“Indeed.” Ethan’s blood boiled. “Sophia? Come with me for a second.” He didn’t wait for her answer and tugged her behind him to the guest room.
As soon as the door closed, he said in a low, harsh voice, “What do you think you’re doing, Sophia? I thought you were a well-bred and decent woman.”
“You thought…” she exhaled, aghast. “What am I then?”
“You looked like a mare in heat—” he interrupted himself, grabbed her arms, and shook her violently. Her hair tumbled free and the long earrings swung back and forth. “You’ve flirted with Guy all night long. You let him drool all over you and even hold your hand.”
She put her hands on his chest, pushing him back. “I think you’ve said enough, Ethan. You’re creating a storm in a teacup. He is a nice, young man. That’s it, nothing more.”
“Young?” He felt slapped. Yes, Guy is only three years older than she is. “Do you want a younger man?”
“Ethan, I don’t want anything. This jealousy is ridiculous.”
“I’m not jealous.” His eyes were blazing with fury. His fingers dug into her flesh. “I cannot approve of such behavior in my own house from my lover.”
“Let go!” she hissed. “You’re hurting me.”
He released her arms, but stayed where he was, glowering at her, enraged.
She massaged her scarred left upper arm. Really?! His lover? I’m his lover?! “Everyone out there must be wondering what’s happening in here.” She pinned her hair back and adjusted her dress. “Are you coming?”
They went back out, Ethan holding Sophia’s hand, but François gave Sophia a knowing look and soon after their return, he rose with his wife and they said their farewells.
10:27 p.m.
Sophia climbed down the staircase from Ethan’s room with her clutch in hand. “I’m going, Ethan.”
“Aren’t you staying the night?” He watched her as she approached.
“No.” She gave a light peek on his cheek. “I have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”
“Look, Sophia. I’m sorry. You’re too beautiful. Guy was making advances, and you weren’t repelling him. You were right. I was jealous. Please, stay.”
“I understood your point of view, Ethan.” Sophia gave a little smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “My behavior as your…lover, was unacceptable.” She strolled out to the lift. “Good-bye.”
She closed the door softly behind her, giving him no time to answer.
He stood there rooted to the floor. Despair lodged in his chest. I can’t lose Sophia.
He picked up his BlackBerry and speed-dialed a number. He tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for Leonard Allenthorp to answer his call. “Allenthorp, good evening. It’s Ashford. Sorry to be calling at this hour, but it’s almost an emergency.”
“Good evening, Ashford. Almost an emergency? What is almost an emergency?” Leonard chuckled.
“I think I just busted things with Sophia,” he blurted.
“Oh.” Leonard sounded surprised. “How?”
“I said something I shouldn’t have. She’s mad at me,” he said. “I need a favor from you.”
“Name it.”
“Alice is planning a small get-together this weekend at Galewick Hall, isn’t she? Could she invite us? Could she call Sophia for me? That way Sophia won’t refuse the invitation.”
“Sure thing, Ashford,” Leonard said. “Send a card, with flowers and chocolates. She’ll forgive you.”
Flowers and chocolates?! “Thank you, Allenthorp.” Ethan hung up and walked to his office, calling his assistant. “Scott? Good evening. First thing in the morning, buy some exotic orchids, and stop by Harry Winston for a diamond set. Something for the day, stud earrings and tennis bracelet. No. I’ll deliver them personally.”
Chapter 15
Essex, Saffron Walden
Galewick Hall
Friday, February 12, 2010
5:00 p.m.
Ethan alighted from his Porsche as soon as they arrived at the front door, taking their luggage but leaving her to deal with a sleeping Gabriela in the backseat. “I’ll wait for you inside.”
Why I keep insisting on this relationship is baffling. “This is your last chance,” Sophia said to Ethan’s back, as he climbed up the stairs and entered the big house.
The trip from London had been a silent one with Ethan unhappy that Sophia had only agreed to it if she could bring Gabriela along.
She stepped out of the car, admiring the grandeur and opulence of Galewick Hall, a huge towering eighteenth century house built in the Palladian style. The main building was four stories and surrounded by extensive gardens and forests that beckoned walks and horse rides.
