Dusky Rose

by Joanna Scott

  When she finished her breakfast, she rinsed her dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. Then she returned to her room, put her new house key in her new cowhide shoulder bag and prepared to leave the apartment. She realized that if she left by the front entrance she might run into Dan Smithers; she didn't know if it was his day off as well, so she left by the back door and took the delivery elevator to the main floor.

  After bolting out the back door under the surprised eyes of the security man, she ran down to the corner and hailed a taxi which took her to Union Square and the store where she always bought her jeans. She bought three new pairs of jeans and some colorful T-shirts. Then she had the shopkeeper wrap up her red pant outfit and left the store wearing a pair of her new jeans. After all, there was no sense in being uncomfortable when David wasn't around to chastise her. Then she caught a cab and took it to the plant shop. Midge looked up from her flower arrangement when Laura entered the shop.

  "Laura, where have you been all day? We've been trying to reach you. And what's happened to your beautiful clothes? Why are you wearing jeans again?"

  "Wait a minute, Midge. Who has been trying to reach me?"

  "Well, David called home to speak with you and when you weren't there, he thought you might be here. He was really concerned about you. I really think he cares about you more than you think. You'd better call him and let him know you're all right."

  "Not just now; and I'm not going to argue about his feelings with you. I went down to Union Square today and bought myself some jeans and T-shirts. Now I've come here to help you with the plants. I've got my regular outfit with me, so I can change before David ever gets to see me. Right now, I just want to forget myself with the plants."

  As she spoke, the telephone rang and Midge went to answer it. "Yes, she's here, Miss Wentworth. She just walked in. Yes, I'll be sure to tell her." Midge hung up the phone and looked at Laura. "I declare, Laura, I don't know what's wrong with you. You've been acting really strange lately."

  "Oh, Midge, there's so much you don't know. David thinks I tricked him into marriage because I want his money, and there's just no way I can convince him otherwise. He only stays married to me to punish me, and because he doesn't want to hurt his mother. When we're alone, he barely tolerates me. I wish he did love me as much as you think he does, but believe me, he doesn't care about me at all; he just wants things to look good. That's the only reason he even acts like he cares."

  "I think you're mistaken, Laura. He couldn't worry about you the way he does if he didn't love you. In any case, he said that he would pick you up here, later today. So we have the whole day to spend together."

  Laura and Midge spent the afternoon discussing Midge's wedding, which was now less than a week away. Midge told Laura that she had decided to sell the plant shop since it was now apparent that neither of them would be in a position to care for it properly. All too aware of her own situation, Laura could not voice any objections. Much as she longed to keep the shop, she was in no position to meet the demands it would place upon her time. The thought of its sale saddened the remainder of the day for Laura.

  At five o'clock, David walked in. His dark, piercing eyes stared out above his carefully tailored dark blue suit and arrested Laura as she stood. He seemed startled by her appearance. "Don't tell me that's part of the wardrobe Miss Wentworth chose for you?"

  "No, don't go losing faith in dear Miss Wentworth. I bought these jeans today, all on my own. I just didn't feel comfortable working in those fancy clothes Miss Wentworth bought for me."

  David grimaced and went to greet Midge. "How are you, Midge? All ready for the big event?"

  Midge started telling him about her wedding plans and soon they were talking like two old friends. David asked how Steven was getting on at work and repeated his intention to meet him one day for lunch. Then Midge mentioned that the wedding was taking place that Saturday and asked David if he would be able to attend. David replied that he placed great importance on family matters and wouldn't miss the wedding for anything in the world. He asked Midge to be sure to call on him if there was anything he could do to help with the arrangements. Laura listened to this display of concerned affection with a strong desire to wring David's neck—or cry. It wasn't enough that he had made her his prisoner, now he was going to deprive her of her family's friendship as well. He seemed to like and get along with everyone he knew—except her. David had apparently completed his conversation with Midge, because he kissed her lightly on the cheek and sent his regards to Steven. Turning quickly, he grasped Laura's arm under the elbow and steered her toward the door.

  Laura was surprised to see the small green Porsche parked by the curb. Then she remembered that Miss Wentworth had said the household help was off duty today. That apparently included Dan, she thought, so her escape that morning hadn't been necessary after all. David opened the door and waited for Laura to settle herself in the low seat of the small sports car. He flung the package containing her clothing into the back and went around to settle himself behind the wheel. Placing the key in the ignition, he turned to face Laura. "I thought we might go out to dinner tonight, since Mrs. Thompson won't have prepared anything. However, I didn't expect to find you dressed like this; I'm at a loss for a place to go. Your attire is hardly suitable for any of San Francisco's better restaurants."

  "I'm sorry if my clothing displeases you but I had no idea we were dining out this evening. I can go home and change if you like. If that idea doesn't appeal to you, you can always dine out by yourself. I hate to be such a burden to you, but I'm a burden you can rid yourself of whenever you choose."

