making herself available…
Images of the beautiful Serafine kept popping into her head and when Zane didn’t come home until late that evening Lucinda knew that her assumption was correct.
‘Where are you going?’ he asked as he walked into the house and saw her heading towards her bedroom.
‘Bed, of course,’ she answered. ‘It’s late.’
‘You’ve shut me out the whole day,’ he said. ‘I think I deserve a little of your time now.’
‘I’ve shut you out?’ she questioned sharply. ‘I’ve merely been doing the job you’re paying me for.’
‘And I have been out on business too. So a little leisure time together will do us both good.’ He sounded cross, as though he was paying her to spend time with him and she was failing in her duty.
‘If you insist,’ she conceded irritably. ‘I am rather tired, though; I’ve had a busy day.’
‘And a productive one, I hope?’ he asked, an eyebrow raised questioningly. ‘When am I going to see these ideas of yours?’
‘Whenever you like,’ answered Lucinda. ‘I’m about ready to discuss them with you. I realise that there will probably be things you don’t like, but—’
‘Hold on!’ Zane held up his hand. ‘I have no intention of talking business tonight. I simply want your company.’
And what else? she couldn’t help wondering. But it didn’t stop her agreeing to stay with him. In actual fact she wanted his company too, needed it even. One taste of him and she had become infatuated. One taste and she wanted more, even though she had sworn to herself that she would never let him kiss her again. Surely they could sit together and talk like two sensible adults and not take their relationship any further?
They sat outside beneath the moon and the stars, sipping wine and not saying very much at all. The sky was midnight-blue. The sea shimmered with silver highlights. There were a few sounds of the night—faint strains of music from one of the boats moored far below them, an animal moving through the undergrowth, cicadas chirruping—and their own breathing!
Zane’s was deep and regular, as though he had fallen asleep. Lucinda glanced across and was startled to see that he was watching her.
‘Have you any idea how beautiful you look in the moonlight?’ he asked.
Lucinda shook her head. ‘I don’t want your compliments.’
‘Then that’s a pity because I believe that all beautiful woman should receive their fair share. And you’re lovelier than most, Lucinda. I’m very fortunate to have obtained your services.’
‘You have no idea yet how I’ll perform,’ she retorted.
‘Oh, I think I do.’
Maybe his expression wasn’t clear but the meaning in his voice certainly was and Lucinda huffed. ‘I’m talking about my work.’ And her body went hot all over.
‘Naturally,’ he agreed, and she could hear a smile in his voice.
Lucinda shook her head vigorously and her hair, which she had brushed earlier and left loose about her shoulders, flew over her face. She flicked it away with an impatient hand.
‘You should have let me do that,’ growled Zane, inching closer. ‘You have gorgeous hair, Lucinda. Has anyone ever told you that? I wish you would wear it down more often.’ And then he surprised her with a complete change of subject. ‘Are you afraid of men?’ he asked, his voice low and considered.
‘I’m not afraid of you,’ retorted Lucinda.
Zane raised his brows. ‘No? Most women I know wouldn’t settle for sitting quietly by my side. They’d want something more.’
‘I’m not most women.’
‘And, as I said, it’s because of Simon.’
Their eyes met and held and Lucinda felt the disturbing power of him. ‘If all you want to talk to me about is my ex-fiancé then I’m going to bed,’ she declared crossly, jumping to her feet.
Lucinda stuck her nose in the air, spun on her heel and walked away. To her relief, Zane let her go. But later, as she lay in bed, she couldn’t help wondering why he had asked all those questions. And it made her think about Simon, to wonder how much she had really enjoyed his lovemaking.
Would it be better with Zane? He certainly made her feel different. Even that one kiss had stirred emotions she had never felt before. What sort of a lover would Zane be? The answer was simple. Exciting! Innovative! Passionate! Considerate! All of these things and more.
And why was she even thinking about it when she had no intention of ever letting him touch her again? Because, answered an inner voice, you want to know what it feels like to be made love to by an expert in the art of seduction. His kiss has given you a taste of what a powerful lover he can be and you want more. Admit it!
She couldn’t get to sleep and even when Zane went to bed over an hour later she still lay there thinking about him. When finally she did drop off to sleep she was woken what seemed like mere seconds later by a loud noise. She shot up in bed and listened. There it was again. It sounded like someone trying to break into the house. Goosebumps rose on her skin. Had Zane heard? She couldn’t hear him moving.
Thoroughly scared but knowing that she needed to do something, Lucinda left her room and pushed open Zane’s door. Instantly he was awake. ‘Lucinda, what’s wrong?’
‘I heard a noise, like someone breaking in,’ she said in a loud whisper.
Zane sprang out of bed—and, to Lucinda’s horror, he was naked. Quickly she averted her eyes, even though the room was lit only by moonlight. And he didn’t even bother to put anything on before he raced out of the room.
Lucinda stayed where she was, fearful of the feelings he had aroused in her—feelings which were much more intense than those of fear she had felt earlier. It was wrong, all wrong, and she didn’t know what to do about it. If Zane should continue to demand her company, if he should attempt to kiss her again, would she be weak and foolish? Or would she find an inner strength?
When he returned she was still standing in the dark in his bedroom. ‘Panic over!’ he said quietly. ‘It was a mongoose. Nothing to worry about.’
Zane touched his hand to Lucinda’s arm and when he felt her trembling he pulled her hard against him. She felt soft and warm and vulnerable and a whole host of sensations rushed through his body. This woman was so different from any other he had known. She might own her own business—was indeed very successful, according to all that he’d heard—but beneath her veneer was a hurt woman. And he wanted to do something about it; he wanted to help her through her pain, to protect her, help her to see that there were men in the world who would treat her as she deserved to be treated.
Why he should feel angry that her fiancé had let her down he didn’t know, but he did. Very much so. And if he ever met him…His thoughts ended there. He wasn’t sure what he would do, but it wouldn’t be gentlemanly, that was certain. And why he was associating her fear now with Simon, he wasn’t sure about either. But somehow he felt
