John stared at her, gravely. “I’m not a specialist but I wouldn’t recommend work for a few days. That looks like a serious injury. You will need to have some exams done before you can go back to work.”
“Edward, keep me informed.” She inhaled deeply. “If I’m feeling better I’ll return later today or tomorrow morning.” She relaxed as she heard his long response. “All right. Thank you, Edward, I don’t know what I would do without you,” she quietly finished the call.
“I’m impressed,” Ethan mocked, his light brown brows lifted high on his forehead. “You’re a tough girl, darling.” Stop, Ashford, you idiot. Stop. Why are you taunting the woman you love?
Sophia flicked her eyes open and she glowered at him. “I’m a survivor. I learnt it the worst way possible.”
His expression darkened and his body went stiff. He strolled out to the garden without a word. Damn you, Calista. Why do I have such a strong reaction where children are concerned? It’s all your fault. Now I’m going to lose the only woman that has loved me because I can’t deal with her child.
Sophia closed her eyes again, her body going lax with relief. I’ve never been so ashamed in my whole life. A room full of friends I’ve deceived. A spectacular scene of jealousy. And last but not least, my blood has ruined Alice’s sofa and Alistair’s white sweater.
“Alice,” Sophia slightly moved her head back to look at her. “I’m so sorry this happened. I couldn’t imagine Eth-” she trailed off. “I couldn’t imagine this accident would happen. I ruined your sofa and made a mess of your rug. Please, forgive me.”
“Sophia, there’s nothing to forgive. It was an accident, as you said,” Alice replied politely, not believing her own words.
Alistair snorted at his sister’s words.
Sophia turned her head carefully to look at him. His green eyes were blazing with fury and his mouth was set in a harsh line.
The garden door banged as Ethan returned to the room. “I need to talk to you, Sophia. Now!”
I should have seen Ethan’s reaction coming. Sophia berated herself. I deal with this almost on a daily basis on my foundation. He’s all the symptoms of a domestic abuser.
Now, Sophia, it’s time to do as you say. She looked at Alice and the men and asked, “May I have a minute alone with him?”
All of them turned to glare at her as if she had gone completely insane.
“I- I won’t get up from here, John. Ethan can hold the towel for me. I’m fine.” She glared at Ethan. “We’ll be fine,” she said, as if to reassure them and herself that she could deal with the situation.
Alistair stared at Sophia, shaking his head imperceptibly, trying to communicate that it was crazy being alone in a room with Ethan. Sophia pried his hand softly from the cloth, and squeezed it. “Please,” she murmured.
“No,” he mouthed.
“Please,” she asked again.
Fuck, Sophia. Why are you so stubborn? Let me protect you. Alistair hesitated. He didn’t want to leave her alone. His most intimate desire at that moment was to take her with him, cradled in his arms. To protect her from everything that could hurt her. “I’ll wait outside if you-”
“It will be okay. I can deal with him.”
He shifted on the sofa, still observing her, contemplating the acute need to whisk her away with him. But he couldn’t go against her wishes even if everything inside him screamed for him to do it.
“Sit here, Ethan.” She motioned to the place where Alistair sat.
Alistair got up from the sofa, a burning anger rolling in his stomach, making room for Ethan, letting the other man see the rage in his green eyes.
Sophia waited for Alistair to close the door, feeling the weight of his eyes on her. She let her eyes linger over Ethan’s face.
Oh, baby. “Sophia, I’m sorry. Please, reconsider your decision. I can’t let you go.”
“You don’t understand, do you, Ethan? It’s as I’ve said before, life is not war. Everything for you is veni, vidi, vici. You have to commit, to compromise, to love, to respect. I’m sorry, Ethan, but we can’t go on like this. You know that if we continue with this relationship we’re going to hurt each other.”
“Sophia…” His expression held so much pain that Sophia almost reconsidered.
No. He’ll hurt Gabriela. He’ll hurt me. Physically or emotionally. Stand your ground, Sophia, stand your ground. “I’m so sorry, Ethan. I want to remain your friend, though.”
“Impossible. I don’t want your friendship. I want more, and you know it. I love you, Sophia.” His azure eyes were so sad that they lost their light. “I can’t live without you.”
Sophia’s heart clenched.
Sophia, you know how these situations turn out. You’ve seen it so many times before with those women in Brazil. Don’t falter. “Come now, Ethan. You’re not a teenager. You’re a witty, intelligent man. Love isn’t like this. We have known each other for so little time.”
“It’s never been like this for me, Sophia. I’m sure of my feelings,” he whispered fervently. You’re the one for me.
She caressed his hand intimately resting on her waist. “This was an unfortunate accident but you know it was caused by jealousy. I can’t stand it anymore, Ethan. You can’t rely on your feelings to guide your behavior toward me. You’re jealous of my daughter. Of my dead husband.”
“You don’t know the effect you have on men, do you, Sophia? That you have on me? You’re an amazing woman.”
Sophia smiled a little. “Always trying to charm me, aren’t you, Ethan? You’re impossible. Let’s finish this in peace, as friends, before anything worse comes out of it.”
He shook his head, a dejected look in his eyes. “I thought we would stay together always; that it was you for me, Sophia. You’re special. Unique.” He sighed. “Won’t you reconsider? Please?”
“No. This is my final decision. I won’t change my mind, Ethan. Nonetheless, I do appreciate your company. We have friends in common. I can’t see why you and I can’t remain friends.”
“I’ll miss you.” He caressed her hair, an air of longing stamped on his face. I’m sorry I hurt you. So sorry. “Perhaps you’re right. I’m so sorry, baby. I’m going back to London now, so you’ll feel more comfortable. You stay. Leonard can give you a ride back or if you want I can send Wilkins to drive you back.” He bent over and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I-” My heart is broken. “Sophia.” His hand caressed her cheek, his fingertips memorizing her perfect features. “I’ll call you. Please, answer when I do. Promise?”
“I promise,” she whispered.
“Oh, Sophia.” Her name was a prayer on his lips. “I love you,” he rasped.
“Please, Ethan. Don’t make things harder.”
“I bought you a gift for Valentine’s day. I’ll leave it on the bed.”
As she opened her mouth to refuse it, he put his fingers on her lips. “Don’t. Please accept it, as a parting gift.”
“Okay,” she answered quietly, her heart breaking at his grief-stricken look.
He opened his mouth to say something else but a knock on the door stopped him.
“Excuse me,” John entered the room with Alistair and a bald, short man carrying a black bag. “Dr. Longman has arrived.”