  David winced as he moved the car away from the curb. "I'm beginning to be sorry I even considered dining with you this evening. I seem to recall a display of warm affection late last night, but I must have been dreaming. You still believe you can goad me into giving you a divorce. There's no way you can ever be anything but a heartless little gold digger, except, of course, when it suits your purpose to be agreeable. However, I have no intention of terminating this marriage to suit your convenience or to satisfy your financial demands, So just forget any nasty ideas that might come into your head; you'll stay married to me until I'm ready to let you go. And believe me, I'll demand suitable payment for any money you get from me."

  David wheeled the car around through California Street and into the narrow winding streets of Chinatown. Then he parked in front of a small cafe with Chinese lettering above the door.

  "Harry Lee is a friend of mine," he said as he parked the car. "He won't balk at serving you, dressed as you are, if I explain the situation to him."

  As it turned out, no explanation was needed. When David entered the restaurant, he was practically trampled by the people rushing forward to greet him. Everyone gushed over Laura when he introduced her as his wife, and once again she was shocked by the affection this man aroused in the people who actually knew him.

  She toyed with the idea that the rumors she had heard about him might have come from people who had never even met him. People like herself, she thought wryly, as she remembered some of the things she had said about Mr. Lattimer. Harry Lee insisted on preparing a special menu for them and Laura was treated to Chinese delicacies whose existence she had been unaware of up until now. She was thankful that no wine was served and thoroughly enjoyed the chrysanthemum tea which accompanied the dinner. When the multicourse meal was finally finished, Laura realized that three hours had passed. Everything had been so pleasant that she could scarcely believe how much time had gone by. Harry told her that David had given him the financing to start the restaurant when he and his family had landed in San Francisco, arriving penniless from Hong Kong. He would be forever indebted to David, he said, and could not stop singing his praises.

  When David asked for the bill, Harry became greatly insulted and claimed that David was a guest in his restaurant and that this was his wedding present to them. David thanked him warmly and promised to return again soon. Then he placed his hand
on Laura's waist and firmly guided her to the door. The silence in the car, as they drove home, was a glaring contrast to the effervescent conversation which had accompanied their dinner.

  Finally, Laura broke the silence. "I really enjoyed the dinner. I'm sorry I was dressed in jeans, but I was helping Midge at the plant shop and this seemed to be the most comfortable thing to wear. I would have worn something more suitable if I had known we were going out to dinner. I could even have changed into my other outfit at the store if you'd only told me your plans. Anyway, I'm glad we went to Harry Lee's restaurant; he's really nice. I hope we can go there again sometime."

  David didn't answer, just continued to drive in silence. Laura felt rebuffed and sank down lower in her seat. She realized now that his opinion of her had not changed and that he had just been nice to her in the restaurant for the sake of propriety. She decided to remain silent for the rest of the ride home. Apparently David was deep in thought and was not going to involve himself in any sort of discussion with her.

  When they reached the house, David gave the Porsche to the doorman and led Laura to the elevators. He reached into his pocket, drew out his key and unlocked the door. Then, telling Laura that he had work to do, he went directly to the library, leaving her standing alone in the entryway. She went to her room and slipped out of her clothes, changing into a white silk pajama set trimmed with beige lace. The outfit clung to her body, outlining each soft, sensuous curve.

  She sat on the chaise watching the boats as they slowly drifted by on the water below her window; the magazine she had attempted to read lay unopened on her lap. Suddenly, there was a knock at her bedroom door and before she could answer David had swung it open and entered. He had changed into a deep wine colored velvet smoking jacket which was belted loosely about his waist. The open vee of the jacket revealed the softly curling hairs covering his muscular chest. Laura's breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him.

  "I wanted to speak with you, for a minute, about Midge's wedding. I was wondering if you were planning on leaving for Carmel earlier in the week or will you be going with me on Saturday?" He walked into the room and settled himself in the easy chair opposite Laura.

  "I don't know; I hadn't thought about it. I was going to discuss it with Midge. I wasn't even sure you were still planning on going. I know you're very busy with the demands of the company and I didn't think you could spare the time."

  "I told Midge and Steven I would be there and you should know by now that I always keep my word. Whatever else you may have heard about me, I do try to honor my commitments. I don't give my word lightly and I don't break my promises easily. If you learn nothing else about me, you'd best learn that. It might make our stay together more pleasant for both of us."

  Laura didn't answer him as he looked at her with his piercing dark eyes. She knew there was nothing she could do to make their marriage any happier, not while David still bore such vehement hatred for her. She could never tell him how she really felt because that would only put her deeper into his power and place her even more completely at his mercy.

  David's eyes traveled the length of Laura's body as she sat silently next to him. His intense inspection made her feel extremely uncomfortable as she realized the revealing nature of her attire. He continued his penetrating appraisal of her as if he had the ability to mentally strip away her flimsy silk pajamas and view the soft curves of the slender body beneath them. Then, raising his voice and looking directly into her eyes, he reached into his pocket and drew out a small green velvet box.

  "I realize that this has very little meaning for you, except perhaps for its salability, but I believe a married woman should wear a wedding band. I know you refused to wear the one we were married with," he said, looking down at the snakelike ring which once again adorned his own powerful hand, "however, I trust that you will be more possessive toward this one. I would not feel kindly about having a second ring thrust back in my face."

