Required to Wear the Tycoon's Ring (12 page)

Her husband had been lying to her all along about his reasons for marrying her.

Tightening her hold on the mobile, she reread the message. She hadn't made a mistake... The words were writ clear in black and white.

The glossy magazine she'd been so avidly perusing just a moment ago slid off the bed and landed on the floor. Shock, dizziness and sickness infiltrated her insides all at once. Dear God, what was going on? Had Seth just pretended that he loved her? Had their marriage been forged purely out of his desire to become a member of this so-called ‘elite of the elite' fraternity, and was
she
the ‘trophy wife' his friend had suggested he find?

If it was true, then Imogen knew it would be a far worse betrayal than Greg's had ever been
.

Throwing the phone down on the bed as if it was some kind of dangerous explosive device, she hurriedly moved to stand in front of the large ornate window that overlooked the piazza. Although the square still teemed with people, Imogen barely registered the fact. Her heart was thumping so hard it made it nigh on impossible for her to think straight.

Right at that moment Seth reappeared. He had a single white towel wrapped round his toned middle and his damp hair was tousled from what must have been a cursory attempt at drying it. His blue eyes automatically seeking her out, he gave her one of his usually irresistible smiles. But this time, Imogen was in no mood to be charmed by it. She was far too angry...angry and confused.

‘What exactly is a trophy wife, Seth?' She was endeavouring to keep her tone cool, but it didn't prevent her from shaking inside as she asked the question. ‘I hope you can enlighten me, because I'm anxious to know.'

He stopped smiling. ‘What on earth are you talking about?'

She jerked her head towards the mobile she'd thrown down onto the bed. ‘You had a message from someone who clearly knows you much better than I do. I didn't mean to read it, but I'm glad that I did.'

Not commenting, he immediately reached for the device. As he read what was on the screen his countenance visibly paled. Then he swore under his breath. Was that a sign that he was guilty of the very thing she had dreaded? Imogen wondered sickeningly.

Jettisoning the phone, Seth deliberately walked towards her. ‘Reading that, I can understand why you no doubt believe I lied to you about my motives for marrying you. All I can tell you, Imogen, is that it's not true. I married you purely because I love you and could not contemplate living my life without you.'

When he would have stepped closer she folded her arms over her chest and stared at him coldly. It wasn't easy to stem her suspicions that he was lying. She was honestly terrified of being so gullible a second time.

‘If that's so, then what's all that about you needing to find a trophy wife to enter this sheikh's “elite of the elite” classic-car fraternity?'

‘That part is true, in that my friend Ash recommended me to him. It's his father who is ruler of a kingdom with a very ancient history, and his wealth is much envied and admired. The sheikh is an avid classic-car collector and is reported to have the richest collection of classic cars in the world. To be accepted into that fraternity you need to be married as well as rich, because they have a very traditional culture.'

Pausing to take a breath, Seth dragged his hand through his hair.

‘When I met you I suggested us having a marriage of convenience partly because it would help me to be accepted into that fraternity. I also saw that we could genuinely help each other out because we had both been disappointed in love. But I also quickly began to realise that I was falling for you. When I married you that day at Gretna Green, Imogen, it was the happiest day of my life. I no longer care about becoming the sheikh's new supplier of elite cars. In fact I'm going to text my friend today and let him know I decline the offer. The only thing I really care about now is
you
.'

Although his declaration made her heart sing, she was still anxious about it blinding her to the truth. ‘I want to believe you,' she confessed shakily, ‘but I'm so scared of being taken for a fool again. Right now I just don't know what to believe.'

‘Maybe I can do something to help you?'

‘What?'

‘Let's go and sit down and I'll show you.'

Waiting for her to make the first move. Seth followed her back to the bed, then gestured for her to sit down. When she did, he once more picked up his phone and sat next to her. He efficiently pressed a couple of buttons and a photo of someone called Ash Nassar appeared on the screen. He had tanned skin and a fashionably short haircut.

The number started ringing, and when it was answered her husband declared, ‘Hi, Ash, it's Seth. I'm in Italy on my honeymoon and I've only just read your message.'

