They stopped at a store near the park. When they entered, the room grew hushed. The patrons stopped talking and stared at Arthur with perverse curiosity. The mother lioness in Natasha emerged as she leveled a deadly stare at them until they averted their eyes and minded their own business. Why did strangers have to be so cruel? Through no fault of his own, Arthur was born with a defect, yet they thought nothing of staring at him as if he were a freak. Her heart went out to him, and she wished she could protect him from similar episodes in the future.
Natasha took Arthur outside while Ian bought a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit and cookies, and a soccer ball to play with. After lunch, Ian played soccer—or football as they called it in Europe—with Arthur at a playground off Bruntsfield Links. She was anxious to find out Ian’s diagnosis for Arthur's face, but she would have to wait. They were having too much fun playing and she knew Ian was doing it to make Arthur relax and trust him.
When they rejoined her, out of breath and ready for a sweet treat, they stopped at S. Luca, an ice cream shop on Morningside Road. Ian bought them “cheeky chocolate” ice cream, as Arthur had requested, and they went outside to eat it. The afternoon sun tinged the clouds a salmon color. Natasha slowly inhaled the cool, damp air, enjoying the aroma of distant bonfires. She and Ian walked down the cobblestone street with Arthur happily ensconced between them.
"Do you like school?" Natasha asked Arthur.
He shrugged and tilted his head to one side as he regarded her pensively. His clear, somber eyes had the astuteness of an adult’s, yet his face was that of a child. "Sort of," he said at last.
"What's your favorite subject?" she asked.
"Art. I like to draw pictures."
"I love art too,” Natasha said. “What do you like to draw?"
"Faces. Bonnie ones like yours,” he said ducking his head as his cheeks bloomed hot pink.
“Why, thank you, Arthur.” Natasha smiled at his bashful admission. "Do you like Mrs. Byrne?"
"Aye. She treats me like the other kids, even though my face looks like the devil himself," he said, nodding emphatically.
With a sinking heart, Natasha realized he was repeating what others had told him. All because his mother had gotten it in her head that he was the devil’s son. So bizarre. "You don't look like a devil, Arthur. Quite the contrary! You have handsome eyes and a wonderful smile."
Arthur’s face lit up and he flashed a surprised smile as his dark blue eyes regarded her curiously. "I do?"
“Yes, you do.” Natasha’s throat clogged with emotion at his look of relief. She winked at him. "I can tell you’re smart too.”
“And brave," Ian added with a kind smile. "We’ll be starting the treatments soon. Your scar will improve and I may be able to erase it completely."
"Will it hurt?" Arthur asked, round-eyed.
"No, not too much. Maybe a twinge or two. Laser treatments are a bit like magic," Ian said.
“They are? Are you sure it won't hurt?" Arthur’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Don't you have to stick me with needles?"
Ian shook his head. "No. Lasers aren’t like shots at all," he assured him. "I'll explain each step of the treatment before we start. Do you trust me?"
Arthur nodded vigorously and took a large spoonful of the chocolate ice cream. The ice cream missed his mouth and landed on his blue shirt. He nervously clutched his cloth napkin and dabbed at the spot, making it worse. "Oh, no! Tis my Sunday shirt," he wailed anxiously. "Mrs. Byrne will be mad that I spoiled it." He looked like he was about to cry and Natasha wondered if he was afraid of being punished by Mrs. Byrne.
"Don't worry, sweetie. I'll get the stain out for you," Natasha said quickly. She ordered a club soda and when it arrived, she saturated her napkin with it and worked the stain out of his shirt.
Arthur glanced at her with grateful eyes. “Thank you, Miss.”
"You're very welcome. And you may call me Natasha," she said giving him a hug. She exchanged a look with Ian before releasing him.
“I wish I could change my name,” Arthur mumbled.
"Why would you want to?”
Arthur shrugged. “The kids make fun of it.”
“Don’t pay attention to them. Arthur is a very noble name. Don't you think so, Ian?" Natasha said, glancing at him.
Ian nodded sagely. "Arthur is a grand name for a brave lad like you. Do you know the story of King Arthur and his knights of the round table?"
