Shades of Trust

by Cristiane Serruya

  “Your father-in-law?” Alistair asked puzzled. He remembered her saying that she felt responsible for his death, but she didn’t like speaking about it, so he knew little else.

  She raised her head, anger and hatred burning in her eyes. “He killed his own son. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of about twenty-million pounds. Peanuts for Gabriel. Even for his father. But, oh, no. No.” She shook her head hard. “That awful man had to negotiate Gabriel’s life. His own son’s life. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Then after eighty days, he demanded proof that his son was still alive.”

  She had whispered so low that he had to confirm. “Proof?”

  She stiffened and gripped his arms, her nails digging in. “They sent me…me!” She squeezed her eyes shut, as if she could avoid the image that was forever imprinted in her mind. Battling the nausea that always rose when she remembered that day, she whispered, “His finger with his wedding band.”

  Christ. He breathed, profoundly shocked, as his hand stroked her back, soothing. “You didn’t have K&R insurance?”

  She shook her head. “Brazil stopped being rated as a high risk country. Our cars were armored. We had bodyguards…” She shrugged.

  “And your bodyguards?”

  “Murdered. I don’t know how, I don’t remember.”

  “Why didn’t you pay the ransom?” he asked, astonished at the absurdity and horror of the whole story.

  “Gabriel’s father blocked any access to the police or the kidnappers and he appointed himself as the negotiator. I didn’t have the money. Not like that.” She snapped her fingers. “I didn’t have the access to Gabriel’s accounts. I had my own money and properties, and we had a small joint account. I never cared about his money. He gave me everything I could want…” she breathed. “Felipe tried to help me, but Gabriel’s father had too much influence.”

  Alistair didn’t understand. “But you were his wife…in a situation like that surely the police would—”

  She shook her head. “I wasn’t well for a long time. I got an infection from the gunshot wounds at the public hospital where I was first taken. Although they saved my life, the doctors at public hospitals in Brazil work under precarious circumstances. My grandparents moved me to a private clinic and I underwent two more surgeries on my arm over the next month. Also, from the minute I regained consciousness after the first surgery, I was unwell, depressed. I had amnesia and terrible panic attacks.” Her eyes turned to blistering fire and she hissed, “And my father-in-law kept me drugged.”

  He frowned. “Drugged?”

  She nodded vigorously, “I suppose he paid off a doctor.”

  His brow creased more. “You suppose?”

  “I was kept heavily-medicated for almost two months. Psychiatric drugs. They controlled the panic attacks, but made me apathetic and dizzy. The amnesia worsened. They were prescribing a much stronger dose than was needed. My grandmother took me to a different specialist when I—” She looked into his face and whispered, “When I forgot Gabriela’s name.”

  “Jesus Christ, Sophia.” His eyes flamed with anger and his fist clenched on her back. “How could anyone be so cruel?”

  “He never liked me.” She stood up and paced the room. “To make a very long story short, after they sent me his finger, I realized I was going to lose Gabriel. I stopped taking all the drugs, even the painkillers. I called the Federal Police Chief in Rio de Janeiro, a very good friend of Gabriel’s—”

  “Why? The police weren’t helping already?” Alistair asked, confused.

  “Not the Federal Police. It has no jurisdiction in kidnappings,” she explained. “Well, they started an unofficial search for him. After sixteen days, the police discovered where Gabriel was being held captive. The kidnappers suspected the police were closing in and killed him before escaping.”

  This part Alistair already knew. Somehow, coming from Sophia’s mouth it seemed more barbaric and cruel.

  “No one,” she shook her head, “no one harms someone I love and gets away unpunished. His parents will never see Gabriela again. Never. They convinced a judge that I was a threat to my own daughter, based on the medical reports of corrupt, unethical doctors. A judge ordered that I have no access to Gabriel’s money, properties and business based on those reports and his parents became Gabriela’s tutors.”

  Alistair thinned his lips and started to rise from the bench, but she raised a hand to stop him and keep him away as she paced the room shoving her hands into her hair. If he touched her right now, she would lose it.

