Be Mine - Alyssia Leon

Be Mine Alyssia Leon

SAGEWOOD PUBLISHING

Be Mine Copyright © 2016 Alyssia Leon www.alyssialeon.com The moral rights of the author have been asserted Published by Sagewood Publishing Ltd First Digital Edition: July 2016 eISBN: 978-1-911519-00-3 [email protected] (business enquiries only) All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review as permitted by copyright law. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is purely coincidental. Readers: 18+

Be Mine Aurora Willis has loved Nathan since she was a teenager. But he barely noticed her. Still a virgin at twenty-two, she’s desperate to ditch her hopeless feelings for him and find true love. Billionaire Nathaniel Travers left Aurora behind in his unwanted past. But when an accident leaves him helpless, she’s the only one he can turn to. Just when Aurora is about to leap into a new love, Nathan crashes back into her life with an offer of his own. He wants her on his terms. But is Aurora ready to sacrifice her heart to be his for just one night? - STANDALONE contemporary romance. No cliffhanger. - Steamy love scenes (readers 18+)

Table of Contents Beginning Book Description 01. Helpless 02. Looking for Love 03. Mr Smith 04. Back with Purpose 05. Evil Devil 06. Disturb at Your Peril 07. Ached Too Long 08. Sweet Relief 09. Road Safe Contraption 10. You're Mine 11. Blackmail and Letters 12. Love is Like a Red Red Rose 13. Belgravia 14. Hollow Victory 15. Your Loving Father 16. Fudge Cake and Emeralds 17. Epilogue

More Fun

1 Nathaniel Travers opened his eyes, or… tried to. A soft weight rested on them. He frowned, his mind a blank except for the knowledge that he was himself and he was… somewhere. One by one sensations rapidly clicked into place: the pillow beneath his head, the firm mattress, a machine’s steady beep to his left, the lemony smell of disinfectant. His limbs were heavy, unmovable. His head throbbed. A small tink sounded nearby, like one metal object being placed on top of another. Was someone there? He opened his mouth to call out, but his tongue stuck to the roof of his dry mouth and no sound came from his throat. Hell! He strained to lift his right arm in an effort to rip away whatever covered his eyes, but barely moved an inch before the machine beeping beside him raced into alarmed panic. A gentle hand pushed his arm back on to the mattress, and the beep subsided to its original calm tone. “Rest please, Mr Travers. I go to call the doctor.” Her English had the typical Swiss accent. Her words were professional, no-nonsense. He was still in Switzerland. And he was in a hospital. He sank back against the bed as memories assaulted him one by one—the snow-packed ground beneath his skis rolling loose, the flash of tumbling forward, heavy chunky slabs of ice crashing into his back. He’d gasped for breath, but ice pierced his lungs, and then sudden darkness. Panic seized him. Andy. Where the hell was Andy? The question refused to come out and swallowing he tried again. “Andy?” Was that his voice? It was like a croak faraway. A door clicked shut and everything was quiet, save for the beep. The nurse must have left. Hell, this was all his fault. A three day break in the Swiss Alps, and on the last day he’d been the one to persuade Andy to leave the groomed and meticulously controlled pistes and take a backcountry descent instead. And why? All because he’d hated the crowds: people recognizing him, journalists out to cop an impromptu interview with the tech industry’s current golden boy, women who knew of his recent single status and wanted a piece of him.

The serene mountain beyond had looked more than inviting. They’d been prepared, even though there had been no avalanche warnings. They’d taken safety gear and an experienced guide, but what had begun as a sensational, gravity-defying experience of floating through fresh light powder had in seconds turned into a fight for his life. And now here he was, on a hospital bed and barely able to move. But where was Andy? The same condition as him? Worse? Dread settled like a heavy stone in his heart. No one cared if he, Nathan, lived or died, but Andy had family, a loving wife and a newborn daughter. Nathan had sometimes envied his best friend for the love that surrounded him, but right now he’d give his life if only to return Andy to his family, unharmed. He had to do something. Maybe if he set that damn alarm off again someone would come back from the black hole everyone seemed to have disappeared into and answer his questions. He raised his right arm, the one that felt like it had tubes stuck in it and gritting his teeth against the dull pain that shot through it, managed a few more inches than before. But no alarm sounded. The stupid machine beeped on, merrily oblivious to his need. “Fuck!” At least his voice was back to normal. The door opened and heavy footsteps thudded. He rolled his head, unseeing, towards the sound. “Andy?” “Nathan! Bloody hell, man. You had me scared.” Relief like he’d never experienced before flooded Nathan at the sound of Andy’s voice. The footsteps rushed closer and Andy clutched his left hand tight. Nathan gripped his friend back, strength flowing into his body from their contact. “You’re all right.” Andy laughed. “I’m all right? I’m bloody brilliant. It’s you who’s had me on the edge of my seat for a whole bloody day.” Nathan laughed in relief, keeping tight hold of Andy’s hand. A chair scraped beside him as Andy pulled up a seat. They went back years, living, working, and revelling together even before they began their rapidly growing company five years ago. Nathan frowned. “Rainier, is he…?” Their guide had been at the front. He should have escaped. “Scrapes and bruises, like me. He’s back with his family. We were lucky, bud. That avalanche was a small one.” “I’m sorry for getting you into this.”

“Nah, I know you’re being billed as wonder boy right now, but even you don’t control the weather. Anyway, Rainier and I were lucky. Our airbags saved us from the worst of it, kept us on top of the slide. You didn’t even get a chance to pull the release handle before the snow was on you.” “It was too quick. I don’t think anything can prepare you for that.” “We found you at the bottom of the run, Nathan. You’d smashed your head against a rock and you’ve been out cold since.” Andy squeezed his hand. “Thank god you were wearing a helmet. I don’t know if you’d be here talking to me otherwise.” “I’m fine.” He pulled his left hand from Andy’s grasp, his tube-stuck right hand still useless, and touched the padding covering his eyes. “What’s with this thing?” “The doctors weren’t sure if the crash affected your sight. It’s a precaution until they can give you the all clear. But hey, cheer up. You’re a man of steel otherwise. No broken bones anywhere.” “I’m thrilled.” “Look, Nathan.” Andy’s tone lowered. “The doctors want you to take it easy for a week, so I’m officially banning you from the office until the day before the investor meeting. And don’t argue with me on this.” “Are you serious?” Nathan gritted, fury giving him energy. “The biggest thing to happen to Astreca so far, and you expect me to go hands-off? This is going to net us billions. You know I’ve worked my ass off for this, and there’s no damn way I’m sitting back now.” “Nathan, listen to me. We don’t know the full extent of your injuries. I can’t risk having you keel over in a coma or anything from the stress. It’s a week, tops. I’d just be happier knowing you’re okay for sure.” “Damn it, Andy. Astreca is gold right now and those investors know it. They’d be fools to say anything other than yes to me. I’d be more stressed lying here, blind, for a week.” “It’s more than that.” Andy paused. “I’ve managed to keep this accident out of the news so far. This is a private hospital and they’re discreet. Do you have any idea what it’ll do for investor confidence if they get wind of this? It’s bloody hard enough with the media snooping around you the way they do.” Nathan clenched his jaw. “I’m fine.” “No, you’re not. Not until a qualified doctor tells me so.” “Get me back to London, and I’ll get regular check-ups from a discrete doctor there.” “That you will, but not in London.” Nathan glared. Even past closed eyes and thick bandaging, Andy must have

felt it because he cleared his throat apologetically before speaking. “Look, you’re too bloody high-profile, what with your picture splashed all over Forbes and Bloomberg. Even in a hotel in the middle of nowhere, someone’s going to recognize you. These things always come out and get hyped up like no man’s business. We can’t risk spooking those investors.” “I don’t need a hotel room. I’ve a whole damn penthouse in London. It’s just me and Mrs Douglas there, and she’s been with me too long to go sneaking the story to the press. I’ll work from home for a few days.” “The doctors will only discharge you if you can guarantee around the clock supervision, and Mrs Douglas dropping by in the mornings to cook and clean for you doesn’t qualify.” “For God’s sake, Andy! Hire a nurse and have her sign a non-disclosure or something.” Andy snorted. “I’m not even entertaining that. Look, the most I’d risk is having you stay with Jasmine and me, but I don’t think a baby crying through the night is going to help you. Besides, it won’t look great if both of us get to the investor meeting sleep-deprived and smelling of nappies.” Nathan gritted his teeth. He’d been painted into a corner, but what had he expected with a logistics whizz like Andy. No doubt the pieces were already in place. “All right. Get to it. What exactly have you set up?” Andy cleared his throat. “The doctors asked me about arrangements, so I had to have something ready or they’d have kept you here. So I… er… I spoke to Cathy… your step-mum. You could stay with them.” “The hell I will!” Nathan jerked to sit up, but pain seared through his head and with a groan he fell back on the pillow. Andy’s chair scraped. “You okay?” His hands were on Nathan’s shoulders. “No,” Nathan gritted out. “And I’m not going to Yorkshire, so you can forget that.” Andy released him, and the chair creaked as he sat down again. “Nathan, think about it. It’s perfect. Your excuse is you’re visiting family, and there’ll be someone to look after you. Someone you can trust.” Anger burned in Nathan. Someone he could trust? Andy knew parts of his history, but no one knew the demons that consumed him, and to return to Cathy’s house… Aurora. The image of a young woman rose in his mind: her hair a carefree cloud of inky-black curls that bounced around her delicate elfin features, bright shamrock-green eyes that twinkled when she laughed. He hadn’t seen her in four years, hadn’t wanted to, but his hands still remembered the press of her slim curves, his lips the feathery softness of hers.

