Page 5 of Fairy Tale Marriage

“How would I know? You admitted you had attended on a whim. You didn’t even have a ticket. You simply slipped in through the garden. You could have been anyone. Asecurity check hadn’t even been run on you. You were a self-confessed drifter.”

That stung. “I was a wrangler.”

“Who hadn’t remained in any one place for longer than a season. What sort of life is that for a young girl?”

“You weren’t willing to give me a chance to make a home with her. You barged into our hotel room, knocked me on my backside without waiting for an explanation and took my wife from me.”

“My sister!”

Chaz caught himself in time and exchanged glares with Rafe. This was ridiculous. He refused to get into a slanging match over events nearly a decade old. It wasn’t worth it. Besides, he had other business to take care of tonight.

“Forget it, Beaumont. It’s not important anymore.”

After a long moment, Rafe nodded in agreement. “Very well. Iappreciate your coming.”

“I’m sure.” Chaz shifted impatiently. He didn’t have time for social niceties, particularly those coming years too late. “Now, if you’ll excuse me—”

He'd only managed two short steps before Rafe stopped him in his tracks. “Aren't you even going to ask about her?”

Chaz didn’t bother to turn around. “No.”

“Then why the hell did you come?”

Ella approached just then, laying a restraining hand on Rafe’s arm. “Easy, darling. You weren’t going to lose your temper, remember?” She turned her attention to Chaz. “My husband’s question is a good one. If you didn’t come back to find out about Shayne, why are youhere?

He turned. Interesting. Apparently the Beaumonts had a hidden agenda. Now why didn’t that come as a surprise? Unable to resist, he slashed at his opponent. “I came for the same reason all your other guests have. To find myself a wife.” He cocked an eyebrow. “I assume you don’t have any objections?”

“Not a one.” Rafe’s expression gave lie to his words, his mouth tightening. It was a dead giveaway. Apparently, he had plenty of objections, though none he intended to state. “I won’t bother giving you the usual rundown since this isn’t your first visit. I’m sure you remember where to find food and so forth.”

“Not to mention the women.” He offered a slow, insolent smile. “Think I’ll stick to the more enjoyable aspects of your shindig. Food can wait.”

“In case you weren’t aware, it’s a masked ball this time.”

“Yeah, Iread that. Guess I forgot mine.”

Rafe inclined his head as regally as the Doña. “You’ll find extra masks on the table behind you. Help yourself.”

So stiff. So arrogant. So damned in control of his world and everyone in it. Chaz longed to take some of the stuffing out of his former brother-in-law. But he didn't dare. As much as he resented it, he needed Rafe's help. Or rather, he needed what Rafe's ball so amply provided.

Women.

“Thanks. I’ll do that.” Chaz glanced at his hostess. “It’s been a pleasure, Cinder-girl.”

Snagging a mask, he headed for the ballroom. And all the while he cursed himself for a fool. An odd warmth sparked close to the inner core of ice that protectedhim.

He should have let Beaumont tell him about Shayne.

Shaynestood on the balcony looking down at the crowd. This was it. Her last Cinderella Ball. The last time she’d allow herself to remember, to allow regret to overshadow all that life had to offer. To hide from pain and sleep, when she should be living. As this night waned and the sun rose on a new day, she’d confront the future, instead of constantly looking over her shoulder toward thepast.

She glanced at the reception line. Her nephew, Donato, had long ago been put to bed and yet there was still a steady stream of visitors arriving, though the crowd had lightened somewhat. Perhaps she should go over and offer to take tickets again. Rafe had insisted she should enjoy herself, but she felt guilty dumping all the work on her brother and sister-in-law.

Studying Rafe, she frowned. Who was he talking to? If she didn’t know better, she’d swear he was annoyed. Possibly, more than annoyed. His shoulders were rigid, his hands opening and closing into fists. What in the world had set him off? The crowd shifted and then she saw what had caused him such distress.

Chaz McIntyre stood at the head of theline.

Shock rolled over her like storm-driven waves, threatening to sweep her feet out from under her. From a great distance she heard the urgent clamor of silver-toned chimes and realized she must be trembling, setting off the strings of bells decorating her mask. She gripped the banister to keep from falling and the bells quieted.

Dear heavens, how could it be? After all these years, her husband had returned. Why? Why now when the time had come to move on? What did he want? Or should she be asking... who? She watched Chaz walk over to the table holding the spare masks. Selecting one, he plunged into the ballroom.

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