"No," Arthur replied in a small voice.
"Arthur was a smart and noble king who ruled over a perfect land called Camelot. When he was a wee lad," Ian paused and smiled at Arthur, who was listening raptly. "Around your age, I believe ...”
By the time Ian finished the story, Arthur was beaming. "I think I'll keep my name. Arthur's a name to be proud of, eh?" he asked Natasha.
“It is,” Natasha agreed with a warm hug.
When they returned Arthur to the orphanage and Mrs. Byrne's care, Ian stood with him just outside the headmistress's office. He was so much taller than Arthur, he had to squat down before him to look directly in his eyes. "As soon as my laser equipment arrives, we'll start your treatments. Until then, if you need anything, you can call me."
Ian retrieved a small calling card with his cell phone number on it. "Here is the phone number where you can reach me. Can you read it?”
“Yes, sir. I know my numbers and my letters,” Arthur said earnestly.
“Good. If you have more questions about the treatment, you may call me and I’ll explain.”
Mrs. Byrne’s lips pressed together in a thin line as she reached for the card. "I'll hold on to that for safekeeping."
Ian stayed her hand. "That's all right. I'm sure Arthur will find a safe place to keep it." He gave Arthur an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Won't you?"
Clutching Ian's card in his hand, Arthur nodded solemnly. “Aye.”
"I'll be waiting for your call tomorrow morning before I leave," Ian said.
Arthur's face brightened. "I promise I’ll call you, Dr. Ian."
Mrs. Byrne nodded. "Verra well." She bent down and whispered in Arthur’s ear. “Don't forget to thank the kind doctor."
Arthur extended his hand to Ian and shook it. “Thank you, Dr. Ian.”
“You’re very welcome, Arthur,” Ian said, smiling warmly.
Natasha pulled Arthur’s slight frame into her arms for a hug. His torso felt bony as she wrapped her arms around him, all ribs and very little flesh. "Good-bye, sweetie. It was nice to meet you. Dr. Ian will take good care of you when he comes back."
Arthur nodded and trudged away.
"Arthur, please don't drag your feet," Mrs. Byrne chided.
He turned around, his eyes anxious as he stared at her. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Byrne."
"It’s all right," she replied with a long suffering sigh.
When Arthur left the room, Ian turned to Mrs. Byrne. "Arthur seems overly cautious for a six year old lad. It’s as if he's afraid to make a mistake."
Mrs. Byrne’s mouth tightened. "He’s a bright wee lad, but many of the children shun him because of his scar. They’ve heard his mum left him here because she thought he was the devil's bairn.” Her eyes narrowed to slits. “I have forbidden them to call him that. The wee lad keeps to himself most of the time. I don’t coddle him so that he will grow up to be strong enough to handle the outside world and its cruelties."
Giving Arthur love and compassion wasn’t coddling in Natasha’s opinion. He was only six! The poor little guy needed a lot of nurturing and social interaction to grow up strong. She was sad to say good-bye to him so soon.
"Mrs. Byrne, I would like to get started on Arthur's face as soon as possible," Ian said. "It will take many treatments. All of them free of charge."
"That is most generous of you, Dr. MacGregor! Thank you," Mrs. Byrne said, looking very pleased. "When can you start?"
"Could be in a few months," he said. “After I meet with my partner, I’ll have a better answer for you. Good bye,” Ian said, shaking her
hand.
Her heart sank. His partner. Dr. Danielle Parkhurst. Natasha had been so caught up in her feelings for Ian and everything else going on, she hadn’t thought about Danielle.
Chapter Eleven
Back in the car, Natasha watched Ian as he started the ignition. "You said you were going to start Arthur's treatments in a few months. When will the clinic be ready?"
"Soon. It’s close to completion. I said a few months to buy time in case something goes awry. I don’t want to raise the lad’s hopes and then disappoint him. ” He frowned as he backed the car out of the space.
“I can’t stop thinking about him. His eyes haunt me. They were filled with pain and insecurity. And his posture was so hunched over and humble. It broke my heart,” she said, remembering Arthur’s drooping shoulders and bent head.
Ian glanced at her and nodded gravely. “I know what you mean. I want to help him as soon as I can.”