He clenched his jaw. Stay in the same house as Aurora? No. He’d buried that past long before his father had died, and it was going to stay buried. “Call Oksana, Andy. She’ll be more than willing to spend her days and nights with me.” “But you guys broke up two weeks ago, and she’s in Los Angeles now. You know there’s only one reason she’ll come running back.” Andy was right. That relationship had broken up when after a year of on and off dating, he’d refused to put a ring on Oksana’s finger, a commitment one step too far for him. Hell, he’d even been careful never to spend a whole night at her place. But compared to Aurora, Oksana was a safer bet. She was a situation he could control. “Nathan, Oksana’s been trying to get you up the aisle for a while now. Don’t go crazy and land yourself in something you’ll regret. Look, I know you and Cathy haven’t spoken since your Dad died, but she was really worried about you when I called. This might be a good thing…” Nathan frowned. “I’m not trying to play family shrink or anything,” Andy said. “It’s just the best solution we have. You know it.” She’d been eighteen the last time he’d had seen her. Eighteen and flaunting her ripe, scantily clad body before a horde of hungry male eyes, just like she’d exhibited for him ever since she hit puberty. Did she get off on the attention? But he’d been careful to never fall victim. There had been that one incident… but he’d got the hell out of there straightaway. And he was still running. Damn. This craving for Aurora hadn’t died. He’d merely pushed it aside over the years. Maybe it was time to free himself of it once and for all. They were no longer children. She was twenty-two now and he was twenty-eight. Maybe it was time to finally slake this thirst and move on. “…and Yorkshire’s the last place people will expect to find you, so—” “Fine. I’ll do it.” “You’ll do it?” Andy’s tone rose an octave in surprise. “One week, Andy, no more.” *** “Mum, I’m home.” Grappling with the two bulging shopping bags and the set of keys in her hands, Aurora kicked the front door of their townhouse closed

behind her. She placed the heavy bags down on the hallway carpet with relief, and throwing the keys into her shoulder bag, dumped it beside the shopping. The February weather had been as unpredictable as ever, beaming sunshine in the morning, pouring buckets of rain in the evening. Langley was more prone to excitable weather than other parts of England, having the dubious honour of being a nondescript little town in Yorkshire where the weather had tantrums that southerners down in London escaped. She shrugged off her rain-soaked, blue wool coat, and hung it up on the coatrack by the warm radiator before running sore fingers through her damp dark curls. She’d been fooled by the weather and forgotten to take her umbrella on her way to work this morning, and lugging bags from the supermarket back to her car in the evening had been like taking a fully clothed shower. “Did you get everything, Aura?” Her mother came out of the kitchen and stooped to examine the shopping bags, her shoulder-length, pale-blonde hair falling across the sides of her face like curtains. She hadn’t changed out of the drab grey work clothes she wore for her job as an administrator at the local school, and tired lines showed around her almond-brown eyes. “Everything you wanted.” Aura said, straightening her yellow sweater over her jeans. “Though I was surprised to find it all, to be honest. Six o’clock rush on a Friday, and the supermarket shelves were emptying like it’s the day before the apocalypse.” Mum laughed. “People are just happy to see the weekend, that’s all.” She straightened up, lifting a bag in each hand. “Here, those are heavy.” Aura stepped forward and took the bags from her shorter mother. “I’ll bring them in to the kitchen.” “Thanks, love. And how was your day?” “I finished that vintage wedding gown,” Aura said, leading the way to the kitchen. “It’s a pity I won’t get to see the final fitting tomorrow, but Mrs. Harrison has promised to take a couple of photos and send them to me.” It had taken her the entire day, and the delicate hand-sewing involved had left her fingers stiff and aching, but the results had been worth it. It wasn’t often she got to work with authentic 1930s silk and lace. At least she had the next few days off for her fingers to recover, since she only worked at Harrison’s tailoring studio on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She’d just have to take it slow with her personal client projects in the meantime. Mum grinned. “A job well done deserves a warm stew, is what I say.” She indicated the stove where a casserole dish of beef chilli was cooking. Aura placed the bags down on the pine kitchen table and sniffed in the hearty scent, already forgetting the cold greyness outside that she’d clambered in

from. It was warmer in the kitchen than the hallway had been, with the golden pine shelves and cupboards adding to the cosy feel, and the cream countertop and marble flooring reflecting the overhead lights. They’d had the kitchen enlarged when her step-dad Ralph had been alive, creating a kitchen-diner with a six-seater pine table and its chairs taking up half of the bright and welcoming room. Ralph had converted the tiny old dining room next door into a sewing room for Aura, a place of her own where she could design and create her dresses. “Oh, you managed to get the wine too.” Mum, in the middle of emptying the shopping bags, held up the bottle of expensive red wine with a smile. Aura cocked her head to the side and regarded her. More food than they usually bought adorned the table, and the only time the two of them drank alcohol was for a birthday or Christmas. Mum had phoned her with the lastminute shopping list just as Aura had finished work.“Why all this food and the wine, Mum? You’re not planning a party before you jet off on Sunday, are you?” Her mother had won a five day Valentine’s break to Hawaii in her office Christmas raffle last year, and she’d chosen to go with her colleague Dianne after Aura had turned her down. But Aura had her reasons. Her mother was fortyseven, slim, petite, and attractive. Her happy eyes had dimmed when her husband Ralph died two years ago, and the spark had begun to return only recently. Aura hoped deep in her heart this trip would see her mother find love again, and she wasn’t about to bring in any awkwardness by tagging along. “I have to make sure you have enough to eat.” Mum turned back to pulling out items from the bags. “For goodness sake, Mum, I’m not going to starve myself. I’m twenty-two, not two. I do know how to shop and cook.” She moved to help her mother put vegetables in the tall fridge. “You’re not planning on spending your time in Hawaii worrying about me, are you?” “Actually, about Hawaii…” Mum glanced at her, looking uncomfortable. “I might not go after all.” “What? Why?” “I had a phone call today. It was from Andy, Nathan’s friend. Nathan has had a skiing accident.” Aura gasped, a hand flying to her mouth. All sorts of terrible images sped through her mind making her heart thunder: Nathan, his tall, strong body hurt and twisted, his handsome face bloodied, his midnight-black hair matted, and the smile that melted her heart, but had never been willingly bestowed on her, gone forever. “Now don’t panic.” Mum held up her hands, palms out, in a calming gesture.

“Andy called back an hour ago to say Nathan had regained consciousness and the doctors were confident of a quick recovery. But he needs to rest for a few days, so of course, I said he could stay with us, and… he’ll be here tomorrow.” “Here? He’s coming here? Tomorrow?” Relief turned to trepidation. The sudden thought of seeing Nathan again after all these years made butterflies tumble in her stomach. Her gaze fell on the expensive bottle on the table. So that was the reason for the wine. Nathan’s rare visits when Ralph had still been alive had been nerveracking experiences for her mother. Mum had gone out of her way to make him comfortable, and now that he was a high-flyer, it could be nothing but the best for him. If only he’d been kind enough to return the favour and treat them like the family they’d always wanted to be for him. Anger built in her and she frowned. “Surely he’d be better off in London where he has the best medical care? Why come all the way here?” “Apparently everything needs to be kept very hush hush, so he can’t stay in London. But more than that… what he needs right now is family, and we’re all he has, love.” No arguing with that. Nathan had his mother, but she was living with husband number three in Italy, Nathan’s father, Ralph, having been husband number one. Nathan never talked about his mother, but their relationship was sure to be miles better than the hostile one he’d had with Ralph. Still, Aura couldn’t get comfortable with the thought that he was all alone right now. “We can manage, can’t we? It’s only for a few days, isn’t it?” Those rare weekends he’d stayed with them as a teenager and then as a young man, he’d kept to his room or gone out the entire day. She’d craved then just to catch a glimpse of him, but if he kept to his room this time also, she could get through this. Mum regarded her with anxious eyes. She’d never asked, but a daughter’s infatuation must have been hard to miss over the years. “I won’t leave you to handle this on your own, Aura. I’ll tell Dianne I won’t be flying out to Hawaii so she can find someone else to give my ticket to.” “You’ll do no such thing. You’ve been looking forward to this trip. Don’t you dare cancel.” “But—” “Mum, I’m quite capable. The most I’ll have to do is cook for him three times a day. It’s not hard.” And if she was lucky, he’d be gone sooner than later, because one thing was for sure, Nathan hated staying here just as much as she now hated the thought of having him here.

2 The doorbell rang, snapping Aura from her brooding thoughts. “I’ll get it.” And she went to the hallway and opened the door. “Hey there, lovely.” Her best friend grinned, her blue eyes twinkling. The same blue was reflected in the eyes of the snugly wrapped-up, two-year-old boy she held in her arms. With a smile, Aura stepped aside for them to enter, leaning forward and kissing Lisa’s cheek and then taking little Jason from her and pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek. He grinned up at her. “He’s been with Mum and Dad all day, so I thought I’d bring him here for a change of scenery.” Lisa said, placing her shoulder bag down on the carpet. She took off her dove grey coat and matching knit cap and shook out her waist length golden hair. Her cheeks and upturned nose were rosy-tipped from the biting cold outside. They were the same height, five-foot-six, but Lisa was a lush, curvy hourglass compared to Aura’s slimmer pear shape, and she managed to look sexy in everything, including the simple blue sweater and jeans she was wearing. “Change of scenery it is then, little guy.” Aura said, unzipping Jason’s red puffa jacket and helping him slide it off. “You’ve got the run of the place here.” Jason pulled off his black wool hat and scarf and dropped them on to the floor. Tsk-tsking, Lisa immediately scooped them up and hung them on the coatrack. Aura laughed and ruffled his light-blond hair. “Oh, there’s my little boy.” Mum came out of the kitchen and held out her hands to Jason, who cheerfully jumped to her from Aura. “Were you busy today, love?” she asked Lisa. “Same old. It’s like everyone wakes up on a Friday morning and decides that’s the day they desperately need a tooth taken out or a filling replaced. So there’s us poor receptionists having to juggle all these out-of-the-blue patients.” Aura grinned at her. “Don’t complain, chatterbug. You like it busy. You’re always looking for new people to natter with.” “Jealous much, wallflower?” Lisa said with a smirk. “I’ll always prefer the peace and quiet of the sewing room.” “Ooh lad, you’re getting heavy for little old me.” Mum placed Jason on his feet and held her hand out to him. “How about some juice?” Jason grabbed her hand. “Juice an’ bikkies!” “Jason, what do we say to Aunty Cathy?” Lisa raised an eyebrow at him, her

