Daredevil's Mistress

Chapter 30

“This is not what I expected from my daughter. We raised you better. Now, all that is out the door at a flick of a finger. I trusted you.” Her father’s rants gave her hardly any time to digest the news.

Crap, here we go again. “Papa, I told you I’m in love with Co—Cody.” Samantha stuttered. The words caught in her throat.

“This is a sacrilege to our beliefs and good name…”

Damn the man and his preaching the good name jargon. An agitated sigh burst from her lips, tired partly from the coma and partly from her father’s constant patriarchal eccentricities. “Oh, God and you think Rajesh is faithful as well?”

“Rajesh is a man.”

Are you kidding me? What chauvinistic crap. “So, it’s okay for men to sleep around yet he should wed a virgin. That’s so crass.”

“Enough of this nonsense, Sam, you will abort the baby and you will marry—”

“Stop it…just stop it.” Diane shot up abruptly. The chair clattered to the floor behind her with a categorical thud. “What’s wrong with you, Dev?”

Samantha’s jaw dropped then almost laughed at the look of utter shock on her father’s face. The man, it seemed, had never been addressed with such vehemence by his wife.

“For goodness sake, our daughter was in a coma…a coma, for two months. We’re blessed to have her back and all you think of is that god-forsaken marriage.”

Samantha didn’t think it possible for so much rage to exist in one person, not even in her father. The woman appeared ready to take on Ben Hur’s army, alone.“Di—”

“Don’t you dare say another word, Deven Harman. Enough is enough. I will not

tolerate this any longer. You will not treat my child as though she were a money-making pawn,” Diane snapped.

Samantha could scarcely believe her ears. Mom’s giving dad the third? Go Mom.

“My daughter is alive and well. If you think I’ll stand here and let you treat her in this manner then no. If you don’t stop this nonsense now, you may as well forget we were ever husband and wife. I will not return to your home.” Her mother glared at her husband defiantly, green eyes spitting frigid darts daring him to argue.

Apparently too stunned to speak, her father, without a word spun on his heels and left the room.

“Oh. My. God. Mom, I’ve never seen this side of you.” A soft giggle escaped her lips.

Diane placed a hand over her chest and inhaled loud even breaths, obviously shaken by her outburst. She righted her chair and sat down. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I know I should’ve stood up for you years ago.”

“Better late than never I think.”

“Cody visited while you were in the coma. Your dad, however, didn’t tell him about the accident.”

Samantha’s eyes immediately filled with tears. “No. Oh, Mom, please don’t tell me that. Papa didn’t.” Cody did come after her…a whole two months ago.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t know until about two weeks ago. Drew was upset with the whole thing and finally told me.”

Samantha let the tears fall. Pent up pain and frustration cascaded down her cheeks with every tear. Her gaze rested on her tummy hidden beneath the hospital gown. Her heart plummeted. She fought with Cody. She fought with her father. Her father met Cody and probably fought too. And the icing on the cake, she was pregnant. Is this God’s idea of a sick joke? “Papa’s so malicious,” she said at last.

With a motherly cluck of sympathy, her mother rose and settled on the bed closer to Samantha. Her warm hands sought her daughters and squeezed lightly. “Don’t write your father off just yet. I’m not defending him, but he’s a good man. Everything he’s done ensured we lived better lives. He gave us a mansion fit for royalty instead of a cluttered, uncomfortable house. I know his absence is at times unforgiveable as a father yet Papa tried to make it work.”

Samantha’s lips curled. “I think he could be a little more considerate with the whole marriage ordeal though. I’m not Papa. I’m my own person and I want to live my own life, not his. It’s the twenty-first century yet Papa behaves like he’s back in the sixteenth century. I’m surprised he hasn’t thrown an old- fashioned debutante ball presenting me to suitable bachelors.”

The older woman leaned forward and placed a comforting hand on Samantha’s shoulder. “Your father’s tough, sweetheart, but he does it for your protection. Parents do make mistakes. We’re not perfect and when you’re ready to build your own life, you’ll understand. With this baby, the first rung to your ladder of life begins. Don’t be too hard on Papa.”

“But he had no right seeing Cody alone. I could only imagine what Cody endured. And with me not there to meet him…” Tears fell once more, and Samantha wiped at her eyes in irritation. Life’s so unfair.

“Let me tell you a little story about your father.” Diane wiped her tears. “He was a Prince, sweetheart. No. Not just royal blood.” She shook her head. “A true Indian Prince.”

“You’re kidding?” Samantha stared wide-eyed at her mother. Aware her father emanated from royalty yet under the impression he was some twentieth in line cousin to inherit the title. But an actual Prince, first in line, now that’s a serious wow.

