by Jane Corrie
Moving forward to greet her mother, closely followed by Jordan, Serena did not bother to answer.
'Darling!' breathed Mrs Belmont as if it were six months since she had seen her instead of only one week.
As her mother kissed her cheek, Serena knew she was sizing up the man standing by her side. Nothing would go unnoticed, Serena knew. From his fine linen suit to his hand-made shoes, for Mrs Belmont was a snob—in the nicest possible way, of course. The only daughter of an impoverished Irish peer, she was used to moving in the right social circles and not unnaturally had high ambitions for Serena.
Having decided Jordan was 'acceptable', Mrs Belmont flashed him a brilliant smile and Serena was furious. Before she could speak Jordan said coldly, 'Shall we adjourn to a more private spot?' and placing a hand on Serena's arm shepherded them towards the airport lounge.
Mrs Belmont's eyebrows lifted slightly at this autocratic treatment and she glanced swiftly at Serena. Interpreting the look, Serena knew she was saying 'Well done', and it appeared her mother was labouring under the impression that Jordan Kerr was an impatient lover who intended to lose no time in making his intention clear to his beloved's only relation. She was, thought Serena grimly, in for a bit of a shock!
Reaching the lounge, he led them past the groups of people standing around and ushered them into a small office off the main ticket office.
As soon as the door was shut, Serena began hastily, 'Mother, would you…'
'I'll do the talking,' cut in Jordan curtly. 'And you can drop the "Mother" stunt for a start.'
Had Serena not been so anxious to prove her identity the sight of her mother's bewildered face might have given her hysterics; as it was, she was tired of being bullied by this detestable man. 'No, you will not!' she replied furiously. 'You've had your say, Mr Kerr, now it's my turn. Mother,' she demanded, 'tell this man who I am!'
Mrs Belmont raised expressive eyebrows at this odd request. She was not, Serena noticed, a bit put out—almost, Serena thought crossly, as if this sort of question cropped up regularly!
'Who does Mr Kerr think you are?' Mrs Belmont inquired innocently.
Serena stared at her, not failing to note the grim expression on Jordan Kerr's face. 'For goodness' sake!' she exploded. 'This is serious, Mother!'
Jordan intervened swiftly with, 'It appears your friend catches on a bit quicker than you do,' adding silkily, 'When I tell her there isn't a hope of an inheritance perhaps she'll catch on even quicker.'
Serena had to hand it to her mother, she didn't bat an eyelid! 'Where's Roger?' she asked quickly, thinking if she didn't get some assistance in the very near future, she would scream the place down.
'That, darling, is the reason I've come,' replied her mother, keeping a wary eye on Jordan. 'The poor dear's had an accident. The driver of the other car was drunk, and Roger couldn't avoid hitting him. He's not seriously hurt, though, slight concussion and a suspected broken ankle. We've had to cancel the cruise, I'm afraid, for a week or two at least.' She cast another look at Jordan. 'We couldn't think what was keeping you. I've strict instructions to bring you back with me.'
'I regret that is out of the question,' cut in Jordan swiftly. 'I have no intention of releasing her.'
Mrs Belmont gave these words a little thought and Serena had a nasty feeling that she was well aware of Jordan Kerr's status, and in that respect he was certainly in the 'right' category as far as she was concerned! She made another desperate attempt to get through to her mother. 'When you've heard…'
'There's nothing to hear,' interjected Jordan, 'nothing she doesn't already know, or has guessed.'
His next words clinched the matter as far as Mrs Belmont was concerned. 'You can give Mr Alton my regards; you can also tell him Miss Belmont regrets she will be unable to join him on the cruise. She is going to be—er—rather tied up for the next few months.' He glanced at his watch and fixing a steely glance on Mrs Belmont, added haughtily, 'I suggest you take the next flight back. There's one in precisely ten minutes.'
Serena's mother blinked, then smiled knowingly at Serena. 'Your dear father was just the same,' she murmured mistily. 'He would brook no interference.' She smiled confidingly at Jordan. 'I'll forgive your obvious manoeuvre to get rid of me. You've nothing to worry about, you know, I'm quite harmless. However, I didn't intend to stay long anyway, someone's got to look after Roger. He's bound to fret until he knows Serena's all right.' She gave Serena a light kiss on the cheek. 'You will keep me informed, won't you, darling?'