hands on her hips, and he glanced back at her with a little smile. “Pease!” Mum laughed. “My, so polite! You have to get an extra bikkie for that. Come on.” With a big grin, Jason gripped her hand and toddled after her to the kitchen. Lisa picked up her bag and followed with Aura. “Don’t you have class tonight?” Aura asked. “Nope. We’ve a test on Monday evening, so they gave us a long weekend to mug up for it.” “You’ll be fine. You always do well on these tests.” Lisa grimaced and dumped her bag on the kitchen counter. “Remind me to remember that.” “Isn’t it your final year?” Mum asked, seating Jason up on the counter and giving him a biscuit for each hand. “Yes, and I just want to get it done with.” Lisa said, leaning back against the counter. “Two years of night classes, and I’m finally close to kissing the reception desk goodbye and earning something decent as a dental tech somewhere.” With a smile, Aura filled the kettle for their tea. If anyone deserved to do well, it was Lisa. They’d been firm friends since when they were both ten years old, since the time Mum had married Ralph and moved with him from London to live here in Langley. Lisa’d had to do a lot of growing up quickly when her one and only boyfriend deserted her soon after he found out she was pregnant. But even with her parents to help her look after Jason, Lisa was determined to do well enough all by herself to afford a home of their own for her little boy. “So what’s happening with you and Bill tonight?” Lisa asked as the water boiled and Aura switched the kettle off. “Oh gods, I’d clean forgotten.” Mum turned around from placing a beaker of blackcurrant juice in Jason’s little crumb-filled hands. “You’ve a date with Bill at eight, haven’t you? It’s nearly seven. You should be thinking of getting ready.” “Mum, I don’t need an hour to get ready. And it’s not a date as such.” “Not a date?” Lisa’s eyebrows shot up. “I doubt my brother would agree with you. He’s been trying to get you to go out with him for years. Why’d you cave now?” Aura put teabags in three mugs and poured hot water over them. Good question. Why had she caved now? Truth was, being a twenty-two-year-old virgin was becoming a rather heavy load to bear, and anyone who came to know the reason for it would without doubt brand her a gone case. Well, how was it normal to be that hung up on her forbidding step-brother that she couldn’t be attracted to anyone else? She drew men, and she’d had plenty of offers for dates,

but her constant air of disinterest meant nothing materialized. Lisa’s big brother, Bill, had been the only man stubborn enough to stick by her for over two years now, refusing to take no as a final answer. Bill was perfect in so many ways, and infatuation for Nathan or not, she wasn’t going to let her life descend into a story of maybes. She had to try. “It’s not that I caved. I like Bill, and I just thought the time was right.” She added milk to the tea and handed a mug each to her mother and Lisa. Lisa took the mug and studied her. Guiltily, Aura glanced away, taking a quick sip of her tea. Mum smiled. “Of course it is. I’ve always thought the two of you would do well together, and he’s so keen on you. But please wear something other than black tonight, Aura. I haven’t seen you go anywhere special in any other colour since Ralph died. You even wear black for Christmas.” “I like black. It’s simple.” And it was safe. She didn’t stand out or draw too much attention. Her mother hadn’t noticed but her preference for black stretched way back before Ralph’s death, ever since she’d been eighteen and seen Nathan for the last time. Lisa gave her a knowing look, then shrugged. “It’s also slimming, not that you need it. You’re already as slim as a ballerina. Now me…” She ran a hand over her curvy hips, “…I need all the slimming I can get.” And she promptly munched into a biscuit. Aura grinned at her. Lisa was always complaining about her figure, especially since pregnancy had left her hips and breasts more prominent, but she was a hottie and she knew it. Mum shook her head and wiped the last traces of blackcurrant juice from Jason’s mouth and the crumbs from his hands before setting him down on the floor. He promptly went to Lisa who handed him a soft, twisty blue and pink caterpillar toy from her bag. “I always thought you’d like pink,” Mum said to Aura as Jason played with the toy. “You look beautiful in pink.” Aura laughed. “Yeah, thanks for that. Since when do you look at a scrawny baby with a mop of black hair and go ‘Hmm, I know, I’ll call her Aurora, cos she looks just like that golden-haired princess in a pink ballgown.’” “Well, you reminded me so much of her.” “Really? In what way? Maybe I slept a lot. Admit it, Mum. You had a sleeping beauty fixation at the time. It must have been your pregnancy hormones.” Lisa giggled and Jason held the toy out to Aura. “Ora?” “That’s just what you called yourself too,” Mum said with a chuckle. “And it stuck.”

Jason had managed to tangle the caterpillar into two big knots. Untangling it, Aura handed it back to him. “Yeah well, the kids at school were a lot more creative than that with my nickname.” Lisa laughed. “Thorny. That’s what they called you. Thorny Willis. But seriously, I don’t think that was just for the sleeping beauty part. You hardly let anyone near you.” Aura shrugged. Her needs were small, and she’d had her mother, Lisa and Ralph for family. She hadn’t needed anyone else. Jason tangled the caterpillar again and this time held it out to Lisa. “Oh, he’ll keep doing this until it drives everyone stir crazy.” She took the toy from him and shoved it back in her bag. Jason scowled and held out a pudgy hand. “Mine!” “Come on, champ.” Mum took his hand. “Why don’t you help Aunty Cathy make alphabet noodles for you?” She glanced at Lisa. “He can have dinner here, can’t he love?” Lisa nodded and rinsing her empty mug in the sink, took Aura by the elbow. “Come on. Show me the dress you’re planning on wowing my brother with tonight.” Aura led the way to her sewing room, which was tucked in between the kitchen and the larger front room. Opening the door, she flicked on the light to reveal a bright square space with teal walls, white wood furniture and a cosy cream carpet. White shelves lined one wall, packed with rolls of fabric in all colours. A tall white wardrobe stood at the far end opposite the door, with a large cutting-table beside it, and above the table, hung a cork-board almost as wide as the table itself, pinned with dress designs she’d drawn. The wall opposite the shelves was fully given over to a large bay window that looked out on to the now dark back garden. A padded, cream window seat was beneath it, and her sewing machine took up the space just beside the door. The smell of clean, new fabric hung heavy in the air. This was her sanctuary, the place where she could lose herself for hours. Lisa made a beeline for a nearly finished sky-blue dress hanging on a rack beside the sewing machine. “Ooh, this is stunning. Who’s it for?” “Mrs Carthers from the bank. She wanted something custom for her niece’s wedding next month. Says it’ll turn her sister-in-law green with envy to know her dress was handmade just for her.” “I bet it will.” Lisa examined the dress, letting the silky material slip across her fingers. “One day, people are going to pay through the nose for one of your

creations. If Mrs Carthers has any sense, she’ll hang tight to this one. It’ll be worth thousands soon.” Aura laughed. “That day comes, and I’ll eat my sewing machine. I’m not likely to set-up my own label with what I earn making dresses for people in Langley and working part-time in an alterations boutique.” “I’m never wrong, my girl. Talent like yours doesn’t stay hidden long, so you’d better have plenty of gravy to help wash down that sewing machine of yours.” “I love you for your faith.” Aura said with a smile, going to the wardrobe. Lisa had been telling her this for years now. She would probably still be hearing it when they were both ninety and in their rockers. She opened the wardrobe, revealing a row of black plastic dress covers within. “Don’t you want to see your Valentine’s dress first?” “You finished it?” Aura nodded, but Lisa stood looking uncertain, then shook her head. “No, that one’s going to be a surprise. It’s only, what, four days to go? I know you won’t disappoint.” “Not even a peek? It’s just as you wanted… with a few extra wows thrown in. I promise it’ll dazzle.” Lisa shook her head again and Aura frowned. This wasn’t like her friend. “What is it? I thought you’d be a lot more excited about your Valentine’s date.” “Come on, Aura. One of the receptionists at the surgery sets me up on a blind date with her cousin. I’m not exactly going to be thrilled out of my socks straight away, am I? I haven’t a freakin’ clue what the guy looks like, what he does, or anything. All I know is he’s twenty-six, same age as Bill. Really, the only excitement I’m feeling about Valentine’s Day is that I’ll finally get to see the awesome dress you made for me.” “You never know. This could be your Prince Charming.” “That sort of stuff is for you, sleeping beauty. Besides, do you remember the frog I got paired off with last Valentine’s?” Aura hid a smile. Bill had attempted to coax his sister back into the dating game by fixing up a Valentine’s date for her with one of his fellow firemen who’d recently divorced. The evening had ended with the guy sobbing in Lisa’s lap and pouring out his life story about how messy his divorce had been and how women had torpedoed his entire life. “Yeah, a real wet-blanket. Good looking though.” “Hmm, he was, wasn’t he? But I should know by now that looks don’t count for everything in guys, no matter how much I like them rough and rugged. Wish I’d known that before I took up with Jason’s dad.” “I hope this guy proves to be good enough to crack that hard little shell of