Diane shook her head. “I’m serious. His childhood wasn’t an easy one. Your grandfather spent their wealth on numerous mistresses and by the time he died he left his wife and two kids penniless. Your father was fifteen at the time and worked hard to support his mother and sister. When we married, he possessed no riches apart from a pure heart and I fell in love. He started from the bottom with nothing, worked as a newly married clerk in a major engineering company, and studied hard to make it a success. Four years of dedication, night shifts, and he made partner until a year later when his partner sold out to Papa. And here he is today, an engineering mogul who’s provided the best life money could buy for his family. Although he wanted more children, Papa decided to work hard instead and give you a princess’s life.”

“Gosh, Mom, I didn’t have a clue.” So there’s a method to her father’s madness. A sense of shame washed over her. Papa worked hard to give her everything and her repayment was, rudely contradicting his wishes. Way to go, Sam. Then again if she didn’t stand up for herself now, when would she do it? After all, she was her father’s daughter. Born with an inbred fighting spirit which he couldn’t see, yet.

Samantha scratched her chin then stared at her fingers. Uncanny how closely her father’s story resembled Cody’s life experiences. Both had tough teen years betrayed by a parent yet worked hard to ensure the best for their families. Even their arrogance raced for a photo finish. How freaky is that. She grinned. But that’s where the comparison ended. Cody possessed hidden warmth. His behavior toward Deborah and definitely his lovemaking proved it. Her father, on the other hand, possessed neither a hint nor a spark of tenderness. He was a ruthless man.

Diane sniffled then continued. “He lived with one motto. As long as his family remained happy, he needed to provide no explanation whatsoever about his humble beginnings. All you’ve seen is a ruthless man, sweetheart, but trust me I’ve seen the warmer side in your father.”

Balking, Samantha stared at her mother openmouthed. Did Mom just read my mind?

“That said, I think you should go see Cody.”

Samantha uttered a wry laugh. “I don’t think I should. After what transpired between us…” She trailed off, gazed out the window, and searched the cloud filled sky for some miracle answer to her debacle.

Her mother caressed Samantha’s cheek lightly. “What about Deborah. She’s about to wed, and I’ve lost count of how many times she’s called. Your father forbade me from telling her about your accident. She deserves an explanation.”

Samantha shoved her hands through her hair and held the sides of her head briefly. How did a simple request for a holiday lead to such complication? A little freedom was all she really wanted and got way more than she bargained.

****

Four days later Samantha opened the invitation for the third time. She stared intently while her hands traced the gold embossed writing without actually reading. At least someone’s about to get their wish granted. Placing the invitation back on the table, she hobbled out of her seat and flexed her leg muscles. A slow walk around the room gave them some much needed circulation.

She was happy to be home after Dr. Nell declared the all clear and signed her release papers. It took her the better part of three days to get the movement back in her limbs. The result of a two month coma as Dr. Nell explained.

As if privy to her sadness, Snowball jumped from the windowsill into her arms. Her father, sadly, made no attempt to see her since the confrontation with his wife and skipped out on a business trip. The invitation arrived by post with a letter from Deborah begging her attendance. Her banal attempt to cast Cody out of her life played out better in her imagination. In reality it wasn’t an easy feat. How could she? His baby growing in her tummy was a good enough reason for a start. A little part of him would remain with her for the rest of her life.

The shrill ring of the telephone jostled her out of her morose ruminations. Her first notion, ignore it, her erratic mind in no mood to speak to anyone. The ringing seemed to grow louder as her stiff legs crossed the room. Samantha pitched an impatient moan and pressed the loudspeaker button. “Hello.”

“Well, it’s about time. Geez, girl, what happened?”

Deborah’s cheery voice startled her, and it took a few seconds before a suitable reply formed in her scatterbrained head. “Hey, Debs. What a nice surprise.” Samantha settled into the plush sofa and scratched Snowball’s neck.

“Yeah, right. I’m offended a so-called friend of mine ditched me and disappeared without a trace.” Deborah sniffled.

“I’m sorry…with everything that happened. I well…” She wasn’t ready to tell her friend about the coma.

“No reason for you to forget me,” Deborah said. “Anyway, you’re about to make up for it.”

“I am. How?”

“Quite simple really, you’ll be at the wedding.”

Samantha chuckled. “Should I consider it a request or a command?”

“A command.”

“I don’t think it’s wise.”

Deborah clearly didn’t intend to take no for an answer. “’Cause things didn’t work out between Cody and you doesn’t mean you’ve gotta cut me out too. C’mon, Sam, you were there when I needed you most. If it weren’t for you my special day wouldn’t be happenin’.”

“What do you mean?”

“You told Cody about my pregnancy. And surprisingly, he handled it well. The change even came with an apology to Steven and plenty of help with the prep. So I’ve no one else to thank but you.”

