A Trap So Tender (10 page)

“You’re not going to believe it, but I just bought this
building.” James took the weight off by bringing it up himself.

“Why? It looks like a wreck.” She worked hard not to show her
excitement.

“The land under it, of course. Some old guy had been sitting on
it, operating some kind of factory at a near loss for years. Since taxes are
based on the potential value of the land—as if it had a new multi-unit
building—he didn’t make enough to pay them. So I stepped in, paid them and now
it’s mine.” He gazed proudly at his ugly new acquisition.

“That seems rather unfair.” She wanted to see how James felt
about this. “Why can’t they tax it as it is right now?”

“It’s to prevent people squatting on promising pieces of real
estate. If half the waterfront were lined with fishermen’s shacks, Singapore
wouldn’t be the great city it is today. And, of course, it brings in revenue
that pays for services.”

“But what about the poor guy who lost his building?” Why was
she treading into such dangerous territory? She must be mad. But she couldn’t
seem to help herself.

“It’s business. If he wanted to make money he could have
developed the property himself. Maybe he was planning to, but if you’re going to
do that, you have to pay the taxes. I keep my eyes open for opportunities like
this all the time. I’ve gained some of my best properties this way.”

“What are you going to build here?”

“I haven’t decided yet. At first I thought a small office
complex would be good. There are a lot of companies out there that need more
space. But since the retail area has expanded in this direction, now I’m
thinking it could be a destination retail space.”

“Like the one I plan to build.”

“Exactly.”

A chill rose through her as she realized she’d accomplished
exactly what she needed to do. The groundwork was set. And she was every bit as
devious, coldhearted and ruthless as any business tycoon in Singapore.

She quickened the pace, wanting to leave before there was any
further discussion of “the old guy” who owned the place. James’s arm was still
linked with hers, and she tried not to think about the muscle moving beneath his
expensive suit. Better to think of him as a business entity, not a man with
feelings and emotions. She knew he must have his reasons for their sudden
engagement, and sooner or later she’d find out what they were and feel better
about her deception. “Maybe we should head for the restaurant.”

* * *

James glowed with pleasure as he ordered wine for their party.
Fiona’s mother was charming and gregarious and her husband soft-spoken and
funny. Even though the stakes were high he felt quite at ease. Fiona was rather
quiet, but perhaps she was overwhelmed by so much happening so quickly. Who
wouldn’t be?

“So you only met two weeks ago?” Fiona’s mom seemed to want all
the details. Which were rather thin and made him uncomfortable when she shone
the bright light of curiosity on them. He could understand why Fiona wanted them
to get to know him before she announced their impending marriage. Still, they
had to get past the preliminaries and get everyone on the same page, as he’d
already made arrangements for their engagement party the following week in the
ballroom at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

“We’ve traveled a long way in two weeks.” He rested his hand on
Fiona’s. It felt oddly tense.

“Literally and figuratively.” Her smile was oddly bright.
“Scotland and back!”

“Fiona tells me you have a castle.” Her mom leaned in and
peered at him through her glasses. “Did you build it yourself?”

He laughed. “God, no. I’d have made it a lot smaller and better
insulated. The oldest parts of the castle date back to Roman times. Every now
and then someone tries to make improvements, but they don’t help much. Fiona
tells me you’re from Singapore.”

“Yes, lah! Didn’t leave the place until I was twenty-six and
met Dan.” She patted her husband’s arm affectionately. “And he spirited me off
to California when he got transferred there by his bank.”

Relieved that he’d managed to steer the conversation off him
and Fiona briefly, he asked her questions about Singapore and what had changed.
As Dan regaled them with a story about his grandmother who owned a noodle shop,
James saw the man he’d been waiting for enter the restaurant. “Do excuse me.” He
rose from the table and walked past several white-clothed tables of elegantly
dressed diners, before extending his hand to Goh Kwon Beng, the president and
CEO of SK Industries and the man whose partnership could remove nearly every
obstacle from his most ambitious project ever. “What a surprise.” He knew Beng
dined there at least three times a week with his wife and daughters, who had
headed off to their usual table, so their encounter was anything but accidental.
“I’m here entertaining my fiancée’s parents.” He gestured to the table, where
Fiona and her mom and stepdad were conveniently laughing about something.

