by Lee, Nadia
“But…” Natalie stared at Louise, trying hard to process this bombshell decision. “What about all the work you’ve done? You love being a politician’s wife.”
“I don’t think I can smile and pretend everything’s fine right now. When he insisted on adopting you he said…” Louise’s lower lip trembled briefly before she firmed her mouth. Her hand tightened around Belle’s. “He said it was because I wasn’t able to give him the child he wanted. He said he couldn’t wait much longer to have a family…and having an Asian child would give him an edge because it’d show everyone he was a man capable of empathizing with minority constituents.” She blinked away a sheen of moisture. “I have to confess, Natalie… I suspected you were an illegitimate daughter he had with a Chinese mistress or something. The timing, the way you were found—in a dumpster in D.C., just when Brian had been ‘thinking about adopting’—it was all a bit too convenient.”
“But I look one hundred percent Asian. I know. I spent hours staring at myself in the mirror, looking for something—anything—that would show that I’m like you guys.”
Louise grimaced. “Some mixed children take after one parent or the other very strongly. It’s not entirely impossible, especially given your rather fair complexion.”
Natalie gave a dry laugh. “It’s called office worker complexion.” But Louise’s beliefs explained a lot about why she’d generally been cruel during Natalie’s childhood.
“Anyway, I just want to say I’m sorry, that’s all. I don’t know what you plan to do, but if there’s anything I can help with, please let me know. Brian may not be a senator much longer, but I’ll still have quite a lot of friends.”
Oddly touched by the offer, Natalie nodded. Louise seemed to be genuinely regretful.
“I hope you’ll keep in touch from time to time. I realize I haven’t been the kind of mother a child would want, but I want to know you’re all right.”
“And I’m sorry too.” Belle stared at the floor, seemingly unable to look Natalie in the eye. “I wasn’t very nice to you. I just knew something about you bothered Mom, and I always thought you’d done something to her and Dad. I had no idea.”
Louise rose to her feet, clutching her purse and Belle’s hand. Natalie was struck by how old and frail she looked. “Good-bye…and good luck, Natalie.” She and Belle crossed the room and left, closing the door quietly behind them.
Natalie sat back in the armchair and sighed. Tears prickled her eyes, and she wiped them away impatiently. Ridiculous of her to be so emotional. Still, she had to wonder how many people Brian had hurt with his deception. Louise had to be in incredible pain to withdraw her support for his campaign.
In many ways the whole family had been a victim of circumstance. Natalie wished, however, that Brian hadn’t lied. If he’d been honest with Louise from the beginning, things might have been better. It wasn’t his fault that a man he trusted had dumped an infant on him.
Her phone buzzed, startling her. Sniffing, she picked it up and saw the name Ethan. He’d been calling her every day, multiple times a day, and she’d ignored him every time. She didn’t have anything to say to him.
Still… Maybe she should see what he wanted to tell her. If he was calling this often, maybe it was about something important. Like her severance pay.
“Yes?” Natalie said.
“Hi Natalie. Thank god you picked up the phone.” He sounded slightly frazzled. Surprising, given how unflappable he generally seemed.
“What do you want?”
“I was wondering if we could meet.”
“Sorry, no time.” She was moving away as soon as her condo was sold. Her realtor had said there was a promising buyer, one who was eager enough to sign the papers that he wasn’t even haggling on the price.
“I really wanted to tell you this to your face, but…” Ethan sighed. “I’m very sorry about what happened.”
“Well, looks like this is my week for apologies. Everyone’s sorry about what happened,” she said. “You. My family. Alex.”
“I know you can’t forgive me, and I understand that. I know I screwed up. But can you please forgive Alex? It’s because of me that he messed up. He didn’t believe me at first.”
“But he did. I never had a chance to defend myself. He’d already judged me.”
“Natalie, please believe me. It’s not that simple.” He sighed. “Did Alex ever tell you what happened to him? What Emily Rodale did to him and his father?”
“No, but I know enough about the story. She was his father’s mistress and ruined his company when he wouldn’t marry her.”
“It goes beyond that. It drove his father to death, especially when his wife left him. She couldn’t stand the idea of staying married to a failure. And it almost destroyed Alex. If he’d been a weaker man, he would’ve become nothing. Less than nothing.”
Sorrow for the young boy Alex had been tightened her chest, and she forced herself to breathe through her mouth. How devastating that must’ve been.
“It’s not easy for him to trust people…especially women. He thinks most people are incapable of being truly loyal.” Ethan sighed. “I’m going to resign and go somewhere else. And you’ll never hear from me or see me again. I’ll stay away from you and Alex. Just…give him a chance.”
“He doesn’t have many friends, does he?” Natalie asked in a quiet voice. When Ethan didn’t answer, she continued, “He couldn’t, not the way he is. If you go away, it’ll hurt him.”
There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the line. “Seems like it’s the only way.”
“No. I’m not doing this to deprive him of his best friend, Ethan. Please don’t vanish on my behalf. Where you work and live have nothing to do with this. It’s strictly between me and Alex. And I’d appreciate it if you would stop calling me. I know what you’re trying to do, and it’s nice of you as his friend, but we need to work things out by ourselves.”
