I Want To Be Yours (14 page)

“Ouch!” Mari yelped. “Hey, what the hell?”

“Get dressed. We will be landing in one hour. You haven’t eaten all day. A light meal will be served in ten minutes. We’ll have a proper dinner when we arrive on the island.” Nico abruptly left her and went back into the main cabin.

Mari quickly cleaned her teeth, applied her makeup, and dressed in her traveling gear. She had no idea what to expect from Nico. Her failed attempt at seduction was very discouraging. Was she to go through her entire marriage to Nico being at a disadvantage? Where he could arouse her simply by looking at her, or by being in the same room, while he could so easily walk away from any temptation she posed? It was disheartening.

Mari loved him so much, it hurt. She had always loved him, and she despaired that her love would never be returned with the same fervor. It had been easier when she’d thought Nico was incapable of love. However, she knew this wasn’t the case. She had only to recall his expression when he looked at Alex. His whole demeanor bore witness to his undeniable love for his daughter. There was no question of his feelings on that score. She felt crippled by the hopelessness of Nico even liking her half as much. His love seemed so unattainable at this point.

They wanted different things from life, held different values, came from different backgrounds, and adding to that, concerns that haven’t ever been voiced. They were each from a different race. Never having gone out as a couple, meeting his friends, or even his family, she had no idea if their lives together would be compatible. Would his family, friends, and colleagues accept their relationship?

It was difficult enough having an interracial relationship, but having one without mutual unwavering love and support? In Bermuda, these relationships were common, but in their social environment in England, they were quite rare. But he was such a stubborn man that if anyone had a problem with their relationship, he would say “fuck ’em!”

She had to agree with him there. The color of her skin had never defined nor confined her, and she hated thinking about it now. However, she could only pray and hope that they would be able to resolve whatever issues it may present.

Mari consoled herself that at least Alex loved her unconditionally, and any other children she might have would do the same. She was sure the love of her children would sustain her though the empty, difficult years ahead.

While she could do nothing about her love life, Mari was at least determined that Nico should recognize her professional ability. He was archaic enough to believe—still!—that women should remain at home once children were involved. He had to allow her back on the team, or she would seek employment outside. There was no way she would stay at home, while he continued to enjoy a fulfilling professional career. She would certainly like to spend as much time at home as possible, but there was no law against her working from home or having flex hours with any firm that employed her.

Mari entered the main cabin to find Nico already working his way through a pot of coffee, his laptop opened in front of him, and his cell phone glued to his ear, while he perused several documents. He looked up as she entered, and beckoned for her to be seated at the dining table.

As soon as she sat, the attendant placed a tray in front of her. A garden salad, grilled chicken and vegetables, and assorted fruit were revealed.

Mari nibbled at the offering, while thinking how best to broach the topic of her working for the team again. She wasn’t anticipating an easy discussion, but she was determined he would listen to her.

Nico disconnected his call.

“What’s on your mind? You seem very intent on something.” Nico took the seat across from her.

“We have discussed very little about how this marriage is going to work. You have decreed we get married, and have forced my hand by kidnapping my daughter. I want to know precisely what you expect from me.” Mari held his gaze without wavering.

Nico regarded her silently. He leaned back in his seat and stretched his legs out in front of him. “I expect what any man expects from his wife: loyalty and commitment to our marriage, our children, and to my family’s reputation and business. I expect fidelity to me in all things and at all times, and honesty without reservation. You do that, we’ll rub along nicely.”

“What you have described is implicit in the word
marriage
, and it’s also what I expect from you. However, I was referring more to the practical side of married life. While you are at work all day, what am I expected to do?” Mari asked cautiously taking a sip of her tea.

“What women who are wives and mothers do to care for their families. Be supportive to your spouse, take care of our children, maintain our home, go shopping, redecorate, and entertain our guests. All of those things are necessary and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Do whatever you want to do within those parameters,” Nico said impatiently.

“You’re kidding, right?” Mari placed her teacup down, stood, and began to pace.

“That’s what you expect from me?” Mari knew of his archaic views, but she was still disappointed that he didn’t have more respect for her professional capabilities, and for her as an independent person, confident in her ability to direct her own life.

“Look, as my wife you’re expected to attend many social functions, represent the family at charities that we sponsor, and any that you want to take up yourself, of course, and act as hostess when we entertain. You should expect that requirement will escalate in the first year of our marriage. Being my wife is not an easy task and your personal appearance will be in heavy demand,” Nico said impatiently. “I’m not sure what you’re worried about. I’m sure you’ll adapt easily.