yours.” Lisa shrugged. “We’ll see. Though, you won’t have to worry tonight. Bill treats you like you’re the most precious thing on earth. You’ll definitely have a good time.” She came up to the wardrobe. “So, which one is yours?” Taking a black cover from the wardrobe, Aura laid it on her cutting table and opened the zip. She pulled out the black knee-length dress inside and holding it up to her body, turned to show Lisa. Lisa’s eyes widened. “Oh, wow. Bill’s going to have a heart attack.” The dress was sleeveless, with a low cowl neck. The bodice nipped in at the waist and the bell skirt flared out gently over a layer of black tulle petticoat. “Very fifties, isn’t it?” Aura said with a giggle. “Uh huh. It’s also very very black.” Aura sighed. “You know I feel more comfortable in it.” “For goodness sake, Aura, you’ve turned yourself into a nun because you got the hots for your stepbrother when you were a hormone-raging teenager.” Aura turned away to hide the red of her cheeks as she put the dress back in its cover. She’d never told anyone the actual reason, not even Lisa. She’d been eighteen and had accompanied her mother and Ralph to a wedding. The daughter of one of Ralph’s friends had been the bride. Aura had been thrilled. She’d sewn her own dress, a blood-red mini that ended mid-thigh. But her still unpolished skill had left the bust too tight for her young breasts and cut the thigh-slit a little too high, complications that had quickly become a headache when she’d drawn more attention to herself than she knew how to handle. And then Nathan had turned up with his then girlfriend, an impossibly beautiful, ethereal looking blonde, and Aura had quailed in inadequacy. She would never forget the look on his face as he’d come to say his stiff hellos to them. He’d been livid, looking her up and down like she was something unpleasant that had crawled out of an x-rated movie. It had hurt and she’d spent the rest of the wedding studiously avoiding him and his piece of arm-candy. But that had been harder to do than said. Her unfortunate red creation had made her stand out like a ruby in a field of pearls, and everywhere she went, Nathan seemed to be there also, scowling at her. In the end she’d had enough, and leaving all the other guests to enjoy the outdoor buffet around front, she’d taken herself off behind the wedding marquee. But she’d been followed… She’d stood hidden away, leaning against a tree when he’d sneaked up behind her. “Hello, my lovely,” he purred. “Pretty little thing like you shouldn’t be alone. I’ll sort that.” Then he clamped a rough hand around her throat and pushed her back

against the tree with the force of his bigger body, while his other hand crept up her thigh, reaching beneath her dress. He was young and tall, mousy-haired and disheveled, a complete stranger. She opened her mouth to scream, but he took it as an invitation, swooping down on her. Squeezing her eyes shut, she twisted her face away just in time so that his alcohol-reeking mouth landed on her cheek instead. Catching her breath, she was ready to scream again when suddenly the man’s weight was pulled off her. A dull thud, and she opened her eyes to see the man sprawled on the grass, unconscious. Nathan stood over him, fists clenched, mouth an unforgiving line. He looked at her and his silver eyes blazed with fury. Trembling, she could only stare back. Then in two strides, he was before her, grabbing her bare upper arms with such force she thought he was going to shake her to death. But he pulled her to him and slammed his mouth down on hers in a punishing kiss. Tears sprang to her eyes, but she kissed him back with all the longing of years, and when he suddenly released his grip to circle his hands around her waist, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed against him. His movements gentled then, his lips becoming soft, his tongue caressing hers, seeking her sweetness as he clasped her tight, and with a small moan she all but melted into him. Then suddenly he pulled away and stood staring down at her, his breathing ragged and confusion in his gaze. She gawped back at him, her eyes-wide, her lips tender, and her mind in another dimension. Disdain entered his eyes and releasing her, he took an abrupt step back. “You’re no better than your mother. Look at you, dressed like a slut, ready to collar yourself a rich man whatever the consequences.” She shook her head, desperate to deny it. “No, I—” But he was already striding away. Her first kiss, and it had ripped out her heart. She never saw him again after that, and she’d never wanted to be kissed again after that. “Hey, I’m not saying this for Bill’s benefit, but you’re young, Aura.” Lisa’s voice brought Aura back to the present. “And if you don’t live your life now, then when will you?” Aura stroked a hand over the soft black material of the dress. “I suppose, I am letting go. One step at a time.” “That’s why you finally said yes to Bill, isn’t it?” Aura glanced at her and nodded. “Oh, love.” Lisa’s voice throbbed with pity. “My brother’s a catch. I won’t deny it. But I don’t think he has any chance of making you forget Mr Hot,

Wonderful, and Doesn’t-Care-You’re-Alive.” “But I’ve got to do this. Like you said, if not now, when?” “Hah! You should have done this a long time ago. In fact, you should have done this last year when he took up with that bleached-blonde, celebrity stylist girlfriend of his.” Aura glanced away. She’d avidly followed Nathan’s progress as he’d climbed the ladder to the heights he was at now. She wasn’t proud of her desperate behaviour, and had toned it down once he’d started dating Oksana Petrova. The woman was, from the looks of it, his dream come true. He’d never been with another girlfriend that long. Oksana was everything Nathan wanted, and everything Aura wasn’t—tall, blonde, classy, and with a career Aura could only dream of. Envy bit her. Honestly… if those breasts were real, then Aura was a nanny goat. “I read some news about them getting married soon,” she muttered with a frown. “Jeez, Aura! Are you still stalking him in the gossip rags?” Lisa plonked her hands on her hips and scowled at her. “What am I going to do with you?” She grimaced and ran a hand through her blonde hair. “I have to break this Nathan addiction of yours. Don’t know how… Actually, if he just would go and get married, it might cure you.” Aura bit her lip. “He’s coming here.” “Please tell me you don’t mean Nathan is coming here.” “Yes.” Lisa’s mouth dropped open. “Why on earth? I thought Langley was the bogpit of the world as far as he was concerned.” “It’s… He needs to get away from things for a few days.” “Yeah, he would. He’s been all over the news lately, hasn’t he?” “His company has been doing well, so…” Lisa smirked. “And you would know. But enough of your stalking, girl. When is Mr Hot due to descend on you?” “Tomorrow, I think.” “Oh, crud.” “I didn’t know this when I agreed to go out with Bill.” Aura looked at her guiltily. “I should cancel with Bill, shouldn’t I? The more I think about it now, the more I realize it’s not fair on him. But he’s been so looking forward to our date, and I don’t want to upset him…” “Of course he’s looking forward to your date. Do you know how many years he’s waited for you to say yes?” Lisa stalked up and down the room. “But, maybe… maybe we can use this.” She turned back to Aura, excitement in her

eyes. “I think, we’re going to turn the tables a bit here.” “Oh, you have a plan.” Aura said with a frown. “I’m not sure I like it when you have a plan.”

3 Lisa cocked her head. “Ooh, thanks for the vote of confidence, Miss Obsessed, but I may be the one person who actually gets you out of your current sticky dilemma.” “Fine. I’m listening.” Aura said, going and sitting on the window seat. “So Nathan is going to be here for a while.” Lisa came and sat beside her. “And there’s the two of you nicely tripping over each other’s feet, and your mum’s not here to chaperone. The perfect soup for all your adolescent dreams.” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “It’s nothing like that.” Aura said with a groan. “He hates my guts, and even on the tiny millionth of a chance that he made a move, I don’t think I’d have the guts to… you know.” “Exactly! You’re all dream and no substance, and I, Lisa, the great mystic, can predict precisely what’s going to happen. He’s going to hole himself up in his room as always, and you’re going to wander around like a lovesick spook, creeping him out and making a complete ass of yourself.” Aura winced, but Lisa was right. Wasn’t that what she’d always done around Nathan? All dream and no substance, indeed. He’d been the source of all her hot, wet dreams and solo sessions, even that one furious kiss giving her enough fuel for a lifetime, but she’d never be able to look him in the eye and tell him exactly what she wanted. Lisa smiled knowingly. “But don’t worry. You’re going to do things a little different this time. You’re going to fall in love with Bill.” Aura gaped at her. “What? I mean… I like Bill… but love? I can’t just—” “I know. I know. And yes, I am setting up my own brother. Truth be told, I’d be the happiest person on earth if you would just fall for Bill. We’d be real sisters. But right now, Bill hanging around can be a golden opportunity for you.” “In what way? Because I won’t use him.” “No, of course not. Just spend more time with him. He’ll be over the moon, and you’ll get someone who knows how to really treat a woman. Compare that to your stuck-up Nathan and I guarantee you’ll get over your addiction double quick. Trust me, you’ll want more from a man than what someone like Nathan has to offer.” “But I don’t want to make Bill any promises I can’t keep.” “You won’t. But you’ll really brighten his days, and who knows how these things play out, eh? At the very least, you’ll come to your senses and dump

Nathan’s figment-of-your-imagination ass from your head.” Aura laughed. “You may be right, or I sincerely hope you are.” “I’m always right.” Lisa’s expression was smug. “Pretend Bill is your boyfriend in front of Nathan and voila, you’ve nixed your little problem.” Aura nodded. Bill did sound like the perfect distraction for her heart while Nathan was here, at least until her stupid heart got the message loud and clear to stop hankering after someone miles out of her league. *** The muted vibration of the plane as it became airborne came through his seat and Nathan leaned back against the headrest, stretching his legs out in front of him. “You okay there, bud?” Andy’s voice came from the seat opposite. “I’m fine, and that’s about the millionth time you’ve asked.” “Got to make sure. You’ve been rather quiet since we left the hospital.” “Yeah? Try walking around with your eyes strapped shut like you’re headed for your own execution and we’ll see how chatty even you get.” Andy meant well. He was just watching out for him, same as Nathan would have done had their situations been reversed, but being out of control wasn’t a feeling that sat easy with Nathan. “It’s not all bad,” Andy said. “Maybe once Dr Johnson’s had a good look at you tonight, you’ll be able to take the bandages off. You don’t still have a headache, do you?” “No, but if you keep insisting on dragging me around all these doctors, I can feel one coming on pretty soon.” The plane levelled off as it reached its height, and the indicator pinged overhead to let them know it was safe to remove their seat belts. Nathan fumbled with his, feeling out the catch and releasing it to free himself from the lap strap. He settled back in his seat. It was comfortable, wide, exactly what he’d expect from a private plane. It was just him and Andy traveling back to London tonight, with their chauffeur waiting to pick them up at the airport as soon as they landed. Irritation shot through him, a restlessness that hadn’t left him since he’d spoken to Andy in the hospital. “What time is it?” “Nearly nine. Don’t worry, we’ll be there in an hour or so.” Andy’s tone was cheerful and Nathan scowled. “This Johnson guy, where did

