The Rented Bride (Highland Billionaires Book 1) (24 page)

“It’s a bit more of a production for Catholics,” Cassie said.

“James didn’t want the mourning to go on for days or weeks,” Doris said. “Over the past few weeks, he made sure I knew what he wanted.”

Cassie stood. “Can I help?”

Doris shook her head. “No, honey. James is gone now and, forgive me for being presumptuous, but Trent needs you now. You can help by being here for him.” She didn’t give Cassie a chance to respond, but turned and left.

Cassie sat at the table and stared out the window as she finished her coffee. Dark clouds loomed over the horizon. The same stormy uncertainty rumbled inside her. Tears filled her eyes. She thought of last night, of being in Trent’s arms.
“Never apologize for living life,”
James had said. But what did that mean this morning, after all that happened, with the lies, the omissions, her family—

Her family, she remembered with a start. God, by now they must’ve left a dozen messages on her phone. Cassie put her cup in the sink, then went into the kitchen office and dug her phone from her purse. As expected, there were several voicemails. She pressed the button and listened to the first one. Sophia, asking if Cassie was okay and to call if she needed anything. Calls followed from Mia, Bobby and her mother.

The fifth message played. Cassie froze. A man identified himself as Trent’s attorney. He relayed a transaction number for a twenty-thousand-dollar transfer into her account. Was this for real?

Trent had the marriage payment wired into my bank account.

The terms of the contract had been fulfilled. The lawyer wanted her to know that Trent thanked her for the services provided. She’d done more than expected and Trent felt she’d earned the extra ten thousand dollars. Had that been a shift in the lawyer’s tone? How much had Trent confided to his attorney? 

Cassie ended the playback and stared at the phone. Services provided? Is that what he called letting him fuck her—twice? Well, once. Trent couldn’t have known she would have sex with him last night. Would he send another ten thousand dollars for that
extra service
?

The day after James’ death and the contract was finished and paid for. She’d been a fool, a big fat fool. He’d paid her immediately. Talk about not letting the door hit her in the ass on the way out. She got the message—loud and clear.

Cassie jumped to her feet. Fine, she’d been paid, the contract was fulfilled, so she could get the hell out. Tears burned her eyes. Trent wouldn’t have to pretend anymore. The marriage was over. Cassie grabbed her purse, dropped her phone inside, and went in search of Henry.

Trent woke alone. Last night, making love to Cassie, and her falling asleep in his arms came back in a rush. He bolted upright and glanced at the clock. Eleven fifteen. No wonder she wasn’t in bed. She’d probably woken up starving. He was ravenous. After last night, their relationship had changed. Last night had been simple truth. They belonged together.

Trent jumped from bed, tugged on underwear and jeans, then pulled a T-shirt over his head. He combed his fingers through his hair as he headed downstairs in search of his wife. He checked the kitchen. If he knew Cassie, she’d be on her third cup of coffee. Not seeing her, he made his way to his office. The room was empty, so he dialed Meg’s number.

She picked up on the first ring. “Good morning, Trent.”

“Have you seen Cassie?”

“No, I haven’t. Is anything wrong?”

Was there? He didn’t think so. They’d spent an amazing night together, made love, shared their grief and comfort. That’s what two people who needed each other did.

“No, but if you see her will you let her know I’m looking for her?”

“Of course.”

He hung up and called Doris. “Doris, have you seen Cassie?”

“Yes, I was just on my way to see you. I had coffee with her. I thought she was all right, but now I think I misread her.”

“Why? What did she say?”

“Nothing to me, but I just spoke with Henry and he’s bringing the car around to take her the airport.”

“The airport? Have they left?”

“No. He said he told her it would take twenty minutes to have the car ready.”

Henry had never taken more than five minutes to get a car ready. “Tell Henry he’s getting a raise. Where is Cassie now?”

“Waiting at the courtyard entrance,” Doris replied.

“Tell Henry not to take her anywhere.” Trent slammed the phone down and raced from the office and down the stairs. He sped through the hallway and burst out into the foyer. Cassie spun to face him. Her eyes widened, then narrowed. Her lips thinned to a tight line. He’d seen this look before. This was the ball buster who took on fish wholesalers, iguanas and deliverymen.

She pointed a finger at him. “Come any closer, Trent Weston, and, I swear to God, I’ll flip you over my shoulder again.”

Trent took two steps closer. “I’m not going to let you walk away without talking to me. Didn’t last night mean anything to you?”

She lifted her chin. “The job is done. The terms of the contract were fulfilled, so I’m going home.”

“Finished your job? Last night had nothing to do with the contract and you know it!”

Her eyes hardened. “My extra effort put an extra ten grand in my pocket. I’m glad you were happy with my services. Consider last night a bonus. You got lucky.”

