Page 46 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“She’s your mom,” Madi’s shoulders drooped in defeat. “And as much as I would love to hate her actions, I simply can’t. She believes she needs to protect you, that’s her job, to protect her children. You can’t fault her for wanting to do so. She’s scared, I’m not what she’s used to and she doesn’t know how to deal with it…she’s probably just scared. Look, it is what it is and I don’t want you getting angry.”

Matt clenched the papers in his hand, casting a disgusted look at them. They represented something he usually pushed to the back of his mind. The vast difference in their respective financial worth.

“Matt,” Madi touched his arm. “She’s your mom and I want to sign it.”

The muscles in his jaw bunched up as he ground his teeth in anger. “Why? Why would you even think I would allow you to sign this? I don’t care about the money. Whatever I have is yours, poppet. We’re not discussing this anymore.”

“Why are you so angry, Matt? Anyone in your position wouldexpect their future spouse to agree to a prenuptial. Why is this so infuriating to you?”

“BecauseIdon’t doubt your love for me. You don’t have to prove anything to me and frankly it’s quite insulting that you’re considering this. If you sign it, you’re basically implying our marriage is going to end in divorce and I need to protect my wealth, myself, from you.” Matt’s outburst was more impassioned than he wanted. He took a few deep breaths to collect himself.

“It may give her some form of peace.” Madi held her hand out for the papers. “I want to sign them. Please.”

It was the please that did it, and the soulful gaze she levelled him with. When she looked at him like that…there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. She genuinely wanted to sign the papers. She wasn’t furious or offended, maybe hurt, but she hid it well. Why would he expect her to act any differently than she was now? He was fully aware of the person she was. Her innate desire to keep everyone happy was shining through. Her general sweetness made him feel jaded, old and jaded. Here she stood, willing to overlook the unpleasantness of his mother’s demands, actually defending his mother’s actions. God. She was the kindest person he’d ever known. But how long would that last? How long before being around his family would taint her, change the woman she was? He had put her in a position where instead of her yielding to her own family, she was now doing it for his. She had stood up to her beloved family for him and he feared she didn’t even recognize that she was putting herself into the same sort of situation with his family once again. He’d be damned before he permitted that to happen. Matt handed over the papers and a smile lit up her face. He needed to speak with his parents tonight. Clear things up for once and for all. He wouldn’t let their mistrust affect his relationship. He watched broodingly as she walked back to the desk and grabbed a pen before signing the papers.

“May I have those, poppet?” Matt held his hand out as she turned around. His face was a neutral mask and she eyed him suspiciously. Matt cracked a small smile to reassure her.

“Why?” she queried, even more guarded. Hmm, it seemed she was getting better at reading him.

“So I can give them to my mother, of course.”

“Promise you won’t do something dramatic like tear them up.”

Matt managed to keep the relaxed smile on his face. She was definitely getting better at reading him. He had planned to do exactly that.

“Promise me, Matt.”

“I promise.” he agreed reluctantly.

Her smile widened as she handed over the signed papers. She glanced at his watch and stepped closer to him. “It’s almost the New Year. Are we good? I know I said some things before coming here and I’m - are we good?”

With his free hand Matt cupped her cheek, gently stroking her soft skin. “Of course, you silly woman. I can never stay mad at you, not with these lips of yours.”

She gave him an exaggerated pout and he claimed her mouth in a rough kiss. Hard and forceful, he wanted to brand her lips with his own; remind her they were meant to be together. She made a little sound, the one which signified her growing desire. He delighted in the noises that came from her. Knowing he was the one, the only one who got to hear them, who was the cause of them…bloody hell. She called to that possessive masculine beast that dwelled inside him.

“We should stop now, poppet.” Matt said as he dragged his mouth away. His eyes fell to her moist lips, slightly swollen from the roughness of his kiss. “Yes,” he murmured, running his thumb over her sensuous bottom lip. “We need to stop before things get out of hand.”

“Until later?” she teased breathlessly.

“Mhmm. Let’s go downstairs before I change my mind.” he ordered as he put some distance between them.

With the papers in one hand and her dainty hand in the other, they left the bedroom and made their way downstairs. Most of the guests were outside on the wide expanse of lawn at the back of his parents’ home. The fireworks display was due to start at midnight and Matt knew it would be impressive. His father always ensured he got the best.

“Shall we head out back to see the fireworks?” Matt asked as they wandered down the hallways. He slipped the prenuptial agreement into the inner pocket of his jacket. Madi stopped in front a paintingon the wall, eyes wide with awe.

“Is this Degas a copy too, Matt? The first time I came here you said your dad keeps the originals in his vault.”

Matt nodded. “I did, but it’s the original - don’t touch it!”

She snatched her hand back at once and Matt laughed at her expression.

“My hands are clean.” she argued.

Matt slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I don’t doubt that but it’s the original and my father has a high-tech security system rigged behind the paintings, poppet. Whenever he has the originals on display it’s turned on. You did see the security guards meandering about, didn’t you? They’re not here for the important guests, they’re here to make sure no one takes something they shouldn’t.”

She let out a scandalized snort and Matt laughed again.

“Rich people steal?” she mocked dryly.

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