you find him?” “Not under a rock, if that’s what you mean. Jesus, Nathan, he’s only the best neurosurgeon in the country. Do you have any idea the amount of begging I had to do to get him to see you privately this close to midnight? Don’t you go and jump down his throat when we get there.” Nathan snorted. “Money moves everything and everyone, Andy. Even Mother Teresa in her grave.” “Sure, but sometimes it also takes a fair pinch of grovelling thrown in. Egos need stroking man, though that’s never been your forte.” “That’s why we work so well together. I say it as it is, and you’re so bloody happy all the time, you drown them in treacle. From the sounds of it, though, I’m probably the less lethal of the two of us.” Andy guffawed. “I swear, you’re turning into an old sourpuss well ahead of your time. I could have hoped that bang on the noggin had knocked some joy into you, but maybe these next few days out of the office will do that.” “If you think I’m going to sit in Yorkshire twiddling my thumbs with the meeting so close, you’re—” A knockout breeze of perfume, a cacophony of clashing fragrance notes, stopped him mid-sentence. “Is there anything I can get you, Mr Smith?” She was French, and very close, as if she’d bent down to be right in front of his face. Nathan recoiled into his chair, inching back from her overpowering scent cloud. “No… thank you.” Who the hell was Mr Smith? Andy chirped up. “He doesn’t want anything… um… Camille. But I’ll have sparkling mineral water.” The floral scent eased off, and Nathan waited until he was sure the stewardess was out of earshot before raising his eyebrows at Andy. “Mr Smith?” “Yeah, we’re flying incognito.” Andy’s tone was sly. “You’re Mr Smith and I’m Mr Churchill.” Nathan grinned and shook his head. Typical Andy, always looking for the game in everything. “What?” Andy sounded pained. “Besides, Andrew Churchill has a far better ring to it than Andrew Taylor, don’t you think?” “You’re having way too much fun.” “Hey, some of us have to take whatever pleasures we can get, but I don’t expect a chick-magnet like you to understand that.” Andy’s voice dropped. “Since you missed it, that stewardess was hot. You know, blonde, tits, ass, just as you prefer them. And the way she bent over you with that cleavage on full show, I

think she was hoping you had x-ray vision or something.” “Now you’re reading too much into things.” “Hardly. You’re all bandaged up and you’re still pulling. She didn’t even know I was alive over here, and she’s forgotten my water.” “You’re married, Andy. You don’t get to pull anymore. You signed that little piece of freedom away, remember?” Andy sighed happily. “Yeah, and I wouldn’t lose a moment of being with my Jasmine. But… I can still look to my little heart’s content.” Nathan smiled. Andy was far gone over Jasmine. His whole life revolved around her, and now their baby girl too. And in turn, Jasmine doted on him. What must it be like to have someone love you that much? He already knew what it was like to love and need someone and have them walk away. It hurt, tore out your very soul, and left you dead inside. That had been the night his father walked out on his mother and him for another woman. It was etched into his brain. All his childhood, he’d struggled to live up to his father’s impossible ideals and be the perfect son. But that night, he’d been sixteen and his boyish yearning for his father’s love had died a terrible death. He’d learned his lesson. Now, as long as he didn’t let anyone too close, as long as he kept control, he wouldn’t be hurt. No demands, and no expectations for feelings he couldn’t give. Andy could keep his family. He, Nathan, was always better off alone. He leaned back in his seat again, wanting to laugh at the irony of his current situation. Here he was, about to become dependant on the questionable heart of the woman who’d torn his family apart. He could still call this whole bloody thing off. Andy would just have to roll with it. But in truth, he couldn’t care less about Cathy. It was Aura he wanted. Excitement mounted in him and this time he let it build, not bothering to slam down on it like he always had in the past. The last time he’d seen her, she’d been in a red scrap of a dress that barely covered her luscious curves. It had been practically falling off her, and the sight had been enough to make his blood burn. He’d wanted to drag her into a corner somewhere, rip the damn thing off, and take her as his. He’d spent most of that wedding raging at himself for thinking about her that way, and then he’d caught her allowing some faceless lech to paw her. He’d seen bloody murder and beaten the man flat, but he’d also lost control with her and he wasn’t proud of it. It had become one more reason to stay away from his father afterwards. But he no longer needed to hold back. He was going to satisfy this niggling lust for her quickly and move on with his life. The stifling floral scent returned as the stewardess brought Andy his water. “Are you sure you want nothing, Mr Smith?” Her tone was suggestive.

Nathan shook his head, a frown drawing his brows together. Andy chuckled after the woman left. “Don’t look so worried, bud. I promise to stay right by your side and fight off all the hot dames who want to jump your blindfolded and helpless body.” *** Aura glanced up at Bill as they stood on the lit porch outside her townhouse. He was golden-blond like his sister, but tall, at least six-foot-four, with a rugged handsome face, and the sort of solid muscular body that gave people the confidence that here was a fireman who could single-handedly break down doors and sling anyone over his shoulder and carry them off to safety. Their dinner date had been wonderful. They’d gone to a small Italian restaurant in Langley, and Bill had made her laugh, made her feel wanted. The night had been everything she could ask for, but now, standing here at half-pastten, she wasn’t sure she wanted to ask him in. Her mother wouldn’t mind. She was probably asleep. God! Why was life so unfair? It had her trembling at the mere mention of Nathan’s name, while Bill, in all his full suited and polished glory couldn’t raise even a blip in her idiotic heart. What she felt for him had always bordered closer to brotherly than steamy, but that wasn’t the message in his eyes right now. “You look lovely, Aura.” He’d been saying that the entire night, and it had only made her feel worse as the hours ticked by. But she smiled. “Thank you. I have to make an effort if I’m going to grace your arm, Bill.” A man like him was hot property in their little town. Many a woman would no doubt give her right arm to be standing where she was now. He shook his head. “You don’t need to make an effort for anyone, Aura. You’re perfect just as you are.” He traced a gentle finger over her cheek, and her breath faltered. His gaze dropped to her lips, the look in his blue eyes hungry. Aura stared at him. They were going to kiss. Did she want to kiss Bill? Yes. Yes, she did. Lisa was right. Nathan didn’t get to hijack her mind anymore, not with someone as wonderful as Bill around. She wanted to kiss Bill. She swayed a little closer to him, eyes half-closed, her face tilted up in invitation. Bill drew a sharp breath, his eyes widening. Then like a starved man, he

reached for her, snaking an arm around her waist, the other hand going behind her head before he captured her mouth with his. Closing her eyes, Aura gave him everything he demanded, and when he probed the seam of her lips with his tongue she opened her mouth dutifully. He held her pressed against the length of his hard body. The stubbled roughness of his chin rubbed against her skin; the fresh sea-breeze scent of his cologne filled her nostrils, and the heat of his body flowed into hers. It was pleasant, and she waited patiently for it to be over. Bill pulled away and gazed down at her, his face flushed and his eyes full of wonder. “Please tell me we’re doing this again, and soon.” Excuses tripped on the tip of her tongue. I’m not sure I’m ready. Maybe we should take this slow. But that would be falling back into old habits. And kissing him had been better than she’d expected. He was a decent kisser, given her limited experience. Oh, what the hell, she needed to move forward with her life, didn’t she? She smiled and nodded. Bill’s shoulders relaxed as if he’d been bracing himself for her rejection, and he grinned. At once, guilt poured through her, and avoiding his gaze, she fumbled in her purse for her keys. Finding them, she quickly opened the front door. “Mum’s probably asleep so I can’t ask you in…” “Hey, it’s okay.” He placed a swift kiss on her lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” And the look he gave her left her in no doubt that he would. He waited for her to go inside and close the door, and once in, she leaned back against it, guilt washing over her in ever increasing amounts. How far could she go with this? Bill wanted her, it was there as plain as day in his eyes, but was she being fair? How much did she want him? For goodness sake, She didn’t want to remain a virgin forever, holding on to memories of Nathan, did she? So why not Bill? He would be gentle with her. They would have to wait and see where things led between them in the future, but for now maybe this was the start she needed to begin living again. *** The Bentley crawled to a stop. “We’re here, sir. I’ll just go and check someone’s in, shall I?” “Thank you, George.” The driver’s door opened and closed, and Nathan leaned back against the

back seat headrest. He didn’t need to see to know they’d parked in front of a house with a red door, the last in a row of cut and paste grey stone townhouses. The image was as clear as a photograph in his mind. Langley was a sleepy town, stuck in a previous era where the only two buildings that got the most footfall were the supermarket in the middle of the town and the pub opposite it. Why his father had chosen to move here after marrying Cathy was anyone’s guess. Ralph had been a businessman running his own glass-making factory near London. He’d had the money to keep his ex-wife Vivienne in style and send Nathan to the best private school in the country. Why then had he chosen a backwater like Langley, this far up north? Nathan’s lips firmed. He’d never been interested in his father’s choices, and he wasn’t about to start now. Still, he’d bet money that Langley hadn’t changed in the four years he’d stayed away. Had Aura changed? A frown creased his brow. This wasn’t how he’d planned on seeing her again, bandaged up like an invalid, but then, had he ever intended on returning to her? He’d lived in the hope she’d marry and move on, thus giving him a reason to bury the craving within him, but the occasional snoop he’d allowed himself into her life had shown him she hadn’t. The door beside him opened and the cold February air bit through the fine wool suit he wore. “Ready, sir?” Nathan breathed in the crisp clean Yorkshire air, and the same excitement he’d felt in the hospital yesterday rolled through him. With a nod, he allowed his chauffeur to help him out of the car and on to the slab-stone pavement.

