This wasn’t the romantic marriage proposal she had imagined as a child. This was a cold-blooded transaction of a type that was Xavier’s speciality. She hoped it would appeal to his logical mind. She had no hope at all that it would appeal to his romantic nature, as he didn’t have one.
‘Marriage would put us on equal footing,’ she explained, ‘and it would open doors that have been slammed in my face. I’d be able to help the islanders—really help them. You’ve seen how people react to me. No one wanted to speak to me at the party unless you were at my side, or Margaret was introducing me around. This would give me credibility, an equal say in what happens to the island, and it would give you the heir you need to keep the island.’ Her stomach tightened on the words. The thought of sex with Xavier was the most terrifying prospect, but as she had so far failed to find an alternative—
‘I can see that it would help you,’ he said coldly.
‘And you,’ she insisted, ignoring the chill in his eyes. ‘So, will you consider my suggestion?’
She had no idea what Xavier was thinking as he stared into the fire. Her best guess was that this was Xavier the businessman, weighing up the odds.
‘I can’t believe you’re serious about this,’ he said, looking round at last.
‘You’d have my full cooperation,’ she stressed, sensing the faintest of possibilities that he might say yes.
‘I would certainly expect your cooperation in bed.’
Her heart clenched tight.
‘I have a rather tight schedule to meet.’
It lurched, but she held her nerve. ‘I hope we’d work together in every way.’
‘I’d make sure of it,’ he said without a scrap of warmth.
It was time to close the deal. She knew nothing about such things, and was firing on instinct. She surprised herself with how unemotional she could be when so much was at stake. ‘This is for b
oth of us,’ she said levelly. ‘Without marriage to me, the risk of losing your inheritance is very real for you, and I know the island means a lot to you, in spite of what you say. Isla Del Rey is as special to you as it is to me. You might have all the power and influence in the world, but without my cooperation in this one thing, your plans are stalled.’
‘What do you know of marriage? Very little, I think,’ he went on without waiting for her to answer. ‘Marriage brings nothing but unhappiness. Wedlock is well named, in case you didn’t know. People enter into marriage with expectations—or, in your case, dreams—and when they find it can never match up to these fictions, what follows is misery for all concerned.’
‘In your case, maybe,’ she protested.
‘Can you quote a single instance where I’m wrong?’ Xavier demanded. ‘No. I didn’t think so. You don’t have a clue. And as for this heir Doña Anna has insisted I must provide. My aunt has gone down in my estimation. I would have thought that she, of all people, would understand that having a child in the middle of a loveless marriage denies that child the right to happiness, and that it colours the rest of their life.’
‘Only if they allow it to,’ she said, sensing Xavier was talking about himself.
‘And what would you know about it, when you have no experience of relationships—none at all.’
‘Except with your aunt,’ she said steadily. ‘And whatever you think of me, or Doña Anna, I will not break my promise to keep her island safe. And, yes, you’re right in saying I don’t have any experience of marriage, or happy-ever-after. I didn’t have any experience of love until I came to the island and met Doña Anna, but one thing you must know with absolute certainty is that if I have a child I will love that child with all my heart, and I will never abandon it as you were abandoned. You need an heir, but you’re sure you’ll fail as a father, as you were failed by your parents, but why would that happen?’
‘You’re so sure of everything,’ he said.
‘Yes, I am. I have to be. I’ve had to be positive, or I’d still be back in the institution. Just think how you’re loved on the island, and the love that’s waiting for that child. Everyone hopes you’ll return to Isla Del Rey one day, and that hope has no strings attached, or documents to sign, and nothing to be gained by the islanders, other than the rightness of you being back amongst people who love you. And I’ll tell you something else—’
‘I’m sure you will,’ he said.
‘You won’t deny me my dreams, because I won’t let you.’
‘The hearts and flowers you imagine are not a given,’ he said. ‘I think you have a very naïve view of things.’
‘Maybe,’ Rosie agreed, ‘but better that than I remain bitter about a past I cannot change. If we work together we could achieve a lot on the island. That’s what I think Doña Anna wanted when she drew up her will. My heart, your business acumen,’ she said, smiling encouragement. ‘And, who knows? I’m sure we’ll annoy the heck out of each other, but we might even start enjoying it.’
His cynical expression didn’t promise that, but everything was on the line now: her heart, her fears, her future. ‘This really matters to me, Xavier.’
‘I’m sure it does,’ he said, staring at her without warmth. ‘Dipping a hand into my bank account would matter to most people.’
Shaking her head, she laughed, but it was a sad sound, totally lacking in humour. ‘You haven’t listened to a word I’ve said. This isn’t about money.’ You infuriating, damaged man, she thought. Xavier didn’t think he needed help from anyone. He didn’t need an island. He was the island, isolated and alone.
‘One minute you’re working in the orphanage,’ he said, his eyes dark with suspicion, ‘and the next you’re inheriting half an island. And now you seem to think you can marry the other half.’ With a shake of his head, he gave her a cutting look. ‘Your idea of marriage might catch on. It seems like a very good bargain to me—for you, and for every other penniless woman in the world.’