Page 11 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

William shook his head slowly. “The way she looks at him…It reminds me of the way you once looked at me.”

“What? What do you mean by that?” Portia exclaimed, coming to a dead stop. “You dare compare me to that - that classless whore!”

“Firstly,” William started in a low tone. “She’s not a whore andneverrefer to her as such in Matthew’s presence.”

“How can you say that?” Portia asked in distress.

“I overheard a conversation between Adam and Matthew a few months ago. I had gone into work to check up on things and they were in my office waiting for me. Adam was teasing Matthew, you know how our boys are,” William waved a distracted hand through the air. “Anyway Matthew said something that led me to believe he was, ahem, that Madison was, well, suffice to say I think Matthew was her first.”

“First what?” Portia asked blankly. William arched an eyebrow at her and understanding dawned. “Oh.Oh.No wonder he’s so attached to her. You silly men. That’s neither here, nor there. The fact is she’s not right for our son and I refuse to stand by and do nothing.”

“You will do nothing at this point, Portia. I refuse to risk a fall out with Matthew. You have no understanding of the way a man’s mind works. A man would do just about anything to have a woman look at him the way Madison looks at our son. And do not get me started on his obvious affection for her. No, we will need to go about this carefully. It’s clear they have some form of bond-”

“Yes and we both know what sort of bond that is.” she exploded nastily.

“Darling,” William was once again trying to soothe her ire. “It will run its course. I know my son and this is a new adventure for him, give it time and he’ll soon come to his senses, he’ll soon see the differences between them are insurmountable.”

“We don’t have time, William. They’re engaged.” Portia resumed pacing. “All our friends are already gossiping about this whole situation behind our backs.”

“Then they’re not really our friends, are they? What is your main worry? The fact she’s black-”

Portia grimaced before eyeing her husband coldly. “I am not a racist.”

William raised an eyebrow again. “Neither am I, but we know certain things are unacceptable.”

Portia shot him a relieved look, the way he had been talking had caused her concern. It was good to know they were still on the same page. A shudder went through her. “What if she, God forbid, what if she gets pregnant? What then, William? And you know women like her have hordes of children. I will not have half-bla…ah, I refuse to have her babies calling me grandma.”

William chuckled and Portia glared at him.

“Matthew is not a fool, Portia, and he has said enough times that having children is the furthest thing from his mind. Don’t worry about that. What we need to do is subtly remind him of his place in this world and the fact Madison DuMont is not a part of it. Ignoring her is not going to work, trust me. This isn’t just a new experience for Matthew, it affects our whole family, we must be careful on how we approach it. Our children have always supported each other and this will be no different. Did you notice how attentive Hannah and Adam were to her at Nathan’s engagement party?”

“Even the twins seem fond of her.” Portia exhaled in anger.

“Exactly, we must apologize to her-”

“I beg your pardon?” Portia’s mouth hung open in shock.

“Hush, darling, and listen to me.” William chastised. “We apologize to her, we have no choice. Did you not hear Matthew’s words before they left? It’s obvious she relayed to him the conversation we had with her. We apologize, invite her around to the house, we make an effort. That will appease our son.”

“Then what?” Portia asked, voice dripping derision. “We pretend to play happy families? How is that going to help Matthew see sense?”

“All in due time,” William said with complete confidence. “It will not be long before Madison herself finds it difficult to adjust to our way of life.”

Portia frowned, then stopped, remembering the minute lines on her face and not wanting to exacerbate them.

“I don’t know, Willie,” she sighed, absentmindedly calling him by the nickname she’d given him all those years ago. She was the only one he allowed to address him as such.

“Don’t worry, my darling. Come have a small drink with me, the hotel staff lit the fire before we arrived and it’s pleasantly warm infront of it.”

Portia saw the hope in his grey eyes, mingled with traces of desire. Although she loved him dearly, she would never again let him into her heart. He had broken the absolute faith she had in him as a young woman. He had broken her heart, and she would never let him regain a foothold in her emotions. She controlled how much affection would be given to him.

“I’m tired, darling,” she murmured with a soft smile as she pressed a light kiss to his cheek. “I think I shall retire for the night.”

William’s eyes became shrouded as they stared silently at each other. Then he picked back up his shirt and shrugged it on. “Perhaps I’ll head out for a bit,” he paused as he buttoned up his shirt. “Your company would be welcomed, darling.”

Portia smiled at his poor attempt of reverse psychology. She knew why he was heading out, and she knew he didn’t want her company. “Don’t be silly. I’m all dressed for bed,” She sauntered over to the king sized bed and pulled the covers back as she tossed dryly over her shoulders, “Besides, three is too much company, darling. I doubt your current mistress would appreciate the wife tagging along.”

“Portia,” he began and she turned to face him, expression frigid.

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