  “Gabriela had a nervous attack when they came for her three days after Gabriel’s funeral with a warrant and policemen. Policemen, do you believe it? She was only two years old. Two!” she shouted, her body trembling with wrath. “Oh, but he thought he was the über powerful man and I was the young idiot. He was nothing,” she hissed as she slashed her hand in the air and paced away. “I had many lawyer friends and my grandparents had connections in the High Courts. The next morning, I had Gabriela back and they were humiliated.” She dug her nails in her palms and breathed in and out, trying to calm herself. “I sued them for everything I could devise.” She turned to look at him, her chest heaving with labored breaths. “I had the last laugh, but it was bitter.”

  He was frozen on the bench, thunderstruck, looking at a woman he didn’t know. Gone was the gentle and happy Sophia and the sensible lawyer who had a charitable foundation. The former glimpses he’d had of her as the avenging angel were nothing compared to this. Sophia looked like she was possessed by the devil himself.

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Was it worth it?”

  “No.” She shook her head with conviction. “They lost their only son, I lost my husband, and Gabriela lost her father. And I—” I got eleven men killed.

  She swallowed and fought down another wave of nausea. “I couldn’t stand it anymore so I decided to leave. It was too much for me, and for Gabriela. Edward was in Rio when the Leibowitzes took Gabriela. He knows how much she cried and screamed. The very next day after I got her back, we packed and traveled to London. Edward gave me shelter, he took care of everything for me. Everything.”

  Alistair didn’t know if he should be jealous or grateful for Edward’s help.

  She shook her head in disgust. “How innocent and immature I was. It was all about money. Dirty, bloody money. It can come and go so easily. They don’t see that life is what’s important. Love, friendship, trust, respect, a daily routine, someone to grow old with, siblings to cherish, family, a home; things people don’t give a damn about until they lose them, things money can’t bring back. How much is your life worth, Alistair Connor?” She heaved. “How much?”

  Oh, Christ! He went to her this time, pulling her in his arms, his large frame involving her in warmth.

  She lamely banged her fists on his chest. “Your life is priceless. Priceless!”

  He put his chin on her head and caressed her hair, soothing her. “Shhh. It’s okay.”

  They stood there for a while. As Alistair felt her breathing and heart calming down, he curled his finger under her chin to look at her eyes. The deep hurt and damage she concealed so well on a daily basis were bared to him. He kissed her forehead and murmured, “So much pain for someone so young. I wish I could ease it.”

  “You do,” she whispered.

  He picked up her fists in his hands and entwined his fingers with hers. He was completely serious when he spoke, “I promise you this, Sophia, I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you or Gabriela ever again.”

  Chapter 10

  7:57 p.m.

  Sophia almost tripped on the stairs when she saw Ethan talking to Leonard in the hallway. She blinked twice not believing her eyes. What the hell is he doing here?

  As if she had spoken the question out loud, he looked up and his beautiful azure eyes shone brighter. Exotic, sexy and hot, Sophia.

  Leonard looked up too and his brows shot up. Despite being almost her brother-in-law, Leonard was still surprised at ho
w beautiful Sophia was.

  Sliding her palms down her Louis Vuitton pale-rose wool-and-cotton dress, she climbed down the stairs, her stomach fluttering.

  Ethan approached her and kissed her cheeks as he adjusted the Emilio Pucci beige fringed scarf around her shoulders just for the sake of touching her.

  “Beautiful as ever, darling.” Although her long dress covered her from her neck to the tips of her Nina Ricci leather and lace open-toe boots, she was utterly delicious and provocative.

  “Hi, Ethan. What brings you here?” Sophia immediately cringed from the way she worded her question.

  He raised an eyebrow. “Why, Sophia? Isn’t this the best hotel in the Highlands?”

  “But—” But what, Sophia? “What about your place?”

  “Altreck Caisteal is being refurbished. I have a meeting there on Monday so I came earlier to relax a bit.” He looked up over her shoulder and smiled. “Ah! There you are, Paola.”

