If it was true, then Imogen knew it would be a far worse betrayal than Greg’s had ever been.
Throwing the phone down on the bed as if it was some kind of dangerous explosive device, she hurriedly moved to stand in front of the large ornate window that overlooked the piazza. Although the square still teemed with people, Imogen barely registered the fact. Her heart was thumping so hard it made it nigh on impossible for her to think straight.
Right at that moment Seth reappeared. He had a single white towel wrapped round his toned middle and his damp hair was tousled from what must have been a cursory attempt at drying it. His blue eyes automatically seeking her out, he gave her one of his usually irresistible smiles. But this time, Imogen was in no mood to be charmed by it. She was far too angry...angry and confused.
‘What exactly is a trophy wife, Seth?’ She was endeavouring to keep her tone cool, but it didn’t prevent her from shaking inside as she asked the question. ‘I hope you can enlighten me, because I’m anxious to know.’
He stopped smiling. ‘What on earth are you talking about?’
She jerked her head towards the mobile she’d thrown down onto the bed. ‘You had a message from someone who clearly knows you much better than I do. I didn’t mean to read it, but I’m glad that I did.’
Not commenting, he immediately reached for the device. As he read what was on the screen his countenance visibly paled. Then he swore under his breath. Was that a sign that he was guilty of the very thing she had dreaded? Imogen wondered sickeningly.
Jettisoning the phone, Seth deliberately walked towards her. ‘Reading that, I can understand why you no doubt believe I lied to you about my motives for marrying you. All I can tell you, Imogen, is that it’s not true. I married you purely because I love you and could not contemplate living my life without you.’
When he would have stepped closer she folded her arms over her chest and stared at him coldly. It wasn’t easy to stem her suspicions that he was lying. She was honestly terrified of being so gullible a second time.
‘If that’s so, then what’s all that about you needing to find a trophy wife to enter this sheikh’s “elite of the elite” classic-car fraternity?’
‘That part is true, in that my friend Ash recommended me to him. It’s his father who is ruler of a kingdom with a very ancient history, and his wealth is much envied and admired. The sheikh is an avid classic-car collector and is reported to have the richest collection of classic cars in the world. To be accepted into that fraternity you need to be married as well as rich, because they have a very traditional culture.’
Pausing to take a breath, Seth dragged his hand through his hair.
‘When I met you I suggested us having a marriage of convenience partly because it would help me to be accepted into that fraternity. I also saw that we could genuinely help each other out because we had both been disappointed in love. But I also quickly began to realise that I was falling for you. When I married you that day at Gretna Green, Imogen, it was the happiest day of my life. I no longer care about becoming the sheikh’s new supplier of elite cars. In fact I’m going to text my friend today and let him know I decline the offer. The only thing I really care about now is you.’
Although his declaration made her heart sing, she was still anxious about it blinding her to the truth. ‘I want to believe you,’ she confessed shakily, ‘but I’m so scared of being taken for a fool again. Right now I just don’t know what to believe.’
‘Maybe I can do something to help you?’
‘What?’
‘Let’s go and sit down and I’ll show you.’
Waiting for her to make the first move. Seth followed her back to the bed, then gestured for her to sit down. When she did, he once more picked up his phone and sat next to her. He efficiently pressed a couple of buttons and a photo of someone called Ash Nassar appeared on the screen. He had tanned skin and a fashionably short haircut.
The number started ringing, and when it was answered her husband declared, ‘Hi, Ash, it’s Seth. I’m in Italy on my honeymoon and I’ve only just read your message.’
‘Seth—it’s about time! I wondered what the delay was. So you took my advice and found yourself a trophy wife? You couldn’t have timed it better. How soon can you travel over here to seal the deal? My father has already told me that if you marry the job is yours.’
‘I appreciate all your efforts on my behalf, my friend...but I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline the offer.’