“I’m glad for you. I still don’t think my presence is a good idea.”

“Nonsense, I tried in vain to get in touch with you since our last chat. Your mother refused to give me any contact info. Damn, I even braved the dreaded email thingy on Reece’s computer.” Deborah uttered a pixie laugh. “So, girl, quit making my life difficult and come to the wedding or else…”

“Or else what?”

“I’ll book a flight and send Reece to fetch you.” “No. You’re not serious.” Samantha gasped. If Deborah made good on her promise and sent Reece, that typical wild child would literally carry her to the airport.

“Trust me, girl, never mess with a desperate bride and a pregnant one at that too,” Deborah playfully warned. “Seriously though, I need you here. Pretty please. A girl couldn’t marry without her maid of honor now, could she?”

Samantha sighed. “Give me a few days to think about it?”

“Hell-lo, if you hadn’t noticed, the wedding is next Saturday. There’s no way I’m giving you more than a day.”

“All right. I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon. Okay?”

“Fine. Oh, there’s one more thing…Chance is the best man.”

Samantha stifled a gasp. Poor Chance. He was an innocent perpetrator in the Cody and Samantha saga. “Debs, does Cody know you want me as your maid of honor.”

“No, and I don’t see what difference it makes if he does or doesn’t know.”

Samantha thought better than arguing with her friend. “Chat tomorrow, cheers.”

An abrupt beep signaled the disconnection as indecision nagged Samantha. A return to Trinity wasn’t a good idea on so many levels. To meet Cody under difficult circumstances would ruin Deborah’s day given their last encounter ended disastrously. The man probably still smarted from the confrontation with her father and her appearance in his home again may have catastrophic implications.

It made perfect sense to stay at home and leave things as they were. While a part of her accepted this decision, a secret yearning to attend grew. Just one more glimpse of Cody. Yes, at what expense.

“Miss?”

Samantha glanced up. Drew’s eyes were on her, his gaze soft with worry. “Yes.” He set a fresh pot of tea on the table. “C’mon out with it, Drew. What’s bugging you? No, don’t deny it. It’s written all over your handsome face.”

“I never could hide anything from you,” he whispered. “But it’s nothing really. I’m so glad you’re home, miss.”

“Drew, I returned four days ago, so I know it’s not what you wanted to say. Out with it.”

The old man chuckled. “I met Mr. Bentley. The man really loves you. I wanted to say something but your father…” The old man shook his head. His green gaze jam-packed with saddened emotion.

Samantha processed this bit of information with uncertainty. “Did my mother put you up to this, Drew?” “No, miss. I swear.” With a laugh, he settled his hand on hers with a comforting squeeze. “I’ve known you all your life and I’ve never seen you this unhappy.”

Tears welled up and blurred her view. “You could always tell.”

“Why don’t you go to the wedding and talk with Mr. Bentley. Hear what he has to say. You don’t need to make any decisions. If he hadn’t come after you then I’d say give up on the relationship since Mr. Bentley isn’t interested but he is. I read the pain in his eyes when he left here. I don’t agree with what your father has done, whatever his reasons.”

Samantha’s chest tightened. Yes. While Papa may have his reasons, this was her life he played with. What if Cody accepted her? What effect would it have on her relationship with her father? Her life would progress with the one doubt; her angry determination disrupted the harmony in her home.

“Why didn’t Cody try again? Why did he give up so easily?”

“Who knows, Sam, maybe he did?” her mother answered with a helpless shrug as she entered the room and took a seat beside Samantha.

Drew made his way out of the room after a quick pat on her shoulder.

Depressed, she leaned over, placed her head in her mother’s lap, and tucked her legs under her on the seat.

“Here’s a little piece of advice.” Her mother caressed Samantha’s head. “Men, sweetheart, are weak…very weak. They make up ideologies to live by, but don’t realize no principle could override the heart. And we women have to remind these arrogant weak men that bonds of the heart are based on emotions, not principles. A confession to the other person about one’s inner feelings creates these bonds. Why don’t you attend the wedding and tell him exactly how you feel?”

“Sometimes to say what one feels may break one’s heart.” Samantha closed her eyes in vacillation.

“Yes, sweetheart, I understand by not saying it you won’t ever be happy. You have to agree? If you don’t believe me give yourself a once over in the mirror.”

Samantha bolted upright and grasped her surprised mother in an impulsive hug, clinging to her a little longer than usual. Maybe her mother was right? Cody needed to understand exactly how she felt. What if, like the last time, he didn’t believe her or, worse still, he reacted with more derision?

Could she handle his scorn one more time? You’re a tough cookie. You can do this, and if you don’t there’s a whole lot more misery waiting for you.