Chapter 45

***Kenya.***

I refused to let the tears fall. I tried to speak, but my tongue grew heavy.

There was a time I would wish for the ground to swallow me whole, whenever this happened. But I didn't want to be that woman anymore. I had recently resolved never to allow others disparage me in regard to my disability. And this was just one such moment. Unfortunately, I found myself shattered by the words.

Taking a slow breath, my heart rate falling into an even pace again, I gave a neutral look.

"If he had women like you, how would he have done his charity, helping a poor invalid like me, become the new Mrs Ruthford?" I sneered. My words startled the woman, who stared at me in disbelief. A man came up to stand alongside us. I ignored his presence as I continued to lock gazes with the other woman.

"Carmen, cut the girl some slack." The man addressed the woman standing in front of me. I shifted my gaze to him, my eyes seeing the frown on his handsome face.

"I had hoped you wouldn't go through with your threat moments ago, when you declared your intention to put her in her place." The man continued, as he shifted closer to this Carmen. Stiffening at something the man whispered in her ear, Carmen gave one last look at me, before she walked away. Exiting the ballroom.

"What did you tell her?" I asked, my voice breaking the man's focus.

He turned a thoughtful gaze to, closing the distance between us. He was really handsome, with his blinding facial features. The sharp lines of his face, laced with a perfectly facial hair trim. As tall as Levi, perhaps the same age. His dark, tussled cropped hair, shone in the light. His tuxedo a perfectly tailored pick on him.

Wearing an impressive smile, a dimple peeking at the corner, he spoke. "I only reminded her of her own place." He remarked, his expression blank. I watched him skeptically.

"What do you mean?" I asked, cautiously.

He smiled and inched closer. I could smell his spicy cologne.

"I mean that Carmen Strad equally has a place in this gathering, one which she needs to remember. She currently has Levi as a major investor in her decrepit company. The last thing she needs is to irk the man." He didn't elaborate further, his eyes lingering on me. I wished he could at least say more. Gathering my words to thank him, he spoke first.

"Forgive my manners, but would you like a dance?" He requested. His tone was a mix of mischief and flirtation and I found it exciting. With what had happened with Levi moments ago, I didn't mind finding this man a lovely distraction. Nodding my head, I allowed him lead us to the dance floor.

As we danced, I found out that he was pretty light on his feet. He danced like a pro and I wondered what he was doing dancing with me, rather than ilks of Carmen Strad.

"My name is Rudolph Crawford, by the way." His voice, smooth and very close to my ear. It was warm and it elated me. I nodded.

"I am"

"Kenya Ruthford, I know." Rudolph acknowledged, a knowing smile crossing his face. Of course he did, I thought. "I admire how you stood up for yourself there. It was commendable. I don't think any woman has ever stood up to Carmen like that."

I smiled inwardly, letting joy fill me at his comment. I didn't know I could stand up to the insolent woman. Initially, I had wished to cower before Carmen. Nevertheless, an inner indignation at Levi and also everyone that had always disparaged me, fueled my rage.

"I don't want anyone to see me the way they have all my life." I confessed. "Like a helpless woman." Rudolph gaze studied me. His hand was placed respectably on the small of mu back, a gentle pressure as he watched me.

"Were others unkind to you? Even your husband? Is that the reason he abandoned you to the likes of Carmen?" Rudolph asked, searching my eyes. I averted my gaze, allowing silence creep in. Instinctively, Rudolph pulled thumbed my chin, until I stared into his eyes.

"You don't have to hide, Kenya. You have more on your side than you think." His voice and words, encouraging.

I tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. All the ache in my heart was bursting, and I wasn't certain I could control it, if it started. I was sad that the tenderness, the ease that had once existed between Levi and I had been a hoax. His true nature finally coming to light. Those existing incriminating evidence, binding me to him.

"I just want to be a strong woman. I don't want to be weak any longer. I no longer want to be at any one's mercy." I whispered, shakily.

Rudolph's gaze, gentle, watched me. Shifting his fingers to my bare back, he circled a spot, sending calmness into me. I didn't think of the inappropriateness.

"You are already a strong woman, Kenya. Look how far you've come. You only have to believe in yourself." Rudolph earnestly stated. The sound of my name from his lips again, rolling effortlessly. It radiated sparks in me.

"Get your damned hands off my wife." A low growl came from behind me, breaking us apart.

We turned to see Levi, emotions schooled, glaring at Rudolph. I looked at Levi in alarm, my eyes shifting to see if anyone noticed the scene. No one seemed to bother as they were all absorbed in dancing and mingling.

"Levi." I called, my eyes gauging his temperament. He was calm, but rage burned in his eyes as he briefly shifted them to me. I inhaled, seeing the depth of fury he exuded.

Taking his eyes back to Rudolph, Levi crossed to stand before Rudolph, his gaze levelled on the man.