Serena really didn't see the point of answering. No matter what she said it was bound to be misinterpreted, if not by her mother, then by Jordan Kerr, in any case she was saved the necessity.
'You need have no worries on that score,' Jordan assured her steadily as he opened the door to indicate the end of the discussion.
CHAPTER TEN
Serena sat in a half dazed condition in Jordan Kerr's car as it glided smoothly out of the airport precincts. Bewilderedly she thought that if someone had told her of the position she would one day find herself in, she would have told them such things did not, could not, happen. People just did not behave like that— but they had! Her mother had for a start! She had gaily waved her farewell before boarding the plane back to New York.
For all she knew, Serena thought bitterly, she might have left her daughter to the tender mercies of a white-slaver. She sighed heavily; anyone else but the autocratic and wealthy Jordan Kerr would not have got away with it. The fact that her daughter had not only made the acquaintance of such an august personage, but apparently captivated him, had tipped the scales. Mrs Belmont, like Mrs Tonetti, was a firm believer in fate—in fact, they had quite a lot in common, Serena thought crossly; neither had proved exactly reliable in a crisis.
Gazing out at the waving palms that lined the road they were travelling down, Serena tried to cheer herself up with the thought that at least the worry of Roger suddenly descending on her had been effectively removed and she was now free to enjoy Mrs Tonetti's company—or at least she would be, if a certain character stayed out of her hair!
Serena was quite sure that if it had been anyone else but Jordan Kerr holding the whiphand she would have been more than willing to play the part allocated her; she was very fond of Mrs Tonetti and it would be no hardship seeing to her welfare. It was just that something about this man caught her on the raw. She didn't even mind his insults—he would be the one making the apologies later; no— it wasn't that. Serena frowned; in some ways he'd reminded her of Roger. Dominant was the word, she thought. Perhaps what she'd said to Mrs Tonetti that very morning was the truth? That her type of man was the meek and mild type? She gave an impatient shrug. Well anyway, it certainly wasn't the Jordan Kerr model!
'Worrying about the boy-friend's reaction?' Jordan asked smoothly. 'If so, I shouldn't. I've an idea your friend will think up some ploy to keep the pot boiling. Leave a bolthole open, as it were, in case things don't pan out this end. As I think I said, a very enterprising woman, that. I'm pretty sure she knew of me, not to mention what I'm worth.' He threw Serena a mocking look. 'Made no bones about leaving you, did she? Been in a similar situation, no doubt, and has every confidence of your coming home with the bacon again.'
'Do you mind if we drop the subject?' snapped Serena. 'You've got what you wanted. I stay and be a dutiful granddaughter. Just promise me one thing,' she ground out, 'to stay away from me from now on.'
'Come, Lisa,' he all but purred the words. 'We're almost engaged, aren't we?'
'You can drop that charade, too,' Serena replied furiously. 'It wouldn't be the first time you've suddenly lost interest, would it? I hear you're quite adept at it. My—er—grandmother thought it wise to drop me a hint on that score.' Her eyes flashed shoots of violet rays. 'Just say you've lost interest, I'll even play the part of the spurned woman to get you out of my vicinity. Say what you want—I don't care! Just leave me alone. It's not as if I can go anywhere, is it? You've got my passport,' she added bitterly.
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He slowed the car down and pulled up in a layby and sat studying her for a moment or so with narrowed eyes. 'You seem to forget who's calling the tune,' he said in a dangerously soft voice. 'I like things as they are. That way I can keep an eye on you. No doubt it would suit your purpose if I drifted off the scene, but I'd never be certain, you see, that you hadn't hastened your grandmother's end.'
It took a moment or so for her to grasp the full implication of these words and when it did her eyes opened to their full capacity. 'You think I'd…' She couldn't go on.
His eyes registered the shock he had given her and he shrugged casually. 'Oh, not consciously, perhaps,' he said curtly. 'But I wouldn't put it past you to vent your frustration out on her. No, Miss Tonetti, I'm not taking any chances. I'm going to be around for as long as it takes.' So saying, he started up the engine and steered the car back on to the road.
The rest of the journey was spent in silence, Serena was too shocked to attempt to break it. She was partially recovering when he threw the second bombshell. Arriving at the chalet, he accompanied the silent Serena to the lounge and before she could guess his intention said casually to Mrs Tonetti, 'I'm making Serena's stay permanent.'
