A Dangerous Engagement

Chapter 3 : Regret

MARCUS

I flatten my back against the wall beside the door just as it opens and Cara enters the bedroom.

It now occurs to me that I have no business being inside her room, and she may understandably be alarmed at finding me here. Still, I can't explain what prompts me to do what I did next.

Cara senses my presence, and before she could scream, I grab her from behind and put a hand over her mouth.

I should have expected it, but the jolt of emotion that went through me as I held her in my arms surprised me. The familiar scent of honeysuckle and lilies from her cologne brought back memories I tried so hard to forget.

Her scream is muffled by my hand. I tighten my arm around her as she struggles to get free.

"Shhh, it's me," I say, my voice low.

She must recognize my voice because her body stiffens. I relax, but just as I'm about to let go of her, she slams an elbow into my ribs.

"Ow!" I cry out, staggering backward. Fuck, that hurts.

Cara whips around to face me, her eyes blazing with annoyance. "What the fuck are you doing?" she yells.

"Will you be quiet, please?" I straighten, my hand still on the sore spot on my torso where she hit me. "Or do you want Armin to know we're here?"

"Why are you here?"

I raise an eyebrow. "I should be asking you that question."

She crosses her arms over her chest. "Armin invited me."

"Really."

Chin raised defiantly, as though daring me to challenge her right to be here, she replies, "Yes, really. We're very close."

I lower my gaze to my grandmother's engagement ring in Cara's hand. "Apparently."

Her smile is cold. "You got a problem with that?"

"My ex girlfriend engaged to my grandfather?" I slump down on a chair wearily. "Why would that bother me?"

She chews her lower lip before catching herself. It's a nervous tic she has, biting her lip. I noticed a long time ago that she would do it when she was anxious or worried. It takes me a moment to realize I've been staring at her mouth, and I quickly turned my focus on her eyes.

"Have you told anyone?" she says. "About us?"

"I promised you I wouldn't, didn't I?"

"Oh. Good." She smiles. "Did you sneak in here to congratulate me?"

"Come on, Cara, you're not engaged to my grandfather."

She raises her hand to show the back of her fingers, flashing the ruby and diamond ring at me. "Hello?"

"He's up to something. What is it?"

Her smile falters for a second, only a second, but I catch it. "What ... Why would you think that?"

"Because my grandfather doesn't date women a third of his age. There has to be another reason he brought you here."

"Is it so implausible for someone like Armin to fall madly in love with me?"

Her tone is light, teasing, but I can see the hurt in her eyes, as much as she tries to hide it.

"You know that's not what I mean."

"Is that why you're here?" She moves toward the window and looks outside. If I remember correctly, this room has a lovely view of the gardens. "To tell me that I'd never be accepted into your family?"