She wanted to ask Chrysander just how many people had access to their private quarters but bit her lip.
“It would seem our apartment is a revolving door today,” Chrysander said dryly, and Marley wondered if he’d read her mind.
While Theron’s disapproval of her might have been more subtle, there was nothing left to imagine about this man’s opinion of her. He scowled openly even as Chrysander introduced him to her as his brother Piers.
“A word if you don’t mind, Chrysander,” Piers said, his jaw clenched tight.
“Don’t let me interrupt,” Marley said. She turned and walked toward the bedroom, having had enough of the chilly reception she’d received.
Even as she closed the door, she could hear raised voices and Chrysander’s angry tone. She hesitated a moment, wondering if she should listen to their conversation. Would she want to hear what they were saying? With a sigh, she turned to survey the room that Chrysander had given her upon her release from the hospital.
Not knowing what else to do, she slipped out of her shoes and sat down on the bed. The trip hadn’t been tiring, but sliding under the covers and hiding appealed to her. Her head was beginning to ache from tension, and if she could just get away for a few minutes, she might feel better. And maybe when she woke, there wouldn’t be anyone in their apartment anymore.
When she did wake, she was in a different bed. She blinked the sleep-induced fog away and realized that she was in Chrysander’s bedroom. She stretched and was glad not to feel the pressure in her head any longer.She sat up and saw Chrysander standing across the room looking at her. For some reason, she felt unsure of herself in that moment.
“I must have been more tired than I realized,” she said lightly. “I didn’t even wake when you moved me.”
“You will sleep in our room, in our bed.”
She blinked. “Well, okay. I just didn’t think. That was the room I had before.”
He closed the distance between them and sat down on the bed next to her. “Your place is here. With me.”
She cocked her head. She had the distinct impression he wasn’t just speaking to the fact that she’d gone to bed in another room. It was almost as though he was convincing himself, and others, that she belonged with him.
“Your brothers don’t approve of me,” she said quietly.
His face became a stone. “My brothers have no say in our relationship. I will announce our forthcoming marriage at the reception two nights from now, and we’ll marry in a week.”
And that was that, she thought. The law laid down by Chrysander Anetakis.
He leaned down to kiss her. “Why don’t you dress? We’ll go out for a nice dinner.”
“Lobster?” she asked hopefully then realized what she’d said. Her eyes widened in excitement. “Lobster! Chrysander, I remember that lobster is my favorite.”
He smiled tightly and kissed her again. “So it is, pedhaki mou. I used to have it delivered here, and we’d sit naked on the bed to eat it.”
She flushed to the roots of her hair but had to admit the image was appealing. Chrysander helped her up, and she went into the bathroom to shower and change. Thirty minutes later, Chrysander escorted her down the elevator and out to the waiting car.
He took her to an elegant restaurant, and they sat in an intimate corner set away from the main dining area. The lighting was low, and it reminded her of Christmas. A warm feeling of nostalgia took hold as she recalled how very much she loved the holiday season.
In another month, decorations would be going up, and many of the shops and restaurants would twinkle with lights and holly. She smiled dreamily as she imagined spending Christmas with Chrysander.
“You look lost in thought, agape mou. With such a sweet smile on your face, I can only hope that I am what is occupying your thoughts.”
She looked across the table to see Chrysander studying her, his bronze skin illuminated by soft candlelight. “I was imagining spending Christmas with you. I was remembering how much I love the holidays.”
“Your memories seem to be coming back,” he said, though there was no joy in his tone.
Her lips twisted into a rueful smile. “Not very quickly, I’m afraid. Just a snippet here and there, and it’s more of an awareness, not a true memory.”
“It will come. You must be patient.”
She nodded, but she could feel the frustration creeping over her. Determined not to let the evening go the way the rest of the day had, she forced herself to relax and enjoy the wonderful meal and being with Chrysander. With no interruptions from family members or personal assistants.
“Would you like to go shopping tomorrow?” Chrysander asked.