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Chapter 329
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MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 330
Gregorio stared down at the message on top of the pile he had picked up from reception on his way through the hotel to his suite.Would you please meet me at Garstang at eight o’clock this evening?There was no signature on the message. But there didn’t need to be.Only Chloe could have sent such a request, asking him to meet her at the same restaurant, at the same time, as he had previously arranged.Gregorio read the message a second time as he stepped into the lift, torn between crushing the piece of paper to a pulp in his hand and a grudging feeling of admiration for the position Chloe had deliberately put herself in.Because she now knew he'd been lying to her about her friend Alana...That might be so, but nevertheless, Chloe had to know that by asking him to meet her at Garstang, of all places, she was leaving herself open to the same humiliation she had deliberately inflicted on him previously—that he might now be the one not to turn up for the date and leave her sitting at th
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 331
But there was a remoteness about Gregorio this evening that hadn’t been there before. a bleakness that was more than surface-deep and that totally eradicated the wicked glint of humor in his eyes, which had so surprised her when she’d first met him. It sent shivers of apprehension down her spine!The fact that she knew she deserved to feel those shivers didn’t make them any less effective.Gregorio took his time sampling the wine, giving himself a necessary few moments’ respite to adjust to seeing Chloe again. to recognize that she was even more beautiful than he remembered...In fact, he had felt a moment’s pure violence when he’d entered the restaurant a few minutes earlier and seen her out-staring the avid gaze of a man seated at a table across the room. His own hands had clenched at his sides as he’d resisted the impulse to go to the other man’s table and tell him precisely what he could do with his admiring glances.Not that he could exactly blame the guy for his interest when Ch
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 332
"So," Gregorio drawled once the waiter had left with their order. "What did your friend Alana have to say about me?"The moment of truth had arrived, which Chloe acknowledged heavily to herself as she replaced her wineglass carefully on the table after taking a sip. "Well, as I’m sure you’ve obviously deduced, she admitted that the two of you have never even met each other."Gregorio gave a small inclination of his head. "I had already told you that." "Of course you didn’t believe me," he reminded her after giving her a searching look."Try to see this from my point of view, Gregorio." Chloe looked across at him appealingly. "I’ve known Alana over half my life. Of course I believed she was the one telling the truth!"Of course," he agreed tersely.He really was every inch the son of an Italian nobleman at this moment, which Chloe recognized uneasily. His usual easy-going flirtatiousness and the wicked glint in his eye were no longer in evidence at all. "Obviously, I now know that she
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He didn't even try to refute her claim, instead inclining his head and drawing a thin, uncompromising line with his mouth."Do you think there will be a happy ending for your brother and Alana?""Maybe," Chloe answered slowly. Declan was a little cagey last week when I asked him if he had seen Alana while he was in Los Angeles. "I hope so," she added. Despite what you might think after what’s happened, Alana really is a lovely person. And now that I’ve gotten over being annoyed with her, I believe she and Declan would be perfect for each other. "She really is sorry for involving you in this," Chloe finished, giving up on trying to eat her smoked salmon. The conversation—and the company!—had completely robbed her of her appetite.‘And you?’ Gregorio pushed. "Are you also sorry?""More than you can imagine," she confirmed. more than she ever wanted Gregorio to guess or know!He might not have been involved with Alana—he might never have even met her!—but that didn’t change the fact that
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 334
Gregorio admired her bravery, this little firebrand, even as he considered her remark about taking a partner who felt positively towards him.He was sure that most women in Chloe’s position, having initially so wrong-footed themselves, would have been only too happy to make restitution for the mistake they had made. but not Chloe.He leaned further back in his chair as their used plates were removed. "I have my own reasons for wanting it to be you who accompanies me," he told her calmly once they were alone again.‘And those reasons are…?’"Entirely my own," he told her firmly. "But I can assure you they have absolutely nothing to do with a bedroom—either yours or mine!" He paused, as he could see he had failed to convince her. "Didn’t our last encounter prove to you that I don’t lose all control at the sight and touch of your delectable body?" he whipped out harshly, angry all over again as her cheeks paled. with himself this time. for deliberately hurting her.But what else was he t
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 335
Although, with Chloe standing there, her flaming red hair cascading loosely over her shoulders and down the long length of her spine, dressed in tight-fitting denims and a white T-shirt that showed off the lean length of her thighs and legs and emphasized the firm thrust of her breasts, it wasn't quite as impersonal as usual!"I think I would like to take a shower and freshen up," she announced. "What time are we leaving for the party?""We aren’t leaving the hotel, Chloe," Gregorio answered. "The party is in one of the reception rooms downstairs," he explained, perplexed by her expression.He had deliberately remained aloof from Chloe after collecting her from her apartment and during the drive to the airport and their flight. But that didn’t mean that he hadn’t been completely aware of her the whole time they had been together in the back of the car and then on the plane.He admitted that she was too aware of him to be comfortable."My brother, Lamberto, and his wife will be joining
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 336