“I have a degree from Duke University, Nico. I am not willing to completely give up my professional life to this extent. I want to continue working.”

“You know that’s out of the question, not to mention there’s no need for my wife to work.”

“If you’re not willing to at least give me my job back with the team, I will work for another company, but I’m not staying home.” Mari finished militantly without even responding to his statement.

Nico’s expression immediately became volatile.

“If this is some attempt on your part to get back to working with Richard, you can forget it.”

“What? What does Richard have to do with anything?”

Just then, the pilot came over the intercom, asking them to fasten their seat belts in preparation for landing.

“Wait. This discussion is not over,” Mari said emphatically as Nico got up to return to his landing seat.

“No, I suppose you don’t think it’s over. However, let me warn and remind you, that under no circumstances will I tolerate infidelity again from my wife. As far as I’m concerned, this discussion is over.” Nico gave her a hard stare and took his seat.

The aircraft continued to make its smooth descent. Mari took her seat as the attendants cleared away the remaining food.

“Nico, you’ll not get your way in this. This is my life and I will have some say in it.” Still shivering with indignation, Mari glared fiercely at him.

“I don’t suggest that you disobey me. The job of my wife and the mother of our children will require your full attention. These roles are very demanding. Don’t underestimate the challenges you will face.” Nico flipped open a discarded periodical and buried his head behind it, signaling an end to any further discussion.

Mari sat fuming in her seat. While she acknowledged the importance of the roles of mother and wife, she felt able to handle both
and
still maintain a professional career. Besides, she worked a full-time job with Alex as a single parent and felt she had managed the load well. She and Nico had sufficient money to hire the best help. If it got to be too much, then she should be the person to determine that, not Nico.

Beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches came into view as the aircraft descended. The island’s beauty was unmistakable but was completely wasted on her at that moment.

Chapter Ten

They arrived at
the international airport late in the afternoon and were greeted with blazing sunshine and intense heat. The air was so humid, her skin immediately glistened with moisture but the slight sea breeze made the heat bearable. The runway was surrounded by an evergreen pine forest, and led into a rustic-looking building that serviced as the terminal. Despite the unimpressive exterior, the building was air conditioned and modern on the inside. Their swift process through immigration was Mari’s first confirmation of where they’d just landed—Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Like Bermuda, Turks and Caicos was a British Overseas Territory. She remembered reading that the island had, a few years before, been embroiled in a political scandal, which resulted in the local premier resigning amid accusations of corruption, and Britain took temporary administrative control of the island. After new elections, the government was now stable.

The route to their destination featured a spectacular view of beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water, tropical flowering plants with an abundance of leafy green shrubs, large palm and cider trees, Colonial-styled government and other office buildings, bright colorful houses, and a plethora of small shopping centers. The road was narrow and winding with traffic moving at a relatively leisurely pace through the streets.

They journeyed from the airport in a chauffeur-driven black Escalade limo, while Nico’s security team followed in a black Escalade. The scenery helped sustain Mari’s desire to ignore Nico’s domineering presence. She was far too busy fighting the feeling of nostalgia at her remembered island life. Since she’d moved to England years before, and before that, the years in university, she’d not returned to Bermuda. Convinced that there was nothing there for her, Mari was surprised at the sudden wistfulness for her childhood home.

Thoughts of her parents and other relatives soon dominated her mind as they approached their destination.

Mari continued to ignore Nico as they crossed over a wooden bridge, entered a security-monitored gate, and drove along a mile-long path surrounded by lush, green tropical trees and flowering plants. They exited the limo and entered a Colonial-style mansion, which featured a long wooden verandah in the front of the building. The property had bountiful palms, flowers, and numerous other tropical shrubs and trees that further enhanced the earthy, tropical island ambience. The ten-bedroom mansion sat on a twenty-acre estate, with two separate three-bedroom guesthouses.

Mari felt like she had entered a whole new world. This was in stark contrast from rainy, cloudy London they had just left behind. It had an immediate calming effect on her chaotic emotions.

Three Turks and Caicos Islanders, smartly dressed men and a woman, stood at the entrance to welcome them. Enthralled by the ambience of her surroundings, Mari paid very little attention to the reception party. The inside of the house was just as impressive as its beautiful, naturally landscaped exterior. She and Nico entered a spacious, formal marble foyer of contemporary design with three massive glass walls. The walls gave the illusion of bringing the outdoors inside. Each wall featured glass doors leading either to an Infinity pool with a tropical waterfall, a well-manicured lawn with organic, vibrant-colored gardens, or smooth cobblestone paths to the visible pristine, powdered beach. Upon entering, the gentle splash of the ocean slapping against the sand could be heard and a clean, crisp ocean breeze coming through the open louvered windows dissipated the humidity, eliminating the need for air conditioning.

