He's Captured My Heart (Captured Series Book 1) (38 page)

“How can you sit there and say that?” I wonder. Could he be being truthful? Maybe the problem is my own insecurities. I still find it hard to believe he is interested in me.

“Because it’s the truth. Your dad told you about the press for the football and the function here. You can’t be too hard on him. He’s upset as well at how things have turned out. He thinks the news has somehow come from Jeff. And let’s face it, he has motive.”

“Dad should have told me long before you arrived that I was supposed to be a prop for your publicity shots. Things might have been different then. Instead, all my family kept it from me. And as for you, what did you think? That you could just take Dad’s plans one step further and use me in more ways than one? Do you have any idea how I felt seeing and hearing the reports today of you and your actress
friend
? Humiliated and foolish spring to mind. But you know
what? You and my dad both got what you wanted. You got some great PR out of this.” I pull my hand away from him. His touch is putting me off everything I want to say.

“Libby, I can honestly say I haven’t used you. You have to believe me.” There is sadness in his eyes as he speaks.

I want to believe him, I really do. But how do I know he didn’t orchestrate everything from the start? Maybe this was his game all along. Let’s face it. He has the right contacts to be in the right place at the right time.

“Libby, no one meant for you to get hurt. And you’ve been hurt a lot this past week. But you know what? You’re not the only one hurting,” Alex snaps. I don’t know what to say to that. “When I saw the papers today with the picture of me and Katherine, my first thought was of you. I knew how hurt and upset you would be. When we posed for the camera, I didn’t think anything of it. Why would I? She’s supposed to be my friend. But when I heard the questions the reporters were asking me, and I looked back at those pictures, I suddenly remembered everything my mother has been saying about Katherine over the years. It hit home. She has used me to further her career. But I can honestly say that there has never been, and never will be, any romantic connection between me and Katherine Hunter.”

“But she loves you.”

“Maybe. But if so, it’s the same as Stephen loving you. You don’t share his feelings. But you also don’t lead him on.”

“No, I’ve not. And especially not the way you’ve led
me
on,” I answer drily, getting up from the couch. I stagger slightly walking towards the window. I hold on to the window ledge to balance myself and stare out at the dark night sky.

“Is that what you think? That I led you on?”

“I don’t know what I think anymore.”

He is standing right behind me, so close I can feel his breath against my neck. I close my eyes. I feel his hands slip round my waist. I lean back against him. His lips brush against my bare neck ever so slightly, sending shivers down my spine.

“I have not led you on, Libby. Every touch of your delicate, soft skin I’ve savoured because I’m selfish. I’ve wanted you from the first moment I saw you, so yes, I’m selfish. Deep down I knew you were out of bounds, and I should’ve tried to resist you. But I couldn’t. Make no mistake; there’s not a single touch or word I’ve spoken that I regret.” He turns me in his arms until I am facing him. His beautiful face is laced with pain, pain that my words have caused. “Libby, believe me when I say you mean a great deal to me.”

His lips meet mine with passion and tenderness. Right now there is no hurry for lust or desire. That can wait. I just need his arms around me, making me feel safe. And in this moment, I do believe
him, every last word. It’s true my insecurities are going to be my own downfall. After all the events of the past few days, I feel exhausted. I just want to fall asleep in his arms.

“Come on, you, let’s get you to bed.” I raise my eyebrows, questioning his words. “No, baby,
that’s
not happening. You need to rest.” He scoops me up in his arms with ease. “You’ve lost weight. If you don’t start eating properly, you’ll end up in the hospital again. And I have it on good authority that the doctor is coming back to see you tomorrow.”

He walks the short distance to the bedroom and lowers me to the bed. He then gets the dressings that have been left for my back, along with the sterile solution. With gentleness he proceeds to clean and dress it. When he’s finished, he places small kisses all around it and then helps me change into my pjs.

He moves everything that’s lying on the bed out of the way. I lie down on the bed. He lies down beside me and wraps his arms tightly around me. I snuggle in; there is nowhere else I want to be. He’s fully clothed. Why do I get the feeling that if I go to sleep, he will be gone when I wake?

I try to fight the sleep, but it’s a losing battle. My eyes are heavy, too heavy to keep open, and my body is lax. I finally give in. The last thing I remember is hearing Alex say, “I love you, Libby.”

I wake in a blind panic. I reach out, but the bed is empty—just as I knew it would be.

“Alex!” I call out.

“Libby?” Kieran’s voice is the only one I hear. I turn to find him sitting in the chair, clutching an envelope as if his life depended on it. Maybe it does.

“Here.” He hands it to me. I look at him, but he turns away. I open it slowly.

My dearest Libby
,

I couldn’t bring myself to tell you that I was leaving tonight with my parents and Michael. And I know the heartache this will cause you, because believe me I will be feeling it too. There is a problem with a deal I have been working on. I am needed back in the States. I have a lot riding on this deal. I still desperately want you to come for a visit, but I will understand if you want to decline. But don’t expect me to stop trying to convince you, because I will call you every night until you finally give in. Which I hope you will. I am going to miss waking up with you in the morning in my arms the most. Seeing your beautiful smile on your face is the perfect start to any day. Please promise me you will at least think about it
.

I know you have a lot going on with work and family (speaking of which, please make peace with them). I will be in constant contact with your father, so there will be no hiding it from me. I’ve told you how I feel about you, but I have absolutely no idea if you feel the same. I can only hope. Libby, you can call me anytime. I will always answer and make time for you. You have become such an important part of me in such a short time. I will be back in six weeks, sooner if I can make it, but I hope to see you before then. Please, please think about what you want. I know what I want. You
.

Yours always
,

Alex

As soon as I finish reading, Kieran is at my side, his arms round me—comforting me, wiping the tears that have fallen.

“I need my phone. Where is it?” I ask through the tears that are blinding me with panic. “He needs to know I feel the same.”

“It’s here. Don’t panic. But I’m sure he will already have boarded.”

I call him, but it goes straight to voicemail, and I can’t seem to find my voice to leave a message.

“Text instead. He’ll get it as soon as he lands.”

Libby: I know what I want. I just wish you were here so I could tell you. Speak to you soon L xxx

Kieran takes the phone from my hand and stretches out beside me. He comforts me for the rest of the night as my tears flow for the man who has captured my heart.

TO BE CONTINUED

About the Author

KAREN FRANCES LIVES
in Scotland with her husband of seventeen years and their five children. Her busy days include helping her husband manage their family business while coordinating their children’s sports and academic endeavours. She finds escape from the chaos of everyday life in good books, particularly stories of passionate romantic relationships. Her appreciation and passion for romance novels led her to write He’s Captured My Heart, a tale of contemporary erotic romance set in Scotland. While Frances is pleased to contribute a unique Scottish voice to the romance landscape, she dreams of someday living (and finding writing inspiration) in a warmer place.

Find out more at
www.karenfrancesauthor.co.uk
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