She took it simply for something to do besides staring at his gorgeous face, which had transformed dramatically from his earlier formidable demeanour. He clinked glasses with her and raised his in a toast. ‘To the thrill of the challenge.’
‘I won’t participate.’
‘Too late. You threw the gauntlet. I accepted. Drink your champagne. That’s a five-thousand-dollar glass you’re holding.’
She stared down into the golden liquid before answering. ‘I don’t really drink that much.’
‘I guessed as much. Another souvenir from the ex?’
The pain of the memory scythed through her before she could guard herself against it. She shook her head.
‘Why don’t you drink, Ruby?’ His voice was hypnotic, pulling on a cord deep inside that made her want to reveal everything to him.
‘I don’t like the loss of control it gives me.’
Silver eyes narrowed. ‘Something happened to you?’
‘You could say that.’
‘Something bad?’
‘Depends on your definition of bad. Someone upset me. I thought getting drunk would solve the problem. It didn’t. It made it worse.’
‘Who was it?’
‘My father—’ She stopped as she realised how much she was revealing to him.
‘Ah, sì. Fathers. It’s such a shame they’re necessary for evolution, isn’t it?’ Although his words were light, his eyes had taken on that haunted look she’d glimpsed this morning in his kitchen.
Out of nowhere came the overwhelming urge to take his pain away. ‘I can’t believe we’re standing in one of the most spectacular rooms I’ve ever seen, discussing our daddy issues.’
‘You’re discussing your daddy issues. I have none.’
She frowned. ‘But you just said—’
His mouth tightened. ‘I merely expressed a view on evolution.’ He took a large slug of his drink and set the glass aside. ‘Come, the show’s about to begin.’
He walked her deeper into the room, to an even larger space where a stage was brightly lit in hues of blue and green.
Several more acrobats struck different poses from their ropes but as the oriental-themed music filled the room they started to perform as one. Immediately she recognised the world-renowned group whose exclusivity was reserved to royalty and the crème de la crème of A-listers.
The fluidity of their movement and sheer talent taken to hone such an awe-inspiring performance kept Ruby mesmerised for several minutes, until she noticed Narciso’s renewed tension. A glimpse at his profile showed a tense jaw and tightly pursed lips.
She debated for a second, then took a breath.
‘It’s okay if you don’t want to admit to having daddy issues. I lived in denial myself for a long time,’ she whispered, aware several guests stood close by.
‘Excuse me?’ he rasped.
‘I could apologise but I thought we were...you know...sharing.’