  Laura looked at him as he took her hand in his and removed a small gold ring from the box. No diamonds or other jewels adorned its surface and Laura admired the simplicity of the ring he slipped on her finger. She was speechless as he gently held her hand in his, gazing at the ring and caressing her small, trembling hand with the muscular strength of his own. He seemed deep in thought and continued to stare down at the ring which now circled her finger. Laura longed to explain that she hadn't realized he had given his own ring to her in marriage. She loved him so much that she would never have returned anything he had given to her. If only she could put into words the intense yearning for him that was exploding in her heart, then perhaps David would realize she didn't want his money and only longed for his love. She placed her right hand above his hands as they caressed hers and pronounced the only word her dry lips seemed capable of forming.

  "David…"

  He looked at her, silently, gently… hands still clasping hers within his own.

  "Yes, Laura?"

  "Nothing…just, David…" Her eyes moved longingly across his face. Desire flamed in the depths of his obsidian eyes as they met hers with the same intensity that had dominated their very first meeting. One hand left hers and went around her waist. The other came up and raised her chin, gently bringing her lips ever closer to his. He drew her to him and pressed his lips down onto hers, probing deeper and deeper, parting her lips in his desire to become one with her. His hand left her waist and roamed over her body, molding it to his, stroking her tender flesh beneath the flimsy silk pajamas.

  Laura raised her hand to his head, her fingers lovingly combing the short, softly curling hairs along the nape of his neck. Her body answered his as she pressed herself against the hardness of his thighs, rejoicing in the loving warmth his body sent coursing through her veins. She felt his arms go under her legs and effortlessly lift them from the carpet, depositing her on the soft, velvety cover of the bed, while his lips still clung ferociously to hers. His probing hands parted the lacy neck of her pajama top and caressed the tender welcoming skin, while his lips moved lower to kiss the softly pulsating hollow of her neck. Laura's fingers were curling through his hair, pressing his head deeper into her breast when the shrill ring of the telephone vibrated through the room.

  David raised his head very slightly, so that she could feel the warm moisture of his breath against her flaming skin as he spoke.

  "Let it ring… Let the damned thing ring," he said, raising his head and pressing his questing lips to hers once more.

  Laura tore herself away. "No, we'd better answer it. It might be something important."

  David pushed her back down into the pillows. "Nothing could be more important than what I'm doing now."

  But Laura had already reached her arm out toward the phone and was lifting the receiver. David continued nuzzling her skin as she spoke into the receiver. "Lattimer residence."

  "Well, if it isn't the little plant lover. Quite the sly cookie aren't you?" Laura tensed and drew away from David's caressing lips. "Who is this? What do you want?"

  When David heard the tone of Laura's voice and noticed the tension building in her body, he sat up and took the receiver from her hand. He listened silently for a minute and then spoke angrily. "I told you not to call here," he said into the receiver. "I can't discuss the situation with you right now, Amanda. I'll call you back later and we'll speak about it then." Then he hung up. By now Laura had left the bed and was standing in front of the window. David came over to her and gently placed his arms on her shoulders. She flung them away, angry and hurt.

  "Get out of here. Don't think you can come in here whenever you please and then continue your relationship with your mistress!"

  David grasped her shoulders firmly. "Stop this, Laura! There's nothing between me and Amanda Tate. I told you not to believe everything you heard. If I had wanted to marry Amanda, I would have asked her years ago. I wanted you and I still want you. Can't you understand that?"

  But Laura was too incensed to hear anything he said.
"Get out of here," she screamed. "I never want to see you again. I hate you."

  "You don't mean that, Laura. I know you feel something for me. I've held you in my arms and felt the warm response of your soft lips against mine. Don't tell me I mean nothing to you."

  Laura looked at him. Shame welled up in her as she realized that she had fallen prey to his tactics once more. Did he really expect her to believe him? She was determined that he would never know the true depths of her passion for him. She would never let him make love to her and then go off to romance Amanda. If he really loved Amanda, then let him satisfy himself with her. Laura was not going to be his eager plaything while his heart belonged to the cold blonde beauty who apparently still had him under her spell. She held back her tears and steeled herself as she spoke.

  "Come on now, David. Don't tell me you fell for my little act again. I thought you knew better by now. I don't love you any more than you love me. I'm just toying with you, waiting for you to decide to pay me off so I can take my alimony and marry Roger or some other man of my own choosing. Now why not be decent about it and leave my room?"

  David glared at her, the hurt look in his eyes quickly changing to the blazing fire of hatred. "I'm sorry. I keep forgetting what a superb actress you are. Rest assured, I'll seek my satisfaction elsewhere from now on. But as for you taking my money and running off with Roger, forget it! You're mine and what is mine I keep until I decide to get rid of it. So sleep well my dear. The game isn't finished yet."

  Then he slammed out of the room. Minutes later, Laura heard him rummaging about in his own room, opening and closing his closets and drawers. Then she heard the door to the apartment open and close with a thunderous crash. She knew that David had gone to seek affection from more willing quarters and she flung herself on the bed and cried as if her heart were breaking, which indeed, she realized, it was.