Page 103 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

Matt forced a smile to his lips, belatedly noting his reflection in the tinted window. “I’m just conscious of the fact you haven’t eaten much toady, poppet.”

It wasn’t an outright lie, hewasconcerned about her health. Madi was a petite woman and her career choice meant she had to maintain a certain weight at all times. He fought the instantaneous grimace trying to form on his lips at that thought. Humph. She didn’t want children. How could she not want children with him? She was his bloody wife and there were countless women out there who would sell their souls to have his child. Of course, their motives would be of a financial nature, but still… Matt pushed his resentment to one side and tapped his fingers impatiently over the armrest on the door. It wasn’t as if sheneededto work. He was wealthy enough to take care of a future family many times over, and he would be 38 this year-

Matt ground his teeth together, annoyed at himself for not being able to put the issue out of his mind. In his own defence, it was only – good grief. It was only a week ago they’d discovered their conflicting views on starting a family. Last Monday had truly been an eye-opener. His unspoken desire to witness the beauty that she could be, stomach round and filled with his child, his desire would remain just that. An unfulfilled desire. She didn’t want a family with him. How had he found himself in this perplexing situation? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? The woman yearning for a child while the man hesitates? She should be dreaming of their unborn children, secretly eager to bear him a child.

Bollocks. Matt realized in that moment he wasn’t as progressive as he believed when it came to this topic. The baser male instincts inside him howled in anger. He was ashamed to admit it but hedidwant her barefoot and pregnant. Damn it. He was a modern day man, extremely proud of her achievements and wanting nothing but success for her. She was his equal and that was how it should be, yet he felt the seed of bitterness take root. Hercareerwas her baby. Dance was her ultimate love, and her love of it would rob him of his chance to become a father. The look on her face…horrified, she looked horrified at the mention of a family. Never had he thought this day would come. He was the son of a Bradley. Of course he had to carry on his family’s line. It was expected. The bastard thing of it all was she was the only woman he could ever imagine bearing his child. The incident last Monday was more than an eye-opener, it was a painful blow to his ego; more than that…it was a blow to his heart and soul.

And now this Monday, today, he had another problem to add to his plate. By the time the driver pulled into the temporary parking bay in front the hospital he was in a foul mood and Madi, caught up with thoughts of her aunt, was completely oblivious to the darkening of his temperament. She jumped out the vehicle, barely sparing him a backward glance as she hurried towards the entrance.

“Ryan,” Matt called to the bodyguard, motioning him out the Range Rover. When the bulky man stood within suitable distance for Matt to have a somewhat private conversation away from the prying ears of their driver, he made a request of him. Ryan didn’t bat an eyelid, he nodded once and assured Matt he would get what was needed within half an hour.

“Matt,” Madi was striding back, harassed at the delay. “Come on.”

Matt grumbled under his breath and walked to her side. His features were neutral as she grabbed his hand and pulled him along. The corridors leading them to the elevators were busy and loud. Itwas a stark change to what he was used to. The certain looks he’d noticed some strangers giving them caught him off guard. Things were definitely different back in England. Oh, he wasn’t foolish enough to think his countrymen were all open-minded and devoid of racist tendencies, but they were much more subtle. Much more politically correct. The blatant and aggravating disapproval he’d spotted on the faces of some people had his ire rising. Only his innate English reserve stopped him from speaking out. It would be in bad taste to even acknowledge their offensive behaviour. That and the fact the majority of these people had neither the proper social upbringing nor the intelligence to warrant a response from him. As long as they kept their opinions to themselves because God forbid anyone dare voice their displeasure; good breeding be damned, he would punch someone.

“Hurry up,” Madi chided, her delicate hand tugging on his wrist. “Uncle David is probably exhausted.”

Matt bit his tongue. The immediate retort thatshewas exhausted would not go down well. When they got inside the lift he observed her nervously scratching her pinkie once more. He sighed to himself then noticed the appreciative looks being sent his way from the two women in the lift with them. Matt arched an eyebrow at the brunettes and one blushed so hard he feared her cheeks would start leaking blood. The other nudged her friend and tried to avert her gaze. It was amusing, a welcomed respite from his previous dark thoughts. Two seconds later she was stealing glances at him. The corners of his mouth quirked up, but when he spotted Madi’s unamused expression his lips stilled. She narrowed her eyes at him with a little shake of head and he flashed her a dazzling smile. The blushing brunette gasped, openly staring at him without an ounce of shame. Matt kept his grey eyes firmly on his wife, he was used to the flattering looks from women, some men even. The lift dinged, they had arrived at the ICU floor.

Madi suddenly raised her left hand, drawing everyone’s attention to her bejewelled finger and with her right she pointed at him. “Husband.” Then she stabbed her index against her chest. “Wife. Happily married.”

Matt blinked in surprise as she stalked out the lift, muttering under her breath. He bit his lower lip, strangely turned on by her behaviour, before moving forward.

“Ladies.” he drawled in parting to the shocked women and followed his annoyed wife. The low whispers of the women cut off when the lift doors slid closed.

“Jackass.” she grumbled when he fell into step with her.

“Jealous?” he teased, wanting to drag a smile from her serious face. The past few days had been hard on them all.

“No,” she retorted, heels stomping forward. “I’m the one sexing you, not those random chicks.”

“I wish.” Matt replied without thinking. When Madi came to a full stop he realized she’d misinterpreted his flippant remark. With a roll of eyes he propelled her forward. “Youknowthe context in which I meant that comment, poppet.”

She snorted something unflattering under her breath as they walked towards her aunt’s room. Matt grabbed her around the waist and spun her into his arms. She craned her neck back, giving him a lethal stare and Matt was entranced, utterly entranced by her beauty. Even with the noticeable circles under her tired eyes, she was exquisite. And those bloody lips of hers, just begging to be kissed. He traced the back of his hand over her cheek, marvelling at the softness of her skin and transfixed by the contrast of his skin against hers. The fierce scowl gracing her face wavered then disappeared completely to be replaced by tenderness.

“I’m going to put a sign around your neck whenever we go out,” she mused. “That way everyone will know you’re off the market.”

Matt grinned and lifted his hand off her cheek to wave his wedding band in front her face. “This does the job, poppet, and I only want you anyway.”

He was gifted with a sweet smile and his grin widened.

“Come on, Mr Hot-stuff.” She wriggled out his hold and resumed walking down the less populated hallway. Matt promised himself that the first opportunity he got to make love to her he would hold nothing back.

When they entered the hospital room all lecherous thoughts fled his mind. David was slumped in the chair next to his wife’s bed, one of his hand clasped tightly around hers over the starchy white hospital sheets. Madi went over at once, resting her hand on his shoulder and shaking him slightly. Her uncle jerked into wakefulness.

“I’m here now, Uncle David.” Madi bent down to kiss his cheek.“Go home and get some rest.”

“Maybe I should stay a while longer.” David said hoarsely. “I’m alright at the moment.”

Reeking inflexibility, she patted his shoulder blade and stated, “You need your rest. Matt and I will be here and we’ll call you if anything changes.” Madi unbuttoned her coat, taking the few steps to the other chair to haphazardly throw it down.

David shifted reluctantly in the chair but finally stood up. “Only for a few hours then.” He bent forward, kissing his unconscious wife’s forehead.

“There’s food prepared at home,” Madi instructed as she came up to him and eased his hand off Cleo’s to replace it with her own. “Go on now, Uncle David.”

“You’ll call me?” he asked gruffly when she took the seat he’d just vacated.

“Yes, yes,” She pressed a kiss to her aunt’s inanimate hand. “Go home.”

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