The Battered Heiress Blues Read Online Free Page A

mind was typically occupied with business. They would have to be much more direct in order to garner a longer than usual glance from him.
    Waking up first, on our last morning in Lima, I took the opportunity to appreciate the blessing of having Henry back in my life. He lay beside me still, exuding that sweet peace from his sun kissed face. Henry was a ruggedly handsome man. He always looked like he just stepped out of a GQ magazine. His hair was precisely messy with every strand perfectly out of order, yet still in place. His five o’clock shadow was always sexy. His style was effortless, whether he was in a Hugo Boss suit or casual khakis and a button down.
    Then there was me- battered Jewels. I was not particularly put together. Henry always referred to me as a fine mess. I was his Picasso- bold and beautiful, but with an unpretentious quality that made me the girl next door- evidently, the messy girl next door. My long curly hair was unruly unless I made a concerted effort to tame it and look refined. I felt most at home in jeans and a t-shirt, but would make the sacrifice to dress properly if the social event dictated better attire. I appreciated fashion, but loathed shopping. I wasn’t your typical socialite. My trust fund deserved a more dedicated social climber.
    Looking at Henry still gave me butterflies. I had always known that he was my destination. The trip, up to this point, had gotten a little muddled. I learned a very difficult lesson about ultimatums. After asking Tru to choose between his career and me, a terrible fight ensued and no one won. He stormed out and Jackson stormed in, literally. After too much wine and the loss of good sense, Jackson and I stumbled in to one another at a party. I made the mistake of asking him to walk me home. When Henry came to apologize the next morning, he witnessed Jackson leaving my apartment. That was that. We never discussed the end- it just happened. He continued to work for my father and I married the worst mistake of my life. At the time, it seemed like the thing to do- to prove Henry’s judgments about me correct. I was a fine mess.
    My hands found his hair and I toiled until he woke up. Before his eyes opened, that gorgeous, knock your socks off smile greeted me. His confidence was intoxicating.
    “How long have you been awake?” He rolled over on his side, facing me, and swept his hand over my cheek.
    “Not long. I’m ready to leave.”
    “Me too. I’ve had enough of Peru to last a lifetime. Have you had breakfast?”
    “No, but I’m sure one of the nurses would be more than happy to get you something,” I scoffed, making fun of his groupies.
    “Funny,” he laughed with fake bravado, sitting up and turning towards me. “We could always eat on the plane.”
    “Sounds like a plan. Let’s go.” I started to unravel the sheets from under me.
    “Can I get a shower first?”
    He didn’t need one. He smelled great and looked even better, unlike me. “Do you need help?”
    He started to walk toward the bathroom, but looked back, flashing that devilishly gorgeous grin of his. “Don’t trouble yourself. I’m sure one of those dedicated nurses would be more than happy to wash my back.”
    After successfully dodging the pillow I threw in his direction, he disappeared. With the sound of the water started, I decided to make haste and be ready to go, calling the nurse to remove my intravenous line and prepare the paperwork for my departure. She reviewed the discharge instructions left by the doctor and exited the room.
    Henry had bought a few choice outfits for me to wear over the past weeks that included jeans and sweats. Though longing to wear the jeans, the thought of buttoning them and applying pressure to my waist made me quickly decide to choose the pink sweats. Hopefully, they were the absolute last things available in my size. Why would he choose such an obnoxious color, knowing my gravitation toward all things neutral?
    The mirror didn’t lie. I was