Chapter 4: Tangerine And Musk.

“What the fuck? What the fuck?”

The words slipped out as panic tightened in Marie’s chest, her hands trembling as she gathered her things.

Everything was wrong. She knew she shouldn't have drank, she should have left the moment he showed no interest in her work.

Her heart dropped as memories of their lovemaking replayed in her head; his touch, his warmth.

He had been gentle, attentive, nothing like she expected. He had touched like she mattered.

Her cheeks flushed as she wore her clothes. A part of her hated all this, yet another part, a small part of her was grateful.

It had been good.

More than good.

When she was done dressing, she paused and stared at his gorgeous face. She had never seen another man finer than Ronan.

Except he had a tougher exterior. It was a mixture of sweetness, danger and arrogance.

When he stirred, she gasped, picked up her purse and dashed out of the room. Only when she left the building, did she realize they had come to a hotel.

“Oh Marie,” she gasped as she ordered a cab.

When it arrived, she slid in and returned her calls.

She called Paige first.

“Marie? Where are you?” Paige’s voice rose with worry.

She rubbed her temple. “I'm on my way home.”

“Someone is looking for you.”

Her heart leapt. “Is it Ronan?”

“What? No,” Paige scoffed. “Just come, you'll see.” Then she ended the call.

Marie leaned back, exhaling deeply. Her parents had called her too.

Before her marriage, she had been out often, and they had never hovered like this.

Was it concern? Or something else?

Her gaze drifted to her portfolio and she rubbed her face, shame crawling inside her.

Yet it wasn't just shame, it was pleasure and a small urge to do it again.

“We're here ma'am,” the driver said, breaking her thoughts.

She glanced out and frowned. There were two unknown cars parked outside her parents house.

“Thanks,” she said, paying him.

She swallowed as she entered.

In the living room, two men sat with her father and they all stood when she walked in.

“Hey dad,” she said softly. “I can—”

“These gentlemen are looking for you,” Gabriel interrupted her, gesturing towards them.

She studied them, none of them looked familiar at all.

“Hello, ma'am,” one of them stepped closer. “I'm Sam, I called yesterday.”

“Oh,” she nodded.

“Barbara Hills's will will be read later this afternoon and you've been invited.”

She blinked. “Me? Why?”

She and Barb had been close, but she wasn't expecting to be included in her will.

“Would Ronan… be there?” she asked, despite herself.

Sam nodded. “The entire family would be there.”

Her chest tightened. That meant Regina and Glinda too.

Sam must have noticed her panic before he added quickly. “You’re welcome to bring a family member, if that would make you more comfortable.”

“I'll go with her,” Gabriel said quickly.

Marie pressed her lips together but said nothing.

“Thank you for your time,” Sam said. “The meeting would be held in Barbara’s estate. Hope to see you there.”

“Sure,” she replied flatly.

The moment they left with Gabriel, Marie sank on the couch. Jessica and Paige joined her almost immediately.

“We were worried when we heard it was Barb’s lawyer,” Jessica said, squeezing her shoulder.

“I thought that bastard was up to something again,” Paige added.

Marie settled in her mother's hand. A foolish part of her wished it had come from Ronan, maybe he wanted to fix things.

She scoffed at her own stupidity.

“How was the meeting?” Paige asked. “Did he like it?”

Marie stiffened slightly, images from the hot night flashing through her mind.

Before she could answer, Gabriel returned. “We need to get ready.”

Marie nodded and went to her room. She took a long shower, cleaning herself up. She would never see that fine man again and as much as it stung a little, she was grateful.

No names, no future, nothing.

When she got out of the shower, Paige had laid a long red gown on the bed. She clutched her towel, rushing to it.

“So gorgeous.”

“Ready?” Paige asked and she nodded.

They spent almost an hour getting ready. By the time she was done, Marie could barely recognize herself.

Her hair was styled so beautifully and she had worn some of her mother's jewelry.

“Now this is a dress to kill,” Paige said, her eyes glinting with pride.

“Thank you,” Marie said with a bright smile.

When she went to the living room, her parents admired her, making her heart flutter.

“Ready?” Gabriel asked, extending his hand.

“Yes,” Marie said confidently.

But when they reached Grandma Barb's estate, her confidence began to falter.

“Don't even think about anybody,” Gabriel murmured beside her.

“Thanks dad,” she said with a shaky smile.

Barbara's estate was enormous with a whole farm she could see from where she stood. A man in uniform led them to the front door and her hands trembled as she walked in.

There were so many Hills families around, cluttered in the corner, muttering to one another.

Marie's eyes darted around as she searched for Ronan.

Thankfully or sadly, she wasn't sure which, she couldn't find him or Tiffany.

She and her father walked into the hall. Pictures of Barb were hung on the wall and it sent sadness through Marie.

“Let me get the witches out of the way,” Gabriel said, gesturing to Glinda and Regina who were out in the garden.

She nodded, grateful she didn't have to deal with them.

Just as she moved to admire another picture, she smelled him before she saw him.

Tangerine and musk.

Her stomach stirred with both fear and anticipation.

“Ronan.” She turned.

There he was. Impeccable in black, like always.

His eyes widened slightly. “Marie? What are you doing here?”

“I was invited by the lawyer,” she replied, her cheeks burning.

For the first time ever, a spark of admiration rose in his blue eyes. He licked his lips, sending a dangerous thrill through her.

In that moment, Marie felt complete. He was looking at her the way she had always wanted.

Fueled by the hunger in his eyes, she stepped closer. “Ronan—”

“Baby!”

The moment shattered as Tiffany appeared, slipping effortlessly to his side. The look in Ronan's eyes disappeared as he smiled brightly at her.

Humiliation swirled inside Marie and she stepped back.

“Marie? What are you doing here?” Tiffany asked, surprised.

She swallowed. “I came—”

“You heard the news and came to celebrate with us?” Tiffany cut in smoothly.

Marie frowned. “What news?”

Tiffany didn't speak, she just rested a hand over her stomach.

Marie's stomach dropped. No, it can't be.

But when Ronan's hand dropped to Tiffany's bump, her knees buckled.

Everything inside her broke.

Of course she had been foolish enough to hope.

“Are you okay?” Tiffany asked, her tone coated with mockery. “Are you here alone?”

Before she could respond, the door opened and he walked in.

The man from last night, the one she had thought was Mr F.

Their eyes met and without thinking Marie ran to him. She grabbed his hands, hers shaking.

“No,” she said, her voice unsteady. “I'm not here alone.”

Then she kissed him to really sell it.

It was reckless, but she didn’t stop.

The stranger froze, but he kissed her back.

Ronan stepped forward, his eyes blazing. “What the fuck Marie! You came in here with my half-brother?”