‘That’s what I’m saying! Because the two of you didn’t get along, he suffered.’
‘Not because I didn’t like her. Because she liked me—a little too much.’ He spoke with raw emphasis and saw the moment her expression changed and understanding dawned. ‘That’s right. My stepmother took her desire to be “close” to me to disturbing extremes.’
Lily’s expression moved through a spectrum encompassing confusion, disbelief and finally horror. ‘Oh, no, your poor father—does he know?’
‘I sincerely hope not. I stayed away to avoid there ever being any chance he would witness something that might cause him distress. Despite my personal views on Callie I did not wish to see his marriage ended and I certainly didn’t want to be considered the cause of it, because that would have created a rift that never would have healed.’
‘So you stayed away to prevent a rift between you, but it caused a rift anyway and he doesn’t even know the reason. Do you think you should have told him?’
‘I asked myself that question over and over again, but I decided not to.’ He hesitated. ‘She was unfaithful several times during their short marriage and my father knew. There was nothing to be gained by revealing the truth and I didn’t want to add to my father’s pain.’
‘Of course you didn’t.’ Lily’s eyes filled. ‘And all this time I was thinking it was because of your stubborn pride, because you didn’t like the woman and were determined to punish him. I was so wrong. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.’
More unsettled by the tears than he was by her anger, Nik backed away. ‘Don’t cry. And there is nothing to forgive you for.’
‘I misjudged you. I leaped to conclusions and I try never to do that.’
‘It doesn’t matter.’
‘It does to me. You said that she had affairs—’ Her eyes widened. ‘Do you think that Chloe might not be—?’
He tensed because it was a possibility that had crossed his mind. ‘I don’t know, but it makes no difference now. My father’s lawyers are taking steps to make sure it’s a legal adoption.’
‘But if she isn’t and your father ever finds out—’
‘It would make no difference to the way he feels about Chloe. Despite everything, I actually do believe she is my father’s child. For a start she has certain physical characteristics that are particular to my family, and then there is the fact that Callie did everything in her power to keep her from him.’
‘You really think she used her child as currency?’
‘Yes.’ Nik didn’t hesitate and he saw the distress in her eyes.
‘I think I dislike her almost as much a
s you do.’
‘I doubt that.’
‘I’m starting to see why you were worried about your father marrying again. Is Callie the reason you don’t believe love exists?’
‘No.’ His voice didn’t sound like his own. ‘I formed that conclusion long before Callie.’
He waited for her to question him further but instead she leaned forward and hugged him tightly.
Unaccustomed to any physical contact that wasn’t sexual, he tensed. ‘What’s that for?’
‘Because you were put in a hideous, horrible position with Callie and the only choice you had was to stay away from your father. I think you’re a very honourable person.’
He breathed deeply. ‘Lily—’
‘And because you were let down by a woman at a very vulnerable age. But I know you don’t want to talk about that so I won’t mention it again. And now why don’t we go to bed and have apology sex? That’s one we haven’t tried before, but I’m willing to give it my all.’
* * *
Hours later they lay on top of the bed, wrapped around each other while the night breeze cooled their heated flesh.
Lily thought he was asleep, but then he stirred and tightened his grip.
‘Thank you for helping with Chloe. You were very good with her.’