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She didn’t remind him that it was Sunday.
In fact, Saffie was secretly thrilled that, while this new part of her life seemed poised on some unknown precipice, her work life was mostly stable.
She joined him in the suite’s study thirty minutes later, and, besides the heated scrutiny he gave her form-fitting lilac dress, Joao easily slotted into billionaire magnate mode.
It set the tone for the next week.
And when Lavinia announced that her prized orchid looked set to bloom within forty-eight hours, Saffie sent out the invitations for Lavinia’s party.
After the stops she’d pulled out to ensure an unforgettable event at short notice, it was satisfying to see the RSVPs flood in almost immediately, the event bold and unique enough to become the talk of the business world within hours.
Even Joao cracked a smile when he saw her plans.
‘You’ve outdone yourself, Saffie,’ he drawled, then leaned forward to trace her cheek with his fingers. ‘I knew you wouldn’t let me down.’
The words burrowed deep, wrapping warmly around her heart in a way she knew was unwise but she couldn’t have stopped if her life depended on it. To combat the sensation, she replied briskly, ‘Don’t thank me just yet. It’s costing you an eye-watering bundle.’ Seven million dollars, to be precise, a sum that still made her feel a little sick when she thought of it. But then he’d given her a twenty-million slush fund to play with and since Lavinia had kept to her word and stayed in Shanghai, impressing her felt essential.
Joao shrugged. ‘The return will be worth it, I’m confident.’
His deep confidence in her abilities further lightened her heart until Saffie felt as if she were floating on a cloud of happiness.
By Sunday evening, though, nerves were eating at her. She stood in front of a long gilt-edged mirror in her dressing room, her gaze flitting over her cream floor-length gown.
Even though she knew it was too early to be showing, the dress that had felt comfortable just a week and a half ago suddenly felt a little too snug at the bust and waist, the hint of cleavage suddenly too...ripe.
The asymmetrical bodice was studded with multi-hued Swarovski crystals, their brilliance throwing into relief skin turned a light golden from the sun and the luxury cosmetics she’d pampered herself with during her hour-long bath. She bit her lip, unsure about leaving her hair down.
The hairdresser that came with stylist team exclusively serving the suite had gushed about her hair, exclaimed it was a sin to keep it bound and so had styled it into thick, wavy curls over one shoulder, lending her an elegant look.
Thankfully, tonight her jewellery was a little more modest. The heart-shaped diamond hanging from its white platinum chain didn’t compete with the crystals in her gown.
With a decisive nod she swivelled from the mirror.
Traversing long marble-floored corridors lined with stunning, priceless works of art, she stepped into the living room and found Joao at the window, his gaze on the view.
Excitement kicked into her throat when he swivelled to face her. The hand lifting the crystal tumbler of cognac to his lips froze halfway, his body stilling as he stared at her.
He muttered something she didn’t understand.
She made a moue of annoyance, even while her skin tingled giddily at his intense scrutiny. ‘If that’s a compliment, I really wish you would say it in English so I understand. Unless I’m mistaken and you’re making a joke at my expense?’
The
barest hint of a smile accompanied the quirk of his brow. Both expressions fizzled away as he approached, every step rendering her breathless. ‘It’s a compliment but one that loses its power in translation so you’ll just have to step up your efforts to learn my language.’
Saffie chose not to tell him that she’d begun listening to Portuguese language tapes in bed at night, both for that purpose and because over the last week it’d dawned on her that her children would be half Brazilian. And going on the promise she’d made to herself, she wouldn’t fail them in any aspect of their heritage, the way she’d been failed.
She plastered on a cool smile. ‘In that case, thanks.’
‘De nada.’ His gaze roved over her, lingering on her hair.
Bracing herself for another comment, she watched his lids sweep down to veil his expression before he tossed back his drink.
‘Shall we?’
She nodded. ‘Guess so.’
He eyed her. ‘You don’t sound very confident, Saffie.’
