Читать книгу Alejandro's Revenge - Anne Mather, Anne Mather - Страница 9

SHE decided to ring Ross before drying her hair.

With the balcony doors open, heat was spreading into the room from outside, and she turned the thermostat down to warm the room. Then, wrapping the folds of the towelling robe she had found behind the bathroom door more closely about her, she seated herself in the chair Edward had used the night before and picked up the phone.

Discovering she had an outside line, she dialled the school where they were both employed. It was still early, but Ross should be taking his lunch at this time. One of the school secretaries put her through to the staff room and she was relieved when Ross himself answered the call.

‘Abby!’ he exclaimed, after she’d identified herself. ‘I thought you were going to ring me last night. I waited up until after midnight, hoping you wouldn’t forget.’

‘I know. I’m sorry.’ Abby wished he hadn’t had to begin with a complaint. ‘And I didn’t forget. Not exactly. It’s just—well, I’m staying with Eddie’s in-laws at the moment, and it’s a little—complicated.’

‘What’s a little complicated? Your brother’s injuries?’ Ross immediately leapt to the wrong conclusion and Abby sighed.

‘No,’ she said, knowing that he deserved a straight answer. ‘Eddie’s injuries aren’t complicated, but—’

‘But it’s going to take more than a couple of days to get him home again, is that it?’

Ross’s attempts to second-guess her were annoying and Abby wished he’d just listen to what she had to say instead of jumping in every few seconds with his own version of events.

‘I—Eddie’s out of hospital,’ she persisted, trying to explain that he was staying with the Esquivals, too. But Ross seemed determined to put his own interpretation on her words.

‘Oh, I see,’ he said, when he obviously didn’t see at all. ‘He’s back at the flat. I suppose Lauren’s looking after him. But that’s only a small place, isn’t it? Is that why you’re staying with her parents?’

Abby blew out an exasperated breath. ‘No,’ she said shortly. ‘Neither of them are at the—apartment.’ She deliberately used the alternative term. ‘They’re staying here.’

‘They are?’ For the first time her fiancé sounded less sure of himself. Then, almost as an afterthought, ‘So, how is Edward? Have you found out what happened?’

‘I know what happened,’ said Abby, trying not to be impatient. ‘A drunk driver slammed into his car. He was lucky he was hit on the nearside and that he wasn’t carrying any passengers. He could have been killed.’

‘Well, he evidently wasn’t very badly hurt if they’ve discharged him from hospital already,’ said Ross practically. ‘I thought as much. So when are you coming home?’

Until that moment Abby had been thinking about going home. She’d all but abandoned any thought of taking what Edward had said seriously, and, although she was worried about the problems he and Lauren were having, she’d had no intention of interfering in their lives.

But Ross’s casual assumption that if Edward wasn’t in any danger she’d be catching the next flight back to London caught her on the raw. He might show some concern for the man he was planning to make his brother-in-law. His annoying habit of always having to be right infuriated her.

‘I don’t know,’ she said now, deciding it served him right for being so unfeeling. ‘I may stay on for a few days.’

‘But why?’ Ross seemed insensible to the fact that he was treading on dangerous ground. ‘Surely he doesn’t need you to hold his hand. He’s got a wife, Abby. I doubt if she appreciates you turning up out of the blue.’

‘I didn’t come here because of Lauren,’ retorted his fiancée tersely. ‘You don’t seem to realise the emotional stress an accident can cause.’

But as she said the words Abby wondered who she was kidding. For heaven’s sake, if Edward was stressed it wasn’t because of the accident. She knew that.

‘Oh, right.’ Ross sounded irritated now. ‘I’d forgotten what a sensitive flower Edward is.’ He made a sound of derision. ‘Get real, Abby. Edward doesn’t need you. He’s just using this to get back at me. I bet it really ticked him off when you told him we were engaged.’

‘Is that what you really think?’ Abby was appalled at his hostility. ‘For heaven’s sake, Ross, I didn’t ring you to get a lecture about my brother’s character. He’s had a bad shock, okay? Is it any wonder if he needs some moral support?’

‘Moral support!’ Ross snorted. ‘Sometimes I wonder about you, I really do. You’re so easily duped. No wonder Edward can run rings around you. Well, after we’re married things are going to change. I’m going to let him know he can’t come running to you every time he needs a shoulder to cry on.’