4 Aura bounced on her toes on the front porch step, her arms wrapped tight around herself against the chill of the early morning air. She’d rushed out after the chauffeur had knocked without bothering to throw on her coat, and her jeans and thin pink henley top were proving to be useless outside. She glanced at her mother beside her. Mum was still in her cream pyjamas, but had a fluffy blue housecoat on top. She may have been warm, but the expression of pure jitters on her face said she was far from comfortable. Aura forced herself to breathe deep, willing herself to be calm. She wasn’t going to look like a nervous wreck in front of Nathan. She had to look cool and collected, like he always did. The monster black Bentley parked right behind her tiny, mint-green Fiat 500 made her beloved car look like a granny’s set of wheels. And the Bentley came accessorized with a uniformed and capped chauffeur. She shouldn’t be surprised. Nathan moved in spheres she couldn’t even imagine, but it was one thing to read about him in magazines and online articles, and quite another to have the difference between them so blatantly thrust in her face. She gulped and strained to catch a glimpse into the back of the Bentley, but the dark tinted windows thwarted her. The chauffeur opened the back door, but blocked her view as he bent forward slightly, one arm out. Nathan stepped out, one hand on the chauffeur’s arm, the other on the car door, steadying himself, and Aura gasped. He was taller, bigger than she remembered, his shoulders broader, though his face had the same striking, perfectly formed features that haunted her every dream. In his crisp black suit, indigo dress shirt and polished black oxfords, he could have been headed for a board meeting somewhere, but it was the heavy black wrap over his eyes that nearly stopped her heart. Oh god! He was hurt worse than she’d thought. His beautiful eyes. “Nathan!” His name was drawn from her before she could stop it, and she took automatic steps towards him, but he turned his head precisely in her direction, as if he could see her through the thick bandaging, a frown marring his forehead, and she froze in her tracks. “Oh my heavens!” Mum clasped a hand to her chest and rushed down their short walkway. She took Nathan’s hand from the chauffeur’s, grasping it in her own.

Nathan jerked in shock, but then relaxed, leaning into her slightly. “Cathy, thanks for having me here.” “Oh, Nathan, where else would you be at a time like this?” Mum stared at his bandage, worry in her eyes. Nathan grinned, making Aura’s insides melt to slush. “It’s not as bad as it looks, just that the fool doctors insist that I keep this on for a couple more days.” “Well, if that’s what they say, then that’s what’s going to happen.” Mum patted his arm comfortingly. “Now, let’s get you inside and out of this cold, and I’ll make you breakfast. I dare say you must have left London around four in the morning to make it here for eight.” He grinned again. “Luckily the helicopter is quicker than that.” “I’ll bring Mr Travers’ bags in, shall I ma’am?” The chauffeur asked from behind them. Aura snapped out of her trance. “I’ll help you.” She moved forward, edging past Nathan as Mum guided him up the walkway to the front door. “Aura.” He paused, toe to toe with her. “Nathan,” she mumbled. She came to just below his shoulder and had to tip her head back to look up at him. She soaked in the warm energy flowing from him, guiltily filling her lungs with his oh-so-familiar scent—sandalwood and musk mixed with something uniquely Nathan. It had been the same for as long as she could remember, and it sent sharp bolts of desire racing through her every time. His lips thinned and he turned to follow Mum towards the house. Heat flooded her face at the desperate picture she must have made, standing there inhaling him in. Thank god he hadn’t seen that. She plodded on to help the chauffeur with the two bags he’d pulled out of the car’s trunk. He passed her a thick, black leather briefcase before hefting the larger, tan duffle bag himself. The briefcase was heavy, and she rolled her eyes, willing to bet Nathan had a state-of-the-art laptop stashed away in there. Typical Nathan, he was going to bury himself in work while he was here, blind or not. *** Aura slouched in a chair in the kitchen, her chin on her hands, elbows on the tabletop, and sullenly watched her mother cook bacon. They’d guided Nathan up

to the spare bedroom ten minutes ago. He’d closed the door after him, and they hadn’t heard anything since. Mum flitted from the stove to the fridge. “I’ll make eggs too. He’s bound to be hungry, don’t you think?” “Probably.” “Do we have any orange juice?” Mum asked, her head in the fridge. “Isn’t that what they serve as part of breakfast at those posh hotels?” Aura sat up and scowled. “We’re not a hotel, Mum. I’m sure he’ll eat whatever you make. Why are you always so nervous when he’s around?” “Well, goodness…” Mum closed the fridge door and looked at her. “It’s been so long, and I remember how he always used to hate staying here. He only came those odd weekends from university because Ralph insisted.” And the memory of the very last time he’d stayed at their house had Aura grimacing. She’d been all of sixteen and excited the whole week because Nathan was coming for the weekend. And on that Friday, she’d worn one of the skirts she’d created—a disastrously short thing that had been nothing more than four strips of purple and pink material sewn together. Nathan had taken one look at her and glowered, his face turning brick red. He’d barely spoken to any of them throughout a very awkward dinner, and then after a loud argument with Ralph, had shut himself in his room. Saturday morning, he’d stomped out of the house early and then turned up in the evening with a giggly blonde on his arm who couldn’t keep her hands off him, and Aura’s teenage heart had been well and truly crushed. He hadn’t even stayed the night, leaving for London instead with his new girlfriend. Her lips firmed with determination. This time would be different. He was here, but so what? Their first meeting was over and she was feeling tons better. And really, neither she nor her mother needed to go out of their way to pander to him. “Mum, it’s fine. Don’t fuss. He’ll have to make do with things as they are here.” “Aura, that’s so unlike you. You saw the state he’s in. He needs our help. We’re his family.” “What about his mother? Wasn’t he always holding her up as the ideal of womanhood and throwing it in Ralph’s face? Why doesn’t he go and recuperate at her home in Italy?” Mum huffed. “That woman! I’m sorry to say it, but Ralph can’t hear it anymore, so it won’t upset him, but any female who abandons her child and runs off with a conman doesn’t deserve to call herself a mother.” She frowned. “Nathan was young when all this happened, and so were you. He was hurting then, and it would be unfair to let the past cloud our present. I know you’ve

always been a little uncomfortable around him, but he needs us right now, so please, love, try.” Aura glanced down at her fluffy pink slippers. She hadn’t always been uncomfortable around him. When Mum married Ralph, her ten-year-old self had looked up in awe at the tall, sixteen-year-old boy Nathan had been and thrilled at the prospect of getting such an awe-inspiring elder brother. But it hadn’t turned out quite like that. She could have been mud under his shoes for all the attention he’d given her. Then as the years passed, and her attraction to him blossomed, he’d begun to notice her all right, but only to glare at her like she polluted his line of vision with her very presence. She closed her eyes for a moment. Mum was right. She was letting the past rule the present. She’d promised herself she’d get over these childish feelings for him. What better way to do that than to treat him like she would any other guest in their home? Opening her eyes, she stood up. “I’ll go see if he needs any help.” *** Nathan fumbled along the top of the duffle bag, which had been left on an armchair near the bed. His searching fingers found the zip and he yanked it open. It was filled to the brim with clothes. Mrs Douglas had been busy and efficient as usual. He felt around in the fabric pile, identifying things by texture: folded shirts with their rows of buttons, the smooth material and belt loops of his trousers. His housekeeper may well have packed his entire wardrobe in there, but what he was searching for was nowhere to be found. “Dammit.” He pulled individual items of clothing out, felt them, and then flung them in the direction of the bed behind him. Nothing. He straightened, raising an impatient hand to the bandage covering his eyes. All he had to do was rip the damn thing off. His eyes were fine. Hadn’t that doctor he’d seen in London last night confirmed it? Then why the hell was he still wearing this? But he still had headaches, and sometimes they struck with unbearable ferocity. He dropped his hand. He had no choice but to make sure he recovered properly before that meeting.

Feeling his way to the edge of the bed, he shoved strewn clothes aside and flumped down on the duvet. Damn, everything had happened at breakneck speed. The room he was in now was the spare room, the one he’d always stayed in when he was here, and in a strange way still thought of as his. It was the same size as the main bedroom that had been his father’s and Cathy’s, and from the feel of things the double bed seemed to be in the same place. Did it still look the same after all these years? Aura must still have the small single room on the other side of his. He’d lain in this bed many a night, his body painfully aware she was sleeping right next door. He grimaced. His name on her lips earlier had sent rockets of desire shooting through him, and when she’d come close… it was like coming home, and he wanted more. Need stirred deep in him and hardened beneath the wool of his suit trousers. He groaned. Hell, the sooner he worked this craziness out of his system, the better. Clenching his jaw, he stood up. He’d better get a move on and change into something more appropriate. Cathy would be expecting him downstairs. He reached blindly towards the jumble of clothes on the bed. A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Aura hesitated outside the closed door of the spare bedroom. No, Nathan’s room. She’d always thought of it as his room. It was the reason she’d never swapped her own tiny bedroom for this one that had more space. Perhaps she’d always hoped he’d return one day. She raised her hand to knock, then pulled back. Okay, get a grip. It’s just Nathan, not one of heaven’s archangels. She wasn’t a star-struck teenager anymore. She was a young woman with a promising love life of her own, thank you very much. Gritting her teeth, she rapped on the door. “Come in.” His deep voice came from inside the room. Steeling herself, she pushed the door open and walked into what looked like a clothes bomb explosion. Half-unfolded dress shirts were strewn all over the bed in blues, blacks, and whites. Pairs of dark trousers punctuated the mess, joined by brighter spots of colour that were t-shirts, and the denim blues of several pairs of jeans peeked out from beneath it all. Wow, that was a lot of clothes. Was he planning on staying a while? Her heart leaped with hope and she quickly stamped it down. What did it matter to

