Chapter 52 Beauty

Bernard pulled up to the front of the Grande Paris Hotel shortly after midnight. Lorenzo exited and offered a hand to Alexis. She took it and slowly left the vehicle.

"Thank you Bernard. We'll be returning to Cherbourg tomorrow. Please send the Marquez contracts by messenger. I'll return Monday."

"Very good Mr. Alcazar. Have a pleasant journey."

The snow was falling softly. Alexis' cloak was speckled with white snowflakes. She nodded goodbye to Bernard and let Lorenzo lead her into the lobby.

"I won't let anyone speak about my wife like that Alexis, including you."

"You'll have to forgive me." She tried to pull away, but he had a firm grip.

"No one." He took a step toward her then lifted her and returned to the alcove. Alexis was too stunned to protest. He sat against the window easing her to his lap.

Alexis looked desperately from side to side. "Mr. Alcazar someone might see!"

"That's of no concern to me Alexis. Look at me."

She took a slow breath then turned to face him. Her face was flushed and her eyes cloudy. She was chewing nervously on her bottom lip. Lorenzo thought suddenly of Sage after she'd been caught doing something she ought not have been. He just looked at her trying to figure out what was going on in her head. She seemed a sensible woman, but this baffled him.

"What did I do that upset you?"

"Nothing. Please let me go."

"Not until I understand."

"Please Lorenzo, let it be." She squirmed against him, causing an uncomfortable reaction on his part. He slid her from his lap, but kept her hands in his own.

"Why did you say that? You've 'served your purpose.' What do you mean by that?" He pressed.

"I…I…"

"You think I brought you here to protect myself from the Bells?" Lorenzo asked. "I assure you, I need no protection from Katherine or her father. I didn't even know they were in Europe."

"But you said…"

"I said she was attractive? I was simply agreeing with you. It means nothing to me. I was already dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room."

Alexis stood abruptly. "Don't."

"Don't? Don't tell my wife that she is beautiful?" Lorenzo stood and pulled Alexis closer. "Don't tell the truth? Don't say what every man in the room was thinking?"

Tears formed and she pushed at his chest. "Stop it, Lorenzo. It's too cruel."

"I'm simply speaking the truth Alexis. The dress is lovely, your hair is elegant, the jewels are stunning, but you, you are beautiful." Lorenzo's eyes bore into her own. "All those are merely gilding the lily. Helena tried to hide it, she made certain your clothes were plain and ill fitting, but it did no good. You cannot mask true beauty."

Alexis was shaking. He cupped her face and kissed away her tears.

"May I have this dance?" He asked a few long minutes later.

"I'm a mess." Alexis protested with a small laugh.

"You are perfect Mi Amor."

"Lorenzo?" She questioned.

They stepped into the elevator and Lorenzo told the attendant their floor number. Alexis slipped her gloved hand into his. They made their way to their suite. Lorenzo removed her cloak, then his own. They had danced for hours, but like Cinderella he whisked her away at midnight, no longer willing to share her.

"Lorenzo…"

"Alexis…"

They spoke at the same time. She laughed. He pulled her close. She looked up and he met her with a kiss.