Christmas in His Arms

by Avery Chandler

  “Are you threatening me?” There was a trace of amusement in his expression.

  “I came here so you would have no doubt that I’ll never return to you.” No longer was she a young woman, filled with innocent dreams of a fairytale life with a millionaire. Now, she knew the truth about what sort of man he was. And thanks to Alec, she had glimpsed a very different relationship, one where she was on equal footing.

  Alec had been trapped in the position of having to choose between his business and helping her. But the difference was that he’d given her choices. He had never forced her into anything and had respected her wishes. Whereas Ben had dominated every decision, unless it was one he had made.

  “Goodbye, Ben.”

  He stood from the table and blocked her way to the door. After a pause, he stepped aside to let her pass. “You were never good enough for me, Sarah.”

  “No,” she answered. “I was far better. And if you don’t sign that deal with Alec Harrow, I’ll make sure every tabloid knows all about our fake marriage. I promise you that.”

  Sarah made her exit, but her hands were trembling. On her way out, she was afraid of running into Alec. She had no idea what to say to him. Ben might back out of the deal, leaving him with no means of saving those hotels.

  And it would be her fault.

  A sickening sense of fear caught her, even as she glanced back and watched Ben pull out his cell phone to make a call. She hurried past his assistant and punched the elevator door button.

  It had felt good to lash back at Ben, to threaten him just as he’d done. Yet now, she realized that she had only made the situation worse. He was a man who enjoyed winning.

  And if he cancelled the contract, hotel properties would close. Employees like Jasmine and Cora would lose their jobs.

  The elevator doors closed, and Sarah leaned back against the side wall.

  What had she done?

  CHAPTER TEN

  Alec was about to step into the elevator when Sarah emerged, her face stricken and white. He’d never expected to see her here, and from the shock of her expression, something bad had happened. He’d known that she’d wanted to face Ben, but he couldn’t believe that she’d actually come here alone.

  He let the elevator close without entering and guided her toward a quiet corner. “What is it? What did he do to you?”

  Her misery only deepened. Then she closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”

  “What happened?” He took her hands in his. Whatever it was, he didn’t doubt that Carnell was to blame.

  “I wanted to face Ben, to tell him not to bother me anymore. He wouldn’t listen.” She gripped his hands, and he felt the telltale tremble of her fingers. “And now he says he won’t sign with Harrow Suites anymore. I was so angry, I told him I would tell the media about our false marriage if he didn’t. But it was a mistake to threaten him. When he’s angry, he’s not rational.”

  Her hands were like ice, and he stayed with her, wanting her to feel safe. “It’s all right, Sarah. Don’t worry about the contract anymore.”

  “But all those jobs…the hotels…” Her voice trailed off, her eyes gleaming with tears.

  “I know. But I’ll find another way.” He framed her face. “I’d rather walk away from a bad contract than sign a deal with Carnell.” It was the truth. He no longer wanted to do business with him, and he doubted if the man would keep the terms they’d agreed upon—especially considering Carnell’s own business failings.

  “I’m so sorry. I thought I could force him to speak with me if I showed up before your meeting. I never meant to ruin your contract.” She took a moment to gather her composure, and he continued holding her hands.

  “It’s all right. I’m still going to hear what he has to say. And there are a few things I need to say to him.”

  She gripped his hands as if gathering strength. “Be careful, and don’t trust him.”

  He fully intended to heed that warning. But even beyond the business meeting, his greater concern was Sarah. No matter what happened today, he wanted her to understand that she meant more to him than the contract.

  “Will you stay and wait for me to finish the meeting?”

  Sarah didn’t look enthused by the idea. “I’d rather go back to the hotel and wait for you there.”

  “Or you could meet me at my apartment afterwards,” he suggested. “The cat has been missing you.”

  Her spirits lifted at the mention of Marigold. But then she took a deep breath. “Actually, I think I should join you at the meeting.”

  He wasn’t about to put her through that again. “No, it’s not necessary.”

  But she stopped him and said. “I made a mistake by going alone the first time. I thought I had to handle my problems by facing Ben and telling him what I thought of him. And I hurt you without meaning to.” She linked her arm in his. “This time, I’ll go with you, to support you. I won’t say anything unless I have to.” With a slight smile, she added, “Besides, it will make Ben uncomfortable.”

  At first, his instinct was to deny her request. He wanted to protect her from Carnell and financially end him. But in Sarah’s eyes, he saw that she was trying to overcome her fears. She’d been trapped in a false marriage to a man who had imprisoned her for two years. Carnell had controlled her, never letting her make her own choices.

  And if Alec tried to make the decision for her, not allowing her to come with him, he was no different.

  This was about more than his contract. It was about giving Sarah the freedom to decide for herself what she wanted, to take back her own control.

  “You don’t have to go with me,” he began. “But if it’s what you really want, I won’t stand in your way.”

  The brave smile on her face was radiant. “Thank you, Alec.”

  He kept his reservations to himself, not wanting to undermine her. “If you feel threatened, I can end the meeting at any time.”