A moment passed, and he finally said, “Understood.”
“Thank you. Have a good evening.”
“Before you go, I should warn you that Alex has never stayed this patient about anything. I expect him to do something to get you to stop ignoring him.”
She gave a short laugh. “Thanks for the warning. But I think I can handle it.”
Yeah, by hiding in your condo! Brilliant, Natalie!
Ignoring the irritating inner voice, Natalie hung up. For a man who risked a million dollars to get her to date him, flowers and notes seemed rather sedate. Maybe he wa—
BANG!
She almost dropped her phone and stared at the door. There was another bang, just as loud. Then another. They almost sounded like gunshots…
She ran to the door, looked out through the peephole and saw Alex on the other side. His eyes were dark, and his mouth was set in a flat, grim line.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“Stapling.”
“What?”
“Apparently, leaving flowers and notes isn’t going to cut it.”
“Stop!” She flung the door open to find Alex standing with one of those hand-held construction staplers, four lilies and a note. She looked at her door and found three more lilies stapled into it. One had the staple in the middle of the stem and had bent double, like someone being sick over a railing. The other two had the staple right under the flower. “Are you crazy?”
He shrugged. “It got you to come out and see me, didn’t it?”
“Oh my god.” She stared at the damage to her door. “How am I going to sell this condo with holes in the front door?”
“I’ll buy you a new door.” He stuck a foot in the doorway before she could shut him out again. “Natalie, I’ve settled things with Emily.”
Another shock. “Is she still…alive?”
“Don’t worry, we just talked. Now can I come in, or do I have to start stapling flowers to your forehead to get you to listen to me?”
He looked determined enough to do it. She stared at him for a long
moment and then gestured him in. “Fine.”
They went in. Matto immediately trotted over and meowed at him. Alex put down the things he was carrying and scratched the handsome feline head.
“You were right. I was letting my desire for revenge color…well, everything. If it hadn’t been for that, I wouldn’t have reacted as badly as I did,” Alex said. “And you’re right that you deserve a man who puts you above everything else. So that’s what I’m doing now. Setting things aside so you will always be my first priority.” He cupped her face in his big, strong hands, and she trembled as he looked deeply into her eyes. “I’m here because I love you and I want to fix things between us and I want us to have a future together. I’m hoping my stupidity hasn’t completely killed whatever you felt for me. And just to let you know: if you say no today, I’ll be back tomorrow, and the day after…and the day after that, until you’re convinced that you’re what matters the most in my life.”
Something cold and hard inside her thawed and loosened. She tried to pull away; Alex tensed, holding her to him.
“It’s okay,” she whispered. “I’ll be right back.”
He let go, somewhat reluctantly, and she went to the small box under the coffee table. Inside sat the matching jade set of dragon and fènhuáng. She took them in her hands, their solid weight reassuring, and turned to him. “I was going to leave them behind.”
He looked stricken. “Don’t they mean anything to you?”
“They do. But it seemed ridiculous to keep them. I’ve never had a really harmonious relationship with a man, and I figured it was time I stopped acting silly and went for something more attainable. Like a great job or money, like my friend keeps telling me.”
“I”—his voice cracked—“Natalie, I’m sorry I hurt you so much.”
Pain had etched deep lines on his face, and the pale purple bags under his eyes made Alex look drained. She hadn’t noticed the signs of his suffering earlier because she’d been too busy dealing with her own. “I suppose I should forgive you after preaching at you to do the same to the Rodales.”
“That…would set a good example.”
“Tell me you love me again.”
“I love you, Natalie.” He closed his eyes. “You have no idea how much it hurts to know I’ve been an idiot.”
“I love you too, Alex.” She brushed her thumb over the dragon’s ears and handed it to him. “Here. I want to give us another chance.”
He opened his eyes and with a boyish grin accepted the jade figurine. “Thank you. I won’t disappoint you. I swear I’m going to make you the happiest woman alive.”
“Good, since it seems we’re stuck with each other.”
Laughing, he picked her up and kissed her, their tongues tangling in an exquisite rekindling of passion. When they finally broke, he said, “That’s my idea of heaven.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Turning onto her stomach, Natalie put her left hand out so it lay flat on the sheet. She’d moved in with Alex six weeks before; his penthouse was much bigger and nicer than her condo, which they’d rented out—after replacing the front door.
She slid her hand into a ray of morning sunlight and watched as the gorgeous princess-cut diamond exploded into colors. “I can’t stop admiring it,” she said, as Alex came in with their breakfast. She sat up and arranged pillows behind her, while he settled next to her and set the tray down. “And fiancé! I don’t know if I’m going to get used to calling you my fiancé anytime soon.”
“It’s okay. I plan to marry you before you get too comfortable.” He grinned.
“Really?”
“Want me to let you in on a secret? I’m not an overly patient guy.” He handed her a napkin.
“Well, it’s going to take some time to plan a proper wedding. Besides, I have to get Kerri to come, and knowing her, she’s going to need at least six months’ notice.”