“What’s holding you back? Does the clinic have to be completely finished before you start treating him?”
“The equipment is set up. I just have to strong arm a certain person to make things move faster.” His hand tightened on the steering wheel.
“Your partner?” From the way Ian was acting, it didn’t seem as if he was in love with another woman. Still, she was dying to hear what he would say about Danielle.
“Not my partner. I meant the witch who’s claiming half of Glenhaven,” Ian said with disgust.
“Oh.” So much for learning about Danielle.
Ian drove in deep thought, his eyes focused on the road and his body on edge.
“Where are we going?” Natasha asked.
“It’s a bit late to drive back and I have some things to take care of. There’s a hotel not far from here where we can stay the night.”
“Sounds good to me,” Natasha said, happy to spend more time together.
Moments later, he parked the car at Princes Street. "We're here.”
A sign that said The Gable Hotel in shiny brass letters hung above a charming, arched entryway leading to a courtyard garden. The three story building was painted pale gray and trimmed in white; its high gables reached toward the sky. Clouds shifted over the sun as the wind rustled through the trees and ushered in cold air.
"The sky is turning purple. I hope we're not in for another storm," Natasha said.
"You'll be safe in the hotel." Ian's hand descended and settled on the small of her back, eliciting tingles. "With me," he added, his voice smooth as the finest Scottish malt whiskey.
A shiver of pleasure flitted through Natasha as they locked eyes. He kissed her temple and led her into the grand, wood-paneled entrance hall that resembled an elegant hunting lodge. It had a high, peaked ceiling and the walls held an assortment of taxidermy. The room smelled manly of leather and spice, making Natasha swoon with anticipation of the night ahead.
Ian approached the reception desk and requested a room.
The young clerk scratched his head. "I'm sorry, sir. I can only offer you the V.I.P. suite."
“Perfect. We’ll take it,” Ian said right away.
Moments later they entered a light-filled, spacious suite. Natasha was immediately drawn to the pale pastel Edwardian décor and floor to ceiling windows. She stood at the bay window opposite the rose marble fireplace and marveled at the extraordinary view of Edinburgh Castle in the horizon.
Ian came up and silently stood behind her. Every nerve in her body leaped to attention. She shivered and rubbed her arms as she turned to face him. "Yes?"
"I'm going out. I’ll be back in a few hours." His dark brows drew together as he looked her up and down. “What size are you?”
"I’m a four. I’m not sure what that would be in Scotland."
He rubbed his chin. "Hmmm." His hands touched her shoulders, then lowered to her hips and lingered there for a moment. She held her breath, wondering if he was planning on kissing her, but he lightly squeezed the indentation of her waist instead.
She yelped. "That tickles. What are you doing?"
"Checking your size."
“Ah, so that’s how it’s done. Now my turn,” she said, mischievously reaching for him.
His finger tapped her nose while his other hand tapped her bottom. "Not now," he said, heading toward the door.
Natasha chuckled. “You don’t know what you’re missing.” When he didn’t respond, she said, “All right. I’ll call Maggie and tell her where we’re staying if she needs to get in touch.”
“Good idea,” he said and left.
She phoned Maggie, but Dugie answered and said Maggie and Ranald had gone to Fort William on an errand. Natasha left a message for them and hung up, eager to soak in the tub.
Humming to herself, she went into the bathroom and drew a hot bath. She poured scented bath gel in the steaming water before stepping in. After a soothing soak, she wrapped herself in the fluffy white robe provided by the hotel and made her way to the bedroom. She turned down the covers and reclined on the Edwardian style bed, basking in the softness of the sheets on her skin.
She opened the Hello magazine she purchased at the market and leafed through it. A picture of hotel heiress Theodora Behr, known to everyone as Teddy, made her smile with fondness. Over the years, Natasha had stayed in touch with Teddy and Ronnie, her two Heart sisters from summer camp and they were close friends. She loved the picture of Teddy, dressed to the nines in a slinky black sequined gown with a black feather head dress. With her long blond hair slicked back and obscured by black swan feathers that curled over her head in a small cap and framed her face dramatically, she looked stunning. Her gold-flecked chocolate eyes peered from beneath long, curly lashes as she flashed a playful scarlet grin. Natasha smiled and shook her head. Leave it to Teddy to dress like a vamp and grin like a scamp.