  She squeezed his arm in silent thanks. They walked to the elevators, and when the doors closed behind them, she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. He caressed her cheek before stealing a kiss on her lips. He hadn’t been lying when he’d said that he had things he wanted to say to Ben Carnell. Namely that he should stay the hell out of Sarah’s life. He now had leverage over the man, thanks to the financial reports sent over by Miranda’s assistant.

  When they reached the lobby, Ben’s assistant hesitated at the sight of Sarah. But she said nothing and guided them into the conference room.

  Carnell was already seated and waiting for him. The moment he saw Sarah, he appeared irritated. “Why are you here? You’re not part of this meeting.”

  “Sarah asked to be present,” Alec interrupted. “And I agreed to her request.” He sat down across from the man and opened his briefcase. Sarah took a seat beside him, and she gave him a knowing smile.

  Her prediction had been right. Though she hadn’t spoken a word, her presence was having an impact on Carnell. He appeared impatient and stood from the table. “This meeting is a waste of our time. We both know I’m not going to do business with Harrow Suites anymore.”

  “You’re right.” Alec withdrew the envelope Miranda had delivered and opened it. “But that’s not why I’m here.” He kept his tone neutral and said, “I’m here to ensure that you never contact Sarah again. She’s been through enough. If you continue to text her, call, or threaten her in any way, she’ll call the police and file a report.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ben said. “And if you want your hotel chain to stay in business, you’ll stay out of my personal affairs.”

  Alec laid out the copies of the financial reports. “It’s interesting how you’ve managed to maintain a double lifestyle, given how badly Venture is performing. Some of these numbers don’t add up.” He passed them across the table and saw Carnell’s face redden with suppressed rage. “I could contact the SEC, and they could investigate whether there’s been any fraud.
”

  Ben remained silent for a time, but then he stood from the table. “This meeting is over.” His eyes held a ruthlessness that chilled Alec. “When I’ve finished with you, Harrow Suites won’t exist.”

  But Sarah interrupted. In a soft voice lined with steel, she said, “Ben, sit down.”

  “Don’t tell me what to do,” he said coolly. There was no emotion whatsoever in the man’s face. It was as if he had distanced himself and had no trace of accountability. Like a sociopath, he appeared willing to do anything to gain the upper hand.

  The hairs stood up on the back of his neck. Something was off, though Alec couldn’t tell what it was. It was as if Ben knew something.

  “You’re an intelligent man,” she said. The compliment seemed to unsettle Carnell, and he turned to her. “And you know when to cut your losses. We both know you don’t want me. You never did. I was an amusement to you, nothing more than a pet.”

  She steepled her fingers together. “But have you thought about what will happen if Miranda decides to divorce you? She’ll get half of everything you own. Perhaps more since it involved adultery. And I will not hesitate to help her.”

  Alec resisted the urge to smile when Carnell’s face turned purple with rage. Sarah stood from the conference table. “As I said before, you’re an intelligent man. You know it’s not worth it to contact me again. Otherwise, I’ll give Miranda’s lawyer enough ammunition in court to take you apart.”

  Although the man’s face remained rigid, Alec saw the twinge of fear. Carnell had received Sarah’s message loud and clear.

  She exchanged a look with Alec. “I think we’re done here.”

  He couldn’t have been more proud. She had faced her worst enemy and come out on top. After two years of being Ben’s victim, she had fought her own battle and won.

  They departed the conference room, and when the elevator doors closed behind them, she sagged against him. “I can’t believe I said that to him.”

  “You were amazing,” he said. “And I do think he’ll leave you alone. In another year, he’ll convince himself it was his idea.”

  “But the contract,” she sighed. “I just wish something could be done.”

  “I have another company that might be interested in an investment opportunity.” Though it wouldn’t bring in nearly the revenue of the failed Venture contract, it might help them stay afloat for a little longer. He would keep trying until he found a way to bring in higher profits.

  They returned to the car, and Sarah leaned her head against his shoulder. “Thank you for letting me come with you to the meeting. It was easier to confront him when you were there.”

  He offered his hand to her. “I want to be there for you, Sarah. For as long as you want.”

  She turned to him, and her expression held vulnerability. “It will take me some time, Alec. I don’t know if you’ll have the patience to wait until I’m ready.”

  “You’re worth waiting for, Sarah,” he answered. He leaned closer and murmured against her mouth, “And we’ll take it as slow as you need me to.”

  Three months later

  Alec stood at the door to his office, behind the front desk in the New York hotel. From here, he could see Sarah supervising the new breakfast doughnut bar. Jasmine had changed jobs and now worked in food service. She wore an apron and was standing behind the bar, dipping the hot doughnuts in melted chocolate before dusting them with colored sprinkles. She handed the plate to a young boy, who appeared gleeful at the sugary breakfast treat. The next guest chose lemon frosting, while a third chose strawberry frosting.

  Sarah had been right. Not only children were enjoying the doughnuts, but the adults were indulging in the specialty. It had become a hit among guests, and word had spread fast. They had made a slight adjustment in the room rate to cover costs, and a bakery a few doors down provided the hot, fresh doughnuts every morning.

  He saw Sarah approaching the office and opened the door. She was carrying two small paper bags, and informed him, “Miranda sent the latest samples. I want your help in narrowing down the scent choices.”