What the hell was she talking about? Then he realized. He’d had his attorney wire the money as per their contract, but with an extra ten thousand dollars. “You’ve got it all wrong, Cassie. How could you think I’d pay you for sex? I didn’t want to assume—I couldn’t assume—”

Cassie snorted. “Assume I’d be grateful to get a bonus for services rendered? I’d say you assumed a great deal.”

She pivoted and headed for the door. Trent seized her arm and whirled her around to face him. “Wait, I never meant—”

Swoosh. Cassie twisted, and Trent found himself face up on the floor, the air knocked from his lungs. He drew in a ragged breath.

She stood over him, eyes blazing.

The door burst open and Henry entered. A group of chattering voices followed.

Cassie’s brows furrowed. “Mom—Grandma Rosa—Dad, what are you doing here? Mia, Sophia?”

Trent pushed upright and stared as more people filed into the foyer. He recognized Cassie’s mother, her sister Mia and cousin Sophia, and her brother Bobby. An elderly woman gripped her mother’s arm. Cassie had said Grandma Rosa. He remembered her mentioning Grandma Rosa and the warning that if she ever found out about their marriage, he be stuck with her for life.
Hello, Grandma Rosa.

“What is your husband doing lying on the floor?” her mother asked.

“I tripped.” He rose. “Maria.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Maria’s lips pursed. “You should be more careful. You’ll crack your head open.” She shifted her gaze to Cassie. “You don’t answer your phone for your mother, either.” She turned to Trent. “We heard the news about your grandfather. We’re so very sorry.” She hugged him and Trent met Cassie’s gaze over Maria’s shoulder.

She worried her bottom lip between her teeth.

Maria drew back from the hug and motioned for the distinguished gentleman standing nearby to come closer. “This is Cassie’s father, Franco. Franco, this is Cassie’s husband, Trent Weston.”

Trent extended a hand. “I’m very happy to make your acquaintance, sir.”

Franco grasped his hand in a firm handshake. “I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances. I thought I’d meet Cassie’s husband before the marriage. I expected to be there to walk my daughter down the aisle and listen to Father Victor bless the union. But I’m here now.”

Trent nodded. “That’s my fault. My grandfather’s prognosis wasn’t good and I wanted him to see us married before he died. I asked Cassie to keep things quiet. We had hoped to tell you in person, but I should have insisted that Cassie phone you immediately.”

Cassie stepped up beside them. “Mom, Dad, what are you and—” she glanced around “—everyone doing here?”

“We’re here for you both. Now hug your father,” her mother scolded. “You haven’t seen him in four months.”

Cassie blushed. “Of course.” She put her arms around his shoulders and hugged him. “I missed you, Papa.”

“Missed you, too,” he said.

They separated and she said, “I still don’t understand what everyone is doing here.”

Her mother smoothed her hair back from her face, tucking a few strands behind her ear. “Cassandra, Trent’s grandfather died. I wish we would have had the chance to know him because he was part of your family, our family. You and your husband need us. Where else would we be? Now, come, Grandma Rosa needs to sit down. This has been a long trip for her.”

“Of course,” Trent said. “Upstairs in The Blue Parlor would be comfortable for everyone.”

Maria glanced toward the stairs.

“We have an elevator,” Trent said. He grasped Grandma Rosa’s arm and started at a sedate pace across the foyer. “Maria, why don’t you come with me? If the rest of you want to take the stairs, Cassie can show you the way.”

“I don’t know where The Blue Parlor is,” she blurted, “And, as you know, I was going out.”

He glanced over his shoulder. “With your family here, I think you should delay your plans.” He turned around. “The Blue Parlor is three doors down from the ballroom. Take the stairs to the second floor then turn left.”

She didn’t reply, and he refrained from looking back. She wouldn’t make a scene in front of her family, would she?

“Come on, everyone,” she said.

When Trent arrived at The Blue Parlor with Maria and Grandma Rosa, Cassie waited with the rest of her family. He seated Grandma Rosa near the hearth. “Let me get a fire going and have some tea brought up. I’ll let Ace know that we have guests for lunch.”

He started to leave but Maria stopped him. “Show me where the kitchen is. I’ll make lunch. We are here so that you and Cassie can rest. You need to feed the feelings.”

Meg and Doris entered.

“Meg, Doris, please come here.” The two women reached Trent, and he said, “Everyone I would like to introduce Meg, my personal assistant, and Doris, the lady who manages Brettonwood.” He introduced those he knew, then said, “I’m afraid I don’t know the rest of you.”

The redheaded man stepped forward and extended a hand. “I’m Danny, Cassie’s older brother.”

A young brunette stepped forward. “I’m Leeza, Cassie’s older sister.”

“Doris, could you please let Ace know we’ll have guests for lunch. And we’ll need guestrooms made up for everyone.”

