Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
But I had to fill the small space between us with something other than tension and Nora Jones’ sultry song. “Where did you learn to dance?”
“Julia taught me for our wedding.”
“Oh.” It was all I could find to say. The mention of Royce’s mother pulled another string around my heart.
There was no emotion in his eyes, or it was hidden too far back to be seen. His expression gave nothing away. “I’d like to think she would have been very happy tonight. She wanted nothing more than to bring our families together. It may not have happened the way anyone expected it to, but I’m pleased to welcome a Northcott girl into my home.”
I stumbled my steps, and he tightened his grip, preventing me from falling.
“Smile,” he ordered. “People are watching us.”
I did as he asked but couldn’t keep the plea from my voice. “I need a little more time. I’m working to fix my family’s finances.” I didn’t like throwing them under the bus, but could my parents’ reputation really get any worse in Macalister’s eyes? “I need to be home, because my parents have been hiding statements, and they still spend like they’re not . . .”
I wouldn’t say the word ‘broke’ since there were other people around, but I didn’t need to. He obviously understood.
I firmed up my tone. “I’m the only one there willing to deal with reality.”
“I see.” His smile seemed abruptly real. “I understand needing to have control over other people to save them from themselves.” The grip on my hand relaxed and softened. “Especially when you know what’s best for them. You remind me a bit of myself.”
I sucked in a deep breath to keep from ordering him to take it back.
“The financial advisor will take care of all of that, but I’d like you to be comfortable. I’ll have him update you on his progress, and you can discuss your concerns with him at any time. All right?”
He wasn’t about to let me renegotiate. I deflated and my voice lost its power. “All right.”
“Good.” He lifted our clasped hands and pressed his palm on my back, urging me under his arm. As I rounded the turn and came back to him, his expression changed. “I also wanted to take a moment to apologize.”
Apologies typically followed mistakes . . . but surely Macalister didn’t make those.
“For what?”
“I have underestimated you repeatedly.” His hand on my back was higher this time, and his thumb was above the top of the dress, resting against my bare skin. “You’ve proven yourself to be a smart, capable young woman. One who doesn’t buckle under pressure. I respect that.”
Before I could respond, he dropped another bomb.
“And you’re very beautiful, Marist.”
His thumb edged the top of the dress, sliding subtly against my skin. No one would notice it except for me.
“Thank you,” I choked out, making it seem like I was thanking him for his secret touch and not the compliment that made panic pour into my stomach.
“My son is also smart, and capable, and attractive. I would think for most girls, he’d be easy to fall in love with.” Danger lurked in Macalister’s eyes. It simmered in his words. “It’s unlikely a smart girl like you needs a warning, but I will give it anyway, because you already seem quite enamored with each other. Falling for Royce will only end badly.”
Macalister and I moved together, neither needing to pay attention to the steps any longer. We were both locked in each other’s gaze.
“Is that so?” I asked.
“He’s capable of many things, but loving someone else is not one of them.” I must have made a face, because he looked determined to convince me. “Are you already in love? You poor thing. You fought for him today, and yet he’ll sell you out the first chance he gets.”
I knew what this was. Royce had warned me his father was going to screw with us, but I wouldn’t let him.
“I don’t love him, and he doesn’t love me. We’re just playing the roles you gave us. I doubt he even cares about me.”
“I’m glad you can see through to what he’s doing. He’s exceptional at manipulating people and telling them exactly what they need to hear. He’ll lie shamelessly to get what he wants.”
It sounded exactly like something Royce would say about his father.
Macalister’s fingertip brushed once more on the bare skin of my back, and this time his thumb circled one of my vertebrae. “Forgive me.” His voice dipped low. “This happens to be my favorite place on a woman’s body.”
I jolted. Royce had said the same thing a year ago. Was it just coincidence?
Macalister ignored my discomfort, and heat ignited in his eyes, melting the ice and revealing something far more disturbing.
“I should probably get back, Mr. Hale.”
“It’s Macalister,” he said. “You didn’t seem to have an issue saying my name earlier.”