In the Millionaire's Possession (40 page)

‘
In a way, you were right. My legal advisers had contacted me to say that they had finally drawn up a dossier of her affairs, with testimony from her other victims. So I was able to present it to Hercule before the final meeting today and watch him collapse. It was not pleasant, and I felt,
’
he added quietly,
‘
like a murderer.

‘
But his bid for Fabrication Roche collapsed with him, along with his allies on the board.
’
His smile was grim.
‘
They were the ones who found themselves being escorted from the building. Now there will be some restructuring and
—
voilà
—
life goes on.
’

‘
So you didn
’
t actually need the money I brought you.
’
There was a touch of wistfulness in her voice.

‘
Ah, but I needed the love that came with it.
’
His arms tightened round her.
‘
And the look in your eyes I had prayed for. A far more precious gift,
mon amour
.
’
He paused, his hand caressing the curve of her body that sheltered his child.

‘
Although,
’
he added.
‘
We could use the money, if you wish, to try and repurchase Monteagle.
’

She shook her head slowly.
‘
No, that
’
s all in the past, and I
’
d rather let it go
—
invest in our future. Find a new home for us both, and our children.
’
She hesitated.
‘
Marc
—
when I came in, you didn
’
t look like someone who
’
d just won a famous victory. You looked
—
sad.
’

‘
I was thinking of you,
’
he said quietly.
‘
And all the mistakes I had made. Wondering how soon I could go to you
—
to explain and ask you to forgive me. To try once more to persuade you to let me share your life
—
to love me. It seemed at that moment my real battle was still to come. Until you spoke, and smiled at me, and I realised that, little as I deserved it, I had been offered a miracle.
’

He bent and took her mouth, gently and reverently.

‘
And now,
’
he told her,
‘
I must get you dressed and fed, my wife. But the only bed I can offer is in my apartment,
’
he added ruefully.
‘
And you have never wished to go there.
’

‘
I thought I had my reasons,
’
she said.
‘
But I was wrong. About so many things.
’
She allowed him to lift her to her feet, and slid her arms round his neck, her eyes shining into his with joy and trust.
‘
Please, Marc
—
take me home.
’