Page 51 of Heated Rivals
Stop being an idiot.Youinvited him. Right. Maybe that would have actually put the power in her court… except he’d taken control of the situation the second the invitation left her lips. She’d arrived inhiscar to a place ofhischoosing at a timehepicked. So much for leaving herself any bargaining power at all.
She followed the pretty blond hostess back into the depths of the restaurant. There, at the same table with his back to the wall, sat Dmitri. He stood as she approached and moved around to greet her. “Carrigan. You look as lovely as ever.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I must admit I prefer you in color.”
“Dmitri.” She ignored the sideways compliment and took a seat in the chair he’d pulled out for her. “Thank you.”
“I was surprised to hear from you so soon.”
No, he wasn’t. He knew he’d given her the best offer she was going to get. But she smiled all the same. “You play coy so prettily.”
He chuckled. “And you’re too smart by half. How was your brother’s wedding?”
The memory of James at her back, whispering in her ear as he fucked her, swept over Carrigan. She reached for her water, hoping like hell that the low light hid her blush. “It went off without a hitch. Both he and Callie are very happy.”
“In addition to their being happy, they’ve managed to forge an alliance that will protect both their interests. A rare meeting of personal andprofessional.”
“You could say that.” She waited for the waiter to fill their wineglasses and melt back into the shadows around them before she continued. “That’s what you’re looking for with this arrangement, isn’t it?”
“An alliance, yes. A love match?” He shrugged and took a drink of his wine. “Such a thing only exists for fools and fairy tales.”
A cynical outlook, but she didn’t blame him. It was one she shared, after all. Her mind tried to shy away to the thought of James again, but she forced herself to stay focused on the present. James wasn’t here. He’dneverbe here, never be the man across the table from her, never be able to offer her what Dmitri was. Even if hehad… she couldn’t accept. Not without restarting a war that they’d all been working so hard to put to bed. Carrigan was selfish, but she wasn’t that selfish.
Not to mention he hasn’t asked.
Shut up.
She sipped her wine, trying to get her head on straight. “I don’t expect a love match.”
“Nor should you. I respect the woman you are, Carrigan. I find you beautiful and I like the passion I can see in your eyes, even though you try to hide it. I think our marriage could evolve into genuine affection.”
Somehow, she didn’t think so. This man was so cold, she doubted he hadgenuine affectionfor anything. Except for power. He seemed to likethatwell enough. “And the sex?”
His eyebrows rose, and he laughed. “You do cut right to the chase, don’t you?”
“I like to have all the cards on the table before Imake a decision.”
“Carrigan, you’ve already made the decision and you know it.” He motioned with his wineglass, every inch the waiting predator. “But, by all means, let’s discuss the sex. I mentioned last time we spoke that I require an heir and at least one backup.”
“I remember.” The thought of bringing children into the world solely to serve as political pieces made her nauseous, but it wasn’t a surprise. Children were an expected part of her future, no matter what her personal feelings on the matter were.
He smiled, and while it wasn’t his shark’s smile, there wasn’t any real warmth there, either. “It doesn’t have to be all bad. I’ll leave sex on the table at your discretion once the required children are established. It’s not necessary, but I think we would both enjoy it.”
He didn’t really want her. He might say all the right things about her being beautiful, but he could take her or leave her. There was no passion there. Carrigan hadn’t really expected there to be but… the lack still stood out. “I’ll consider it.”
“Perfect.” He sat back. “Now, on to less pleasant things. This affair you’re having with James Halloran has to stop. Immediately.”
She blinked, her mind taking several seconds to catch up to and process his words. James. He was talking about James. “How could you possibly—?”
“How I know isn’t the issue. Your choice in bedmates is. Certain things must be kept up for appearances’ sake. I’m not keen on being cuckolded in general, but I’ve reconsidered since our last conversation. I’m now willing to look the other way as long as you’re discreet.”
Holy shit, is this guy for real?“Howgenerous of you.”
“That being said, your willingness to lie down with the enemy, as it were, puts a less-than-desirable shade on you.” He sat back. “And before you claim it’s none of my business, I’ll remind you that considering marriage to you makes it my business.”
Technically, he was right… but still. She set her glass aside. “Are you planning on remaining faithful?”
“It’s a moot point. I’ll ensure there are no bastard children running around. That’s enough.” His dark eyes saw too much. “But I won’t be sleeping with the enemy, either.”
There it was again. Everyone loved to remind her that James was the enemy. What they couldn’t explain was why he was the only one who seemed to have her back—the only one who asked nothing of her but her time. It was the ones who claimed to be concerned for her who demanded the most.Marry this man.Do this thing.Don’t touch the one person who actually makes you feel alive. She met Dmitri’s gaze. “And if I don’t give him up?”