Maria shook her head. “No, no need to go to any trouble.” She patted Trent’s arm. We’re here to help, not to impose. We have rooms at The Regency. We’re already checked in. Have preparations been made for the wake?”

“Mom, Trent isn’t Catholic,” Cassie said.

She looked at him, clearly surprised, but said in a kind voice, “But you do plan a service?”

He nodded. “Doris has been kind enough to oversee the arrangements.”

Maria gave a succinct nod. “Good, I will help—we will all help. But let us begin with lunch. Where is the kitchen?”

“Doris, show Mrs. Adams to the kitchen, and tell Ace that he will be the sous chef while she’s here.” Trent caught the flicker of amusement in Doris’ eyes. She was thinking the same thing he was: Ace was going to have a fit being demoted by a robust Italian woman. He was no match. “And, Meg, please have Henry retrieve their luggage from The Regency and bring it here.”

Maria tsked. “Are you already arguing with your mother-in-law? I said we’re fine at the hotel.”

“If your daughter is anything like her mother, I’m sure we’ll argue again.” He winked at her. “Please, we insist. You can all stay here with us. There’s plenty of room. Isn’t that right, Cassie?”

“I think they’ll be comfortable at The Regency. You’re not used to having so many people around. I think under the circumstances, I should stay at the hotel with them.”

“Stay away from your new husband?” her father said. “That’s ridiculous, Cassie.” He turned to Trent. “We’ll all stay. Thank you.”

“Meg, please send Henry for their luggage,” Trent said.

Meg nodded and left.

Cassie’s eyes narrowed on Trent. “I’m not staying here.”

“What’s this about?” Maria looked from Trent to Cassie. “I know nothing of what is happening in my daughter’s life.” Her gaze narrowed. “Except what I read in the paper and on the internet.”

All eyes turned on Trent, and he knew that they were remembering Lindsey’s announcement about their so-called engagement. Since then his phone had blown up. And it wasn’t just the paparazzi looking for more gossip, but Lindsey had called. He’d had his number changed.

“I owe you all an explanation,” he said. “About the rumors and—”

“Do you want to talk about Lindsey in front of my family?” Cassie asked.

“Are you talking about Lindsay Fremont?” Bobby asked.

Trent nodded. “Yes.”

“So you never dated this woman?” Maria asked.

“I did, but she lied when she announced an engagement.”

Cassie’s mother shook her head. “Some women are very bitter.”

Trent nodded. “If you’re ready, Maria, I’ll show you to the kitchen.” He winged an arm. She placed a hand in the crook and they started away.

“I think I’ll come with you,” Cassie said.

“There’s no need,” Trent said.

“Oh yes there is.” She followed them.

They reached the kitchen and Trent introduced Maria to Ace.

She ran her gaze down his large frame. “You are the chef?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She smiled. “You look as good as that salad. I won’t mind having you in the kitchen.”

Ace blinked, then grinned. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Ace,” Trent said, “Maria is married and her husband’s upstairs.”

Ace shrugged. “That’s like a thousand miles away.” He made space for her next to him. “Let’s get cooking.”

Cassie grasped Trent’s arm. “Darling,” she said in a too-sweet voice, “we need to talk.”

Trent nodded. “I know, but this isn’t the right time. I need a moment.”

She opened her mouth to reply, but Trent turned on his heel and hurried from the room. He jogged down the hallway, reached the servants’ stairs and took them two at a time to the third floor. He strode down the hall and paused at the door to his grandfather’s bedroom. Swallowing hard, he rested his hand on the knob, then entered. He stared at the bed. Emotions clogged his throat. His grandfather’s favorite blanket lay neatly across the bed and the pillows, as if he’d never been there. Trent’s chest tightened. He walked to the ottoman and sat across from the chair where his grandfather had spent most of his time in the last month.

“Granddad, you were right. I love her.” He stared at the chair, certain his grandfather could hear him. “Of course, I screwed up. Too much time in the boardroom…and always the wrong woman in the bedroom, until now.” He gave a low laugh. “But I’m going to fix it. I’m going to make her believe in me. I know you would approve.”

Trent jumped to his feet and hurried to the walk-in closet. He went to the far corner, pushed aside the clothes to reveal a tall, thick safe. He turned the dial left to three, right twenty-nine, and one full revolution to the number one, then twisted the handle. The door opened. On a small shelf at the top of the safe sat a small velvet box. He picked up the box and opened it. A simple Celtic braided gold band with sapphires embedded in the braids lay on satin. I

t hadn’t occurred to Trent to give Lindsey the ring his grandfather had given his grandmother. Lindsay would never have been satisfied with anything but the large rock he put on Cassie’s finger. Trent smiled. No wonder his grandfather had figured out Cassie was a rented bride. When Trent slipped this ring on her finger there would be no doubt she was truly his wife.