Beng frowned and peered at the group. “I didn’t know you were
engaged.”

“It’s not been formally announced yet, but we’ll be celebrating
next weekend. I do hope you’ll be able to attend.” Fiona had insisted on telling
her parents in person before releasing the engagement announcement to the
papers.

Beng seized him with both hands. “Congratulations! And welcome
to the world of men. You’ll appreciate how much easier and more content your
life will be once you have a wife.”

“It was a long journey to find the right woman, but happily
I’ve arrived. Would you like to meet them?”

“I’d be delighted.”

James realized on the way to the table that he’d just announced
his impending marriage, when his in-laws knew nothing about it. This would take
some deft handling. “Fiona, this is Goh Kwon Beng, one of my wisest and sharpest
business associates. And this is Fiona Lam.” Before Beng could get a word in
edgeways—­congratulations, for example—he introduced her mother and father
and rattled off a long itinerary of all the things they should catch up on while
they were in Singapore after a long absence. This led to an exchange about the
old days, and the noodle shop on Penang Road and some laughter before one of
Beng’s daughters came over to retrieve him so they could order.

James sank into his chair with relief as Beng retreated.

Fiona’s mother smiled. “What a nice man! He looks familiar. I
feel like I’ve seen his face before.”

“He’s the head of SK Industries.” Fiona watched the retreating
Beng. “One of the most powerful men in Singapore.” She shot a glance at James,
which chilled him slightly. Did she know what he was up to, or have any
suspicions? She was probably too smart not to. Part of him couldn’t believe
she’d agreed to marry him so easily. Then again, there was a real connection
between them and she must be able to feel it, too. “You have friends in high
places, James.” The sparkle in her eyes relieved him. She seemed impressed
rather than suspicious. Maybe she would like to discuss her retail project with
Beng. His vast distribution network had a finger in almost every retail pie in
the region. He slid his arm around her for a moment, wanting to feel the warmth
of her body and reassure her—or reassure himself?—of the deeper connection
between them.

* * *

Dinner was delicious, and the conversation flowed as fast as
the wine. By the end of the four-course meal they were all laughing.

“James, I can see why Fiona’s fallen for you so fast. I must
commend her on her excellent taste.” Her mom squeezed her hand. Fiona looked a
little tense, but smiled back. “Love often happens fast, and when you least
expect it. I have a funny feeling that soon you’ll be planning your
wedding.”

James glanced at Fiona—now was the perfect moment to share
their news. But Fiona stared straight ahead with a forced bright look on her
face and laughed. “You might well be right!”

He stiffened. Why didn’t she want to tell them yet? But he told
himself to hold back. It was all happening very fast and she might need more
time to adjust. It was hard to be patient, though. He had deadlines involving
his negotiations with SK Industries, and a big wedding would play very nicely
into those. Gathering all the local rainmakers together with champagne and cake
and visions of his new patriarchal image was the finishing touch he needed for
five or six different deals he had in mind. But he knew from long experience
that some deals couldn’t be rushed.

After dinner his plans to spend the night with Fiona were
scuppered when she insisted on taking her parents back to their hotel. All he
got was a rushed, “I’ll call you later.” But she didn’t call.

At eleven o’clock James grew impatient and phoned her. “I miss
you.”

“I miss you, too.” There was an odd tightness to her voice.

“I don’t know where you live.”

Again, the laugh that shriveled intimacy. “I think it’s better
that way.”

“I need to see you, tonight. I can have my driver come pick you
up.” The driver wouldn’t be too thrilled by his late-night assignment, but he
was paid handsomely enough. And though he didn’t want to ruin his new
traditional family man image by being spotted cavorting with his future wife
before marriage, how many people were likely to see her coming up to his
apartment near midnight?

“I think I should get some sleep. I’m exhausted after
today.”

The sharp pang of disappointment surprised him. He’d spent the
evening with this woman. Why did her absence hurt him already? “You could come
sleep in my arms.” He craved the feel of her soft cheek against his chest. He
wanted to wake with her and see the sparkle in her eyes outshine the sun.

Clearly, he was losing it. “Please.”

“I’d love to, James, but it’s not a good idea. Let’s have lunch
tomorrow.” The bright tone in her voice clashed in his ears like cymbals. Lunch,
no doubt in a public place where he couldn’t take her in his arms and kiss her
as if the world was ending.