her how long he stayed? He’d turned in her direction, a slight frown on his face as he waited. Oh, of course. He wouldn’t know whether it was her or her mother who’d just walked in. She cleared her throat. “Um… Do you need any help, Nathan?” Her gaze flicked to the mess on the bed again. “I’m fine. I’ll be down in a minute.” His tone was dismissive, and raking a hand through his dark hair, he turned back to the bed to fumble among the clothes. She scowled. For heaven’s sake, how did he expect to find anything in that mess? Even with her eyes open, she’d have a hard time rummaging out anything specific in it. But she bit her lip as he scrabbled about in increasing frustration. Why did he have to be this damn proud? Too proud to ask for help. Going to the bed, she picked up a dress shirt and expertly folded it in a few moves before placing it on one corner of the bed. The material was finely woven black cotton, the buttons mother-of-pearl, and the stitching detail declared it was hand tailored. Expensive stuff. She reached for another dress shirt and her hand brushed against his. He stilled, then clumsily grabbed her hand to stop her. She gasped as electric awareness shot through her, a small taste of what she’d felt when he’d kissed her at the wedding. He snatched his hand back as if he’d been burned and she stared at him. Had he felt it too? But his expression was impassive, unreadable. Rubbing her hand, she took a step back from him, awareness making her words come out sharper than she intended. “Which clothes are you looking for?” “Jeans and a t-shirt.” Grabbing the nearest pair of jeans, she pushed it into his hand, but paused as she reached for a wine-red t-shirt. “What colour t-shirt?” “Hell if I care.” She seized the red t-shirt and dumped it on top of the jeans in his hand. He turned and dropping the lot on top of the duffel bag in the armchair, shrugged off his suit jacket. She frowned at the mess on the bed, her hands itching to tidy up, but as she glanced back at him, he flung the jacket to add to the heap and then reached for his shirt buttons. The muscles of his arms bunched beneath the dark blue cotton of his shirt and she flicked her tongue over her lips. Nathan had always worked out, a habit that had made him bigger than other boys even as a teenager. He had the body of a Greek god. She’d caught a glimpse of it once, years ago, when he’d strolled out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel wrapped around his hips, and from the built look of him now, he’d filled out even more over the years.

Liquid desire pooled between her thighs and heat scorched her cheeks. She had to get out of here, and now. “I… I’ll wait outside for you.” She turned to leave. “Fuck,” he muttered behind her. She glanced back at him. His lips were twisted in a grimace as his long fingers fumbled impatiently with the small, neat buttons on his shirt. She couldn’t just leave him to struggle. With a huff of frustration, she went back to him. “Here, let me.” And reaching up, she undid the top button he’d been fighting with. He jerked his hands back, stiffening at her touch, and for an awkward beat, it looked like he was going to swat her hands away. She paused, her breath trapped in her throat. But then he lowered his hands to his sides, silently allowing her to continue. She bit her lip and moved to the next button down, her gaze glued to what her hands were doing, and not daring to look anywhere else. His steady breath warmed her face and his intoxicating scent surrounded her. She worked her way down the shirt, studiously averting her eyes from the sprinkling of dark hair on the muscular body being revealed inch by inch beneath the opening shirt. The heat from his skin flowed into her fingertips, and her hands trembled causing her nervous fingers to brush across his flat stomach. He sucked in a breath, and grabbing her hand, stilled it against his hot skin. She gasped, her gaze flying to his face. A small frown crossed his brow, and his nostrils flared as if breathing her in, but the chiseled contours of his lips were expressionless. What had she just done? What must he be thinking of her? Cringing in embarrassment, she tugged to free her hand. Instantly, he swooped down and with unerring accuracy captured her mouth with his. A surprised moan escaped her, and it was all the opening he needed to dip his tongue in between her parted lips and deepen the kiss. His tongue caressed her mouth, before taking hers in a demanding dance of passion that had her squirming against him. His hands came up on either side of her head and he twined his fingers into her curls, holding her still for his taking. Her eyes fluttered shut and she swayed into him, splaying her hands against his hard chest for support, and curling her fingertips into the short hair there as she drowned in sensation. This kiss was hard, demanding, nothing like the gentle experience she’d shared with Bill last night. But there was no anger this time, like there had been at the wedding. No punishment. Only raw primal need. Nathan was taking like he’d been starved of her too long, and she pressed herself into him, wanting to

somehow meld with him, and painfully aware of the heat circling in her core, the build-up of something wild within her that begged for release. The hard ridge of his arousal pushed into her belly through their clothes, and her eyes shot open. Abruptly, he pulled away, his breath hard and rasping as he held her face steady between his hands. She gulped for her own breath, staring up at him wide-eyed. What just happened? His eyes were hidden from her, but deep strokes of colour rode high on his cheeks. He dropped his hands from her and stepped back as if needing to put immediate space between them. God, he was as thrown off balance as she was. She glanced down at where the hardness of his erection was still visible in his trousers, and heat flooded her cheeks. Dragging her gaze away, she stared down at her fluffy slippers instead as embarrassment washed over her in hot waves. She could still taste him, but she wasn’t fool enough to think it had actually been her who caused such a reaction in him. He’d been hurt and in hospital, no doubt he was missing having his glamorous girlfriend around. “I need to help Mum with the breakfast,” she mumbled, and without looking at him again, turned and almost ran from the room. The door slammed shut and Nathan breathed out. Hell! How did she have this effect on him? One accidental touch and he’d exploded, almost embarrassing himself in his trousers. He scowled as he adjusted himself, his straining erection only now subsiding. She’d been like sweet honey in his mouth, her full lips soft and yielding against his, and he’d barely held back from throwing her on the bed and tasting all of her. Christ! He needed to have her, and soon. Otherwise every time he was around Aura, he’d be sporting a massive, burning hard-on like a sex-crazed teen. With a grimace, he pulled his shirt free of his trousers, ripping it open in one tug, not caring if the remaining buttons scattered or not. A woman hadn’t made him lose all sense and control like this in a long time, and the feeling wasn’t sitting all that comfortably.

5 “Stay there. I’ll help you.” Her mother’s voice came from near the kitchen door behind her, but Aura didn’t need to hear it or turn around to know Nathan had just walked into the kitchen. The hairs on the back of her neck had pricked up even before Mum spoke. She kept her attention cemented on the omelette cooking in front of her. “Thank you,” Nathan said from the direction of the dining table. His deep voice rumbled through her, but Aura blithely chose to ignore him. He couldn’t see her anyway, and after that kiss, the less they had to do with each other the better. She heard the sound of a plate being placed on the table. “Bacon and eggs,” Mum said cheerfully. “I cut them up already, so you just need to use a fork. Now, would you like tea or coffee?” “Coffee. Black. Thanks.” Mum came over to the kitchen counter to fill the kettle, and Aura flipped the omelette on to a plate. She grabbed a fork, and turning around, leaned back against the counter to eye Nathan belligerently as she ate. He was eating quietly, head down, and she had no twinge of guilt about studying him so blatantly while he couldn’t see her. He looked younger in jeans and the wine-red t-shirt. His thick dark hair was ruffled, maybe from where he’d pulled on the t-shirt and hadn’t bothered to use a comb afterwards. Like this, he looked like the young man she remembered, rather than the aloof CEO who’d arrived at their home earlier today. She sniffed. Mum might see him as the young Nathan of before and be taken in by the helpless act, but she knew better. He looked to be absorbed in his food, but no, he was thinking. About what? About her? About how she’d kissed him back with abandon? She speared a piece of omelette and stuck it in her mouth. He was probably used to desperate women jumping all over him, trying to get him into bed, and most likely, she’d just been lumped into that category as well. Jeez! Lisa was right. She was already making an utter ass of herself around Nathan. Mum placed a mug of steaming coffee beside his plate, and he smiled in her direction. “Thanks. This is good.” He indicated his plate with his fork. “Just what I needed.” Mum beamed. “Oh, I’m glad. We’ll have you fit and well in no time.”

He reached for his mug, the slight hesitation in his movement disappearing as soon as his fingers touched the smooth white surface, and he grasped it. Aura’s gaze stayed glued to the way his long fingers curled around the mug, following it up as he raised it to his lips and took a sip. She wetted her lips with the tip of her tongue, the firmness of his lips against hers only a short memory away. What would it be like to have those lips on other parts of her? What would it be like if he wanted her for herself and not as an unseen substitute for someone else? She blinked. For goodness sake, what was she thinking? Lisa would have a fit if she saw her now. The doorbell rang, and grateful for the intrusion she placed her plate on the counter and moved to answer it. “No, you finish, love.” Mum was already at the kitchen door. “It’s probably just the postman.” Nathan ate on, showing no sign of caring. Aura looked away to the kitchen window where several little birds were clinging and squabbling around the bird feeder in the spreading cherry tree. She was a bit like those birds when she was around Nathan, flustered senseless, her body shooting signals that terrified her, and her mind dancing off into wild daydreams without him even having to look at her, let alone say anything to her. She shook her head. God, how pathetic. She was going to have to get a grip and fast. “Bill! This is a nice surprise to see you so early.” Mum’s voice came from the front door. Aura snapped her head around, and craned forward to see into the hallway. Bill’s eyes met hers as he stepped into the house. “I was on my way to the station, but I thought I’d pop by and see Aura first.” “Have you had breakfast?” “Yeah, I’m good, Cathy.” He followed Mum into the kitchen, not taking his gaze from Aura. “Bill, this is my stepson, Nathan.” Nathan cocked his head to the side and nodded slightly. Bill did a double take on seeing the bandage. “Right… um… pleased to meet you.” “Bill is Aura’s boyfriend, Nathan.” Aura could have happily died on the spot. Nathan’s lips curled in silent disdain and he bent over his nearly empty plate once more. Bill grinned sheepishly at her over Mum’s head, and it was all Aura could do