There was no mistaking his meaning and Serena stood helplessly by his side trying to look deliriously happy, but she was absolutely stunned, and fortunately for her so was Mrs Tonetti. After a fractional pause she moved towards them, and with tear- dimmed eyes caught both of their hands in hers. 'Oh, my dears I I'm so happy for both of you,' she smiled.
Why doesn't she say I'm not Lisa? Serena thought frantically and tried to catch her eye, but Mrs Tonetti was too overcome to consider such mundane information suitable at this time.
Serena longed for Jordan to go so that she could get through to her the absolute necessity for the truth to come out, but her new-found fiancé had other plans. Giving her no respite, he pulled her up out of the chair she had thankfully sunk into, remarking cheerfully, 'We've got to get organised, darling. Come on!'
Sitting in Jordan's study a short while later, Serena watched dully as he twirled the knob of a heavy wall safe. 'This is one combination you'll not get,' he remarked caustically. 'The ring's insured too, but then you wouldn't be stupid enough to try and hang on to it, would you?'
Serena had not said a word since they had left Mrs Tonetti, but now, watching him remove a small leather box and carefully lock the safe after him, she whispered bitterly, 'Why?—why do you insist on going on with this farce?'
He had opened the box and stood looking at the contents. She saw his mouth twist slightly, and she thought she knew why; he was obviously thinking of the girl he had hoped would one day wear the ring. The small ornate box spoke of antiquity; the ring had probably been handed down through the centuries to prospective brides. Suddenly he glanced up at her, catching her unawares, and for a moment in time glinting green eyes pierced violet ones. Serena couldn't define that look, but it was as if they had gone back in time, not years, but centuries, and she felt the familiar tingling along her spine.
Whatever had affected her had touched him, too.
She was sure of it as she saw him mentally shake himself, and watched the familiar hardening of the jaw as he answered her earlier question.
'Because your grandmother is not a fool,' he said harshly. 'I'm afraid she knows me a little too well,' his glance was now mocking. 'As you so kindly pointed out when we left the airfield, I have been known to be somewhat fickle in my attentions to the fair sex.' His glance hardened. 'If she thought fit to warn you that could mean only one thing—she was worried about you. And that's not the only thing I suspect she had on her mind. She knows she's nothing to leave you, and it's my guess she's worrying about how she's going to tell you. Well, this little charade will set her mind at rest. Come here,' he ordered curtly.
Serena remained where she was. She guessed he wanted her to put the ring on and wondered why he didn't just throw the box at her. He certainly didn't intend to put himself out, she thought scathingly, and although what he'd said about Mrs Tonetti made sense, Serena was loth to commit herself to such a man, charade or no charade!
In three quick strides he was beside her and in no gentle fashion had grasped her left hand and held it up. Thrusting the ring into her right hand, he commanded, 'Put it on,' adding scathingly, 'I have no doubt it will have to be altered.'
Having no choice in the matter, Serena slipped the ring on the third finger of her left hand, still held hard by Jordan.
It was a perfect fit; Serena was slightly surprised and a little disappointed as she had hoped fervently it wouldn't be.
Her surprise was nothing compared to Jordan's. His autocratic brows rose and he turned the hand towards him as if to certify the fact that the thick band of gold was not biting into the flesh of her finger. Then as if the contact stung him he withdrew his hold on her, leaving Serena staring at the imposing ring, its huge diamond centre piece flashing scintillating lights that screamed its value.
'I can't possibly wear it!' she exclaimed in a shocked voice. 'It must be worth a fortune!'
Jordan smiled cynically. 'It is,' he assured her grimly. 'Afraid you'll be tempted? Don't worry, before you've done your stint, you'll be glad to see the back of it. That ring,' he said silkily, 'gives me the right to seek you out at any time of my choosing.'
Serena's eyes spoke her thoughts, but she did not give way to anger; she had no wish to feel his iron hold on her again, so she took refuge in sarcasm. 'Surely you have some other little bauble that would do the job just as well?' She narrowed her eyes calculatingly as she held her hand up and studied the ring. 'You know, I could use this to bribe someone to get me off the island. Have you thought of that?' she queried innocently.