  He closed the door behind him while Sarah spread out the bottles. Miranda Carnell had expanded her cosmetics business, and he had signed a contract with her to supply all the lotions, shampoos, and bath products for Harrow Suites. She’d given him a generous discount, and in return, he’d allowed her to open a cosmetics counter within the hotel gift shops.

  “What do you think?” Sarah asked, unscrewing the lid on one of the shampoo samples. She held it to his nose, and he caught a scent that blended orange and ginger. It wasn’t bad, but he was distracted by her nearness.

  “I trust your choices,” he answered, setting the bottle down. He drew his arm around her waist and leaned in to nuzzle her neck.

  “Alec, don’t tempt me,” she said, inhaling sharply when he kissed a sensitive spot. “We have work to do.”

  “I have a suite upstairs,” he reminded her. “And we could take an early lunch.”

  She laughed and brought his mouth to hers, kissing him deeply. He could never get enough of her, and he loved her brilliant, creative mind. She had brought fresh ideas to the hotel chain, and it had been her idea to reach out to Miranda.

  In return for Sarah’s evidence against Ben in her divorce case, Miranda had agreed to sign a contract with Harrow Suites for bath and cosmetic products. Alec had been uncertain about it, but Sarah had insisted she wanted to do everything in her power to save the hotels. The two women had formed a strong partnership against Ben, and both seemed satisfied with the results.

  “I need to answer Miranda about these samples,” she said. “She’s placing the orders today.” Her expression dimmed slightly, and she added, “Her court hearing date is today.”

  “Will you need to testify against Ben?”

  “I don’t think so. My written statement and the proof I gave to her lawyer should be enough.” She wound her arms around his neck, and he drew her close. “Ben is already in enough trouble.”

  “You’re a brave woman, Sarah. And I swear, I won’t ever let him come near you again.”

  “I’m not opposed to that.”

  After everything Ben Carnell had done, Alec wished he could put the man behind bars. But he was confident that Sarah was finally safe—and that was most important. Over the past few months, she had regained her confidence, and he couldn’t imagine a day without her.

  Her mouth softened in a smile. “If you want, I could bring the samples up to your suite in a few hours.”

  “Or now.” He saw no reason whatsoever to wait. “You did say that Miranda wanted the orders as soon as possible.”

  She laughed and touched her forehead to his. “It can wait, Alec. For a little while at least.”

  “I’m holding you to that promise,” he murmured. But when he pulled back, a tightness caught him, a slight rise of nerves. “But before that, there’s something I’ve been meaning to give you.”

  Her expression softened, and she waited. He opened his desk drawer and pulled out the deck of cards she’d given him for Christmas. When she saw the kittens on the front, her smile widened. “It really was a silly gift, wasn’t it?”

  “No. It meant a lot to me. Just as you do.” His nerves started hammering worse, and God help him, he knew he was going to screw this up. “Open it.”

  She lifted the lid and took the top card. Beneath it was a hotel key card. Her face held confusion, but she said, “Was this what you wanted me to have?”

  He nodded. “It’s a symbol. Well, sort of. I wanted you to have the key to every hotel I own. You can go anywhere, whenever you want. If you want to go back to Paris, say the word. Or Rome. Or London.”

  Her fingers curved around the key card, and emotion welled up in her eyes. “Alec, there’s only one place I want to be. And that’s in your arms.”

  She embraced him, and he breathed in the scent of her hair. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have a woman like her, and he savored the moment. “I
love you, Sarah. I want you to stay with me.”

  When she pulled back, her cheeks were wet with tears. But through her smile, he saw the happiness there. “I love you, too, Alec. And I don’t care where I stay, as long as we’re together.”

  He kissed her softly, and she yielded to him, making him long for more. She picked up two of the bottles from the desk and held them up. Her face was flushed, but she teased, “Maybe we should try some of these samples right now. There’s a shower gel and a lotion.”

  “My suite. Now.” He couldn’t put together a full sentence, and he didn’t even care.

  Sarah took him by the hand and led him out of the office. As he followed her to the elevator, he glimpsed the falling snow outside. His life had been turned inside out since she had fled her former life and come into his. Sarah had breathed life into his sorry existence and taught him the meaning of love.

  And it was the best Christmas gift he’d ever received.

  If you enjoyed this book and want to be notified when Avery has a new book out, sign up for her newsletter at www.averychandler.com/contact. If you enjoy historical romance, she also writes books under the pen name Michelle Willingham.

  Would you like a sneak peek at Avery’s next book, Switched at Marriage, coming in February 2021? Read on for an excerpt!

  Excerpt from

  Switched at Marriage

  CHAPTER ONE

  I’m pregnant. And the baby isn’t yours.

  Prince Amadio of Lohenberg stared at the horizon from the balcony of his bedroom, the numbness sinking deeper inside him. Any other man would have been furious, raging at his fiancée for her infidelity. As for himself, he felt only emptiness and the familiar solitude closing in.

  Camille had left him that fateful voice mail, shattering their engagement and telling him that she’d gone to Italy. She’d begged him not to tell her father why.