Abby caught her breath. ‘We may not be getting married at this rate,’ she said, wishing she’d never made this call. ‘I’ve got to go, Ross. I’ll speak to you later.’

‘Well, where—?’

But Abby didn’t wait to hear any more. With a feeling of revulsion she put down the phone, staring at it blindly for a few seconds before getting up and moving away. She was glad he couldn’t call her back, she thought tensely. Although he knew Edward’s number, he didn’t know this one. He could be so unpleasant at times. He hadn’t even asked her about her journey. He didn’t seem to care about anything except when she was going back.

Surely he should sense how she was feeling. Why couldn’t he have been sympathetic, understanding? If he had been, she’d probably have been packing her bags right now. As it was, she’d committed herself to staying on for several more days when she hadn’t intended to. Either that or run the risk of Ross believing he’d got his own way again.

A glance at her watch reminded her that it was almost eight o’clock. She didn’t know where, or even if, the Esquivals had breakfast, but she was desperate now to get out of her room. She’d go downstairs, she decided. Maybe Lauren would join her. She’d welcome the chance to speak to the other girl. Anything was better than staying here at the mercy of her thoughts.

It was already hot. She could feel the heat pouring into the room from outside now, and after closing the balcony doors she turned the air-conditioning up again. Immediately a draught of deliciously cool air swept over her shoulders as she shed the robe and rummaged in her suitcase for something to wear.

By the time she’d found a sleeveless shirt and denim shorts her hair was practically dry. But it was unruly, and snatching up her brush, she quickly plaited the damp curling strands into a single braid. It wasn’t very long. It barely reached to the top of her shoulderblades. But at least it was tidy, even if a few wispy curls persisted in escaping to cling to her flushed cheeks.

She didn’t bother with make-up. In this heat it wouldn’t last, and her face was glowing as it was. Probably due to her rising temperature, she reflected. Unlike many redheads, she did tan, so her skin still retained some of the colour she’d acquired in southern Italy the summer before. Perhaps no one would notice, she hoped optimistically. At least she didn’t look as anaemic as she felt.

Her legs looked very pale, though, she conceded, as she went out onto the gallery that circled the hall below. But it was still winter back home and she wasn’t used to exposing them. Nevertheless, they were long and slim, even if Edward was fooling himself if he thought any man would notice her while his wife was around.

There was no one about when she reached the ground floor, and after getting her bearings she walked along the wide passageway that led to the back of the house. A sunlit terrace, enclosed by long screens, gave access to an inner courtyard, and the mingled scents of a dozen exotic blooms assaulted her senses.

Stepping out of the shadows of a colonnade that ran along two sides of the courtyard, Abby saw the glinting waters of the swimming pool ahead of her. She wondered if anyone used it these days. When she’d been here two years ago none of the Esquivals had ever been tempted to swim in its lucid depths. As far as they were concerned it was an ornament, a status symbol. As necessary to their lives as the gymnasium in the basement which no one used either.

Pushing her hands into the pockets of her shorts, Abby walked down the two shallow steps that divided the pool deck from the courtyard above. She wasn’t thinking about anything at that moment except how delightful it would be to have the freedom to immerse herself in the cool water, and she was shocked when a tall, dark-clad figure rose up from beside the pool.

It was Alejandro. Wearing a black tee shirt and black trousers, he had evidently been sitting on one of the shaded loungers that stood in a regimented row beneath a hedge of flowering bougainvillaea. Lean and imposing, he was looking at her with dark enigmatic eyes, and Abby’s mouth dried at the realisation that she didn’t know what she was going to say to him.

‘Abigail,’ he greeted her, inclining his head politely. ‘I am sorry if I startled you. I thought perhaps you had seen me.’

And come down here to speak to you? contributed Abby silently. As if she would! The truth was, if she’d seen him first she’d probably have turned tail and gone back into the house.

And how mature was that?

‘I—no,’ she answered now, glancing back over her shoulder, hoping for deliverance. ‘You’re an early caller. Are you waiting for Luis?’

‘No.’ Alejandro’s mouth compressed for a moment. ‘As a matter of fact, none of the family knows I am here. Except for yourself, por supuesto.’ He paused. ‘Does that bother you?’

‘Why should it bother me?’ she retorted, stung for a moment into revealing her true feelings. But then, realising that was hardly the image Edward would want her to promote, she added, ‘Not at all.’