“How about lunch at my place?”

“Uh, okay.”

Her hesitation hurt him. Which was insane! Why was he pining
over this woman like a puppy? She’d already agreed to marry him. He needed to
get himself together. “Twelve noon. I’ll have my driver pick you up. What’s your
address?”

“I’m not sure where I’ll be. I’ll come to your place.”

James hung up the phone with an odd sense of foreboding. He
didn’t feel entirely in control of this situation, and that was a very
uncomfortable sensation for him. Tonight he was going to find out where she
lived.

Eight

A
drenaline surged through Fiona three days
later as she knocked on the scarred door to her dad’s tiny apartment. She’d
offered to buy him a house, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Far too proud.

“Eh?” His gruff voice from inside made her chest constrict.

“It’s me. Fiona.”

The door swung open, releasing a cloud of cigarette smoke. She
squinted and managed not to cough. “I don’t like you coming here. It’s a dump.
I’d never live here if it wasn’t for that devil who ruined me.” He looked tired
and older than the last time she’d seen him. A pang of affection rocked her. She
wanted so badly to turn his life around so they could simply enjoy the simple
pleasures together without any lingering bitterness.

“Have you seen the papers?” She wasn’t sure if he’d read the
engagement announcement. So far he’d been good about keeping quiet.

“What papers? I don’t read that garbage.”

“Can I come in?” She didn’t want to blurt her business out on
the street. Thank heaven her mom and stepfather were busy visiting old friends
today.

“The place is a mess. Let’s go out. I’m buying.” He grabbed a
few crumpled bills out of a drawer.

“Nonsense. It’s my treat. I have something to celebrate.”

“Oh, yes?” He looked at her intently.

“Well, I will soon. I’ve figured out how to get your factory
back.” She spoke in hushed tones as he closed the door and they set out for the
restaurant.

“By marrying James Drummond.” His brows lowered.

He had heard. “It’s not what you think, Dad. It’s part of my
plan.”

“You’ll get my revenge by making his life a misery?”

“No! I have a thing set up. A horse race. When I win it he has
to give me whatever I want, and I’m going to ask for your factory.” They hurried
along the street toward the restaurant she had in mind. Their route would take
them right past the factory.

Her father stared, his eyes slightly bloodshot. “A horse
race?”

“I rode with him on the estate. Fast. I know I can beat him as
I’m so much lighter. Don’t worry about it.”

“And he’ll give you the factory? You actually discussed
this.”

“We haven’t gone into detail. I don’t want to make him
suspicious.”

“Maybe you should ask for his new tower down by the park.
That’s worth a lot more than that old factory.” He chuckled. This idea obviously
appealed to him.

“Let’s keep it simple.” She drew in a breath. “And in the
meantime I have to play along with this engagement charade. Last night was
interesting since he took Mom and Dan out to dinner.”

Her dad’s stride missed a beat. “She’s here? What’s going
on?”

Like most kids, she’d once dreamed of her parents getting back
together, but those fantasies were long gone. “James wanted to meet her and tell
her about the engagement. I managed to hold him off from that, though.
Unfortunately, she really liked him.”

“Slimy bastard. I bet he’s a real charmer.”

“He is.” She felt a rogue urge to defend James and point out
that he had been kind to her. But she knew that was a bad idea. “I have to go to
some parties and smile for a week or so, then we’ll return to Scotland and I’ll
win the race.”

“You’re more devious than he is.” Her dad ran a hand through
his thinning hair. “It’s a crazy scheme and I like it!”

He stopped walking and hugged her. Her breath caught in her
lungs. It was the first time in her whole life—that she could remember—that her
dad had actually hugged her!

Tears welled up in her eyes and she hugged him back as hard as
she could. Which started him coughing. He pulled back and reached for his
cigarettes.

“You really should quit those,” she said gently.

“I know. It’s the stress. When you get me my factory back. Or
that tower…” He burst into a coughing/laughing fit, and she had to join in just
to release all the pent-up emotion.

When they approached the street with the factory on it, she
grew nervous. The stakes were so high. What if she screwed up and lost the race
and disappointed him? “There it is.”

“What a dump. But the land is worth a fortune.”