  Sophia turned and her mouth dropped open as Paola Di Luca, the supermodel, walked up to them. She had been on the cover of every magazine since she started appearing at Fashion Week events around the world. Almost as tall as Ethan, she was dressed in a Michael Kors short tight red dress, her dark-brown hair falling over the daring neckline.

  “Sophia, this is a friend of mine, Paola di Luca. Paola, this is Sophia Leibowitz.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sophia,” Paola bent down to kiss Sophia on both cheeks.

  “How do you do?” Sophia answered in Italian and Paola’s smile flashed bright and she started chatting with Sophia in Italian, as Leonard invited Ethan to join their party in the Laird Library.

  Alistair turned and his lips slightly parted in surprise as he saw Sophia entering the Laird Library on Leonard’s arm, followed by Ethan and Paola. Fuck. What is this son of a bitch doing here?

  Sophia patted Leonard’s arm and disengaged herself, walking to Alistair with her hands outstretched as Alistair approached her with predator-like grace, his eyes hard and sharp as a hawk’s. The sexy smile on her lips told Alistair she knew the effect her transformation had on him.

  “Alistair Connor,” she purred. His devious grin in return was enough to make her desire spark.

  “Don’t you look lovely.” I want to carry you to the bedroom, rip your dress off, and fuck you right now. Alistair reached out, his hand delving in her hair, the other cupping the small of her back and pulling her onto his body, in a blatant demonstration of ownership. His lips brushed over hers gently and he whispered in her ear, “Delectable. I want you now.”

  She tsked and whispered to him, “Remember the doctor’s orders: Light exercise.”

  He shook his head in amazement and let her go, putting his arm over her shoulders as he turned to greet Ethan and Paola.

  Sophia watched as the two men measured each other and exchanged civil greetings. Both were so breathtakingly handsome and male. Ethan controlled his masculine nature more than Alistair did and that was what attracted her to Alistair from the beginning.

  The danger of the unexpected and the wildness of his personality provoked strange feelings in her.

  11:03 p.m.

  “I still don’t understand why Sophia works so hard to remain…terra incognita.” Ethan squeezed her hand and released it.

  And if you think you’re going to explore that territory once more, think again. “Sophia is anything but mysterious.” Alistair bristled from the other end of the table and received a kick on the shin from Alice.

  His mood hung over the dining room like a storm cloud. Alice wasn’t sure others felt it, but she did, and it was wearing on her nerves.

  Alistair Connor, you should have proposed already. Alistair wanted a real engagement ring on her finger, not a commitment ring. He wanted to shout to Ethan to take his paws off Sophia. He wanted to drag her by the hair to his bedroom and make love to her until she didn’t know up from down. In fact, that’s exactly what I’m going to do as soon as this dinner ends. He smiled darkly and received another kick on the shin from Alice.

  “I’m going to end up with a black-and-blue shin, sister dear,” he hissed.

  Tavish, who was sitting in front of him, murmured back, “Then stop being an ogre and pay attention to the conversation.”

  Alistair looked at the other end of the table where Ethan was seated, his hand over Sophia’s. “As if he weren’t conceited enough. Father gave him an unfair advantage placing him next to Sophia.”

  “If you had been paying attention instead of fuming,” Alice said, “you would have noticed that she’s been repeatedly trying to bring you into the conversation.”

  “She just said your name again a few seconds ago, but you didn’t even notice.” Tavish scolded.

  Alistair huffed and raked his hand in his hair, trying to control his disordered emotions as he turned to the center of the table where Sophia was sitting.

  “Adding insult to injury,” Ethan was saying, “he’s kept you to himself for all this time.”

  “An eternity,” mocked Sophia. “Edward was just trying to help, Ethan. Don’t you think, Alistair Connor?”

  “Aye,” Alistair snorted. “He had no interest in keeping you to himself. You are so naïve, Sophia.”

  “Have you noticed too, MacCraig? Davidoff is fiercely protective of Sophia.”

  Sophia rolled her eyes at the ridiculous banter. Both men are jealous of dear Edward. Ridiculous!

