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By contrast, Victoria was smiling up at Paul and shaking hands as they introduced themselves. Elegant, gracious Victoria.
His wife.
Connor moved away from Dana imperceptibly.
Her hand landed on his thigh, high enough for her intent to be obvious. His distaste grew more pronounced.
“We came out to celebrate tonight,” said Paul. “Dana’s pregnant—she had a scan today.”
“A baby? How lovely.” But Victoria was looking at him, her hazel eyes velvety with concern.
“I always wanted a baby. Didn’t I, Connor darling?”
A wedding ring, more like. Threaded through his nose. Marriage to a wealthy man and a generous prenuptial contract had figured heavily in Dana’s goals. Her own success had not been enough. She had craved more. More money. More status. More power.
He met Paul’s gaze. “I wish you both every happiness.”
The tension in Victoria’s shoulders eased a little.
She’d obviously been worried he might create a scene. He wanted to reassure her, tell her that Dana truly meant nothing to him.
He smiled at her instead, a slow, sensual smile, and watched as awareness flared in her eyes. Heat spread through him. He suppressed a silent groan. What had he started?
“Does Victoria know you don’t intend to have children?” Dana’s comment was as unwelcome as a bucket of cold water.
But Victoria only arched a well-shaped brow. “I don’t think it’s true that Connor never wanted children. Otherwise, why did he choose to become a sperm donor?”
Connor tried very hard not to laugh. It made him sound like he’d done it for a living. Victoria was outrageous.
Dana’s mouth had fallen open. Even Paul looked startled.
“Connor donated sperm?”
“You didn’t know?” Victoria did great work of looking amazed. “Connor and I donated so that friends of ours could have the child of their dreams, didn’t we, Connor darling?” She drawled darling in a wicked imitation of Dana’s use of the endearment, and Connor bit down on the fierce urge to laugh.
“That was very generous—of both of you.”
“Suzy was my best friend. That’s what you do for friends, help make their dreams come true.” She gave an angelic smile as she encountered Connor’s arrested gaze. He wondered if only he knew that she was actually chastising Paul.
“Do you often see the child?” Paul looked sheepish.
“His parents were killed and—”
“—we decided to adopt him, didn’t we, Victoria?” He knew it was wrong to railroad her into something they hadn’t even discussed. But the last thing in the world he wanted was a divorce. He’d be foolish to let Victoria slip away.
“Er…yes.” Her eyes lit up with joy.
“So you only got married because of the child?” Dana had been silent, obviously thinking it through. Now her features relaxed in relief.
“Isn’t that why many couples get married?” Connor gave the other couple a narrow stare. Paul glanced away first. “But at least I wasn’t trapped into a marriage I didn’t want.” In spite of the fury that glittered in Dana’s eyes, Connor didn’t feel the satisfaction he’d expected as he made the comment. He had no need to pay either of them back further for what they’d done to him—they’d landed in a hell of their own making. With its huge mortgage that house would be a noose around their necks, and no doubt Paul was still struggling to service the interest on the loan he’d taken to pay Connor out for his share of Harper-North.
“Marrying Victoria is the best decision I’ve ever made,” he continued softly, reaching over to stroke Victoria’s hand.
Dana rose to her feet with an angry rustle of taffeta. “We should be on our way.”
Paul’s expression was far from happy. “Nice meeting you,” he said to Victoria, and she smiled back at him as Paul sidled out of the booth.
Connor couldn’t help thinking that even Paul knew who had gotten the better deal. And it wasn’t Paul.
Thirteen
W hen they arrived home it was late, and Dylan was asleep. After seeing Anne out, Connor locked the front door and Victoria headed for the stairs.
“Victoria…”
She froze on the first step as Connor’s deep voice cut into the night. He came up behind her, his breath warm on her bare shoulders. “I forgot to give you your birthday gift.”
Swinging around, she saw with a shock that he was very close. Standing on the step put her directly at eye level with him. She took the flat parcel that he offered.
“Thank you—you didn’t need to do it.” She gave him a bright smile. “But it’s very much appreciated.” Turning, she ran lightly up the stairs, through the sitting room that adjoined her room with the nursery, into her bedroom.
