Page 12 of Kyle
Yet beneath Ingrid's fierce exterior, there were hints of vulnerability that few ever saw. While she commanded respect from those around her, it was clear that she used her intensity as armor, shielding herself from disappointment and heartache. Her ability to brush off criticism and forge ahead was both admirable and isolating, leaving little room for genuine connection with anyone who dared to get close.
His phone vibrating in the pocket of his black tuxedo trousers brought him back to the present. He did not have to slide the phone out to know who was calling.
Lifting his head, he met his father's questioning gaze and raised his chin.
"I'm not going to apologize for talking to her and neither am I going to avoid her."
"She's aware that this is your wedding day and is still calling." He pointed out.
"Yes, dammit, I hurt her." Punching the green icon, he strode from the room and answered the call.
Her voice was husky, tremulous and made him feel like the lowest form of life. Selecting a small parlor, he slipped inside and closed the door.
"Darling, I know I'm intruding."
"Never." Striding to the window, he yanked the heavy drape aside and gazed at the dull looking day. It reflected his mood, he thought heavily. "It's over."
She heaved a sigh. "And here I was hoping it was just a bad dream."
"I'm sorry Carly. You have no idea how sorry I am."
"I know darling. It's one of the things that's keeping me from screaming and ranting. It was supposed to be us."
"Yes, it was." He spun around as the door was pushed open to see his bride marching into the room.
Chapter 4
She stopped in the middle of the room, one tapered brow arched and an amused expression on her face. She had slipped out of her ankle breakers and was wearing soft mules.
"The door was closed for a reason." He told her tightly.
"I was tasked to come and find you." Ingrid was trying hard not to notice how well the suit fitted his long, lean body. Black suited him, she thought objectively. His coloring was more defined, his eyes a sharp icy blue as they skimmed her face. "The cutting of the cake, a tradition for the newlyweds." Her lips curved slightly, bringing his reluctant attention to the shape of them.
"You should tell your lover. Oh wait!" She held up a hand, the diamonds he had placed there dazzling in the light. "She's now your mistress. Damn if I can keep track." She shook her head. "Anyway, tell her that it's stepping over the line of propriety to call you on your wedding day. She should wait a day or two? Anyway, just saying."
"Get out."
She tsked, carefully hiding the hurt and anger. "I was also told that if you're not out in two minutes, your grandfather will be coming to get you." She turned towards the doors. "The natives are getting restless." She turned back just inside the doorway,eyes cool and contemptuous. "I find this entire arrangement as abhorrent as you do my dear husband, but I'm willing to play it cool. Never give the ones in control anything to be suspicious of. You'd do well to keep that in mind. Tell the actress to go cool off somewhere and don't make promises you can't keep." With that, she slammed the doors shut behind her.
Carly had heard every single word and her hatred for the woman was at a boiling point. But she was clever enough to play the victim. It would not do for her to have Kyle taking the woman's side.
"Darling." She drew in a deep breath. "I'm so sorry you have to put up with that, with her. I wish there was something I could do."
He took a breath himself and tried for calm. He also found himself wondering what it was about that woman that was always ticking him off to the point where he was dangerously close to losing control. The very sight of her stirred his juices.
"It's fine. Just talking to you helps." He smiled grimly. "I have to go. I'll call when I can."
"I'll be waiting." She promised sweetly before hanging up.
He sat there for a few seconds, battling anger and despair. He was supposed to step into that room and behave as if he was pleased with what was happening. And later he was going to have to start his life with a woman he could not stand. The track record in his family was dismal. His grandfather had lost his wife almost thirty years ago and never remarried. His father had once confided in him that losing his wife had practically destroyed him.
History had repeated itself where Jason McCreary was concerned. Whereas his grandfather had somehow bounced back and taken over the running of the company, his father had stayed buried under the grief of losing his wife.
His sister, Jessica, was so unhappy, it was etched deep into her pores. She had given up hopes of ever having a child, something she had wanted desperately. It was rumored that the son of a bitch she was married to was cheating on her and was not even being discreet about it. He ached for her. And not for the first time, wished he could reach her. They had never been close, and he could feel regret.
Now he had his own problems.
Pushing from the desk, he straightened his shoulders and left the room, to face his fate.
