Page 93 of Virgin's Stolen Nights with the Boss

‘Hey!’ Carmen warned as he grimaced, but then she smiled.

He spoke in Spanish then. ‘Huye de las personas que apagan tu sonrisa.Run away from the people who turn off your smile.’

Carmen frowned, wondering if he’d misunderstood what she’d been trying to say that day...if somehow the translation had been lost.

But no.

‘I turn on your smile, Carmen, and you know it. So why would you run away?’ he asked, and then he shrugged. ‘I might see you later.’

And then he walked out. And the only indication that he was angry was the silence he left behind.

If he loved her, he’d stay, Carmen decided.

But she knew that wasn’t fair.

There was a ballroom full of people waiting for him.

She was sick of running away...

And she could not stand for this to be goodbye!

Thecapitánof her brother’s yacht was used to demands from his spoilt guests—and Carmen had been one of those on many occasions. And yet there was so much care wrapped up in this package, because he had sent her favourite red velvet dress.

Perhaps he had spoken to her brothers? Or had he relied on a memory?

Also in the package was her eighteenth birthday present from Papá—gorgeous diamond earrings—as well as her twenty-first birthday present—a necklace, also from Papá...

There was nothing, not even a hairpin, from Maria. Not even a card.

There was, though, a card from her sister-in-law Anna...

Capitán Dante asked for some help with the underwear! I remember you taking me shopping once. I hope these are to your taste, Anna x

Carmen laughed, and then looked at the X, the little kiss from her sister-in-law. They’d gone out dancing once, and had got on well, yet Carmen still held back, also with Emily...

There was another package, a small one, containing red lipstick from Emily.

Her favourite, the note said, rather cryptically. And another X.

Werethey her family?

She wanted to dress up, to dance, to truly be Carmen Romero...

Carmen blasted her long black hair dry, and then combed it smooth.

Again she was grateful that she always wore gloves when working in the stables. Her nails might not be done, but her hands were always ready to go out, presenting the Romero brand.

She pulled on the brand-new lilac underwear, and then the long dark red gown and high-heeled shoes...

She would be herself tonight.

Her new self.

Usually she loathed all this, but tonight she was shaking with excitement...

Carmen poured another small sherry, to raise a glass to Papá, but then she saw that Elias hadn’t been scribbling a moustache or scratching out her mother’s eyes. Instead there was some writing on the bottle.

I want to dance with Carmen.

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