“I’ll wait.”
She glances at me, then nods, and I go out and close the door behind me.
Chapter Fourteen
Aurelia
It’s the most horrible day I’ve had for a long time.
Eventually Marcus and Caesar arrive, and Dad calls us all into his office. I apologize immediately to Marcus, and Luke was right—he doesn’t yell at me, and he tells me not to worry about it. But I can see he’s frustrated and worried, and I hate to think it’s my fault this has happened on his honeymoon.
Dad then tells me he’s had another call from Tom Rutherford, who’s offered to buy the company at ten percent less than his previous price. That leads to a very uncomfortable meeting with the board. Caroline resigns, apologizes to me, and leaves, noticeably upset. The other two independent board members then tell Marcus he needs to end the farce, apply for a divorce, and leave Wren immediately, or they’ll call for a vote to accept Rutherford’s offer. And it’s clear that Dad is tempted to vote with them.
To my surprise, Marcus stands up, announces that Wren is his wife and the love of his life, and states he’s not leaving her. And he says he’ll hand in his resignation if it means they don’t sell to Rutherford.
Voices start to rise, and I do my best not to get upset as arguments break out. But eventually, Dad calls for quiet. To everyone’s shock, especially Marcus’s, Dad gives a big speech. He says he believes Marcus’s feelings for Wren are real, and because of that he won’t vote with the board to accept Marcus’s resignation, and he doesn’t want to sell. He then calls for a vote.
His speech wins the board members around, and the vote ends up unanimous. Marcus stays, and we agree to weather the storm together.
By the time we leave the boardroom, I’m physically and emotionally exhausted. True to his word, Luke is waiting for me. I collect my purse, and we go down to the car park and get in the Range Rover.
“So how did it go?” he asks as he reverses out of the space and heads out.
I tell him what’s happened, and he breathes a sigh of relief. “I’m so glad,” he says when I finish.
“Marcus’s declaration was very touching,” I admit, looking out of the window. The sun is low in the sky, and the windows of all the city buildings are a bright, dazzling gold. “I envy Wren. He adores her.”
Luke says nothing. What was I expecting? That he was going to reply,And I adore you? My spirits sink a little further. What an awful day.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“I’ve got a headache. I’m tired. I just want to eat something with carbs, take a bath, and then crash out.”
“Sounds like a perfect evening,” he teases.
I continue to look out of the window. I wish I could ask him into my apartment. Order a curry or a pizza. Watch a movie with him while we eat. Then go to bed with him and let him pleasure me until my blues evaporate into the starry night.
But I can’t, and I probably won’t ever be able to. The thought depresses me even more.
The thing is, I tell myself, it’s not Luke I want per se. It’s just a man. Just comfort, and companionship, and he happens to be convenient.
Then I glance over at him. He’s rolled up his white shirt sleeves, and his bare forearms are deeply tanned and covered with a scatter of light brown hair. His hands are big and strong.
I’m lying to myself. I ache forhim. I want to feel those hands on me, and his mouth on mine.
But men bring more problems than they take away. I feel like Elizabeth I of England. She was afraid to marry because she knew he’d take control of both her body and her country, and I feel the same. Maybe my country isn’t at stake, but my body and my life are. I don’t want to be controlled. I want to be free, and have love at the same time. Is that too much to ask?
He signals and pulls into the car park. Without saying anything, we get out of the car and head up to my apartment in the elevator.
When we arrive, I wait at my door while he checks the place, and I step aside as he crosses the room and comes back to the door.
He pauses in the doorway. He doesn’t have to squeeze past me tonight. “Goodnight, ma’am.” A gentle reminder of his position, and why he can’t stay.
“Goodnight.” I keep my gaze down, wait for him to pass, and close the door behind him.
*
Following this, the next four weeks become a blur of press interviews, TV cameras,and board meetings. The Rutherfords are in and out discussing acquisitions and possible partnerships. There are more meetings, more coffee, more stress.