For a few seconds it looked as if he might well throttle her, but he mastered his emotions and shrugged casually. 'There isn't a soul on the island who would dare to cross me, Miss Tonetti. And,' his eyes were hooded as he added softly, 'I wouldn't advise you to try. You see, I might decide to save Alton from himself in spite of all the spade work your friend is putting in at her end, leaving the way clear for you to make a comeback. In your case, two birds in the bush is better than one in the hand, isn't it? Believe me, you accept my ultimatum or take the consequences. I can assure you Alton wouldn't touch you with a bargepole by the time I've finished with you. Nor would any self-respecting man!'
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Whatever reaction Serena might have given to Jordan Kerr's threats was never enacted, as a telephone call was received by him while she was busy gathering her forces for the onslaught.
His curt, 'We'll be right over,' told her he was in no mood for verbal battle, and his next words wiped out any inclination she had had to retaliate. 'Your grandmother,' he said tersely as he all but threw her light linen jacket she had left lying on a chair at her, and made for the door.
Serena barely had time to fling herself in the car seat before he took off. She wanted to ask what had happened, but something in Jordan Kerr's expression stopped her.
Within minutes they were sweeping up the drive to the chalet and, not waiting for Serena, Jordan was out of the car and into the chalet while Serena was still collecting her senses.
Although she had by now realised that whatever it was it was serious, she was still not prepared for what she heard the doctor tell Jordan as she came upon them in the hall. 'There's not much time, I'm afraid. She's asking for you and someone called Serena—her granddaughter, I believe.'
The doctor then caught sight of Serena standing hesitantly behind Jordan. 'Go in, my dear,' he said gently. 'It's a door we all have to pass through and she's quite ready to go. Don't be afraid.'
Serena was not afraid; the doctor had mistaken her hesitancy for fear. In fact, she did not feel anything; she was mentally and physically numb.
As she entered the cool shuttered room Mrs Tonetti lay in Molly raised tear-stained eyes towards her and put down the linen cloth she had just wrung out to place on Mrs Tonetti
's forehead. She shook her head sadly as Serena's eyes met hers and mutely handed her the cloth, then softly left the room.
Gently wiping the perspiring face, Serena realised the old lady had sunk into a coma and was delirious. Suddenly her hand was caught. 'Lisa? Is that you?' Then came a subsided muttering and, 'Why did you leave? You didn't write. I was so worried.' The breathing quickened and again she asked, 'It is you, Lisa, isn't it? You've come back?'
Serena's eyes misted over; she patted the frail hand that moved restlessly across the linen sheet. 'Yes, it's Lisa, Nan,' she said softly. 'I'm here.'
A sigh of contentment followed this assurance and for a moment Mrs Tonetti clung to Serena's hand, then as if she hadn't the strength to keep it there it sank back on to the bed. Serena turned to the bowl of water on the side table to wring out the cloth once more and met the cynical eyes of Jordan Kerr standing just inside the door; something snapped inside her. His eyes were congratulating her on a fine performance. She looked back at Mrs Tonetti, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully, and unable to stand his presence, Serena walked past him out to the kitchen where Molly was hovering anxiously.
'I'm going to get some fresh air, Molly,' she said quietly. 'She's sleeping at the moment. I'll only be in the garden if she calls for me.'
The cool breeze from the bay fanned her face as she stood gazing out beyond the breakers clearly seen in the light of a brilliant tropical moon. The soft lapping of the waves as they met the shore lulled some sense of proportion into her, and she knew an infinite sadness. For a brief minute she hated Lisa Tonetti for what she had done to her grandparents. Where was she now? Serena wondered. Living it up as Jordan Kerr had intimated?
'It's a little late to be sorry for what you did, isn't it?' said the goading voice directly behind her. 'Or are you sorry? Or is it that you're missing the high life and wishing you were taking cocktails with another poor dupe?'
Serena would have liked to ignore him, but something spurred her on. 'What if I did feel compassion for her?' she said in a low voice that vibrated with pent-up tension. 'You wouldn't understand, anyway. Compassion is not an emotion you've ever felt. What if I were Lisa? Wouldn't I feel something? No one,' she said bitterly, 'is all bad, but you're so twisted inside you can't even entertain the thought that she might have stayed away because she was ashamed of what she had done.'