Page 17 of Husband for the Holidays

“This is not what Ilias would want for you.”

“Neither is marriage to a stranger. He wouldn’t want Mom at the mercy of someone like Antoine, either. I feelhorriblefor that.” The guilt ate at her constantly.

“Antoine took advantage of both of you. I’ll step in. Straighten things out.”

“How?” Her heart nearly came out her throat. “No. Don’t get involved.” It killed her to say it but, “I’m finally connected to Mom again. It’s only a few texts and Antoine listens to all our calls, but if you go stirring the pot, he’ll cut me off again.No. Thank you,” she added in a shaken voice. “Stay out of it.”

“He has no right to prevent you from speaking to your mother.”

His lash of cold temper was... She wasn’t sure. He was outraged on her behalf, which was heartening, but it seemed deeper and broader and more personal than it warranted. She didn’t know how to interpret the cold malevolence that seemed to radiate from him. It made her cautious as she tried to defend her position.

“She thinks she loves him. He seems to love her back. What are you going to do? Shatter her beliefs and force her to suffer yet another heartbreak? I’ve caused her to lose men before.”

“Men who didn’t deserve to be with her,” he pointed out with a flash of temper.

“Sure, but it would still be my fault. Again.” Eloise had been down that road. Maybe her mother wouldn’t hold a grudge, but it would still be painful and awful. “No. I appreciate the sympathetic ear and the hot meal, but I have everything under control.”

That was such a lie that she couldn’t look at him as she said it.

His snort told her he didn’t buy it, either.

She stabbed at her waffle, focusing on finishing her breakfast so he wouldn’t see the shadows of hopelessness in her eyes.

Konstantin retook his seat, resuming his breakfast while he filtered through the various avenues of inquiry he would take to correct for his failure to ensure Eloise and her mother were properly taken care of after Ilias had passed.

How had he thought they would be okay? That had been so shortsighted on his part; he was beyond disgusted with himself.

“What sorts of things have you been up to since, um...” Eloise’s voice broke into his concentration, but then she seemed to realize that “since I saw you last” was a reference to the funeral and their kiss. “Lately,” she mumbled and closed her lips over her fork.

Why was she engaging in inane small talk?

“Is that too personal?” Wariness edged into her expression. “I was only trying to make conversation.”

“My life never changes. Work keeps me busy. I like it that way.”

“But you’re seeing, um... She’s the actress, right? I’m really sorry about your date last night. I feel like I should apologize to her.”

She sounded like Ilias, voice soaked with empathy for a complete stranger, wanting everyone to get along and willing to pave the way with their own beating heart if necessary.

“That’s over. Forget it.” He shrugged it away.

“The relationship is over? Or...?” Eloise searched his eyes as though delving for truth. Forfeelings. “Or do you mean you’ve made up with her and it’s all okay?”

“I’m not in the habit of discussing my personal life,” he reminded her.

Her expression went blank, proving she was even more sensitive than Ilias had ever been because he’d hurt her feelings. It brought out an agitation in Konstantin that wanted to bark,For God’s sake, protect yourself.

Especially from me, was the follow-up thought.

He’d been hardened off very early in life while she had been raised by a high-needs mother who had left her so emotionally drained she’d neglected herself after suffering a devastating blow. Now she was being put through the wringer by her stepfather.

Guilt twisted like a knife behind his navel. That was more his fault than hers. He knew it even if she didn’t.

“The relationship wasn’t serious. Now it’s over,” he clarified for no particular reason except that he wanted her to know it. He refused to pick apart why. His cup went into its saucer with a click. “I sent flowers and something she could exchange at Tiffany’s.”

Her faint nod frustrated him for some inexplicable reason. Because she was judging him? No, he decided. It was the situation that was eating at him.

“Ilias would have paid your tuition and supported you through your education—”

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