touched her. He wanted to make love to her over and over, throughout the night.

  Before he could change his mind, he slipping his hand down to her soft buttocks as he held her tightly against his hardening body. His lips became more demanding as he ran them over her chin, her cheek, finally crushing his mouth to hers, his tongue invading her mouth and possessing it.

  What the hell was he doing? He'd vowed to never touch her again, and here he was wanting to make love to her throughout the night. As abruptly as he had pulled her to him, he virtually pushed her against the iron bars at the foot of the bed...away from him.