Page 63 of The Library on Plum Island
“Let’s not call him doctor anymore,” Daniella interrupted Alex’s confession. “The man will have lost his medical license by now.”
Alex nodded and continued. “I feel like I’ve manipulated you into marrying me.”
“No, you didn’t.” Daniella shook her head. “Don’t feel like that. I wouldn’t have agreed if I thought you had.”
“Daniella, you don’t understand,” Alex said, hearing the silent plea echo through his tone like a man being strung up to hang. “Three years ago, when I thought Carly was leading my brother on and trying to become the next Mrs. Ethan Blackwell for her own gain…” He paused and cleared his throat. “I did a deep dive into her and her family, including you.” He closed his eyes and blew out a breath before looking at her again. “Especially you, as Carly had recommended you for my father’s heart condition.”
“Alex,” Daniella stopped him. Her voice was soft and compassionate. “I know all that.” She nodded. “I also had a suspicion that you knew about my predicament with Ron Jackson.”
“You knew?” Alex looked at her amazed, and she nodded. “But there’s more.” He took her hand in his. “Daniella, when I thought Carly was going to try to get back with Ethan despite me firing her and warning her away—“
“You threatened her with me,” Daniella finished for him. “Carly and I tell each other nearly everything.”
That made sense to Alex, and he nodded. “So she told you I had been investigating you?”
“No.” Daniella shook her head. “After you threatened Carly…” She cleared her throat and looked guiltily at him. “I started investigating you. I didn’t find out much other than what I probably already knew. For all your shenanigans and wide press coverage, you’re a hard person to dig dirt up on.”
Alex’s jaw dropped at Daniella’s confession, and he stared at her in disbelief for a few seconds before giving a laugh. “Well, aren’t we just the pair?”
“Yup!” Daniella grinned. “While we’re talking about investigating each other, I have to tell you that Meg Parks somehow came into possession of the file I had on you.” She raised her brows. “Did you hire Stanley Wells to investigate me?”
“No.” Alex shook his head. “Oz, our head of security, ran the investigation. Why?”
“Meg has an invoice in a file filled with my information from Stanley Wells with a bad forgery of your name on it,” Daniella told him.
“The file of the information I have on you, which I’ll give you, is in my safe on the boat. I know it’s still there because it’s the first thing I looked for after the break-in,” Alex assured her. “I’m sorry I investigated you and threatened Carly.”
“I’m sorry I investigated you, too,” Daniella told him. “But I’m glad we came clean about it.” She smiled. “Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Yes,” Alex said, nodding. “With all the information that keeps ending up in the wrong hands and the mind games people like Ron Jackson like to play, I didn’t want there to be anything they could use against us.”
“I agree,” Daniella told him and glanced at her wristwatch. “If we’re going to do this, we need to get moving.”
Alex nodded, stood, and helped Daniella up. As she came to her feet, she slipped, and Alex caught her in his arms. Their eyes met and locked. Alex’s heart rate accelerated, and he felt his lips being drawn to hers, but he held back as his conscience screamed at him—youhaven’t told Daniella everything!
CHAPTER 13
Daniellastoodstaringatherself in the full-length mirror. Her golden blond hair had been scooped up and pinned back, letting a few tendrils fall free to caress her long, delicate neck. Harriet had done Daniella’s hair and makeup as if it were professionally done. Daniella’s reflection also showcased the simple but beautiful ivory dress Harriet had bought for her. Its soft, satin fabric hugged her form before cascading into a smooth, knee-skimming skirt paired with matching satin pumps.
While her appearance whispered elegance, her insides were a tangled knot of nerves, and her heart danced with excitement. Dressing as she had made her upcoming nuptials feel almost too real and not one of convenience. Her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widened when her heart accelerated its dance at the thought of this being a real marriage. One bound by love and not a necessity.
“Oh no!” Daniella whispered to her reflection. “What have I done?”
Her throat went dry, and her hand splayed against the top of her chest as if trying to stop her heart from revealing a truth Daniella didn’t want to face—she was falling in love with Alex Blackwell.
“No! You cannot think like that,” Daniella gave her reflection a talking to. “You’re just getting caught up in this wedding. That’s all it is. Alex is being gallant, kind, and so caring.” She gave a soft snort. “Besides, I’m the last person someone like Alex Blackwell would fall for. I’m not a celebrity that wears designer gowns. I’m a doctor and surgeon who usually walks around in a doctor’s coat, latex gloves, and blood smears somewhere on my person.” She snorted again in self-mockery. “No, Daniella, you are far from the glamorous type that usually graces Alex’s arm. So stop this silly nonsense.”
A soft knock had her turning around as Harriet, who was standing in as her bridesmaid, walked into the room, looking like a supermodel in a simple, navy blue H-line dress and high heels that showed off her long, shapely legs.
Harriet is the type of woman to grace Alex’s arm.A surge of an emotion Daniella refused to acknowledge ripped through her as she once again wondered about Harriet’s and Alex’s relationship.
“Oh my!” Harriet sucked in a breath. “You look beautiful, Daniella.” She fussed with Daniella’s hair and straightened the skirt of her dress. “I think you missed your calling as a supermodel. You are far too gorgeous to be a surgeon.”
Daniella’s eyes widened in surprise, and she wondered if Harriet could read minds. She’d just had the same thought about Harriet.
“You look stunning, too,” Daniella complimented her with a tight smile. “It feels so real.”
“That’s because it is real,” Harriet pointed out. Worry flashed in her eyes. “Daniella, you have to go into this feeling like it is your wedding day and that you and Alex are madly in love.”
