Alex remembered what Emma had said about Maddison, and it just made him angrier. His hands were balling into fists, ready to fight a person who wasn’t there. ‘He was willing to lose you.’
‘Yes.’
The matter-of-fact way Emma spoke of all this was even more enraging, because she just accepted it and moved on. As if it was normal. Remained in the family company where she was committed to doing her best.
Once again Alex was moved by the sheer strength of her. And she didn’t think she was good enough? That was laughable. He couldn’t imagine a more ridiculous notion. If anything, it cemented his decision to walk away at the end of this, because Emma had it all backwards. She needed someone who was deserving of her—and that wasn’t him. Could never be.
He moved the hand on her chin to cradle her face. When he spoke his voice was firm. Resolute. ‘You don’t need any of them. They don’t deserve you. None of them do, Emma.’
He picked her up—throw and all—and walked out of the library.
‘Where are you taking me?’
‘To show you how a beautiful, strong woman should be treated.’
CHAPTER TWELVE
THECONVERSATIONWITHEmma had been playing on Alex’s mind ever since they had left the library. Now he stood at the railing of his rooftop terrace, gazing out at the early-morning light with a cup in his hand. There had to be a way for him to help her. To get her out of a clearly unhappy situation. She was so vivacious, and it tore him apart to see her so downtrodden.
Pressuring her was the last thing he wanted to do, but he had to find a way to give her an out.
And then it occurred to him. Despite the early hour, he pulled out his phone and called in a favour.
The next day found Emma in her office. Her thoughts were constantly being pulled back to the time she’d spent with Alex. It had been perfect. So perfect that she was struggling to concentrate. It was completely unlike her, and she had to get it together, knowing she was being watched more closely than usual.
Her impromptu day off had in fact been noticed by most. But her father had said nothing to her. Well, not verbally. The look he had given her had said it all. It was official. She was now possibly more hated even than her mother.
The day had started with the announcement of Lauren’s promotion. Emma had stood behind her sister, impeccably dressed, looking happy and supportive. Pictures had been taken for the company website, with others for the newsletter.
Emma had answered any and all questions aimed at her with grace and confidence. Playing the part of a Brown daughter perfectly. Even when she’d been asked how she felt now that both her sisters were in management positions while she was not, Emma had simply said that the right decisions had been made and that they all had a role to play at Brown Hughs.
She’d given no one any reason to have a gripe with her, and at the end had received the thanks of her mother and Maddison, who seemed to be in a constant state of apology. It wasn’t her fault, and Emma was not upset with Maddison.
She found herself often saying, ‘Don’t worry about it, Maddie.’
After all, Maddison had a job to do, and she couldn’t be feeling guilty all the time. They all had to move forward. And perhaps now Emma stood a chance of moving a little higher up the ladder.
It was a busy day, between meetings, approvals and the odd bit of hand-holding, and before Emma knew it she was staring down the barrel of yet another lunch break spent holed up in her office, working. Which was a pity, because it was such a beautiful day. All she wanted was just a little break to feel the sun on her face.
She looked up to see a small commotion outside, and wondered what was going on, but she was busy and had no time to indulge her curiosity. Until there was a knock on her office door.
Emma looked up to see Alex standing in her doorway, looking sinful in a tailored black suit with a white shirt and black tie. A silver tie clip was striking against the dark fabric, and as he dropped his hand a cufflink caught the light. He was perfect. It took her breath away every time he looked at her the way he was doing right now.
Her legs were already carrying her towards him. Magnetised. That was what they were. ‘Alexander. What are you doing here?’
He kissed her. A quick but glaring show of his affection.Mine!was what it screamed. ‘I’m taking you to lunch.’
‘I’m swamped,’ she said, deflated.
‘Make time. You have a meeting,’ he said, his voice low.
Her brows knitted together. Unsure of what he had planned, Emma was torn between what she wanted to do and what she had to do. But she did trust Alex, and if he had arranged something, it was worth checking out.
‘Let me get my bag.’
Emma locked her computer and slung her handbag over her shoulder. He took her hand in his as they walked out, and she noticed everyone stood a little straighter around him, moving out of his way without him asking. He exuded a power that wasfelt, and she was reminded of the way everyone moved out of his path when they walked through the city.
The doors on the lift slid closed and the people around them kept shooting covert looks their way. It was something Alex seemed completely oblivious to. Perhaps it was something he’d learned to ignore. To Emma, it was new and a little uncomfortable.