Page 79 of In Knots

Chapter 21

I’m waiting for my parents in the driveway when they pull in the next day.

My mother climbs out of the Bentley, her sunglasses balancing on top of her head, a jacket resting on her shoulders, her handbag slung over her elbow.

“Alexa!” she says, smiling when she sees me.

I kiss her on the cheek and hold on to her hand. “I need to talk to you and Daddy.”

“Now?” She laughs. “We’ve only just stepped off the plane, darling. Let me just catch my breath.” I follow her inside. “Gosh, it’s cold in here. Did you turn down the temperature?”

“I was hot,” I say, hovering by her elbow. “Mum, it’s important. I really need to speak with you now.”

She hangs her jacket in the closet and examines her reflection in the hallway mirror, patting down the flyaway strands of her hair. “Honestly, Alexa. You seem in a complete fluster. What could possibly be so important?”

I catch her gaze in the mirror. Our eyes are the same, the same shade of bright blue.

“I won’t marry him,” I say.

A line forms between her brows. “What is this now? Rewind a little, darling.”

“Everybody already seems to think this is a done deal. Including him–”

“Who Simon?”

“Yes, Simon. I’m not going to marry him.”

My mother sighs and rolls her eyes dramatically. “And why ever not? What is possibly wrong with this young man, Alexa?”

Where do I begin? “He makes my skin crawl. He makes me physically sick.”

My mother spins around to face me as my father enters through the doorway, Jonathan behind him carrying two large suitcases.

“Sometimes I worry there isn’t something quite right about you, Alexa.” She glances towards the men and then grabs me by the arm and yanks me into the dining room. The sunlight hits the chandelier above our heads, shattering rainbows across the room. “I think you are just nervous, darling. That’s all. Remember how you used to get ever so queasy before a dance recital.”

I shake my head vehemently. “No, it’s nothing like that. I’m not nervous around him. He repulses me. He … he isn’t the man you think he is, Mum.”

“Who isn’t the man we think he is?” my father asks, stepping into the room. His hands rest on his hips, his brow pulled low, and I know he is irritated.

“Simon according to your daughter,” my mother says, her tone clipped.

“Jesus Christ, Alexa! Not this again.” He takes a step towards me. “Every respectable alpha your mother presents to you, you find some ridiculous fault with. And Simon Stanford is more than respectable. He is wealthy, hardworking and a fine looking fellow, if I do say so. His family are well to do. What possible objection can you have with this man?”

“He isn’t kind to me.”

My father snorts. “The man bought you flowers, he took you out to dinner. You’ve spoiled her, Marina? What is she expecting? Diamond earrings and platinum bracelets?”

“If you wanted them as an engagement present, Alexa, I’m sure that can be arranged.”

“No, no,” I say, swiping my hands across my body. “It isn’t … that isn’t … He isn’t right for me. He isn’t the one.”

My father looks at my mother with annoyance. “The one? Did you put such ridiculous ideas in her head?” My mother crosses her arms and shakes her head. “There is no such thing asthe one, Alexa. That is romantic hogwash. There are only suitable matches and compatible fits. Someone you can find who will suit you and your needs. And you will suit Simon’s needs perfectly well. And the match will benefit this family perfectly too. Pull your head out of the clouds and start living in the real world.” His voice grows more angry. “We’ve wasted too much time and energy on finding you a match as it is. You won’t get any better than that boy. It’s happening so you’d better get used to the bloody idea.”

“Daddy–” He shakes his head, cutting me off and storming from the room.

“Mum, I can’t marry him. I won’t.”

“Your father’s made it perfectly clear that it’s what he wants, Alexa.”

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