Chapter 10
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Shane did not come to her flat that Thursday evening, and she wondering about aimlessly, wishing she could find some excuse to see him. What was he doing? She wondered. Was he alone in the large house ? Alone, and perhaps a little lonely too? That Friday evening, as she packed her suitcase for the week-end, but she answered the door bell to find Shane, on the her doorstep, she knew that reason for it. I'm rather busy. What did you want? She demanded. "Is that the way you welcome visitors ? he said, then she made no attempt to invited him in, he asked." Are you going to leave me standing on the doorstep all night?" "I suppose you'd better come in. "Could I make you a cup of coffee? She offered. "Coffee will do, he said, lowing himself into a chair as she went into the kitchen to switch on the kettle. I notice the open suitcase on your bed, he remarked as she swung round to face him. "Are you going away somewhere?" "I'm going away for the week-end, "she replied. "Are you going to see Bruce?" "I might see him, she replied. Shane's smile. "Why do you sound so cagey? "I don't like people prying into my affairs." "Neither do I, but when it concerns my wife----" "I'm not your wife !" Alice bit out the words. "You're my wife, Alice. Have you forgotten?" Alice looked away, I wish I could erase your humiliating cruelty from my memory." "I was cruel to you only that once, Alice, "he said softly, standing so close to her. "I'll make that coffee, "she said, escaping his touch. "I did some sorting last night, and found something that actually belongs to you, "he said after they had returned their empty coffee cups to the tray. "Something that belong to me? She queried. "Yes", he nodded, slipping his hand into his jacket pocket. "Catch!" A small velvet-covered box dropped into her lap and knowing instantly what was inside, she shrank from it. "No- no, I can't---" "Those rings were bought for you, Alice. They belong on your finger, "he continued. "Give me your hand." "Shane…no," she said but Shane crossed the space between their chairs and gripping her left wrist with his one hand, he opened the small box with other liftening the rings from their satin cushions and slipping them on to her finger. "That's better, "he said. "It's good to have a wife again." "I don't want to wear them, "she argued helplessly as he drew her to her feet. "Do you find it so distasteful to belong to me ? he demanded. "I don't belong to you," she whispered. I could never belong to man like you. "One day,---Alice….he murmured. "One day I shall lose patience with you, and….." He muttered something, drawing her so forcibly against him that the breath was almost knocked from her body as he kissed her hard and bruisingly on her soft lips. "Goodnight !" The front door slammed shut behind him, but Alice remained where she was, her fingers touching tender lips which could still feel the brusing of his kiss. A flash of light caught her attention, and glancing down at her hand, she wasted no time in tearing the rings from her fingers.
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She was about the wash the dishes but Bruce arm came around her as she closed the tap. "And neither is there time for you to do anything. You're going out, remember?" "We're going out, she corrected, meeting his smiling glance. "Sure, "he said impatiently. Bruce impatient thumping on the bathroom door made her hurry out of the bathroom. Suddenly the doorbell chimed loudly as she placed her white silk wrap on the foot of the bed and she was still hesitating as to what to do when Bruce called from the room next to her. "Will you answer that, Alice? " "Were you expecting anyone ? she asked, hovering outside the door. "Friend often drop in on and off chance of getting a free beer, "he replied. Smiling to herself, Alice crossed the small lounge just as the doorbell chimed for second time. Her fingers fumbling with the unfamiliar lock before the door swung open. The faint smile froze on her lips as she stared up at the man standing on the doorstep. "You! "she gasped. "What are you doing here?" His glance going beyond her. "Oh, hello, Bruce. Did you get those tickets for me? "Yes," Bruce nodded, darting a glance at Alice as he handed to tickets to Shane. "It was the best I could do at such short notice." "I'm very much obliged to you. "Shane smile, pocketing the tickets and turning to Alice who has stood by silently. "Are you ready?" "Ready?" she asked. "We're going to Swan Lake at the Mulan Threatre. "Shane informed her. What has that to do with me? She demanded. "I'm taking you", he replied. "Just a minute, "Alice snapped. Is that why I received this unusual invitation to spend the weekend at your flat, Bruce?" A dull red colour stained Bruce's cheeks. "Well, I----. "It was my idea entirely. "Shane cut in. "It may have been your idea, but Bruce didn't have to go along with it, "she stated coldly. Shane gestured impatiently. "We're wasting time, Alice." "I don't care how much time we're wasting. I'm not going with you, "she almost shouted. "Oh, yes, you are." Hard fingers latched on to her arm. Bruce, get her wrap and her bag. "Are you ready to come quietly, or do I carry you down?" She glanced from Shane to Bruce. "I think you're both despicable ! " Bruce coloured with discomfort. "You're just being difficult, Alice. This way, "Shane guiding her to where his silver BMW was parked. I’m glad you've being sensible at last." Alice did not reply. "Relax, Alice," Shane whispered once they were seated. "I can feel you vibrating with tension and anger, and I don't find that very complimentary." "I feel like clawing your eyes out! She said to him. "Here!" he demanded softly, his glance mocking. "In this lovely theatre?" Her eyes flashed green sparks of anger. "I don't very much care where I do it." I suggest you wait until we're alone, then you can claw all you like, "he replied. "I think I might even enjoy being clawed by you." "I hate you!" she whispered fiercely. "You're repeating yourself. "Good!" she replied. "When I've become too tiresome to bear you may leave me in peace." "My daring, he murmured, his voice soft. "You're so beautiful when you're angry that I'm finding it extremely difficult not to take you in my arms and kiss you.
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You enjoy it? He asked. "Yes", I'm glad you enjoyed it. "Shane remarked, giving her a sidelong glance, and before she could prevent herself she smiled up at him. Her nerves were too deliciously to continue doing battle with him, and she offered no resistance when his hand lay warm against her waist as he guided her into the foyer. "Shane, daring, a musical female voice made Shane tense beside her, his arm almost painfully tight about her waist as they turned to face the woman approaching them. I knew I couldn't be mistaken," she smiled charmingly as she reached their side. "Jennifer," Shane said in surprise. "What on earth are you doing in Cape Town ? Is Tony with you? "Didn't you know?" "Tony died two month ago. "I'm sorry, I didn't know," Shane remarked before pushing Alice forward a little. "Jen, I would like you to meet my…" Alice's sharp glance made him pause. I would like you to meet Alice Tan. Alice, this is Jennifer Stone. Jen and I have known each other since our pre-school days. "How do you do, Mrs Stone, "she said politely. "Tell me, darling, are you still living here in the mother city ?" she wanted to know, resting possessively on Shane's arm. "No," Shane replied. "Jen, you must excuse us," Shane said abruptly, and Alice could almost feel the impatience ripple through him. "I hope I shall see you again, darling," the musical voice almost purred. "We must talk about the old times, mustn't we?" "It was nice seeing you again, Jen," Shane replied. I'm taking you somewhere where we can have a quick drink to round off the evening with. " The car turned off the freeway, the lights sweeping the street ahead, and she relaxing her completely in Shane's company.
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