Teddy managed several charitable endeavors and stayed away from Miami where her evil stepmother controlled everything, including Teddy’s father, The Riviera Hotel magnate, Theodore Behr. “The inimitable Teddy Behr takes Paris by storm at the Fête d’automne charitable ball,” the caption beneath the picture read. Natasha slid under the covers and enjoyed the rest of the article until she dozed off.
A few hours later, the door swung open and a gust of cool air woke Natasha up. A tremor of excitement coursed through her at the sight of Ian, his dark, wavy hair windswept and the peaks of his hollowed cheeks flushed from the afternoon wind. Her pulse accelerated. His mouth looked sensuous, warm and inviting. Her hand automatically went to her lips recalling his hard, passionate kiss that morning. She dropped her hand as delicious heat rose to every pore of her skin and spread over her body warming her from her face to the tips of her toes.
“Get up, angel. I have good news, and I brought a surprise.” Ian’s voice rumbled out of his chest, gravelly and sexy.
He called her angel, just like old times. Her heart did a giddy leap and her knees turned to jelly as she neared his side.
“What’s the good news?”
“I gave Ron the flash drive. He’ll fly out with it tomorrow.”
“So soon? That’s wonderful!” She let out a whoop and did a high five with him. “I’m so relieved. Thank you!”
“You’re welcome. Call your lawyer first thing tomorrow morning so she can alert the police that Ron will deliver the flash drive at the airport. He should arrive around 1:00 in the afternoon.”
“Okay.”
“Here. These are for you.” He handed her the packages he was holding and walked to the nightstand where he placed a small bag. Returning to the sofa, he sat down and contemplated her with his arms crossed behind his head and his long legs sprawled out in a V.
Ian enjoyed watching Natasha’s enthusiasm as she peeked in the bags. He usually didn’t like to shop for himself, but he’d enjoyed shopping for her. She looked adorable in the oversized hotel robe, her shiny copper hair tousled from sleep and her cheeks pink with excitement. He glanced at her kissable rosebud mouth and looked forward to the night ahead.
“Same color as your eyes. Looks like it’ll fit,” he said, pleased with his choice. The mini dress would showcase her stunning dancer’s legs, and that wasn’t all. The cashmere would cling nicely to her full breasts and high, round bum, he thought, admiring her curves.
Natasha blew him a kiss. She opened another package and retrieved a pair of buttery soft knee high boots. “Ooh, I love these too!”
Ian’s eyes connected with hers. "You know how I feel about you in boots.” He was tempted to say “and nothing else” but refrained.
She blushed, her soft cheeks rosy and appealing as she nodded. “What’s in the small package?”
“Open it.”
Natasha pulled out blush pink panties edged in black lace and a matching bra. She lifted a delicate brow. “Knickers? Smart thinking, Dr. Who. You already melted mine,” she said with a smile that lit up her face.
“Oh?” He crooked a finger at her. “Come and show me.”
"I would if I were wearing them,” she taunted.
Ian instantly rose and brought her back to the couch. Settling her on his lap, he grew hard at the delicious feel of her firm buttocks resting on him. He parted the top of her robe and kissed her bare breasts, inhaling deeply of her clean, feminine scent. Natasha threw her head back and arched when he took her the pink bud of her breast between his lips and sucked gently. Her fingers wound in his hair, keeping his mouth anchored on her breasts as she moaned with pleasure. When he got his fill of her creamy breasts, he pulled back and gazed into her eyes as he stroked her supple legs.
Tasha’s soft hand caressed the stubble on his jawline. “I want to feel this on my skin,” she said huskily.
Ian parted her robe and ran his cheek along the silky skin of her belly. Natasha squeezed her thighs together and drew in a shuddering breath. “Yes, like that,” she murmured, her voice sweet and hoarse.
A knock at the door interrupted him and he closed her robe quickly.
“Oh no,” Natasha groaned. “Are you expecting someone?”
Heart Melter Page 10