Page 42 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

Grumps waved a dismissive hand through the air as he said, “It is good sense to know how people perceive you-”

“I know she doesn’t like me. Neither does your son.” I replied in anger. Urgh. Grumps could get under my skin so quickly.

“Please do not interrupt me again, it is impolite. I hope you don’t speak to Matthew in this way. A woman should-”

“If you say know her place, I will…I’ll-” I didn’t know what I would do but if he gave me some macho bullshit he would be in my bad books again.

“Calm down,” Grumps began to walk around the office. It was unsettling, making me feel like he was getting ready to pounce. Huh, for an old man he moved well. He continued, “I simply want to ensure you begin to act in a manner befitting the wife of a Bradley.”

With that comment I had now reached my quota of William Bradley Snr for the day. I jumped to my feet, trying not to feel angry but failing miserably.

“Maybe I don’t want to be the wife of a Bradley.” I burst out. It was too much. First there was Matt pressuring me to set a date. Now this. I was still Madison DuMont, and Madison DuMont was fine just the way she was!

“What is going on in here?” A freshly changed Matt was standing in the doorway with some gift-wrapped boxes in his hand. He glanced at me then his grandfather.

I stared at the gifts in his hand with dread. They looked the perfect size for jewellery boxes. Oh God. I didn’t need or want any more expensive jewellery and I still hadn’t spoken to Matt about the additions to my wardrobe.

“Nothing,” I forced a neutral tone into my voice and wiped my fingers over my jeans. The last thing I wanted was to be the cause of another tiff between Matt and Grumps. “I have to go to the studio, Matt. There’s a load of stuff I need to do before we close for our winter break.”

I picked up the tray of my half-eaten breakfast and started towards the doorway. Matt didn’t budge. His gaze turned into a scowl as he observed Grumps who regarded him serenely.

“Poppet,”

“Can we do the present thing later, hon? I really need to get change and head out.”

Matt reluctantly stepped aside, still scowling at Grumps. “How long will you be?”

“I don’t know. I’ll call when I’m through with what I need to do.Ok?” I just wanted to go. It was cowardly. Running away like this, but damn if Grumps didn’t make me see red.

“Alright then,” Matt leaned down to press a kiss over my temple. “Grumps and Adam will be gone by the time you return so we can finally have some alone time.”

Matt’s pointed reference to getting rid of his family didn’t go unnoticed by Grumps. I just nodded and left them to it. I had traded one crazy family for another. Fuck it. I was going to call Auntie Cleo today. I missed her and at least I understood her brand of crazy. I had no idea on how to deal with Matt’s family.

And I was keeping my damned last name.

CHAPTER 4

Matt twirled thetumbler between his fingers while nodding at whatever his father’s personal solicitor said. He was distracted, barely paying attention to the conversations being held around him. It was the eve of the New Year and his parents always threw an extravagant bash. There were over 100 guests and the sound of clinking glasses and laughter was beginning to grate on his nerves.

Madison had disappeared with the twins over half an hour ago. The sheer relief on her face when Trouble had suggested they go upstairs was startling. He knew she didn’t want to come tonight, hell they’d argued about it, but he couldn’t very well not turn up. As his fiancée, she too was expected. A frustrated sigh left his lips before he could stop it and he earned himself a few glances from the people around him.

“So have you set a date for your wedding, Matt? I’m sure you’re looking forward to your bachelor’s party.” Some nosy fool asked.

Matt smiled politely. It was Lincoln, one of their junior executives. The young man was nice enough, but Matt had enough sycophants hanging around him and Lincoln had been trying his hardest for the past year to establish a relationship with him outside of work.

“Madison and I haven’t yet decided.” Matt replied before excusing himself from the group on the pretence of seeking out his father. He sauntered through the guests, stopping ever so often to share a quick word when needed.

“Matt!” Nathan was gesturing wildly to him.

Matt changed direction and headed over to where Adam and Nathan stood by the ostentatious ice sculpture his parents had commissioned for tonight’s party. The bloody thing was spouting champagne. At least it was quiet here. His poppet had taken one look at it before rolling her eyes and fidgeting with the diamond necklace he had gifted her with for Christmas. Things had been strained between them ever since his return from Russia a couple of days ago. The only time she gave the impression of calm was when they made love, so he had done what any man in his position would do and thatwas to keep her in his bed for as long as possible. A tiny smile flickered over his lips as he remembered her drowsy pleas over lunch earlier when he pulled her into his lap and proceeded to undress her at the table.

“Enjoying yourself, Nathan?” Matt drawled on noticing his friend’s rosy cheeks and slightly dilated eyes.

“Indubitably.” Nathan grinned and thumped him good-naturedly on the back as he waved his empty champagne glass with his other hand. “Adam was just telling me Madi has fallen under his spell and it won’t be long before she trades you in for him.”

Matt glared at his smirking older brother. “Adam, you’ve always been a fantasist.”

“Oh come off it. You haven’t smiled all night.” Adam said dryly. “You usually enjoy these shindigs of our parents.”

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