"And you look more beautiful when you do." My pulse rate picks up further. I shoot him a sideways glance, to find he’s looking at me with a half admiring, half loving look. What is he up to… Why is he…oh. Oh.
He’s performing for his family and, especially for Margot.
Some of my apprehension fades.
I decide to play along.
"I love it when you praise me." I tip up my chin. "And even more when you take care of me."
His eyes flash. The tendons of his throat move. Then he rubs his fingers over the top of my arm. It feels like he’s branding me with his warmth and arousing me at the same time. It also feels so good to be held so close to him. To be the cynosure of his attention without having to vie for it with the rest of the brigade.
His gaze drops to my mouth. He begins to lower his head, when the waitstaff replace the plates in front of us with the main course.
He gets an herb-crusted lamb loin with spring vegetables androsemary jus, and for me, it’s pan-seared sea bass with fennel, citrus and olive oil.
"I know you prefer not to eat meat."
I have no problem cooking it. I simply find it too heavy and prefer not to eat it, if I have a choice. I didn’t think he’d noticed it, but I should know by now that my husband misses very little about me.
"Thank you." I smile at him with gratitude. "Your dish does look good, though."
He scoops up some of the vegetables with rosemary jus and offers it to me. "Try it."
I open my mouth, and he slides the fork between my lips. I lick it off the tines. The rosemary bursts with flavor on my tongue. The vegetables are fresh and crispy. And James Hamilton feeding me in front of his family? It adds a certain edge to the flavor.
I’m aware of Tristan smiling next to me. Of Phe clasping her hands in delight. And Gideon and Beckett watching us with surprise on their faces.
"It’s good to see James and Harper happily married." Margot’s voice cuts through the room.
James’ expression shutters. He slowly places the fork down, and reaching for his glass of red wine, takes a sip.
I sense the tension radiating off of him. My chest tightens with empathy. I place my hand on his powerful thigh and squeeze. The muscles turn to stone, then slowly relax.
I glance up at him and find his gaze fixed on Margot, his expression one of polite interest.
"I’d like to welcome Harper to the family." She nods at me. Something as close to approval, if I could call it that, clings to her features. "As for you James, you delivered on your part of the deal. And now I must deliver on mine."
Every muscle in James’ body turns to stone. But his face doesn’t show any change. His self-restraint is admirable.
"As of half an hour ago, your inheritance has been signed over to you." She raises her glass. "Use it wisely."
We’rein the car headed home from dinner.
"Are you happy?" I shoot him a sideways glance.
He raises his gaze from his phone. "You mean because of the inheritance?"
I nod.
He puts his phone away, then glances out the window, getting his thoughts in order.
"I thought I’d be excited, even elated, to receive my inheritance so I can use it to expand the business, but can I be honest?"
"Of course."
He turns to me.
"The money coming in is good, but it feels empty."