"A little overwhelming, isn’t it?" The tall and beautiful Jenny Di Costa laughed sympathetically as Chloe stared at the two men who stood together across the room, preparing drinks for them all.Gregorio and his brother, Lamberto.They were both tall, both blond-haired—although Gregorio’s overlong hair was a deeper gold than his brother’s—and their aristocratically handsome faces were very similar, as were the powerfully muscled bodies beneath their black evening suits and white shirts.Having been introduced to Gregorio’s brother and his wife when they’d arrived at the suite a couple of minutes ago, Chloe still couldn’t get over the sensory shock of having two such forcefully attractive men as the Di Costa brothers together in the same room!"Believe me, it doesn’t get any easier, either," Jenny continued conversationally as she looked at her husband with adoring eyes, her long, dark hair hanging loosely down her spine, the red dress she wore not disguising the slight swell of her pr
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 337
"Do I hear the sound of wedding bells...?"Gregorio turned to glare at his brother as Lamberto came to stand beside him on the edge of the dance floor, where, following their mother’s sumptuous birthday party, a dozen or so couples amongst the fifty-odd guests were gyrating.Chloe and Tiziano were one of those couples."Not unless you have tinnitus," Gregorio replied, dismissively.Lamberto laughed softly. "The family all like your little Chloe," he observed lightly."She isn’t little." At least not in certain places, Gregorio thought as he felt the unwelcome aching throb of his body.He could picture those places. That minuscule black dress left very little to the imagination! "Neither is she mine," he added with vigor.‘No?’ Lamberto took a sip of his wine as he glanced across to where Chloe was dancing in Tiziano’s assured arms. "Then why did you bring her here?" He was looking curious when his gaze returned to Gregorio.Gregorio grimaced. "Because if I hadn’t, either you or Tiziano
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MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 440
He moved suddenly, turned to her, and gripped her arms; she glimpsed the desperation in his eyes as he dragged her against his chest. "I will do whatever it takes to win you back, Kalila." "You are my wife, the love of my life, and I won’t let you go." His warm breath fanning the curls that framed her face, he pressed his lips to her temple, his eyes briefly closing as if in pain."I have told my father to name his brother Sulim as the interim ruler of Qubbah in the event of his dying before Hazem comes of age." Kate stared at him, shocked beyond words. "But... but why?" she finally stumbled.I thought that you were to rule until Hazem was older. "You are the King’s only son, and it is your duty." Ahsan shook his head. "My first duty is to my wife, and my father agrees." Even if he did not, I would still be here for you."Don't you understand, Kalila?" he asked urgently. "You are more important to me than Qubbah, my father, everything." You, me, and Hazem are a family, and the only thin
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 439
The still silence in the garden that followed his astounding statement was broken by the piercingly sweet song of a blackbird. Kate licked her suddenly dry lips, her heart beating so fast she was sure it would explode. "I don’t understand.""It’s quite simple." He sounded impatient and stared at her haughtily. But to her amazement, streaks of dull color highlighted his cheekbones, and his eyes veered from hers as if he were afraid to meet her gaze. "I love you, Kate."Her rebuttal was fierce and immediate. "No, you don’t.""I should have known you would want to argue about it, Kalila." A little of his tension left him, and his smile stole her breath."You don’t love me," she said again. It was probably some cruel trick, and she had more sense than to be fooled. "You married me for Hazem." You love Farrah. Malika said so.Malika said a lot of things, most of them untrue. Ahsan’s voice was suddenly harsh."But not the things she said about me," Kate said thickly. "My mother was a prosti
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 438
The blue sky was dotted with cotton wool clouds, and the warm breeze carried a scent of lavender and old-fashioned roses. There was no place on earth more beautiful than Ingledean on a spring day, Kate mused—except an oasis in the middle of the desert, where palm trees provided shade from the scorching sun and an azure pool glinted beneath a cloudless sky.She had been home for a month—although Ingledean no longer felt like home without Hazem. The image of his huge brown eyes and impish smile caused the familiar agonizing pain in her chest, and she bit down hard on her lip, tasted blood, and cursed the tears that slid unchecked down her face. She couldn’t cry forever. Somehow she was going to have to find the strength to move on, pick up the threads of her life, or maybe make a new one, far away from Ingledean and all its memories. But since she had left Qubbah, a terrible lassitude had settled on her, and she could not plan anything when the only two people she loved were far away on
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 437
In less than an hour, she was expected to attend the lavish dinner organized in honor of King Kabir’s recovery and his return as supreme ruler of Qubbah. And somehow she was going to have to do so without revealing that she was breaking up inside, which Kate acknowledged despairingly as she stared in the mirror at her paper-white face and red-rimmed eyes.When she first returned to the palace after her explosive confrontation with Malika, she locked herself in her dressing room and recalled, in stunned disbelief, everything the young Arab woman had told her. Could it be true? Had Ahsan always intended to divorce her once he’d gained custody of Hazem and marry his beautiful advisor?She did not know how long she’d sat there, but eventually her maid had knocked on the door and reminded her that it was time to prepare for the banquet. She should have made the excuse that she was ill—no one who saw her pallor would fail to believe her. But the steely backbone of pride that had seen her th
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Despite the warmth of the early-evening sunshine, Kate shivered. "You’re talking nonsense," she said firmly, striving to sound confident despite the sudden lurch of her heart. She was perfectly aware of why Ahsan had married her, but he had given no hint that he wanted a divorce. Ahsan told me he was never engaged to you. She lifted her chin and glared at Malika, trying to ignore the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach."He wasn’t," Malika agreed, looking surprised. "I was engaged to Farhan; Ahsan was engaged to Farrah."The world seemed to tilt alarmingly for a few seconds, and Kate actually gripped the edge of the wall for support. Ahsan and Farrah! It couldn’t possibly be true, could it? "Jamila told me that Ahsan was in love with his fiancée," she said faintly. "She doesn’t know why the marriage didn’t take place."Malika gave a careless shrug. ‘Jamila knows. Everyone at the palace knows that Ahsan adored Farrah and that she eloped with his brother on the eve of their wedding.