  Paola, who was sitting in front of her, was observing the whole scene with keen eyes. Sophia looked at her apologetically and the beautiful woman just shrugged discreetly.

  “My mother is looking forward to seeing you again, Sophia,” said Leonard. “She told me she’s invited an Afghan lecturer to speak in a month’s time and she would love it if you could participate too.” He stifled a sigh as he noticed that Ethan’s hand was over Sophia’s again.

  “Darling,” Ethan said, “I didn’t tell you before because you canceled our meeting on Friday, but I’m planning to host a gala ball to announce our partnership. Perhaps at The Dorchester. Their ballroom is beautiful. What do you think?”

  What? A public event? Not ever, Mr. Ashford. “Ah, Ethan. I will have to think about it and talk with Mrs. Chanda and Edward—”

  “My darling,” he drawled, “I must insist. We will make it very refined and small. Around two hundred guests. Seating could be charged at ten thousand pounds per person and it will help us raise a greater amount for a cause we are so passionate about.”

  Dammit, Ethan! “Yes, I know. It would be great—”

  “It will be great, Sophia. You and I will share our motivations and I’m sure it would be a huge success. I can’t wait,” Ethan picked up Sophia’s hand and kissed it.

  Lachlann, who was entertaining Leonard and Paola, stopped mid-sentence at the gesture.

  Before Alistair could lunge across the table and strangle Ethan, Alice rose and said, “Shall we move to the Game Room for coffee, chocolates and a movie?” She walked over to Sophia and linking arms, said, “I bought those chocolates and macaroons you brought my father the other time. They are absolutely delicious.”

  Paola and Lachlann followed them out of the room, leaving Tavish and Leonard behind to try and simmer down the animosity brewing between Ethan and Alistair.

  Alistair’s blood was bubbling with anger and jealousy. “He’s still in love with you.”

  But I’m not with him. “Of course not. Alistair Connor, he is just being courteous, and besides, this is just work.”

  “You don’t need his money.”

  “No, I don’t need his money. However, my foundation cannot waste this opportunity. It’s fifty-million pounds, per year. We don’t receive a donation like that every day.”

  She caught the flicker of surprise in his eyes before he dismissed the amount with a slight gesture of his hand. “It’s no big deal.”

  Indeed. “No big deal,” she repeated the words sarcastically. Don’t create reasons for a fight, Sophia. Appease him. She p
ut her hands on his chest and standing on her tiptoes kissed him lightly on the lips, trying to soothe his fears. “You shouldn’t worry when other men try and get my attention,” she stated. “I’m with you, Alistair Connor. I won’t look at anybody else. I don’t need anybody else.”

  She felt his gaze drift downward along her body and back to her face. “It’s unavoidable. You are too beautiful, too enticing.”

  “And you’re fiercely protective and jealous, Lord Caveman of Distrustful-land,” she said, trying for a lighter mood.

  “Aye, I am.” He lowered his face until their noses touched and he hissed, “Get used to it.”

  Sophia rolled her eyes.

  She was trying to be patient and understanding. She reminded herself that men could be the most irrational of creatures and that he had a past that didn’t help. She told herself a great many sensible things, yet she felt her temper slipping. “I’m sorry if I hurt your manly pride, but Ethan and I are friends and we have business together. There is nothing to be jealous of.”

  “I don’t want you around him.” He impatiently raked his hand in his long ink-black hair. “Fifty-million pounds or no’.”

  Before she could respond, Tavish approached. And just in the nick of time, because Sophia was strongly tempted to pick up his mother’s antique Ming Dynasty vase and smash it on Alistair’s skull.

  “Monopolizing Sophia again, I see,” said Tavish.

  “She’s mine to monopolize. When I wish, as I wish,” Alistair answered darkly.

  “Right, Lord Caveman.” Sophia turned and winked at Tavish. “I’m going to—”

  Alistair’s eyes widened for a second and his hand shot up to her arm, keeping her in place. Frowning ominously at her, he said, “Don’t you dare go over there.”

  She looked at his hand on her arm and back at his face, with a raised eyebrow. “Take back what you said.”