r /> ‘She’s back in her cot.’
Catherine let out a low sigh of relief. ‘I thought I’d dropped her.’
‘Don’t be silly.’
She was massaging her neck, stretching her spine, like an oriental cat awakening. One hand was raised behind her head, causing her gown to open just a fraction, allowing a glimpse of creamy bosom. Rico felt the breath still in his lungs. The child was gone now, the woman was back, and his features quilted. He straightened his back as his resolve returned and with a supreme effort he forced his attention away, focused instead on the sleeping baby.
‘Are you going to work?’
It was a silly question really, for he stood in a dark suit, a heavy cotton shirt enhancing his dark complexion, a tie expertly knotted. Everything about him screamed wealth and success. His cufflinks caught the morning rays as he pulled the bunny rug higher around Lily’s shoulders. ‘I just came to give her a kiss before I leave. I will be home around seven this evening, ask Jessica to save her bath for me.’
Catherine gave a vague nod, staring fixedly at the wall in front of her as Rico tenderly kissed the sleeping babe.
‘What will you do with yourself today?’ Rico asked, straightening up but still refusing to look at her, and Catherine gave a brief unnoticed shrug, rocking idly in the chair and wishing this uncomfortable meeting was over.
‘We might go for a walk, I suppose—do some shopping.’
‘Here.’ He handed her a wad of cash which Catherine didn’t accept.
‘When I said shopping, Rico, I meant for an ice cream or something. I’m sure even I can stretch to that.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous, Catherine. I’ll arrange for some cards to be made up in your name, but for now you’ll have to use cash.’
Still she refused. ‘I’ve got my own money, Rico.’
‘So what was that little lecture about last night?’ Rico asked shrewdly, watching as the colour returned to her cheeks. ‘I thought you said you were a Mancini now?’
‘Mrs Mancini—you haven’t been in here all night, I hope?’ Jessica gave a worried frown as she bustled in, and heeding Rico’s words about trusting the staff Catherine shook her head.
‘Of course not. I thought I heard something and I was just checking she was okay. Rico wanted to give her a kiss before he went to work.’
‘I’ll be off, then.’ He moved to go, but changed his mind midway. Turning, he fixed her with a black smile and walked over, ignoring the furious warning signs blazing from Catherine’s eyes.
‘Goodbye, darling.’
God, he deserved an Oscar.
Jessica, clearly used to being ignored, stood politely as he pulled Catherine into his arms, buried his face in hers and kissed her way too thoroughly. Mindful of her unbrushed teeth, burning with embarrassment at their audience, she stood stiff and unyielding in his arms. But Rico didn’t seem to mind a bit. His tongue probed her lips, his hand lazily working its way under her hair, fingers massaging her tense neck. She could feel the cool metal of his watch, smell the fresh crisp scent of him, and as he pulled away Catherine changed her mind—it was she who deserved the Oscar, for it had taken every ounce of will power to keep from kissing him back.
‘Bye, then.’ That triumphant glint was back in his eye.
He’s enjoying this, Catherine thought darkly. Enjoying my utter humiliation, enjoying watching me squirm. Well, two can play at that game!
‘Sweetheart?’ Her voice was pure honey and she saw him frown quizzically as he turned back from the door, clearly bemused at the change in her. ‘You said something about leaving me some money…’
She watched his face darken, but her smile stayed fixed and she held out her hand as he handed over the cash, a malicious glint in her eye to mask the tears.
‘Hurry home, Rico.’
CHAPTER NINE
IT SHOULD have been perfect.
Day after lonely day she reminded herself of the fact.
A beautiful home, Lily growing more divine by the second, a husband she loved, everything there for the taking.
So why did she feel like a prisoner?