LITMIR.BIZ

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opposite, he raised his own glass in a kind of toast and took a sip.

      When she followed suit, he asked conversationally, ‘How did you hurt your ankle?’

      ‘I slipped when I was getting out of the shower.’

      ‘Hardly a good start to Friday the thirteenth,’ he commented dryly, ‘and I gather things didn’t improve very much?’

      ‘Not a lot,’ she said and, when he waited expectantly, went on to tell him about having a flat tyre and being late for work.

      ‘Then at lunch time I discovered I’d forgotten to pack any sandwiches…’

      He shook his head sympathetically. ‘And, after losing your lunch, you end the day with a badly damaged car and no job.’

      Though having no job still had to be a major worry, it didn’t seem half so bad now she was sitting opposite Richard, sleepily watching the flickering firelight turn his face into a changing mask of highlights and shadows.

      Hoping she hadn’t sounded sorry for herself, she said hardily, ‘But it could be worse. Mr DeVere has promised me a good reference, so it shouldn’t take too long to find another position.’

      ‘I presume you know a lot about wine?’

      ‘Quite a lot,’ she said simply. ‘Otherwise I couldn’t have done my job.’

      Studying her reflectively, he queried, ‘Any idea where tonight’s wine came from?’

      ‘France,’ she answered without hesitation. ‘I’d say the Loire Valley.’

      ‘Can you put a name to it?’

      Recognising that she was a bit squiffy, she said cautiously, ‘Yes, I believe so.’

      When he waited, one eyebrow slightly raised, she correctly named both the wine and the year.

      Looking surprised, he remarked, ‘Surely you weren’t able to learn how to identify the area and the vintage merely from tutorials and course work?’

      Sensing faint disparagement, she said, ‘No, of course not.’ Then, realising that she was starting to slur her words, she made an effort to enunciate more clearly. ‘That has to come from the hands-on side, the bouquet and tasting…’

      She stopped speaking, feeling dazed, overcome by tiredness. All she wanted to do at that moment was lie down and go to sleep.

      Watching her trying to keep her eyes open, he said, ‘You look more than ready for bed.’

      He rose and in one lithe movement put the fireguard in place.

      ‘I’m sorry…’ she began.

      ‘There’s nothing to be sorry about. It’s been a long, eventful day…’

      He was right about that, she thought as she struggled to her feet.

      ‘Need any help?’ he queried.

      ‘No, no…I’m fine,’ she lied as, limping, she wove her way somewhat unsteadily to the door. Oh, why had she accepted that cognac? She should have had more sense.

      Having bided his time until she reached the hall, he said firmly, ‘I think I’d better carry you.’

      Not at all sure that she’d heard him aright, she echoed, ‘Carry me?’

      ‘Carry you,’ he repeated firmly.

      Going hot all over at the thought of being held in his arms and cradled against that broad chest, she stammered, ‘R-really there’s no need. I can manage quite well.’

      Her normally low, slightly husky voice sounded agitated and squeaky.

      Ignoring the assurance, he stooped and effortlessly lifted her high in his arms.

      With a little gasp, she begged, ‘Please put me down.’ Adding distractedly, ‘What on earth will your housekeeper think if she sees us?’

      Looking unperturbed, he said, ‘No one will see us.’

      ‘How can you be so sure?’

      ‘Because Jervis, the chauffeur and handyman, lives at the rear above the garages, and Gwen, who used to be a nurse, is staying at the centre overnight. Old Tom, one of her “regulars”, is just recovering from a bad bout of flu, so she’s remaining on hand in case he needs her.’

      ‘Oh,’ Tina said in a small voice.

      As he crossed the hall and began to climb the stairs, Richard smiled down at her and added with soft emphasis, ‘So you see, we’re all alone.’

      CHAPTER THREE

      ALLalone.

      Just for a second Tina had the absurd feeling that she’d walked into a trap.

      There had been something in his voice, his choice of words—satisfaction? a touch of menace?—that made her heart start to thump against her ribs and a shiver run through her.

      Noticing that betraying movement, Richard glanced down at her. ‘There’s no need to look so scared—’ now his tone was reassuringly normal ‘—I haven’t lured you here to imprison you in the cellar or lock you in the attic…’

      Suddenly feeling foolish, she denied, ‘I never thought you had.’

      ‘Though I do have plans for you.’

      The rider, though added jokingly, brought a touch of alarm.

      ‘Plans?’ she said thickly. ‘What kind of plans?’

      He laughed. ‘Don’t worry; I’m sure you’ll like what I have in mind.’

      Realising that he was teasing her, her head spinning, she let it go.

      He carried her easily and when they reached the top of the stairs there was still no sign of him being out of breath.

      As well as strong, he must be very fit.

      Virile was the word that sprang to mind. It was a word that immediately produced some erotic images…

      Shocked by her own thoughts, she told herself hazily that this wasn’t like her. It must be alcohol swamping her inhibitions. Normally she drank very little and the amount she’d had tonight, some of it on an empty stomach, had gone straight to her head. As he crossed the landing and fumbled briefly to open her bedroom door, everything began to whirl gently round her and she closed her eyes.

      Crossing to the bed, he pulled back the duvet and laid her down, supporting her head while he unfastened the clip that held her heavy coil of hair in place.

      As the silken mass tumbled around her shoulders, he settled her head on the pillows and, sitting down beside her, slipped off her shoes.

      She lay like a beautiful doll, her eyes closed, the long lashes making dark gold fans on her cheeks, her soft lips a little parted, the lovely creamy column of her throat exposed, vulnerable.

      It was obvious that the alcohol had done its work too well and she was almost out for the count.

      Frowning, he realised that she couldn’t be as used to drinking as he’d been led to believe. It had been his intention to get rid of any possible inhibitions, not to make her practically incapable and he felt like a heel.

      However, he couldn’t afford too many scruples. Everything he held dear was at stake. If he’d been certain she would be reasonable…

      But he couldn’t be certain. It would depend entirely on what kind of woman she really was, and he wouldn’t know that until he knew her better.

      By that time it would be too late.

      So he needed to go through with it.

      As he made the decision, she opened her eyes.

      Smiling down at her, he started to undo the buttons of her dress.

      He

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