“There’s no way I’m waiting six months. Besides, I’m pretty sure she won’t be able to make it even if you tell her half a year in advance.”
“You think?”
“Don’t you?” He chewed on a croissant with gusto. “Have you ever seen an i-banker not cancel because stuff came up the last minute?”
Natalie sighed. He was totally right about that. She still remembered all those plans she’d backed out of while working at Goldreich.
“Have some eggs and cheer up. Maybe she can come. Who knows? But the date is absolutely non-negotiable. We’re getting married before the summer’s over, and that’s that.” He took a big gulp of his coffee. “And there’s something I want to discuss.”
“Sure.”
“I want Ethan to be my best man. Is that okay with you?”
She melted at the tinge of uncertainty on his handsome face. “Yes, of course. He’s your best friend.”
“Thank you.” He kissed her. “He might be my best friend, but you’re the best.”
“Don’t you forget it.” She grinned. “Actually…I have something too.”
“Okay.”
“I think I’m going to ask Louise to help me with the wedding stuff, like the way the bride’s mom helps out.”
“Oh?” Alex frowned. “I thought you guys didn’t get along.”
“We’re trying to patch things up. It won’t be easy, but I don’t want to hold a grudge. You know, trying to be a better person, yada yada.”
“If that’s what you want, then sure. I’ll play nice with your…er, family.” He linked their hands and kissed her fingers. “You humble me, love. I can’t believe I wasted so much of my life hating somebody when I could’ve just let it go and lived.”
She put her hand behind his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. “So let’s get started living.”
——
Do you know Ethan and Kerri had a hot night together some time ago, unbeknownst to Alex and Natalie? Turn the page for Ethan and Kerri’s story, The Billionaire’s Pursuit.
The Billionaire’s Pursuit
Seduced by the Billionaire, Book 2
Nadia Lee
Newly jobless and adrift, former investment banker Kerri Wilson travels to Virginia to see her best friend and regroup, only to run into billionaire playboy Ethan Lloyd. It’s been years since she’s snuck out of his bed after the most amazing sex of her life, and he’s so not her type—she likes them tall, dark and manageable. But he’s too hot to resist, and she succumbs to another sizzling, no-strings-attached (or so she thinks) night.
Unwilling to let her go this time, Ethan makes a simple proposition: a job, a place to stay, and an exclusive affair that will end when either of them finds someone else. But with her dark, painful past catching up to her, Kerri may have to bolt again—even though her heart is telling her to stay. And Ethan’s not giving her up without fighting to make their “temporary” arrangement something far more permanent…
For Benjamin. Hello, Little Dragon.
Chapter One
KERRI WILSON MADE her way out of the international terminal at Dulles International Airport after going through immigration and customs. The final leg of her flight was taking off in an hour, and she couldn’t spot the two irritating men who had been tailing her since Hong Kong. She smiled to herself, the tightness around her shoulders easing. She’d never had any intention of getting on that Texas-bound plane.
She wasn’t going home.
She touched the black wig lightly, making sure it was still on straight. Its short and blunt Cleopatra hairstyle changed her appearance completely. Certainly it looked nothing like her usual shoulder-length copper waves. That, combined with a change into atypically casual clothes and shoes that added a few inches to her height, made her look too different for anyone to recognize her at a glance.
She briefly regretted having to abandon her rolling carry-on in the ladies’ room, but it was a small sacrifice to pay for anonymous independence. And now she was free again to do as she wished.
A big crowd was gathered on the other side of the black security line.
A brunette in her early thirties rushed past Kerri to a group of three—one man and two little boys. The latter wrapped their plump arms around her, while the man took her bag and kissed her in greeting.
Time stood still for a moment, and Kerri stared. The scene reminded her of what her family had lost because of her, and the time away hadn’t done a thing to dim the memory.
The brunette and her family started walking off. Drawing in a breath, Kerri tore her gaze from their retreating backs. Less than an hour back on U.S. soil, and she had to see that.
Oh well. Shaking her head, she scanned the waiting crowd for her best friend Natalie Hall…no, it was Natalie Damon now. She’d recently married one of the richest and most successful businessmen in America. Kerri had wanted to cab it from the airport, but Natalie had insisted.
I’m not letting my BFF take a taxi. Stay put for a pickup. Or else!
A frown creased Kerri’s forehead as she scanned the area. She couldn’t spot Natalie’s familiar Asian face with its quick smile and warm dark eyes.
Maybe Natalie had needed to leave. The flight was more than an hour late. A newly-wedded woman probably had better things to do—like seducing her husband—than waiting for a friend’s super-late plane to land.
Kerri looked around some more and noticed a sign with her name scrawled on it in block letters. She raised her eyes to the man holding it and blinked. He had his head angled away, but a vague sense of familiarity tugged at her as heat curled in her belly. The way his charcoal-gray Savile Row suit hung on his frame said not only did he work out, but the body underneath didn’t have an ounce of excess fat. Her lips parted slightly as she tried to draw in more air to clear her suddenly foggy head.
Where had she seen him before?
His ensemble—the suit, discreet watch, platinum ring on his right middle finger and gleaming shoes—probably cost more than what most limo drivers made in a year.