Her Singapore Fling Read Free Page B

kind of games?’
    But Jianne had said far too much already. ‘It doesn’t matter.’
    â€˜Mind games?’ Quiet. Lethal.
    â€˜Jacob, this isn’t your fight.’
    â€˜You don’t think that it’s up to me to protect my wife from a stalker?’
    â€˜Estranged wife,’ she said softly. ‘Twelve years estranged.’
    Jacob’s lips twisted bitterly. ‘So you want the protection my name affords you and nothing else. Nothing else from me.’
    It sounded so wrong when he put it like that but that was exactly what she wanted. She’d thought, hoped, that everything could stay the same and that their travesty of a marriage could continue on as before. She hadn’t once considered Jacob’s needs. ‘Jacob, if you want a divorce just…get one. If there’s someone else…’
    He stared at her broodingly. ‘What would your unwanted paramour do if he knew you were free of me?’
    â€˜I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, I’ll deal with it. If you want a divorce, do it. You shouldn’t have to consider my needs in this.’
    â€˜You know, one of these days, Jianne, you’re going to realise that martyrdom isn’t what people want from you,’ he said with quiet viciousness. ‘That it’s perfectly okay to state your needs and expect them to be considered.’
    â€˜Okay, then.’ She took a steadying breath and stated her needs straight. ‘I do need to stop Zhi Fu’s pursuit of me. Coming to Singapore has helped with that. I’m staying with my aunt and uncle, and they’re not inclined to encourage his pursuit. He’ll not have the access to me here that he had in Shanghai. He’ll tire of his games soon.’ Surely he would tire of his games soon. ‘And I’ll be free of him.’
    Jake stared at her broodingly.
    â€˜Jake, I’d rather not involve you. Not unless I absolutely have to.’
    He didn’t like that. He jammed his hands deep in the pockets of his dress trousers, ruining the line of his suit or enhancing it, depending on one’s preference. He looked away, to the window. He looked anywhere but at her. ‘Will you at least call someone if you think you’re in danger and need help?’ he said finally.
    â€˜I will. I have my cousins and my uncle to call on. Maybe even Madeline or Luke. But I’d rather not call you. Surely you can see why it can’t be you?’
    â€˜Because I’m as unwanted as he is?’
    â€˜What? No! For pity’s sake, Jacob. You and Zhi Fu are nothing alike. Him, I don’t want at all, whereas you…you I once wanted too much.’ It was hard to admit that. Her failings. Her flaws. But he deserved that courtesy from her, this husband who asked if she was in danger.
    â€˜Do you think I can’t protect you?’ he said next.
    â€˜Have you always been this self-effacing?’
    â€˜It’s new,’ he said grimly. ‘I hope to hell it’s temporary.’
    â€˜I’ve seen you fight to save your family, Jacob. I’ve experienced firsthand what you can do, and will do, to protect the people in your care. I know you’d protect me if I asked it of you.’
    â€˜But you won’t ask.’ He looked at her then and she gathered her courage and held his gaze. Timid rabbit, staring down the tiger.
    â€˜I can’t.’
    â€˜Why not?’ Always such absolute focus on the issue at hand or the person he was with. When he’d taken her in his arms and made love to her, ecstasy had rained down on them from the heavens. And when his attention had shifted to other responsibilities, Jianne’s demons had surfaced and demanded their due. Obsessive love was like that. Incandescent. Unforgettable. And ultimately destructive. ‘Jianne, I need a reason. Why won’t you let me help you?’
    â€˜How? By pretending to be the happily reunited