Page 26 of Jordan
"You're entitled to what I say. I pay for this lovely apartment with all of its creature comfort. You have money in the bank that makes it easy for you to live like a queen. What I require from you is that you know your bloody place."
The fear went straight to fury. Grabbing the glass from him, she swung her legs off the bed and reached for her robe.
"And what is my place? Licking your boots? And saying please and thank you sir? Well, screw you and your bigoted frame of mind. You think I don't know how you loathe the fact that my skin is black? That the only thing that keeps you coming back is that you cannot get enough of this?" She slapped a hand over her sex, eyes flashing. "I allow you the privilege and yes damn you! It's a privilege to be with a woman like me. I don't screw around and have been here for you, for years. You came to me complaining that your wife is as cold as a blasted freezer in winter and vent and bitch, and I listen and soothe and stroke. I do all of that. I have spent all of my good years with you, knowing that you will never think of me as anything other than your dirty little secret." Her voice hitched and she damned the tears, burning the back of her eyes. "And no matter how she treats you, you still love her. All the while knowing that the only thing she feels for you is contempt." She turned away and walked to the window, her breath heaving.
"Please go."
She heard the rustle of the sheets and felt her heart breaking. She was a fool. Aaron Biddle had asked her to marry him so many years ago and she turned him down, preferring to live this lie with a married man who saw her as nothing but a convenience. Even though she was disgusted with herself, she kept hoping that he would come up behind her and persuade her to get back in bed. But when she turned around, it was to see him getting dressed.
Stark pain shimmered through her chest and for one awful moment, she almost begged him to stay. But she had to take a stand.
Without looking at her, he grabbed his jacket and left. Waiting until he was out the door, she collapsed right where she was and cried for the wasted years and the pain of unrequited love.
*****
"Nervous?"
She turned to look at her brother as he adjusted the tie around his snowy white shirt. His hair was still a maze of twists and curls, but it was glowing with life. Her heart ached at how handsome he looked. The entire town would see that they had turned out well and she was fiercely proud of that.
"No." She shook her head and realized she meant it. Jordan had been very supportive, dropping by every day to see what was happening and if he could be of any help. She had her writing and busied herself trying to get some parts of it done. They had not spoken of going on a honeymoon, but he had suggested they go to the remote cabin.
"It will give you a chance to work. I have some projects and reports to take care of as well. The museum is my pet project and requires some personal attention."
She had not wanted to be alone with him in a remote location, but she had no reason to believe he would try anything. Besides, they had to make it look as real as possible.
His mother had barely spoken to her at the engagement party she hosted, but Julesa had not minded it at all. They did not like each other and that was something she could live with. The fact that the woman was burning up inside was the beginning of the payback she wanted.
"You look like a bride." Giving up on the blasted tie, he stepped in front of her and turned her so he could examine her attire closely.
"I happen to be one."
Shaking his head, he admired the exquisite picture she made in the figure-hugging cream wool that molded her slender curves from neck to ankles. Her hair was in a series of curls piled loosely on top of her head. A string of daisies and daffodils were entwined in the curls, making her look like a wood nymph. His fingers traced the stunning diamonds around her neck.
"A gift from the fiancé?"
She brushed his hand aside and stepped back. "I asked him not to. I really think he's going way too overboard with this thing."
"If the man wants to give you gifts, why say no?"
"I signed a prenup."
"Naturally. His parents and the lawyers on retainer would have a cow if that was not the case." He turned her to face him. "Does that bother you?"
"Of course not." She waved an impatient hand. "It just had me thinking about the very rich. His mother wants me dead."
Caleb's eyes narrowed. "Has she threatened you?"
She shook her head. "She knows better. But it's in her expression. Oh, she pretends while we're in public, but in private, she's as mean as a snake. She tried to get me to come to my senses."
There was a look of concern on his face. "Honey, I hope you know what you're doing?"
"You expect me to be afraid of her?"
"I expect you to watch your damn back." He shook her lightly. "Don't dismiss her or even turn your back on her. I mean it Jules. Women like Jacquline Wainwright have a way of getting what they want." His fingers tightened on her shoulders. "You've defied her, taunted her by daring to reach above your station. What's more, she's probably of the opinion that you've made a laughingstock of her in her town. She's not going to forget it."
Even though she felt a frisson of fear, she lifted her chin, the light of battle in her eyes. "I am not afraid of her. Let her do her worst."
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