This whole weekend seems a disastrous idea.
Sophia considered for a brief moment turning back but knew it would offend Leonard and his wife, Alice, who had done nothing to deserve it.
In the last few months, she had developed a steady friendship with Leonard. And after talking with Alice on the phone, Sophia looked forward to meeting her. Leonard has nothing to do with Ethan’s rudeness.
She pushed the seat forward and caressed Gabriela’s long blonde locks. “Come on, Angel. We’ve arrived.”
Gabriela opened her sky-blue eyes, so much like Gabriel’s. If they were the last thing I see in my life, I would die happily.
She got Gabriela out of the car and ran a hand to smooth the wrinkles out of her daughter’s turquoise dress.
The little girl looked around and pouted, “They don’t have towers.”
“Ah, no. But I’m sure they have many interesting things to do and places to explore. And Alice and Leonard have a daughter, Ariadne, who is just a year older than you.” Sophia smiled at Gabriela who smiled back, excited at the prospect of meeting a friend.
The bracelet which Ethan had given her with a heartfelt apology for his rude words and worse behavior sparkled in the sun when she brushed Gabriela’s hair, and she shook her head at herself for having accepted not only the gift, but the apologies.
As if Gabriela could feel her mother’s uneasiness, she hugged Sophia and said, “You look beautiful, Mamãe. I wish I could look like you.”
“You are even more beautiful than I am, Angel.” Sophia hugged her back and picked her daughter up in her arms.
When she stepped into the gargantuan marbled hall, which had a grand staircase at the back, an employee came toward her. Stiff-backed, liveried in gray-and-white, as if to match his hair. He had a thin frame and stoic face. “Good afternoon, miss. My name is Chambers. May I help you?”
“Yes. I came with Mr. Ashford.”
“Oh, yes, Mademoiselle Santo. You’re in the Blue Room. First floor, to your left, third door on your right, and your daughter, Miss Gabriela, is with the children, in the Yellow Room, also on the first floor, to the right, second door, on your left.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chambers.”
“Oh, no, please, just Chambers, ma’am. If you would please follow me, the party is gathered in the library.”
Sophia felt an incoherent urge to laugh. First door, to the left or to the right? I can’t remember it anymore. I will definitely need the help of ‘Just Chambers’.
Sophia entered the library with Gabriela in her arms. When her daughter saw how many adults were gathered there, she clutched Sophia’s neck and hid behind her hair.
“Sophia!” Leonard’s embrace engulfed Sophia. “Welcome!”
She chuckled and gave him a one-armed hug. “How are you? Have you been preparing yourself for a second round?”
“Yes, sure, and beware, because next time I’m going to win,” he assured her with a teasing grin. “Leibowitz Oil won’t get away with ensuring this weird clause you’ve devised.”
“We shall see.” She wiggled her brows.
“So, you’re the woman who has been keeping my husband from my bed!” A feminine voice complained.
Sophia looked around Leonard’s shoulder to see an astonishing woman, very tall, with fierce
red hair, beautiful green eyes, and a heart-shaped mouth.
“Sophia, let me introduce you to my wife, Alice. Alice, the infamous Sophia.”
“Hey, not infamous. Famous, I’ll allow.” Turning to Alice, she said, “Leonard talks about you a lot. This is my daughter, Gabriela.”
“Nice to meet you, Sophia.” She grinned and kissed Sophia. Gabriela tried to hide in the hollow of her mother’s neck and Alice stroked the girl’s hair. “Leo has also told me a lot about you.”
Sophia gave Leonard a piercing look.
“Nothing you wouldn’t have said yourself,” he chuckled. “Come, since your boyfriend already sat down, let me—”
“I’m not anyone’s boyfriend, Allenthorp,” Ethan put forth harshly.
With that loud statement, the room fell into a hushed silence.
Sophia turned to look at him and even Gabriela pushed from her hiding place, her eyes blazing, prepared to defend her mother.
Sophia cocked her head to the side waiting for an explanation while Leonard stood there, as if struck by lightning.