‘Seth—it's about time! I wondered what the delay was. So you took my advice and found yourself a trophy wife? You couldn't have timed it better. How soon can you travel over here to seal the deal? My father has already told me that if you marry the job is yours.'

‘I appreciate all your efforts on my behalf, my friend...but I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline the offer.'

‘Tell me you're joking? Do you realise this is the kind of opportunity that only comes along once in a lifetime—if
that? Tell me the truth. Has someone tempted you with something better?'

His lips breaking into a smile, Seth glanced at Imogen and clasped her hand. He had put the call on speakerphone and knew she had heard every word. Thankfully the look of dread in her glossy brown eyes had started to fade...

‘Yes,' he replied. ‘They have.'

‘I can hardly believe it. Who
is
he?'

‘The person concerned isn't a man. She's a woman. As a matter of fact she's my
wife
, and her name is Imogen. As important as it is to you and your father, it's no longer important to
me
to acquire the kudos of being accepted into your family's world, Ash. With respect, I don't need that kind of acceptance. And neither do I need the business or the even richer trappings that come along with it. I'm successful enough in my own right. What I want and need most is my beautiful wife and the amazing new life we're going to make together.'

Again, he directed a warm smile at Imogen.

‘And if I were you I'd take your own advice and get yourself a wife... Find a woman you can truly love with all your heart. I've discovered that that's the most valuable treasure of all, my friend.'

At the other end of the phone, all was silent. Then, just when Seth thought his friend had disconnected, he heard him chuckle.

‘You sound as if you are truly smitten!'

Gazing back at Imogen, he nodded. ‘I am. When you next come over to the UK, I'll introduce you to her.'

‘That's a deal. By the way—does this rose amongst the daisies have a sister?'

CHAPTER TWELVE

A
FTER
THEY
'
D
KISSED
and made up, following the most tumultuous episode of their marriage so far, Imogen didn't think her feet touched the ground until the morning they boarded their plane back to London.

But then, home again as their plane touched down at Heathrow, she started to feel nervous for another reason. All of a sudden their joyful wedding in Scotland and their trip to Italy seemed light years away, and to a certain degree she knew she would have to come back down to earth. She couldn't let her taste of the high life blind her to the inevitable practicalities of life
.
And nor could she help dreading the moment that she and Seth would have to say goodbye to each other for a while.

They still hadn't decided where they were going to live, and she presumed she'd be returning to the flat until they did. She hardly relished the idea of being apart from him for too long.

When Seth steered the smart sedan he'd rented at the airport down the street where she lived and parked it outside her door, for a long moment they both fell silent.

Twisting the beautiful diamond-encrusted wedding ring round her finger, Imogen formed her lips into a shaky smile. ‘Want to come in for a coffee before you head back to the hotel?' she asked.

‘No, angel. I want you to pack the bare essentials and come with me. And before we return to the hotel together I'm going to take you to see a house.'

‘You mean you've found somewhere already?'

‘Wait and see,' he told her.

Now Imogen's nerves escalated for another reason. Whilst access to the internet had allowed Seth to scan suitable properties even while they were away, and he had informed contacts who could also help, he had barely left her side long enough to investigate.

There was only one vacant house she knew of in the area that could possibly meet his requirements, and he already owned it. It was the magnificent Gothic manor where she had first met him, and it had once been the home of his tragic ex-girlfriend...

Her suspicions proved to be right. When Seth directed the car onto the manor's stately gravelled drive she didn't comment right away. In the dappled afternoon sunlight the architecture of the building was indisputably grand. Its pointed arched roofs reached high into the sky, as if to denote that it was both lofty and important. Her first summation of the building hadn't changed—it was intimidating in more ways than one.

‘Why have we come here, Seth? You told me when we first met that you weren't even sure that you'd move in to the house.'

He rubbed at his brow thoughtfully. ‘I wasn't. But I've been seriously thinking about it while we were away. It's not as intimidating as it seems. Most of the rooms are spacious, light and airy, and the interior can be transformed into any style we want. The acreage is vast. It would be perfect to entertain business guests from abroad, and for garden parties in the summer.' For a moment he stopped talking to contemplate her. ‘And, when we have them, it would also be a perfect place for our children to grow up.'