“That’s why James bought it. What were you planning to do with
the land?”

“A hotel. Or a shopping mall. I had several business partners
interested.”

“I could be your business partner.” She could even launch the
store she’d discussed with James. And this would be a chance to work closely
with her dad every day! “We could work on the idea together.”

He looked at her with surprise, and not a little suspicion.

“But only if you wanted to, Dad. I don’t want to meddle in your
business.”

He laughed and coughed again. “You’ve turned into quite a
firecracker, Fifi. You’ve got a lot of your grandmother in you.”

“Your mom? I never met her. What was she like?”

They enjoyed a luxurious lunch at an outdoor restaurant with a
view of the water. He told her stories of family members she never knew existed,
opening up a whole history for her that gave her insight into both her dad and
herself.

After a couple of drinks, and a large serving of steak, he
seemed transformed back into the confident tycoon of her earliest childhood
memories before her parents split up. Soon he’d be brandishing crisp banknotes
and Cuban cigars and ordering drinks for his friends, the way she remembered
from her childhood. It thrilled her that she could play a role in getting her
dad back on his feet.

But every time she thought about James, she got a sharp pang of
guilt. Would he be hurt? Probably not. She knew he didn’t love her. He hadn’t
even pretended to. After last night’s little introduction to Singapore’s Mr.
Big, she was pretty sure that marriage to her was simply a part of James’s plan
to ingratiate himself with the local magnates. She wasn’t entirely sure why she
fit the bill, but James must have thought it through and liked her credentials
for some reason.

She didn’t delude herself into thinking he actually cared. When
she broke up with him he wouldn’t be crushed and heartbroken; he’d merely be
disappointed that a promising deal had fallen through. He’d find someone more
congenial and probably be engaged again within weeks. There was certainly no
shortage of women interested in marrying James Drummond.

As for herself, on the other hand…she wasn’t at all sure how
she’d feel in the aftermath of this whole mess. Her heart already felt as if it
had been though a meat grinder.

She couldn’t bear to go to James’s apartment last night, though
part of her had ached to. They’d have had more of that frighteningly hot sex,
which was coming dangerously close to its familiar promise of “making love.”
Every time James kissed her she became further entangled in emotions she
couldn’t control. The devastating mix of chemical attraction and James’s
solicitous and tender affections was capable of bringing almost any woman to her
knees. She’d thought she was strong, but she was getting nervous. She was in
danger of genuinely falling for him. She needed to keep her emotions—and her
body—locked up and as far from James as possible until this whole charade was
played out.

* * *

Staying away from James didn’t prove to be difficult. He was
very busy with some deal he was making. Far from trying to keep him at arm’s
length, she found herself wondering why he hadn’t called. Apparently, he thought
he had her locked up, negotiations completed, and now he could set her quietly
aside until he was ready to close the deal. The only way she knew he was even
interested was that he sent her a huge bouquet of flowers every morning.

Which was more than a little alarming, since she’d never given
him her address. He must have researched it, which meant he could have
researched her background, too. Apparently, he hadn’t found out anything that
worried him, as his emails contained no probing questions. They were sweet and
romantic, but didn’t feel entirely genuine. Perhaps his secretary wrote them. Or
maybe she was just trying to feel less guilty about her role in this whole
marriage charade.

Then she got a hand-couriered envelope containing a stack of
engraved invitations to their engagement party. They’d discussed the dates in
passing and she’d been noncommittal. Apparently, James took that as her ready
assent to any date he chose. The date was only five days away, at the most
expensive venue in Singapore. His handwritten note invited her to send out as
many as she wanted.

Uh-oh. This train was rolling faster down the hill. She hadn’t
said anything about their marriage plans to her mom, but obviously her parents
would be expected at the party so she’d have to concoct something.

* * *

“I know we’re engaged, but we won’t get married for ages, Mom.”
They were rifling through racks of bridal gowns at an emporium full of
extravagant designer dresses. Fiona hoped she wouldn’t break out in hives. She
wasn’t cut out for these fluffy creations, and likely not for marriage, either.
Her mom had insisted on coming here today since she was in town right now and
might not get another chance to help her only daughter pick a dress for the
biggest day in her life.