‘Good.’ Alejandro turned and indicated the row of loungers behind him. ‘Perhaps you will join me?’

Abby saw now that there was a tray residing on the glass-topped table beside the chair he had been occupying. A jug of freshly squeezed orange juice and two glasses, a pot of coffee, and two cups. He had evidently been expecting company, whatever he said, and she wondered with a momentary frisson of distaste if Lauren had stood him up.

But, no. That was pandering to Edward’s paranoia, and she had no reason to assume the worst. One of the maids had made an error, had provided breakfast for two instead of one.

‘I’m—not sure that would be a good idea,’ she said at last, even if this was an opportunity to find out what she wanted to know. ‘I was looking for Lauren. Do you know if she’s about?’

‘If I know my cousin, she is unlikely to appear much before noon,’ Alejandro said smoothly. ‘I am sorry I cannot help you there. Perhaps you will reconsider my invitation instead.’

He had taken a step towards her and Abby had to steel herself not to retreat before his potent masculinity. Her skin prickled in anticipation of his touch, however, and although she might deny it to herself he could still set her pulses racing just by standing close to her.

‘I—don’t know,’ she said unevenly, wishing she could put her emotions aside and deal with him as casually as he was dealing with her. What was wrong with her, for heaven’s sake? It wasn’t as if she still believed in hearts and flowers, after all. After her brief encounter with this man she’d been very careful not to trust too much again.

‘I do not think there would be any harm in us sharing a pot of coffee,’ Alejandro said now, and for a moment she thought he was going to take her arm and guide her to a chair. ‘Do not be alarmed, Abigail. I only wish to speak with you. That is all.’

Was she supposed to be grateful for that? Abigail wondered what he was really thinking behind that cool, disturbing mask. ‘Well—all right,’ she submitted at last, a little breathily. If she wanted him to believe she’d forgotten what had happened two years ago, she would have to do better than this. ‘Where do you want me to sit?’

Alejandro drew back to indicate a chair at right angles to the table. ‘I think you would be most comfortable there, in the shade,’ he replied, and she sucked in her breath as she circled round him, desperate to avoid any contact between them. He waited until she was seated before taking the chair opposite, sitting sideways on the recliner, legs spread to accommodate the table. ‘Which would you prefer? Orange juice or coffee?’

In actual fact, Abby would have preferred orange juice, but she needed the caffeine so she chose coffee instead. To her surprise, Alejandro lifted the pot himself, asking her preference for milk and sugar before passing a cup to her.

She was tempted to say Isn’t this cosy? but she restrained herself. It was just the bubble of hysteria in her stomach that was putting such ideas into her head. Still, the thought of her sitting here, drinking coffee with the man who had seduced her after her brother’s wedding and then allowed her to return to England without once attempting to find out if she was all right was quite incredible. Did he have no shame? When was he going to mention that he’d forgotten to tell her that he had had a wife?

But that was all in the past, she reminded herself. Concentrating on the swirling coffee in her cup, she forced herself to put such memories aside. What she ought to be asking herself was why he’d invited her to join him. Why would he want to spend any time with her? The fleeting attraction he’d felt for her was dead and buried. She was right to be suspicious about his motives now.

Nevertheless, she remembered unwillingly, he had wanted her once. Had wanted to have sex with her, at least. Well, he’d achieved his aim, she thought, an angry sob rising in her throat. So what now? A belated apology for past sins? Her lips twisted. More likely a plea that she wouldn’t spoil his current plans by denouncing him to his family.

She noticed that although Alejandro had poured himself a cup of strong black coffee he didn’t touch it. Instead, he played with the gold signet ring on his smallest finger, causing it to glint hypnotically in the sunlight. His hands hung between his thighs and Abby had to force herself not to watch him—had to force her eyes not be to be drawn to the taut seam of his pants between his legs.

‘You are looking good, Abigail,’ he said abruptly, and she set her cup down in its saucer rather harder than she’d intended. This was not what she’d expected at all. ‘How are you? I understand you are still teaching. You are quite happy to pursue your career?’

‘I have to earn a living, if that’s what you mean,’ she responded tersely, wondering why he’d be interested enough to find out, and Alejandro inclined his head.

‘Por supuesto. Of course.’ A half-smile touched his lips. ‘Edward would have told me if your circumstances had changed.’

