The Twelve-Month Marriage Deal by Margaret Mayo Page A

closer to her ear. ‘No more talk of our marriage not being real. Smile—it is what our guests expect.’
    The reception was held in the banqueting hall of one of Seville’s finest hotels and when Elena felt that she could take no more, when she could smile no more,when the pressure of the day had built up to such an extent that once again she felt like screaming and running, she excused herself and hurried away to the sanctity of the ladies’ room.
    It was empty and for a few peaceful minutes she was able to shut out everything that was going on around her. She ran cold water over her wrists and tried to pretend that the last few hours had never happened—except that she had an enormously expensive wedding ring on her finger. There was no denying the fact that she was stuck with Vidal for the next year whether she liked it or not.
    It took every ounce of determination not to run away—as far as she could, as quickly as she could. Tears trickled down her cheeks. Why, oh, why, was this happening to her?
    Out there she now had a husband whom she did not love. Someone whose bed she would have to share. Her face flamed at the thought. Because in all honesty that part of it would not be such a hard deal.
    Vidal had the power to turn her on simply by looking at her. Whether it was something he had perfected over the years to get his women she did not know. And it mattered not. The truth was those silver eyes were dangerously seductive. She had only to look into them to feel her defences melting.
    Which, she supposed, was a good thing, because marriage to a man whom she did not feel remotely attracted to would have been sheer hell. At least they had something going in their favour.
    Elena repaired her make-up, assured herself that she looked normal—or at least as normal as someone whohad just got married for convenience could look—and made her way back out.
    Vidal must have been watching for her because he instantly appeared at her side, a faint frown creasing his brow. ‘You’ve been a long time. I was going to send someone in after you.’
    It was said in good humour, but Elena heard an undertone of criticism. ‘Isn’t a lady allowed a few minutes to herself?’ she asked sharply. ‘You have no idea what I’ve gone through today.’
    ‘Tell me,’ he suggested softly. ‘Does it have anything to do with the fact that you almost ran away at the church?’
    Elena closed her eyes briefly, letting out her breath on long, silent sigh. ‘How could I expect you to understand the enormity of it all? You’re right, I did want to run away, but—’
    She was totally unprepared for what happened next. Vidal dragged her up on to the stage where the band was playing and took over the microphone.
    ‘I know I’ve already thanked everyone for coming and making this day very special for my wife and I.’ He smiled at Elena, his eyes more tender than she had ever seen them. And he took her hand into his, squeezing it reassuringly.
    Elena wanted to cringe and run, but he was making very sure that she didn’t.
    ‘But now I’d like to take a few more moments of your time by saying how very proud I am of Elena. For those of you who don’t know, she is a professional wedding planner and I think you will agree that today’s events could not be surpassed.’
    Loud clapping and cheering followed and Elena felt herself blush from his praise.
    ‘I hadn’t seen Elena for many years,’ he continued. ‘And it was fate when she and I met again. It was meant to be. And it will be.’
    The whole room filled with applause. Vidal felt Elena trembling at his side and without conscious thought he pulled her against him and kissed her. It was the only thing he could think of to reassure her. It resulted in more cheers and more clapping.
    He felt her heart throbbing wildly against him, like a bird trapped in a cage.
    ‘Never mind, mi amor, it will soon be over,’ he murmured softly against her mouth. ‘You’ve done your parents proud