Stormy Vows - Iris Johansen [133]
Dominic kissed her again on the forehead before turning her around in his arms to face Jane, his hands resting lightly on the woman's waist. “This is Jane Smith, Lola. Knowing what wardrobe you consider minimal, I took the precaution of arranging maid service for you.”
There was a look of surprise in Lola Torres's eyes as they met Jane's tormented golden gaze, but her smile was warm. “Buenas tardes, Jane. I'm sure that we'll get along very well together.”
“Jane will show you to your cabin,” Jake went on smoothly as he released her. “I'll see you at dinner, Lola.”
Again there was a flicker of puzzlement in Lola's face, but she nodded agreeably. “As you wish, querido. I am a bit tired.”
Jake grinned wickedly, his eyes meeting Jane's over Lola's satin head. “Be sure you rectify that before you join me for dinner,” he said caressingly. “I want you to be well rested before tonight, Lola.”
Jane's eyes blazed with anger at the sheer cruelty of the taunt, her fists clenching with helpless fury. She dropped her gaze hurriedly as her eyes met the shrewd, speculative gaze of the other woman. “If you'll follow me, Miss Torres, I'll show you to your cabin.” She spoke huskily, trying to blink back the tears of rage and pain.
“But of course,” Lola Torres replied absently, her eyes still on Jane's unhappy face, and with a final flashing smile at Jake, she followed Jane's swiftly moving figure.
The cabin that Lola Torres had been allocated was only a short distance from Jake's, Jane noticed morosely. Though smaller than the master cabin, it was a good size, and the decor was clearly aimed at pleasing a woman's taste. The thick carpet was a dusty rose, and the white satin spread on the bed and the cream velvet Queen Anne occasional chairs were elegant.
Jane opened the adjoining door to show the older woman the pretty pink vanity and shower area, before crossing to the porthole and throwing it open to let in the fresh coolness of the ocean breeze.
“Your luggage will be brought down shortly, Miss Torres,” Jane said with an effort, trying not to look at the warm beauty whom Jake had so recently held in his arms. “I'll unpack for you as soon as they arrive.”
“Call me Lola,” the other said casually, closing the door and crossing to the bed to stretch out on the white satin coverlet. “Sit down and talk to me, Jane.” Her eyes were fixed searchingly on Jane's vulnerable face. “Now, I want to know what game Jake is playing. Will you tell me?”
Jane smiled ruefully. Those gorgeous black eyes evidently concealed a perceptiveness that was positively intimidating. “Jake knows that I love him,” she confessed simply, surprising even herself with her frankness. Perhaps it was the gentle warmth that Lola exuded that made her so easy to confide in.
“Yes, he would realize that in short order,” Lola said impatiently. “You're fairly transparent.” She bit her lip in perplexity. “But Jake usually doesn't find it amusing to be cruel to those who develop an infatuation with him. He merely ignores them. He was really quite vicious to you up on deck.”
“He wants to send me back to college,” Jane explained quietly. “I don't intend to go.”
Lola nodded, comprehension lighting her eyes. “So he sends for me to discourage you,” she said wryly. “It's not the greatest compliment I have received.”
Jane rushed to reassure her. “It's a very great compliment, Lola.” Her tone was earnest. “Who else could show me, just by comparison, how inadequate I am. You're quite a woman.”
Lola smiled gently. “You're a generous child, aren't you? I can see why Jake is going to so much trouble over you.” Her face was serious as she continued. “He's quite right, you know. He's much too tough and ruthless for a nice infant like you.”
Jane shrugged. “Sometimes you can't pick and choose the things that are good for you. Sometimes things just happen.” She smiled sadly. “If Jake had to choose anyone to try to discourage me, I'm glad it was you, Lola.” She stood up and walked to the door. “I'll go and see what's holding up your luggage.