Would he? Abby doubted that very much. Why would Edward tell him anything? What he meant was that Edward would have mentioned it to his in-laws and it might then have found its way to his ears.

‘Do you see much of Edward?’ she asked, deciding this was as good a way as any of finding out what Alejandro thought of her brother, and the dark man gave her a level look.

‘Did he not tell you?’ he countered surprisingly, and once again she gave him a wary look.

‘I—I believe you and—and Luis are working together these days,’ she said obliquely, reminding herself to keep her tone impartial. ‘Do you—er—do you spend a lot of time here?’

Alejandro studied her expression for a moment, before responding drily, ‘Is that a polite way of finding out if I am likely to be—what is it you say?—under your feet?’

‘No!’ Abby’s face was suddenly suffused with hot colour. ‘What you do is nothing to do with me, Mr Varga. I was just wondering why—why you are here so early, that’s all.’

‘And I thought I had made that clear.’ Alejandro arched a dark brow. ‘And—Mr Varga? Do you honestly think we can behave as if there was never anything between us?’

Oh, God!

Abby had been about to pick up her coffee cup again, but now she pressed her hands together in her lap. She’d never dreamt that he might confront her with what had happened two years ago. Had he no shame? Or did he just enjoy making her squirm?

‘I’d prefer not to talk about it,’ she said at last, though she balked at addressing him as Mr Varga again. She didn’t want to anger him. That would be foolish. ‘It was a mistake I’d just as soon forget.’

Alejandro’s mouth compressed. ‘You think?’ he said, regarding her flushed face for several long nerve-racking seconds. His eyes dropped to the ring on her finger. ‘Edward told me there was a new man in your life.’

A new man?

Abby didn’t know what he meant by that, but she had no intention of entering into a discussion about her private life. It was hard enough to believe Edward would have told him anything. And that rekindled all the suspicions about Lauren her brother had raised.

‘Look,’ she said, trying not to sound concerned, ‘what is this all about? And please don’t tell me you’re interested in what I’ve been doing. It’s a little late to find your conscience now.’

‘My conscience?’ He seemed amazed by her directness. ‘I am sure your brother has told you I do not have such a thing. But you, Abigail—you are different from Edward. And I still find you attractive. Please have no doubts about that.’

Abby was stunned into silence. Had he guessed why Edward had tricked her into coming here? But, if so, did that mean there was some truth in what Edward had been saying? Were he and Lauren really involved in an affair?

‘I—my brother has had an accident,’ she said unevenly. ‘That’s the only reason why I’m here.’

‘If you say so,’ he said, his eyes dark and guarded. ‘But your brother has another agenda, I think.’

Abby swallowed. ‘I don’t know what you mean,’ she said, not sure now she even wanted to know.

‘Edward has a hairline fracture to his leg,’ he said, his tone dismissive. ‘Hardly life-threatening, I think you will agree.’

The fact that Abby herself had said much the same when she’d found out was not an issue. ‘He’s had a terrible shock,’ she insisted tensely. ‘He could have been killed—’

‘But he was not,’ inserted Alejandro unfeelingly, much like her fiancé. ‘Forgive me, Abigail, but your brother leads far too charmed a life to have it taken away by a drunken driver. The accident was unfortunate, but not serious. The car was damaged, sí, but it was not a write-off.’

Abby pushed back her chair and got to her feet. Whatever Edward expected of her, she couldn’t stand any more of this. Did Alejandro know why Edward had brought her here, or was he only guessing? And why, when he insisted he was still interested in her, did she feel so aggrieved when this was exactly what her brother had hoped?

‘If you’ll excuse me…’ she said, not really caring whether he did or not. But Alejandro wasn’t finished with her.

When she would have circled the table and hurried up the steps to the terrace, he moved into her path. ‘You are not leaving already,’ he said, and although it was said innocently enough Abby thought it sounded like a warning. ‘We have not finished our discussion, Abigail. Edward is not going to like it if you don’t get a favourable result.’

‘How dare you?’

Abby was so incensed her hand moved automatically towards his face. But Alejandro’s hand was quicker, trapping her wrist in mid-flight, holding it effortlessly away from harm.

‘I think not,’ he said softly, his warm breath lifting the unruly strands of hair from her cheek. ‘If your brother wants my help, you will have to do better than this, cara. I regret the need to use these methods, Abigail, but I did not make the rules.’