A party of four men and two women had gathered in the reception room. The sound of French was a treat to Sophia’s ears. She loved the language.
Ethan welcomed her by putting an arm on her shoulders and made the introductions in French. “These are my friends, Sophia. François Lefebvre, his wife, Aimée, and his younger twin brothers, Guy and Giles. And,” he motioned to a couple on her left, “Annaïs Fitzroy and her husband, Alain Lambert.”
“Bon soir. Comment allez vous?” she greeted them, grinning.
One of the handsome blond twins, Guy, said to her, with intimacy, “Tu parles a parfait français, Sophie.”
Sophia’s eyes widened slightly. He had used the second person tu to congratulate her on her perfect French, implying a familiarity that didn’t escape Ethan. His arm tightened around her shoulders, his other hand cupping her jaw to turn her face in his direction.
Ethan answered for her, in his perfect French, “Yes. Sophia,” he stressed her name, “speaks French fluently. In fact, she speaks six languages perfectly.” And she is mine. He kissed her lightly on the lips, bringing her closer, stating his hold on her.
His behavior and possessiveness irritated Sophia, but she let it go.
“Lucky you, mon ami,” François interceded smoothly and glowered discreetly at Guy. He was aware of Ethan’s jealousy and Guy’s flirting ways from long ago. No need to have a problem tonight. “So, I heard that you’re also a spectacular lawyer in the oil field, Ms. Santo.”
Sophia grinned at him. “Please, Monsieur Lefebvre, call me Sophia.” She looked at Ethan; he imperceptibly blinked his approval, smiling.
“Un moment, mon ami.” Ethan unfolded his long body from the sofa where he had been talking with François and stalked up to Guy and scowled at him, letting him know that he didn’t like the way he looked at Sophia and held her hand.
Ethan snaked an arm around Sophia’s waist, bringing her back close to his body. She jumped. So engrossed in the conversation, Sophia hadn’t noticed him approaching.
“Ethan, you startled me.” She turned in his direction, with a smile on her face.
“Seems that you and Guy are getting along very well.”
“Sophia is a very intelligent and beautiful woman.” Guy smirked at him. “I could spend the whole evening with her. I’m sure time would fly.”
“Indeed.” Ethan’s blood boiled. “Sophia? Come with me for a second.” He didn’t wait for her answer and tugged her behind him to the guest room.
As soon as the door closed, he said in a low, harsh voice, “What do you think you’re doing, Sophia? I thought you were a well-bred and decent woman.”
“You thought…” she exhaled, aghast. “What am I then?”
“You looked like a mare in heat-” he interrupted himself, grabbed her arms, and shook her violently. Her hair tumbled free and the long earrings swung back and forth. “You’ve flirted with Guy all night long. You let him drool all over you and even hold your hand,” he hissed through clenched teeth.
“I flirted with Guy?” Sophia’s voice expressed her shock. She put her hands on his chest, pushing him back. “I think you’ve said enough, Ethan. You’re creating a storm in a teacup. He was admiring the magnificent ring you gave me. I wasn’t flirting with him. He is a nice, young man. That’s it, nothing more.”
“Young?” He felt slapped. Yes, Guy’s only three years older than she is. “Do you want a younger man?”
“Ethan, I don’t want anything. There is no need for jealousy.”
“I’m not jealous.” His eyes were blazing with fury. “I cannot approve of such behavior in my own house from my lover.” His fingers dug into her flesh.
“Ethan, please let go. You’re hurting me.”
He released her arms, but stayed where he was, glowering at her, enraged.
She massaged her scarred left upper arm. Oh, damn! His lover? I’m his lover? “Everyone out there must wonder what’s happening in here,” she sighed. There is no reasoning with jealousy.
She pinned her hair back, adjusted the clip on her dress, and held out her hand to him, beseeching him to take it. “Please, my dear, come with me.”
They went back out, holding hands.
François gave Sophia a knowing look and soon after the couple’s return, he rose with his wife, saying their farewells.
Sophia climbed down the staircase from Ethan’s rooms with her clutch in hand. “I think I’d better go too, Ethan.”
“Aren’t you staying the night?” He watched her as she approached. I’ve crossed the line.
“No, it’s late.” She gave a light peek on his cheek. “Tomorrow, I have a lot of work to do.”
“Look, Sophia, I’m sorry. You’re too beautiful, Guy was making advances, and you weren’t repelling him. You were right; I was jealous. Please, stay.”
“I understood your point of view, Ethan.” Sophia gave a little smile but it didn’t reach her eyes. “My behavior as your… lover, was unacceptable,” she strolled out to the lift, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I should go, I’m really tired. Good-bye.” She closed the door softly behind her, giving him no time to answer.
He stood there rooted to the floor. Why do I feel like she just left me? Curse it. This time I’ve really messed things up. She looked hurt. Despair lodged in his chest. I can’t lose Sophia.
He picked up his BlackBerry and speed dialed a number. He tapped his foot impatiently waiting for Leonard Allenthorp to answer his call. “Allenthorp, good evening. It’s Ashford. Sorry to be calling at this hour, but it’s almost an emergency.” He sounded incoherent.
“Good evening, Ashford. Almost an emergency? What is almost an emergency?” Leonard chortled.
“I think I just busted things with Sophia,” he blurted.
“Oh.” Leonard sounded surprised. “How?”
“Err, it’s kind of private, but let’s just say that I need I favor from you.”
“Name it.”
“Alice’s planning a small get together at the weekend at Galewick Hall, isn’t she? Could she invite us? Could she call Sophia for me? That way Sophia won’t refuse the invitation.”
“Ashford, what happened? What have you done?”
“I think she’s mad at me. I said something I shouldn’t have.”
“Call her tomorrow. Apologize. Send flowers, chocolates. Everyone can say a wrong word one time or another.”
Essex, Saffron Walden. Galewick Hall.
Friday, February 12th, 2010.
5 p.m.
Ethan alighted from his Porsche as soon as they arrived at the front door, taking their luggage but leaving her to deal with a sleeping Gabriela in the backseat. “I’ll wait for you inside.”
The trip from London had been a silent one with Ethan unhappy Sophia had brought Gabriela along.
“Okay,” Sophia said in a small breath and shrugged. What can I do?
Since she started sleeping at Ethan’s, she’d hardly spent time with Gabriela at the weekends.
He demands too much of me. He has to understand that Gabriela is my priority. I’m going to talk with him. She stepped out of the car, admiring the grandeur of the place. The opulence of Galewick Hall, a huge towering eighteenth century house built in the Palladian style, diminished the home’s severity. The main building was four stories. Extensive gardens and forests beckoned walks and horse rides.
Right now, the whole weekend seemed a disastrous idea. Although already there, Sophia considered turning back but knew it would offend Leonard and his wife, who had done nothing to deserve it. She looked forward to meeting Leonard’s wife. In the last few months, Sophia had developed a steady friendship with Leonard. She grinned, remembering their business meeting just a few days before. He’s a gentleman. He surely knows how to lose gracefully.