“Boyfriend is for teenagers. We have a relationship,” Ethan amended, perceiving that his statement had been badly received. Annoyed, he rose from the sofa and said, “I’ll be in our rooms.”
“So, Dr. Walter I already know,” Sophia smiled to her gynecologist, praying he would not give her away. “Gabriela, this is Dr. John Walter. Give him a kiss.”
“Nice to see you again, Sophia.” He shook her hand in his quiet way. “And it’s John. Leave the doctor at the office.”
“I don’t like doctors,” Gabriela said. “They’ve needles hidden behind their backs.”
“Smart girl, aren’t you?” John chuckled and showed Gabriela his hands. “See? No needles.”
Gabriela looked at him from her hiding place, said a small hello.
“My mother, Elena,” said Leonard. “You two have a lot in common.”
“I was looking forward to meeting you, Sophia.” Elena kissed Sophia on the cheeks, informally. “Leonard told me a lot about your work with women and children. I was hoping to persuade you to give a lecture at my institution.”
“I would be delighted to, Elena.”
Leonard pointed to a man seated next to Ethan. “That rascal there is my brother, Alexander. Alex meet Sophia Santo, the witch.”
“Sophia Santo?” He lifted his brows high. A knowledgeable smile slashed his face, showing white teeth. “I’m not afraid of witches, Brother.”
He nodded at her again and the strange look in his eyes nagged Sophia. But Leonard distracted her, saying, “Yo no creo en las brujas, ¡pero que las hay, las hay! Brother, I assure you, she is one of them.”
“Stop, Leonard. I’m no witch.” Sophia punched him lightly on the arm, grinning. “I prefer the idea of fairy godmother.”
“I have never seen such a young fairy godmother.” Leonard grinned back. “No wrinkles, no white hair.”
“I also don’t have warts, and I hate brooms,” she replied, patting her nose and then her chin. “Either, you revise your image of fairy godmothers, or of witches.”
Gabriela giggled, her breath tickling Sophia’s throat.
“I’ll think about it. Now, my little sister, Domitila,” Leonard motioned to a young woman next to Alexander.
“Hi, Sophia, as you can see I’m not little anymore, just younger,” Domitila waved from her place.
“You will always be the little sister, Domi,” Alexander retorted.
“Brothers are infuriating, aren’t they?” Sophia laughed, thinking of the kind and teasing way Felipe always treated her.
“These two suck.” Domitila asked Sophia, making a face at Alexander and Leonard. “Want to trade?”
“Careful! I wouldn’t mind having Sophia as my sister, Domi, it is quite noticeable that she uses her brain.”
“Stop, Leonard!”
“You’re crazy to like this pain in the ass, Sophia,” Domitila said.
“And that one sulking in the dark is Alice’s brother.” Leonard put his hands on her shoulders and whirled her to the end of the two-story library. “Alistair MacCraig. Alistair, meet my nemesis, Sophia.”
Alistair MacCraig? Alistair Connor MacCraig is Leonard’s brother-in-law?! She squinted at a tall, large man sitting in a dark corner. His large frame occupied the big, gilded armchair, with his long legs stretched in front of him, crossed at his ankles. Please let this be a namesake coincidence.
He rose with a feline grace, incongruous to his size.
It’s him! Sophia stood in the middle of the room fascinated by the sheer sexual power he exuded. It seemed she turned into an idiot when it came to him. The scene was repeating itself. She remembered well those broad, strong shoulders and that vast chest. His intense forest-green eyes on his rugged face. Silky, long hair her fingers itched to touch.
Her thoughts spun wildly in her head. Suddenly, a fear gripped Sophia. Is this fate?
Leonard watched her intently and when she gazed up at him, he jutted his chin in his brother-in-law’s direction.
She stared back at Alistair, not quite certain of what to do, when she noticed him brushing aside a lock of that midnight-black hair which had fallen over his eyes in an absentminded way that so enchanted her.
That did it.
An unconditionally delighted grin spread slowly over her face and she let her feet lead her to him. She tilted her head back when she reached him and his eyes burned into her soul.