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 435
He was suddenly aware that the children had finished their dance and everyone was waiting for his response. Kate had turned her head to him, frowning at his inattention, and he quickly clapped his hands in applause. Once the dancers had filed out of the marquee, his personal assistant Zaid appeared at his side and informed him that a group of local potters had brought their best work for his gracious inspection. Stifling a sigh, he led the royal party out into the blazing sunshine.The garden party continued all afternoon, and Ahsan was not in the best of moods when he strode back to the palace. He suddenly realized that he was too far ahead and slowed his pace, waiting for Kate to catch up with him. He frowned when he noted how pale she looked beneath her wide-brimmed hat. She made no attempt to speed up, and the dejected droop of her shoulders fueled his impatience."I appreciate that an afternoon spent admiring traditional crafts and customs is not likely to top your list of exciti
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 434
Her feet briefly touched the floor, and he spun her around, tugged her zip down her spine, and removed her dress before she had time to catch her breath. Her bra went the same way before he lifted her again and threw her onto the bed as if she were a rag doll, his eyes glittering with a mixture of anger and sexual hunger that made Kate’s stomach dip."At night, I’m happy to give you all the attention you could possibly want," he growled, his shoes, trousers, and shirt hitting the floor with barely controlled savagery until he stood in his silk boxers. "This is the only bed you’ll ever sleep in." The boxers joined the rest of his clothes, revealing his powerful, unashamedly aroused body in all its glory. "But I wouldn’t bank on sleeping for many hours yet."Kate stared up at him, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she struggled to control the wild excitement that was pounding through her veins. She was conscious that she was wearing nothing but a pair of tiny lace pants and the pric
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 433
Clearly embarrassed, Aaliyah determinedly changed the subject to Hazem and how fast he was growing. But although Kate smiled and made token conversation, her mind was whirling. If Malika’s family had expected her to marry Ahsan, was she the woman he had been engaged to years ago—the woman Jamila had said he had loved? But, if so, why had they not married? It didn’t make sense, and she brooded miserably as she stared at Ahsan. He was smiling at Malika and clearly enjoying her company. Perhaps they had argued and broken off their engagement. Was he now regretting his lost chance to marry a beautiful, clever Arab girl who would have made him the perfect wife?From that moment on, the party became a blur of faces and stilted conversation with people she had never met before. She was sure they viewed her as an oddity, with her pale skin and vivid hair—and her glaring lack of sophistication. But until his father had recovered, Ahsan was king, and one of her wifely duties outside of the bedr
MARRYING MY BEST FRIEND'S FIANCEE Chapter 432
As Ahsan had predicted, his team of advisors was waiting for him when they arrived back at the palace. Even on the journey across the desert, he’d had his mobile phone clamped to his ear, and Kate had sat silently beside him, lost in her thoughts. The honeymoon was over, and he had made it abundantly clear that he now saw her role as his wife as a walk-on part—or perhaps a lie-down part, she thought bitterly. But what had she expected? She had married him for Hazem, and he had married her for sex, and they had each gotten what they wanted.At least she had Hazem, she told herself later that evening, when she tucked the toddler into bed. She had missed him desperately, and his evident delight that she was back was a comforting balm to her raw emotions. She was Ahsan’s wife, a member of the Royal Family of Qubbah, and no one could ever take him away from her now.But as she prepared for the state banquet, her insecurities returned, and she felt sick with nerves. She had been horrified w
