Remorse (Rhodes #0.5) by Rina Kent

“I assume there is good news?” I ask.

“Why, yes.” He runs a hand through his blond hair, which he passed down to me, spiked with white strands. “My friend from the bank called and he’s willing to give me more time.”

“That’s a relief.” I walk to sit across from him. At least his friends didn’t turn their backs on him. But this is only putting a bandage on an infected wound he will have to amputate sooner or later.

My father meets my gaze, his tame blue eyes are worn out and old. He seems to have aged ten years since my mother’s death. “You think postponing is a waste of time.”

I wince. He’s always been the best at reading me. Perhaps that’s why he knew I had to leave back then.

As a matter of fact, I still do. That encounter with Arthur had me tossing and turning in bed all night, hugging his jacket close to my chest and reliving it over and over until I thought I was going crazy.

That’s not right.

“You know.” My father’s gaze roams around my old office with vintage furniture. “This company was mine and your mother’s dream. We agreed to build a business that will keep us and our descendants happy for generations to come. And now, I failed her. I failed you. I’m so sorry, darling.”

“Oh, Dad.” I sit by his side and take his hand in mine. “You didn’t fail us. You have so much integrity and that’s what caused you to be scammed. It’s not the end of the world.”

He hangs his head. “How will I face her after I’ve lost everything?”

“Dad…” My heart breaks for the sadness in his voice, realising how indifferent I’ve been to his suffering. It is possibly the end of the world for him. This company is the last thing he has of Mum and I just spoke so nonchalantly about it.

Goodness. I’m so foolish sometimes.

I can’t watch my father deteriorate any more than this. His heart condition is already dangerous. If he has to announce bankruptcy, it could be the death of him.

Tears form in my eyes as I clutch his hand tighter. “Did Sophie arrange any other blind meetings for me?”

“No need to do them anymore. I know you hate them.” He pats my hand. “I’m sorry I made you go through them, darling.”

“It’s fine, Dad. I don’t care.” I will just have to marry and to hell with my fairy tale. My dad is more important.





Sophie set me up for a dinner date in a hotel restaurant with tame piano music. I smooth my knee-length pencil skirt and fix my white shirt as I sit down. I even put extra care to my makeup and released my hair, letting it fall to my shoulders in golden waves.

I have to be serious about this.

My date, Thomas, is a few years older, and quite handsome. He’s not a mummy’s boy and he has no problem meeting my gaze. Besides, he’s genuinely interested in my father’s company.

However, all I keep thinking about is dark, haunting eyes prying into my secrets. A shudder runs through me at the mere recollection of Arthur’s firm lips claiming mine. His strong arms caging me against him and –

“Ms James?”

I startle, meeting Thomas’ gaze. I drifted off, dammit.

“I’m sorry.” I smile. “You were saying?”

He cuts through his steak. “I said, one of the options for Mr James’ company is to sell it.”

The point is to revive, not sell it – that’s why I’m stepping on my heart and doing these dates.

I’m about to argue Thomas’ point, but he excuses himself to the men’s room. I sigh, my fork playing with the pasta in my plate.

What am I doing here with a man I would never be able to love?

“Eva, is that you?” A familiar female voice asks from behind me.

My friend Rose’s bright face comes into view. She’s wearing an elegant beige dress and a matching handbag dangles from her arm. Her green eyes sparkle with happiness.

I stand. “Rose!”

We hug in greeting, and that’s when I notice the man with her. Dark eyes so similar to Arthur’s gleam as Alexander smiles at me. He’s a warmer replica of his oldest brother. I offer my hand for a handshake. “How have you been, Alexander?”

“Very well.” He gives a firm handshake and smiles again.

Although he shares Arthur’s dark features, he’s nothing like his brother. Alexander is the reserved, peacemaker type with boyish charm. That’s probably why Rose has been head over heels with him since they were in nappies or something.

Arthur is all darkness that just keeps pulling me in. Or kept. Not anymore. One kiss won’t change my mind – no matter how shattering it was, or how much I tingle in remembrance.

“I can’t believe you returned.” Rose brings my attention back to her. “Why haven’t you told me?”

“I was a bit busy with work.” I stroke her hand. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Of course you will. My father is hosting a banquet next week. You’re punished by keeping me company from the elders’ boring conversations.”

“Fair enough.” My father would take me there anyway.

She hugs me again, grinning wide. “It’s really great to see you, Eva. We have lots of catching up to do.”

“I’m also glad you returned.” Alexander’s warm eyes spark. “Arthur hasn’t been the same since you left.”