Page 127 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2
“I’ll give you some friendly advice,” Louisa stepped closer. I held my ground, even though the urge to move away was great. “It won’t be long before Matt becomes utterly bored of married life and his attention goes elsewhere. You’re probably not aware of the way men in this world operate. Learn to look the other way, darling,” she smirked, her blue eyes settled where Matt and Nathan stood surrounded by people.
Lots of beaming women. Standing quite close actually. Touching his arm, his shoulder. The hell? And Matt was laughing along…was he flirting?
Louisa gave me a pointed look. “It’s the nature of the beast,Madison, powerful men like him are always a catch, and they enjoy the chase. It makes them feel alive, knowing they can have anything they want, whenever they want. It’s our way of life, of course, you can have your own fun too, darling. Why should they be the only ones to enjoy themselves? Learn to look the other way and when he does divorce you,” Her face had a malicious gleam to it. “Yes, it willhappen; make sure you employ a bloody good solicitor to act in your interests.”
I blinked once. This was her friendly advice? To allow infidelity into my marriage? These people were mad. I didn’t need this drama. “I trust Matt.” I said quietly. “And it’s clear you’re hurt over the fact he married me. You need to move on, Louisa.”
She laughed again, her face expressed true humour this time. “You trust him? Silly girl! Trustme, someone who has been with him over a period of years, not months. Matthew has an insatiable lust for new things, be they women, experiences or material possessions. I know him and was perfectly willing to allow him his dalliances, you need to adopt the same approach or your stint asMrs Bradleywill be even shorter than you can imagine.”
She was laughing at me.
I exhaled slowly. “I think the fact you’d entertain the thought of these dalliances says more about you than it does me. I trust Matt, I’m his wife and he loves me. Get over it.”
There were two spots of red forming on her perfect cheekbones. Someone was getting mad. I really didn’t want the drama.
“Look,” I would be the bigger person. “I don’t want to be your enemy. I understand you and Matt share a past, but if you want to be in his future,” My gaze flickered to where Matt stood holding court. “As a friend, please let this go. Your families are friends, you know the same people, frequent the same places; don’t make it awkward for either one of us. I may be younger than you, but I’m not stupid, and I refuse to get drawn into a war with you. Good grief. You’re mind-bogglingly beautiful, you can have any man you want…just not mine.”
She looked at me as if seeing me for the first time. What? Was she expecting me to act all ghetto? “He isn’t yours though,” she replied in a low voice. “You think you’ve tamed him but you haven’t. I was his lover for years, and take it from me, he won’t allow himself to be caged. Your marriage is a cage that he’ll eventually yearn to escape. I’ll give you credit, actually getting him to marry you in the first place was no mean feat.” Louisa flicked her golden hair over one shoulder. “But he’ll tire of you, and it would be remiss of me not to warn you of that; considering we have something in common.”
“We have nothing in common,” I tried not to hiss, but my tone came out sharp anyway.
Louisa smirked. I hated that frigging smirk of hers. Her blue eyes slid in Matt’s direction. “He’s an exceptional lover. The things I’ve experienced in his bed.”
Right. It was time for me to go. Nothing quite like having your husband’s ex rub their past relationship in your face.
“Enjoy the rest of your night, Louisa,” I said emptily. “If you ever want to have a proper conversation let me know. I’m sure we’ll see each other around.” It bugged me, hell, it pissed me off Matt used to boink her. I couldn’t let it slide. “By the way, I am aballerina, my body’s a pretzel, a very limber pretzel.”
We shared nasty smiles with each other. Yeah, bitch. Matt was shagging a human slinky now. Someone called her name. Two women were coming over to where we stood. Louisa leaned forward, a picture of friendliness as she gave me an air kiss. I was too surprised to move.
“Lovely catch up, darling,” she said loudly. Ah yes, appearances must be maintained. “Tell Bella we must arrange a lunch date soon.” And she turned to her friends, moving away without a backward glance.
Inside my head I repeated my new mantra: these people wouldnotdrive me insane. I fiddled with my wedding band and engagement ring, twisting them around my finger. Louisa was a sad, jealous soul; I would not let her get into my head. Yet I couldn’t help watching Matt’s interaction with the other guests in a different light.
The women did flock to him, and he wore his charming smile that usually melted me down to my toes. It had the same effect on anyone he bestowed it upon. I sighed to myself. Would I ever get used to the way women openly lusted after Matt? Damn it. I thought I already was. Another sigh whispered past my glossy lips and I let my gaze wander around while I waited for Bella to return. Going to Matt’s side right now held little appeal, he was probably chatting about numbers and profits and boring stuff I didn’t understand.
A group of boisterous party-goers entered the room. There was one who looked- Dougie! My mouth widened into a grin as I watched Dougie saunter into the room behind the group. His head was on swivel, as if searching for someone. Our eyes locked and he grinned, muttering something to the guy next to him before crossing the large room with a skill I admired. He dodged glasses, elbows and backs like a pro.
“Hi,” I managed to get out as his arms surrounded me.
“I knew ye’d be here tonight,” Dougie said into my curls as he gave me a tight hug. “Christ, lassie, ye look stunning.”
“Hi,” I repeated when he stopped squeezing me. “What are you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were back in London.”
Dougie tweaked my nose. I swatted his hand away with mock ire.
“You’ll smudge my powder. How are you?” I laughed in delight. The night had definitely taken a turn for the better. “Are you gate-crashing?”
Dougie scowled at me, trying for an offended look but he couldn’t keep it up for long. He chuckled himself and shook his head. “Karen’s cousin is an old mate of mine. I’ve been coming to Franklin’s parties for a few years now. Complete mayhem these do’s.”
I instinctively glanced upwards. When I looked back at Dougie his mouth parted in shock and his hazel eyes shone with speculation.
“Have ye been upstairs, my wee wild cat?”
“No.” I said much louder than expected. A few heads turned in our direction so I lowered my voice. “I have not been upstairs. Uh, what actually goes on upstairs?”
Dougie tapped his nose as he replied. “Och lass, I cannae tell ye that. Ye have to go up if ye want to find out. Do ye want me to take ye?”
“Fuck off,” I said tartly, gently punching him on the arm. “Matt told me not to go upstairs.”