After ensuring their every need was taken care of, and delivering them to the master suite that featured two bedrooms with
en suite
bathroom and connecting doors between the rooms, the staff finally left them alone.

Mari walked around the room, taking in the view from the opened window and was arrested by the shimmering, multi-hued water gently rolling on the clean, white sand. The deserted beach contributed to the sense of calm and serenity that settled Mari’s remaining agitated nerves instantly, completely.

From his stance behind her in the middle of the living room, Nico started speaking. Mari turned and was once again arrested by how beautiful he was. His tall, athletic frame was encased in dark, stylish trousers and a stark white shirt with two buttons open at the neck. He stood regarding her with an expressionless silver gaze. It was impossible to determine his mood.

“There are a few documents that have to be filed today to ensure a valid marriage license tomorrow, as well as a few bits of correspondence I have to attend to. I’ve arranged for a local stylist to assist you in the selection of your wedding gown and any other essentials you may need for tomorrow’s ceremony. I’ll collect you for dinner at seven-thirty p.m. However, the staff can provide a light meal for you in the meantime.” Nico walked toward the door leading to one of the bedrooms and turned as he held the handle.

“By the way, the wedding ceremony is scheduled for four p.m. tomorrow, so you may organize your day accordingly. A hair stylist and spa facility have been made available to you.”

“I need to speak with Alex or your father again. I need to know that my baby is okay.” Mari was again feeling desolate from her coerced separation from her child.

“It is very late in England now. However, one of my parents may still be up.” Nico retrieved his mobile and pressed a single number. He spoke softly into the handset for a few minutes before passing the phone to Mari and exiting the room.

Mari spoke briefly to Nico’s mother, who assured her that Alex was doing well, missing her of course, but she was distracted by all the new experiences around her. Nico’s sister Sarah and her children were spending the night so Alex could sleep with her cousins. They were all getting along famously. It seemed that the toddler had already bonded with Gio. Every time she remembered missing her momma, she would go to Gio for comfort and his steadfast presence.

Before ending the call, Mari promised Nico’s mother they would return to England as soon as the wedding ceremony was over.

Mari looked at the closed connecting door but heard no sound of Nico’s presence in the suite. She felt tired and sticky, and with no idea when the stylist would arrive, she went to the other bedroom to shower and freshen up.

The stylist arrived half an hour later. Lyn was a cheerful, energetic thirty-something-year-old, who immediately made Mari feel confident in her ability to find something elegant to wear. Mari was impressed with her expertise and ability to assist in every aspect of her wardrobe.

With Mari invigorated by her shower and a change of clothes, they worked steadily past six p.m. to select her ensemble from among the ten designer gowns Nico had flown in for her. By the time Lyn left, they had chosen an ivory antique lace off-the-shoulder Vera Wang dress with a hand-embroidered crystal bodice. The matching silk cathedral train was edged with lace and tiny crystals. High-heeled sandals and accessories were also available. An appointment with the hair stylist and a visit to the spa for the next day was made. Mari was told Nico had already decided on the décor for the ceremony, arranged for a local officiant to perform the nuptials, and had selected the background music and photographer for the event.

Despite not being given any choice about the ceremony, Mari was very pleased with her selections. The wedding dress was like a dream and she shuddered to think how much it had cost. But the fairytale design was better than anything she would have ever envisaged. By the time the other woman left her suite, Mari had a wistful smile on her face and an optimistic outlook for her future.

Her skin glowed and her smile was a little brighter as she let surface the love she felt for the two people in her life. As it blossomed, she hugged the knowledge of her love for Nico and Alex like a warm blanket. This marriage was the best option for them all. They finally could be the family she’d always wanted. She couldn’t wait for Nico’s reaction to the dress, and couldn’t help but hope he would fall a little in love with her, too.

Nico had also provided a selection of other dresses for her to wear while on the island. Her new wardrobe included a gold Grecian-inspired lace designer dress, a simple, black fitted cocktail dress, and a lilac deep V-necked chiffon gown that fell to her ankles and fit like a dream. Out of all of them, the lilac was her favorite: it was ultra-feminine and deceptively sexy, with a side split that ran from mid-thigh to her ankle. Designer sandals and jewelry were provided to complement the dresses.

Mari put on the gold lace dress and carefully applied her makeup. She left her hair fall softly in a long side bang, then down her back in a cascade of whimsical, silky curls. Mari had no more than five minutes before Nico would come to collect her. She could hear him moving around in the sitting area of their suite as she hurried to complete the final application of perfume, lipstick, and jewelry.

