Tied to You by Bibi Paterson Page A

his breath hitch, but he doesn’t say anything as he slowly, almost sensuously, pulls the zip up my back. Even when it is finally up, Alex doesn’t step away. Instead, he rests his hands on my bare shoulders as he stares at my reflection in the mirror.
    “You look stunning, Liv,” he murmurs into my ear as his eyes run down the length of me in my midnight blue gown, and for a moment I wonder if he is going to kiss me. But then he shakes his head slightly as if to dispel a thought and instead holds up a red jewellers box. “I thought this would go with the dress,” he says, opening the box and pulling out a stunning sapphire pendant set in platinum. He drapes it around my neck, fastening it at the back, and then stands back to admire it in my cleavage.
    “Oh, wow. It’s beautiful, Alex,” I say, running my fingers over the cool stone. I think Alex is about to say something, but then he abruptly turns and stalks out the room with a strange expression on his face.
    I add the final touches of my makeup and grab my clutch before heading downstairs to join Alex. Tonight is a huge New Year’s Eve ball sponsored by Davenport Wines being held in Battersea Park and I know there are going to be a lot of important people there. I am kind of dreading it as there will be lots of schmoozing to be done, and inevitably I get left alone. All the wives seem to already be in their own cliques and I don’t really fit in anywhere. But I will plaster on my smile because this is for Alex and I owe him for everything he has done for me.
    The car ride is mercifully quick, and as we enter the marquee where the event is being held, I take in all the gowns surrounding me. Mine is positively dull in comparison, an intense midnight blue with a sprinkle of glittering sequins across the bust line, but when I went shopping, I wasn’t really sure what would be appropriate. Alex keeps his arm around me the whole time we walk through the crowds greeting people, which is somewhat unusual, but whatever. I am just going with the flow.
    Suddenly I feel him stiffen beside me and I look around for the source of his agitation, finally spotting a woman walking towards us in the most stunning crimson gown overlaid with black lace. Her raven black hair is pulled up and clipped off her face, accentuating her sharp features, and I sense purpose when I look into her icy blue eyes. Alex remains completely still as she approaches, and when I stare up at him, I notice the cold, hooded expression on his face.
    “Alex, darling,” the woman purrs, kissing him on both cheeks, before turning her eyes on me. “And this must be your lovely new bride,” she continues, though her tone suggests that I am anything but lovely.
    “Sofia,” Alex acknowledges her. “Yes, this is my wife, Olivia. Olivia, this is Sofia Augustine, an old…business associate of mine.” I smile politely at Sofia, but my subconscious is whispering, ‘Business associate, my arse!’
    “Pleased to meet you,” I say, holding out a hand that Sofia ignores completely.
    “Alex, we have not seen you at the club for a while now,” she says, her voice low and probably meant for my husband’s ears only, as she runs a scarlet painted nail down the sleeve of his jacket.
    “I have been busy, Sofia,” Alex responds brusquely. “Now, please excuse us. We have to circulate.” Alex pulls me along before Sofia has a chance to respond, a little forcefully so that it makes it hard to keep up on my heels. I glance up at him and I can see Alex’s jaw working furiously; I have never seen him quite this unsettled and my mind is racing as I try to figure out just what is going on.
    Alex grabs a glass of champagne off one of the passing waiters and downs it in one gulp before requesting another and a soft drink for me. Well, at least he hasn’t forgotten that I am here. “Are you okay, Alex?” I ask softly.
    “Fine,” he answers sharply, leaving me in no doubt that he doesn’t want to talk about what