Imogen's heart thundered inside her chest
.
They hadn't taken precautions when they'd made love, and they'd been intimate many times since the wedding, so she shouldn't be surprised that the subject had come up. If Seth was all for the idea, then nothing would please her more than to have his children—but to raise them in this house...? She owned to feeling uneasy about that.

‘I would love us to have a family, Seth, I really would. But I'm not sure I could be happy living here.'

His dark brows drew together in surprise. ‘Why not? You haven't even had a proper look round yet.'

Twisting her hands together in her lap, she knew her glance couldn't hide her misgivings. ‘There are too many ghosts here.'

‘You're letting your imagination run away with you.'

‘No, I'm not.' Imogen sucked in a steadying breath. ‘I'm not talking about the traditional kind of ghosts that haunt old buildings and show up in horror stories. I'm talking about the psychological ghosts of Louisa and her family. You're already haunted by them, and now you want us to start our new life together in what was once their home.'

A flash of frustration crossed Seth's vivid blue eyes. ‘I'm not haunted by them...not anymore. I've laid all my ghosts from the past to rest. I'm simply looking at the house as an asset, Imogen, that's all. We need somewhere to live and we've got this place readymade. I'd be a fool to turn my back on it and sell it to somebody else, and I haven't made a success of my business by
not
capitalising on my advantages.'

‘And it wouldn't remind you of Louisa to live here?'

‘I hardly even set foot in the place when she was here. Her father didn't think me good enough.'

‘But you've got some painful memories of your dealings here, haven't you? Can you really forget about them so easily? Do you think a fresh coat of paint and some smart new furniture is enough to permanently dim the memories?'

Seth stared back into the deep brown eyes he so loved and scowled. He knew she had a point. Perhaps it wouldn't be as easy as he'd thought to banish his past associations with the house if they lived there. But what was wrong with at least giving it a try? Practicalities aside, they needed somewhere to move into sooner rather than later—because as comfortable as it was, the luxurious hotel he was staying in wasn't a home. And right now Seth
yearned
to have a home of his own with his wife...

‘I'm not saying it has to be for good. But we can at least move in temporarily until we find somewhere else. Please think about it, Imogen.'

‘Even a temporary move might prove to be too painful. And I don't mean just for you, Seth, but for me, too.'

‘I don't understand...'

‘No? Then, why don't you take some time to think it over? In the meantime I'll go back to my flat and check that I haven't forgotten anything. You don't have to give me a lift. It's a lovely day and the walk will do me good.' Opening the passenger door, she got out of the car.

Stunned and aggrieved, Seth could hardly believe his eyes. It honestly disturbed him that he didn't understand her feelings. What did she mean by saying it would be too painful for
her
to move into the manor? She hadn't even known Louisa.

He sat in the car for a long time after she'd left. Then he got out and walked across to the house. Letting himself in, he stepped inside the cavernous hall. The place seemed bright and airy, with the sun streaming through the windows, but he wasn't completely reassured.

The powerful memory of James Siddons not accepting him, making him feel worthless on that fateful day when he'd come to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage, hit him like a tidal wave. He was genuinely shocked that the memory was still so vivid. But it was hard to forget being put down when he was so young. It would always linger somewhere in his psyche and catch him unawares should he ever feel remotely vulnerable.

Yet he knew that if he didn't take steps to try to change that his past would always haunt him. With Imogen by his side, he was certain he could create new and happier memories, and would soon forget his past sorrows. It was like being given the most priceless gift. He realised that his attention was now firmly on the present, and on his hopes for making the best life imaginable with his beautiful new wife. It would be Seth's lifelong mission to make Imogen happy...as happy and thrilled as
he
was that she was the woman he loved. The only woman he would
ever
love from now on...

He took one last look round and then firmly closed the door. Even before he reached the car it came to him just
why
Imogen hadn't taken to the idea of living at the manor. Whilst he still hoped to win her round about that, he could hardly wait to get back to her flat and share his realisation with her...