Nico tapped on her door scant minutes later.

Mari didn’t know what to expect from the night. Banking all hostilities, she was determined to make the best of it and hoped to maintain an amicable truce leading into their wedding.

As he entered through the connecting door, Mari found Nico’s blatant in-your-face attractiveness unsettling. Her gaze was fixed to the sight of his broad shoulders, delineated by the expensive, tailored charcoal grey blazer and dark blue-long sleeved dress shirt that emphasized the piercing blue of his eyes. She despaired that she wouldn’t have a chance in hell of resisting his allure tonight, if the already debilitating churning in her stomach was anything to go by.

Oh Lord, give me strength!

Nico was arrested by her golden, exotic beauty. It didn’t help that he was remembering her explicit display in the bedroom on the plane a few hours earlier. He ached to bury his fingers in her silky hair and simply absorb her scent, her essence, deep within him. In that moment, he wanted her more than he wanted to breathe.

The atmosphere was thick with their mutual arousal. He moved toward her. A primitive need to dominate controlled his actions now. Nico clasped her by the waist, his fingers sinking into her softness as he clutched her against his heated flesh.

His amorous intent was averted as a loud knock came at the door to the suite.

Nico swore under his breath. He reluctantly released Mari and went to answer the door. Mari followed slowly behind him, stopping briefly to collect her purse. She arrived just as he was dismissing the young maid.

“We will be right down.”

“What’s going on?”

“Not sure. She said we have visitors downstairs.”

“Well, I guess we’d better go see who it is,” Mari said breathlessly, obviously still suffering the effects of their brief contact.

Moments later, they arrived in the sitting room to a grinning Richard, with Brad and Jarrod looking on sheepishly.

“Hope we didn’t come at an inconvenient time. We were in the neighborhood and thought to join the festive newlyweds,” Richard said with a mischievous grin, cheerfully ignoring Nico’s murderous glare.

In the awkward, tense silence, Mari stepped forward to intervene.

“Hiya, gentlemen! I’m so happy to see you. We’re just leaving to go in to town for dinner. You’re certainly welcome to join us.” Mari ignored Nico’s hostile stance as the men embraced her with polite kisses and hugs.

Nico stood silently, brooding in the background.

She arranged drinks all around and anxiously took fleeting looks at Nico.

Seeing Richard in the same room as Mari after his discovery of their relationship made him almost feral. He was vibrating with the need to mark his claim on her. On edge, and on the precipice of beating the other man into a pulp, he listened coldly as Mari engaged in small talk with them.

“The wedding is tomorrow and I’m glad you came to support us.” Mari beamed at them, obviously elated by their presence.

Richard cleared his throat and was about to speak. Nico icily interrupted him. “Carvine, you’d better have a fucking good reason for being here. Aren’t you supposed to be closing the fucking Brennan deal?”

“Given the outrageous price you agreed on for the company, the contracts were signed rather rapidly before anyone changed their minds or came to their senses.” Richard joked with obvious disregard for Nico’s lethal temper. “Our brilliant strategy for further negotiation was no longer necessary. And we wouldn’t miss Mari’s success in finally roping your ass!”

If Mari hadn’t stepped in to remind him of their dinner reservation, he didn’t know if he would have been able to contain the need to rearrange the younger man’s face.

Roping me? What the fuck does that asshole know?

As the maître d took them to their table, Nico clasped her possessively by the waist and ensured she sat as close to him as possible. Richard looked at the seating arrangement and regarded Nico smugly. He was about to comment on Nico’s aggressive display when Mari gave him a hard stare and shook her head, silently appealing to him to not provoke an already volatile situation. They all knew not to mess with him when Nico was in one of his kill moods. His responses were not always reasonable, or painless.

Mari took in the tastefully chic surroundings and was happy to bask in the attention of four shockingly handsome men. She noted the reaction of the other diners as they entered the French restaurant. Nico’s presence alone would have stopped traffic—he oozed wealth and elegance. But with Richard, the golden Adonis with wicked green eyes, and Brad and Jarrod, both tall, dark-haired, big attractive Englishmen in tow, their appearance created a spectacle. Their team had always garnered attention when they’d appeared together, both for their attractiveness and for their ruthless reputation.

Happy to be in each other’s company again, they fell back into their usual camaraderie and were enjoying their dinner immensely, determined to ignore Nico’s sour mood. They were in the middle of the main course when she thanked Richard for the use of his flat a few days earlier.