Page 86 of Virgin's Stolen Nights with the Boss

He kept it brief, because this was clearly not the right time to announce the launch of something new, and although he did not outright say that the scholarship was being dropped, it was clear that this was implied.

As he spoke, Carmen looked over and saw Seraphina’s tight lips. She knew she’d been told.

‘My incredible head groom used to teach riding for young people facing challenges...’ everyone clapped Laura ‘...so I’m sure she’ll have a lot of ideas, which we’ll be discussing. But we want the yard to honour Joel.’ He lifted up the trophy. ‘This is for my brother. For Joel.’

Vincent was gallant in defeat. ‘Congratulations, Elias. I thought we had you, but we’ll have to come back fighting next year to challenge you. The win is well deserved, my friend.’

‘Wonderful...congratulations.’ Seraphina smiled and kissed Elias’s cheek, and then turned to greet his mother.

‘Eleanor...’

It was no surprise to Elias when she chose this moment to do the most damage.

‘We wanted to tell you in person—’

She was about to share the news of her pregnancy, he knew, and Elias had never been more proud of his mother—because she got there first.

‘I hear you two are the ones who deserve congratulating!’ Eleanor smiled. ‘Wonderful news. Congratulations.’

He had found a quiet moment earlier that morning to prepare his mother, and he had also discussed winding down the scholarship fund and starting something new instead. Better to get it all over in one go, he had thought.

Everything was all kisses again, and Elias looked away—to discover that there was no Carmen in sight.

‘We’re thrilled.’ Vincent was clearly delighted at the prosepct of being a father.

‘Are you going to ask Elias?’ Seraphina prompted him, but then she did it herself. ‘Elias, Vincent and I—’

‘I hope you’re not about to ask me to be godfather,’ Elias interrupted. ‘I’m far too irresponsible!’

There was a moment’s awkwardness, but it was worth the trade, because he saw the rapid blink of relief in his mother’s eyes. He was so grateful that Carmen had pushed him to open that door. He could see now that perhaps the strain had been upon her too, and he wished they had spoken about it earlier to save them both some agony.

‘Right,’ his father said, ‘let’s head to the hotel. We’ll follow you, Elias.’

‘I’ll meet you there,’ Elias said. ‘I’ve got some things to take care of first.’

He found her on the beach back at the stables. She was sitting with her chin on her knees, her face brown from the dust and from Winnie’s little gift, and streaked from crying...

‘We seem to do better on the beach,’ he said.

She gave him a thin smile. ‘We do.’ Carmen took a breath. ‘I would like to apologise.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Congratulations,’ she offered, but he didn’t respond. ‘They are all fighting for the shower and getting ready for the ball.’ She furrowed her brow. ‘I thought you were heading straight to the hotel?’

‘I was, but now I’m here.’

‘I should have told you myself that I was leaving.’

‘Have you booked your flight?’

She didn’t answer.

‘Fine. You don’t have to tell me anything.’ He shrugged. ‘That was the deal we made.’

‘You were right about me not giving my mother any more chances. She’s gone, of course.’

‘So why areyouleaving?’

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