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ons warranted a few nerves. The simple fact was that he’d made his decision. And nothing would stand in his way.
Reiko twirled in front of the mirror, a smile of pleasure lighting her face as she watched the dress flare before falling to rest against her body. She’d fallen in love with the aqua-and-molten-gold dress at first sight. Sleeveless, with amber crystals sewn into the bust, the dress fell from just below her breasts in a gold skirt, with aqua chiffon gathered panels that fluttered with every step. Against her tanned skin, the material felt rich and deliciously decadent. Her hair fell free in its customary long waves down her back, and on her feet delicately strapped gold heels completed the look.
She was glad she hadn’t tried on the dress in front of Damion. She wanted to savour the look on his face when he saw it on her. She also wanted him to see her gratitude that he’d helped her regain enough confidence to bare her arms for the first time in nearly two years. She glanced at the long scar on her arm and smothered the fluttering of trepidation.
After one last make-up check, she picked up the matching silk wrap and made her way downstairs.
The muted voices coming from the living room next to the ballroom drew her attention. With a smile pinned in place to welcome this early guest, she entered the room.
Damion turned sharply, came towards her and slid an arm around her waist. ‘Reiko, allow me to introduce you to Dr Emmanuel Falcone.’
Despite his easy tone, she detected his tension. She glanced at him, but his face remained carefully neutral.
Pasting a smile on her face, she extended her hand in greeting.
‘Dr Falcone is a world-renowned therapist …’
The rest of Damion’s words faded underneath the punch of shock that stopped her breath.
Her heart raced, her thoughts scattering, as everything she’d thought these past two weeks had been about disintegrated before her eyes.
‘Reiko?’ Damion’s voice held a tinge of uncertainty as he glanced down at her.
Somehow she managed to find her voice, to answer him and conduct what she knew was a subtle interview with the therapist.
Reiko forced herself to remain calm, but deep inside something cracked, then pain poured through her. After all he’d said, everything he’d led her to believe, Damion believed she was flawed.
Dr Falcone mentioned something about suitable times and appointments. Reiko nodded along and accepted his card, willing the numbness not to overtake her.
What did it really matter? She would be gone from here soon enough.
She finally focused to realise both men were staring at her in silence.
‘Um, I need to ring through to the kitchen and check that everything is ready. I’ll be out in a few minutes.’ Reiko was glad her voice held. Yep, she was still great at keeping up appearances.
After they’d left—Damion casting a puzzled look at her as he escorted the doctor out—Reiko took several breaths, willing the pain away.
Outside, she heard the sound of cars arriving, voices carrying anticipation and excitement at the evening ahead. She could do this … she could. And after tonight she’d leave.
Sucking in one last deep breath, she turned.
Damion stood framed in the doorway.
Her heart kicked at the sight of him, then dropped when she saw the intent purpose on his face. ‘Not now, Damion.’
‘Oui. Now.’ His nostrils pinched as he inhaled sharply. ‘You’re angry with me. I know that. But I only wanted—’
Anger flared into being, washing aside the last of her shock. ‘You wanted. So far everything’s been about what you have wanted. You invited him here without my agreement. Because you still think I’m broken, that I need to be fixed.’
He paled and grasped her hand. ‘No, I do not. But I do think you need help to work through those nightmares.’
Weary resignation washed over her. ‘I’ve accepted them as part of my life. Besides, they’re not your problem.’
His jaw tightened. ‘They shouldn’t have to be part of your life. You’ve been through enough.’
‘I really don’t want to do this right now.’ She glanced towards the door as the voices grew louder.
Warm hands tightened on hers. ‘You have to do it sometime. This cannot go on, Reiko.’
