Well, Violet, actually. She didn’t want to marry anyone. She wanted her freedom. She’d waited a long time for it. She wanted adventures and independence.
Roman might be amazing, but he’d also be super-bossy, and for her protectiveness had always been a kind of imprisonment. Besides that, there was the small fact that she barely knew him. And the other small fact that she wasn’t in love with him. In lust—absolutely. But love?
Her heart smote and her lungs tightened. Happily ever after—the thought of being together with Romanfor ever... She shivered, sinking inside. She’d deliberately made plans only for travel experiences, for adventure, because she hadn’t dared dream toofarinto the future. She’d not been able to bear the hope she might meet someone, want them always and that her body—her health—would let her have that. Have it all.
‘We don’t need to decideanythingyet,’ she said quietly. ‘We don’t even know if...’
He frowned. ‘If...?’
Her heart pounded. ‘If it’s even real. If it’s even going to...’ A rush of fear swamped her.
Motherhood wasn’t something she’d allowed herself to consider. At the time of her cancer treatment, her doctors had encouraged her to check in with them when she was thinking about starting a family. She knew it might not be easy for her to conceive—if at all. But apparently she’d conceivedhisbaby. Handsome, intelligent, suave Roman Fraser, who would also be fartooeasy to fall in love with.
‘It’s ages before the baby is due.’ She determinedly pushed on from the topics that frankly terrified her. ‘So we have plenty of time to work things out. A shotgun marriage is so last century. Let’s get our immediate problems sorted.’
‘Yes. Let’s,’ he mocked as he pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped the screen. ‘I need you and the head steward in my compartment immediately.’
In less than two minutes, Colson appeared, flanked by Frankie, who immediately shot Violet the serious side-eye of concern.
‘I wanted to inform you both that Violet will be remaining on the train as my guest here in my compartment. If you could bring her belongings from the staff quarters, we would appreciate it.’
Colson’s eyes bugged. Frankie’s jaw dropped. Violet wanted to sink into the floor.
But apparently Roman knew no shame. ‘I know you’re aware of Violet’s condition and by now you’ll have connected the dots. Obviously, we would appreciate our privacy. If your discretion is assured, there’ll be a sizeable bonus for both you and the rest of the train’s staff at the end of the journey. However, if this leaks, then there’ll be consequences.’ He nodded dismissively.
He wasbuyingtheir silence! Violet didn’t know whether to be outraged or impressed.
‘Of course, sir. We completely understand, and you can rely on us. Thank you.’ Colson didn’t even look at Violet, he just escaped.
But Frankie remained. He frowned at Roman before facing her. ‘Are you happy with this plan, Violet? If you’re in trouble and need help, then let me know. I’ll...’
Engulfed in a flush of embarrassment mixed with gratitude, Violet glanced at Roman and saw cynical amusement flash in his eyes. She turned back to Frankie to reassure him. ‘I appreciate your concern but, honestly, I’m fine.’
Frankie didn’t look appeased. ‘But—’
‘I want to stay here.’ She was mortified and somewhat grumpy. ‘Truly.’
‘You know he has a reputation?’ Frankie slowly looked from Roman to her and back again. ‘You know he was just voted Most Eligible Bachelor in New York in a magazine?’
Violet blinked.He what?
‘No longer eligible, I’m afraid,’ Roman piped up dryly.
Frankie’s eyes widened. ‘So this is...?’
‘Personal,’ Roman finished.
Frankie stared hard at Roman, who simply didn’t move. He didn’t need to.
‘It’s okay, Frankie.’ Violet made herself smile.
Frankie reluctantly turned. ‘If you need anything at all...’ He finally left the compartment.
A sharp smile played around Roman’s mouth as he watched Violet pour herself a glass of water. ‘You’ve known him how long?’
‘Almost two weeks.’
‘And he’s already very protective of you.’