“Sophia.” In his deep voice, low and intimate, her name was a caress on his lips. He dipped his head and his hair fell over his eyes again. “Thus we meet again.” Despite your refusal to answer my numerous calls and flowers and cards, I still fucking desire you.
She could not find her voice to say a word. Her heart was beating so fast that she could feel her blood coursing through her veins.
His grin grew. “I believe in witches, Sophia.”
Gabriela moved from her hiding place, shaking Sophia from her spellbound state.
“I hope you don’t burn me at the stake,” she murmured to him.
“I don’t burn witches. I just set them on fire,” Alistair whispered so low that Sophia thought she had heard wrong.
Gabriela raised her head to study him, unsure if she should defend her mother or not.
Alistair looked at the child’s face, and was startled. Christ! His heart stuttered in his chest as his hand trailed an inevitable road to the girl’s hair. “Your daughter?”
Sophia nodded.
“May I pick her up?”
“She doesn’t like—”
As if bewitched by the same spell he had cast over her mother, the timid and reserved Gabriela extended her little arms to him, with an open smile on her face. “Hi. I am Gabriela.”
Alistair’s face, shimmering with many different emotions, captivated Sophia. He watched the little girl for a few seconds, mesmerized, before he sat down again with Gabriela on his lap. “Hey, you. I’m Alistair Connor.”
Sophia kneeled on one knee in front of his armchair. The room vanished from behind her and a cocoon enveloped the three of them. Gabriela seemed as enraptured by this handsome stranger as he was by her.
Aren’t you charming? “How old are you?” he asked in his deep voice.
“Almost four.” She ran her small hands over his hair and fingered the jagged ends.
“You are a beautiful girl,” he said.
“Thank you,” she answered with a smile and then cocked her head to the side, studying him. “You’re not a girl, are you?”
“Gabriela!” Sophia tried to maintain a stern face but a giggle escaped.
He joined in and laughed, throwing his head back. A deep, rich laugh. The kind that made one want to laugh too. His green eyes twinkled with mirth and he winked at Sophia.
“Nae, I’m not a girl. Why?”
“Shouldn’t you cut your hair then?”
“Ah.” His smile was infectious. “So, you don’t like my hair, Gabriela?”
“I like. It’s, um, silky, just like my uncle Felipe’s.” Then she looked at Sophia. “But it’s like a girl’s. Isn’t it, Mamãe?”
“Hey, don’t you drag me into this. You started it, you finish it.”
“It’s not fashionable,” she stated, her little fingers plunging into the richness of his hair again, toying with it.
Alistair felt such peace fill his soul that he wanted to close his eyes and wallow in it. He took a deep breath, struggling with his feelings. “So, you like fashion, Gabriela?”
“Yes, I always choose my clothes,” she said in a fancy way. “I want to be like Mamãe. She’s the most beautiful girl in the world. Don’t you think?”
Sophia blushed slightly. Oh my, Gabriela.
“Aye, I do.” His forest-green eyes pierced Sophia’s hazel ones. He caressed Gabriela’s hair with a pensive air and sighed, a deep profound sigh, and said, “And you’re very, very beautiful, too. If you give me a kiss, I’ll cut my hair for you, little lady.”
Gabriela cocked her head again, as if hearing something in his promise that only she could. She put a hand on his cheek and asked, “Do your kids like it this way?”
Alistair took a deep breath, steadying himself, his windpipe working convulsively, and looked at Sophia, as if he didn’t know what to say, asking for her help.
She covered his hand with hers, squeezing it softly, not exactly understanding what he was asking of her, but lending her support.
“My daughter…she lives in heaven,” he whispered. The intense pain he felt prevented him from saying more, even if he had wanted to. He felt a soft hand caressing his cheek and gently stroking his eyes, drying the tears he refused to recognize.
“When I missed Daddy, I used to cry too and Mama taught me if I cry, I make him sad. You don’t want your daughter sad, do you?” Gabriela sat there, caressing his face, as if she knew him from eons ago. “What’s her name?”
In a barely audible whisper, Alistair answered, “Nathalie. Her name was Nathalie.”
“I’m going to ask Daddy to look for her and tell her that you’re not sad anymore. Okay?”
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