Stormy Vows - Iris Johansen [80]
“Very impressive!” she said scornfully, whirling to face him. “Rather like a set—‘movie mogul's penthouse apartment.’”
“I'll give my decorator your compliments,” Donovan said, strolling toward her, narrowed blue eyes on her defiant face. “Those were my instructions exactly. I use this apartment chiefly for business meetings. I find a little healthy intimidation very beneficial.”
“Is that why you brought me here?” Brenna asked bitterly. “Am I to be intimidated by the great Michael Donovan?”
Donovan's mouth tightened. “I brought you here so that you can explain why you broke your word to me and ran away. If I have to intimidate you to get an answer, then so be it.” His eyes darkened broodingly. “We shared something pretty special last night, and I woke up this morning to find you'd left me, presumably for good. I want to know why? Was it Melanie St. James?”
Brenna shook her head impatiently. Her anger was inexplicably seeping away, replaced by the treacherous yearning that always beset her in Donovan's presence. “No, it wasn't Melanie,” she said wearily. “I just couldn't stay any longer. Please try to understand.”
Donovan's hands closed on her shoulders, his face white and set. “I don't understand, and I won't accept it! I know damn well you haven't been unhappy these last few months. Tell me why!”
Suddenly she couldn't stand it any longer. It was sheer torture being so catechized when her emotions were raw and bleeding. “What difference does it make whether it's now or later,” she cried. “It was only a matter of time, anyway.”
“It was time that I needed,” he said grimly. “I think I know what happened. With your background, I realize how difficult it must be for you to trust yourself to a commitment to any man. I thought I was making progress, but this little incident with Melanie blew the whole thing up in my face.” His mouth firmed determinedly. “Well, we'll just have to start again.”
His words only added to her distress and confusion. “By holding my son hostage for my good behavior? How long do you think you can get away with that?”
His blue eyes met hers with implacable determination. “I can use it today and perhaps tomorrow. The next day I'll find another lever to keep you with me. And the next day I'll find another. I'll keep on until there are no more tomorrows.”
“Why?” she whispered, her gaze clinging to his, while an impossible hope stirred to life.
“Because I love you, you stupid woman,” he grated between his teeth. “Because I damn well can't live without you.”
Her mouth flew open, and her eyes grew round. For a moment she was unable to respond due to the sheer stunning impact of what he had said.
“I know you don't want any permanent relationship with me,” he said raggedly, shaking her a little. “But dammit, I know I can make you love me in time, and I'm going to buy that time any way I can!”
She shook her head dazedly. “This doesn't make any sense,” she said, bewildered. “You made it very plain that our marriage was only temporary.”
“I was afraid I'd scare you off,” he said bluntly. “I knew damn well what I wanted from the moment I saw you, but after I found out about your distrust of men, I knew I'd have to play down any hint of commitment.” He shrugged, his expression belligerent. “Well, it's too late for that now. I intend that this particular commitment will last the rest of our lives. So get used to it, Brenna!”
Her eyes dropped, as a wave of unbelievable joy rushed through her. Michael loved her. Michael Donovan loved and wanted her, not for just the present but forever.
He must have misunderstood her silence for that of despondency, for his hands moved to cradle her face tenderly. “God! Give me a chance, sweetheart,” he pleaded hoarsely. “I can make you happy. Just give me a chance.”
Her eyes lifted to his, and all the radiance in the universe was shining from her eyes. “And you call me stupid, Michael Donovan,” she said, trembling. “You're the one who is supposed to be experienced with women. Can't you tell when one green