* * *

Before Imogen unpacked she decided to take a quick shower. Beneath the hot, invigorating spray, she mulled over the events of the day, feeling tense at the idea that Seth
still
didn't know why she should be so unsure about his suggestion to live at the manor.

After all, it was the kind of house that most ordinary people could only fantasise about living in. To his mind, it probably didn't make sense that she wouldn't want to live there. No matter what changes had come about he was still pragmatic—a man who utilised his advantages—and he had told her more than once that his practice was not to involve his emotions. That most definitely wasn't the case as far as his relationship with
her
was concerned, but her reasons for not wanting to live at the impressive Gothic house
were
mostly emotional ones.

Sighing, she knew she shouldn't worry so much about sharing her feelings with him. Didn't he often tell her—not just tell her but
show
her—how much he loved and adored her? That being the case, they would be able to come to an amicable conclusion about the manor, she was sure...

After finishing drying herself, she pulled on her bathrobe. She'd just turned on the hairdryer when someone banged on the door.
It had to be Seth.
Barefoot, and naked under her robe, she dashed into the hallway to see if she was right. The shadowy outline outside the door's glass panels confirmed that she was
.

‘You weren't as long as I thought you'd be,' she declared with a smile. No matter what her feelings about the house, she knew she couldn't remain at odds with him about it for long. She just loved the man too much.

Stepping inside, Seth immediately pulled her into his arms. ‘Are you naked under this robe?' he challenged huskily.

‘I am. I've just had a shower.'

‘Have you, indeed? Then you have to pay the price.'

‘What price is that, exactly?' Endeavouring to look demure, Imogen pouted.

‘Come into the bedroom and you'll find out.'

‘Before we do that, will you tell me what you've decided to do about the manor?'

At the side of Seth's chiselled jaw a muscle flinched, and suddenly he looked serious again. ‘We need to talk about that. Will you listen to what I've got to say?'

‘Of course.'

Imogen was on tenterhooks as they returned to the living room. Dropping down onto the couch, she fastened the belt of her robe a little tighter round her waist.

‘I think I've figured out why you aren't enamoured about living there.'

‘Oh?'

As he lowered himself down beside her Seth's gaze was candid. ‘You didn't want either of us to be constantly reminded of Louisa and to have it impinge on our happiness. But in all honesty it
wouldn't
. It turns out that it was the memory of her father that troubled me the most. He thought himself superior to anyone who wasn't from the same class as him and, as I told you before, he could hardly wait to let me know that I wasn't good enough. How could I be when I came from the “wrong” side of town? You might find it hard to believe, but even after all these years, and having made a success of my career, I've never forgotten the taunts he threw at me. That's why I bought the house. I wanted to get back at him and prove that I wasn't just good enough...I was
better
.'

‘And has it helped you to do that?'

‘When I went back there today, and went inside, I confess the memory of him was sharper than I'd realised, and at first it didn't help. But thinking things over and taking the emotion out of it—' his lips shaped an ironic smile ‘—I also realised that that could change. Not by my walking away from the painful memories associated with the house, but by changing them into better ones. I can't do that on my own, Imogen, but with you by my side I feel like anything is possible.'

She felt so many emotions all at once that she scarcely knew how to voice them. But as soon as she was caught in the beam of Seth's loving gaze she said simply, ‘Do you know just how much I love you?'

He lifted his arm to glance teasingly down at his Rolex. ‘I'm hoping that in a very short time you'll leave me in no doubt and show me. But first I want to know if you'll consider moving into the manor with me and making it our home.'

All her doubts vanishing, Imogen nodded. ‘I will,' she said. Then she tenderly wound her arms round her husband. ‘And I want you to know that everything's going to be wonderful. Let the bad memories of the past go, Seth. You have nothing left to prove to anyone. This is going to be a new life for both of us...a fresh start at something important that's been denied us up until now. Let's leave all the sad old memories behind and live in the present. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't hope for a bright future, too. You mentioned children? Well, that features in
my
hopes for the future, too.'

Seth's beautiful sculpted mouth curved in the most melting smile she'd ever seen.

‘Then, there's no time like the present to start creating them—is there, Mrs Broden?' he suggested.

And taking her by the hand, he lovingly led her into the bedroom...