“Good. It’s important to get to know someone first. I’d never
have married your father if someone had given me that advice.”

Stung, Fiona lifted her chin. “Then I wouldn’t be here.”

“I know, sweetheart.” Her mom stroked her cheek. Which made her
feel like a sulky teenager. “So in a way it all worked out for the best. But I
want you to have a happy marriage.”

“Didn’t you like James?” Now that she was mad, she couldn’t
resist.

“He seems wonderful.” She heard the edge of doubt in her mom’s
voice.

“But?”

“I don’t know.” She frowned. “Too wonderful, almost. So tall,
handsome, charming…rich.” Her mom smiled. “A little too good to be true.”

“You don’t think I’m good enough for someone like James?” Now
she was getting ticked off!

“Of course you are, my love. I just see you with someone
more…normal.”

Me, too.
This whole thing did seem
like a crazy off-kilter fairy tale. Sooner or later the witch would show up and
start throwing curses around. Or maybe she was the witch. “Well, anyway. I need
to find something to wear for the engagement party. But like I said, I won’t be
getting married for a long time, so we can move away from this rack of white
taffeta.”

She noticed how she’d said, “I won’t be getting married soon.”
Not
we.
She crossed the floor of the showroom to a
rack of somber dresses. “Is it wrong to wear black for an engagement party?”

* * *

James picked her up for the party. She hadn’t seen him in five
days, so at least she hadn’t had the terrible temptation of looking into those
slate-gray eyes shining with desire.

Until now.

She climbed into the back of his car with him. He always used a
driver in Singapore. He looked frighteningly handsome in a dark suit and a dark
blue tie, and she’d forgotten how appealing his smile could be.

Their kiss sent jolts of energy rocketing to her fingers and
toes. “I’ve missed you.” She spoke the truth. Guilt and angst didn’t prevent her
from wanting to be with him.

“I’ve missed you more. I’ve kept busy, though. Our wedding
plans are well under way. And there’s a whole month for you to get ready.” He
smiled.

Fiona tried not to freak out. A month was a long time. They
could easily have their race and deal with the aftermath with plenty of time to
cancel a wedding that was an entire four weeks away. She realized she was
chewing her lip. How twisted did she have to be to think about how to cancel her
wedding while on the way to her own engagement party?

The driver dropped them off in front of the hotel, where
arriving guests rushed up to James to greet him and congratulate them both on
their happy news. ­Fiona’s eyes bulged as they entered the grand ballroom,
arm in arm. At least two hundred guests stood among the potted palms, sipping
champagne, and they clapped when she and James entered. She tried to keep a
smile plastered on her face while she greeted scores of people she’d never seen
before.

A very tall blonde woman turned out to be James’s mother—she’d
quite forgotten he had one. Her name was Inez and she spoke with a central
European accent, which took Fiona by surprise. She’d assumed that she was
Scottish, or at least English. Suddenly, James’s choice of a foreign bride
didn’t seem quite so offbeat. She greeted Fiona with a kiss on the cheek and
said she hoped they’d be very happy together. Fiona had no idea what to say, so
she babbled on about how much she loved the Scottish estate. James’s mom got a
look on her face that said
better you than me.
She
got a sneaking feeling they wouldn’t be seeing too much of each other, until she
remembered that they definitely wouldn’t be, because she and James weren’t
getting married.

It was hard to keep the facts straight in her head.

Her own mom was wreathed in smiles.
Gulp.
Her dad was nowhere to be seen, thank goodness. Hopefully he
didn’t know anything about this whole affair. James still seemed to think that
her stepdad was her real father. Since her mom also acted as if he was, and had
changed Fiona’s surname to his, the illusion was easy to maintain.

Afterward she offered to accompany her mom and stepdad back to
the hotel, but James stepped in. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.” Mischief
glittered in his eyes. “I’ve made alternative arrangements.”

Her mom gave her a conspiratorial smile. “Well, we can hardly
argue with your future husband.”

Fiona opened her mouth, but no words came out. Guests were
filing out through the grand doors. Her mom and stepdad walked off, smiling.
James’s mom was long gone. All the business bigwigs Fiona had been paraded in
front of were heading off toward their chauffeured cars. Soon she and James
would be left alone. “What did you have in mind?” Her voice sounded annoyingly
high and nervous.