not to close her eyes and groan. “Aura can I have a word?” Bill jerked his head towards the hallway. She shot Nathan a glance, but he was absorbed in the remains of his coffee. Reluctantly pushing herself away from the counter, she followed Bill out into the hallway, and then the living room where he promptly closed the door behind them. She edged towards the large bay window, placing distance between them. “So, uh, Nathan’s like your brother, is he? Never heard you speak of him.” Brother and sister? Not likely. Not with the way her body insisted on disintegrating into flaming bits in his presence. “Not exactly a brother. He’s Ralph’s only son, but we hardly saw each other growing up. He was always at boarding school and then university.” Bill nodded, his curiosity-filled expression relaxing at her words. “I’m only working till six today, Aura, and I was thinking we could go out. If you want to…” He stepped closer. She bit her lip. This was it. If she said yes, then she and Bill would become an item in everyone’s eyes, and especially in his, after what Mum had just said. But wasn’t that what she’d planned? Wasn’t Bill what she needed to get over Nathan? She looked at him, the eagerness mingled with hesitation in his blue eyes pinging her conscience. God! Who was she kidding? Had that kiss upstairs shown her nothing? This burning pull for Nathan wasn’t going to disappear just because she hooked up with Bill. It consumed her, always had. Maybe it was her fate to die an unfulfilled spinster with a huge crush on a man who didn’t care if she was dead or alive, but that was her problem to live with. No way was she going to drag poor Bill into it. Lisa was wrong about this. Bill couldn’t save her. No one could. But she could let him down gently, a bit at a time. “Not tonight, Bill, I… with Nathan here…” Then the perfect excuse popped into her head. “I need to help mum pack. She’s leaving for Hawaii tomorrow.” “Oh, yeah… yeah, I’d forgotten.” He rubbed a hand across his chin. “I’m working the night shift tomorrow, so… um… maybe Monday?” “We’ll see. Just let things settle a bit first, hmm?” “Right.” Smiling, he came and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. She didn’t pull away, grateful he hadn’t tried to develop it into anything more intimate. “I’ll see you Monday then.” His look was lingering, as if he wanted

something more, but when she showed no encouragement, he smiled wryly before opening the living room door and going and poking his head into the kitchen. “Enjoy your trip, Cathy, and nice meeting you, Nathan.” Aura followed him to the front door. “Monday,” he said, stepping outside. She smiled, already grasping for excuses in her mind that she could use when that time came, and it was with guilty relief that she closed the door after him. Damn Nathan. He might have just cost her the best thing that ever happened to her. Mum was clearing Nathan’s empty plate and mug from the table when Aura returned to the kitchen. “Leave those in the sink, Mum. I’ll wash up. You go and get dressed.” “Thanks, love. I need to call Dianne this morning to make sure I haven’t forgotten to buy anything for the trip.” She hurried out of the kitchen and her footsteps disappeared up the stairs. Aura tore her gaze away from Nathan who was lounging back in his chair, arms folded across his chest in a way that made his toned physique stand out beneath his t-shirt. Why on earth did he have to be so captivating? Bill was well-built too, but Nathan carried it off with a sophistication that screamed command, no matter what he wore. Glowering, she pulled on yellow washing-up gloves. Maybe he’d go away if she ignored him long enough, perhaps disappear in a puff of dark smoke like the evil devil he was. Pulling a plate out of the soapy water in the sink, she attacked it with a dish brush. “This Bill of yours, does he know you go around kissing other men behind his back?” She nearly dropped the plate she was scrubbing. Carefully placing it back in the sudsy water, she turned and glared at him. He was still lounging in the chair, looking like he’d fall asleep if he relaxed anymore, but the mocking tilt of his lips had her gritting her teeth. “You’re one to talk! What about your girlfriend? Or doesn’t she matter to you?” His lips twitched into a small smile. “Oksana and I decided to take a break a couple of weeks ago. Unlike you, I don’t two-time the person I’m with. I’ve never needed to swoop that low.” No, of course he didn’t need to. If he ever got bored with one woman, he could leave, knowing another pneumatic blonde was waiting in the wings eager

to take her place. And what was all this about taking a break? Couples were either together or separated, weren’t they? It meant Oksana wasn’t gone from his life, just floating about in the periphery because he loved her too much to let her go. Jealousy snuck up on Aura and she clamped down on it. Nope, not going there. It was none of her business who Nathan got it on with, and what she did was none of his business either, but… “Bill isn’t my boyfriend. We had one date. Yesterday. He’s just a very good friend.” He laughed. “Then does the poor chump know you’re eyeing him up to be another friend-with-benefits, like you might be with me? Is any man safe from you, Aura?” And in that moment she hated him, but she hated herself far more for still wanting him. Even the urge to tear his mocking head from his shoulders did diddly-squat to quench the constant burn of arousal that thrummed in her at just being in the same room as him. But she wasn’t going to let him win. “I must be very good at what I do then, Nathan,” she said sweetly. “Because, as I remember it, you were the one kissing me and standing to attention while doing it.” Twin streaks of red striped his cheekbones like war paint. “Don’t kid yourself, sweetheart. It’s been a while since I’ve had a woman beneath me. Anything will do at this point.” She barely held back a gasp. He could have slapped her and the result would have been the same. But hadn’t she already guessed this? He’d kissed her blindfolded. She could have been anyone. She’d learned from the parade of gorgeous, leggy blondes she’d watched him go through over the years as to what his real preferences were. Next to them, she was nothing more than a dark, squat, toadstool. Nathan leaped up, sending his chair skittering back over the cream marble floor as he stumbled slightly. Without thinking, she rushed forward and caught his arm to steady him. He snatched his arm back as if burned and turned in her direction with an almighty scowl on his face. She stepped back. But she’d felt it, that electric shock of awareness as soon as they touched, and from his reaction, she’d bet her life he’d felt it too. “Don’t think I’m like all those losers chasing after you,” he said, stepping away from the table. “Your slut games don’t affect me. When I sleep with you, it’ll be on my damn terms, not yours.” He stalked out of the kitchen as fluidly as if he could see, even as she stood

there seething at his retreating back and willing him to trip and fall flat on his face. Slut games? Really? That’s how he saw the awkward teenager she’d been and the woman she now was? Then the reality of what he’d said hit her like ice water. He wanted to sleep with her. Her heart thumping in her chest, she leaned against the table to support her suddenly wobbly legs. Nathan wanted her. Her. He had to have felt what she did, this electric, irresistible pull, every time they touched, every time they came within speaking distance of each other. And it had only grown over the years. She licked dry lips. The idea hatching in her mind, and she quivered in anticipation. Maybe she should play games. Games that could save her life by ridding him from her mind once and for all. She pulled out a chair and plopped down on it. But what on earth did she know about seducing someone? Still, this was her one and only chance. It wasn’t about love, after all. It was only lust to be had while he was here. Better then to have tried than live in regret forever more. Nathan may think things were going to be on his terms, but he had no idea she played for nothing less than the life and death of her sanity. Now all she needed was a plan. *** Sunday morning, and Aura placed her mother’s hand luggage on the coffee table in the living room and rummaged inside. “iPod, ebook reader, headphones, face wipes, lip balm, flight socks…” “Is there anything else I’ll be needing?” Mum, who’d been watching over Aura’s shoulder, asked Dianne. “Aspirin. You’ll be needing a pack of that or your ears will be hurting something terrible.” Dianne said, sitting up from where she’d been lounging on the wine-red chesterfield couch. A thick-set woman in her mid-fifties, with cropped iron-grey hair and a no-nonsense look on her schoolmarm face, she could make the most delinquent of teens tremble with her voice alone. “Keep an empty water bottle too, or you’ll be stuck with the thimbles they call cups onboard.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t be drinking too much anyway? I’ve heard it’s a right pain always squeezing past people to get to the loo on a plane.” Dianne snorted. “Gals our age have every right to go to the loo whenever we want, and everyone else can just shove out the way.” She waved a hand over her loose check shirt and the widest pair of jeans Aura had ever seen. “You dressed comfy?” Mum nodded, glancing down at her own jeans and cotton kaftan tunic. “I’ll get you the aspirin and a bottle,” Aura said, getting to her feet. “It’s cold out, so best wear your coat too, at least until you get on the plane.” She was back in minutes, and after putting the final items in the hand-luggage, zipped up the bag. “Mum, It’s almost twelve. The taxi will be here in ten minutes. You have your passport and ticket with you?” Mum fumbled around in her handbag. “Yes. Yes, it’s all here. Heavens, there’s such a lot to remember. It never seemed so complicated when I used to travel to Europe with Tom, but then that was over twenty years ago.” Aura smiled at the thought of her then twenty-five year old mother, possibly pregnant as she travelled with her husband Major Thomas Willis to his army posting in Europe. Aura’s father had never allowed her mother to accompany him further abroad, insisting it was too dangerous and anything could happen. A prediction that had come true when he’d died in the line of duty while stationed in Africa. Aura had been just a year old. She’d only ever seen photographs of him, a tall, brawny man with an easy grin. At least he had lived on in her in a tangible way—she had his raven hair and bright green eyes. “I think airport security has tightened a bit since then, Mum.” “A bit?” growled Dianne. “They’ll pounce on you for anything, even wearing your shoes on the wrong feet. I swear those layabouts at security are just looking for an excuse to frisk people, especially women. Don’t get enough excitement in their sorry lives if you ask me.” Aura bit back a grin. A security team frisking Dianne for their titillation had to be seen to be believed. They wouldn’t dare get within a metre of her. But Mum’s eyes rounded. “Goodness! I’m glad I never got on an airplane with Ralph then. He was such a private person. What would he have made of it all?” Dianne’s brows shot up. “What? You didn’t go anywhere with him? Not even on honeymoon?” “Well, we never had the money for anything fancy at the time. You know how things can get. But of course we went places nearby.” Mum’s smile was dreamy. “We honeymooned on the Whitby coast. It was magical.” “Whitby coast? Magical?” Dianne guffawed. “Oh, you are so overdue a trip

like this, my girl. Valentine’s Day in Hawaii. It’ll knock your socks off.” Mum giggled. “I saw the photos of the heart martinis and sarongs.” “And the hot waiters.” Dianne nodded, leering. “Don’t forget the hot waiters.” They giggled like schoolgirls up to no good, and Aura stared from one to the other, her hands on her hips. “For goodness sake, I hope the two of you aren’t planning on getting into any trouble.” But she smiled inside. She’d tried everything to get her mother to date again these past two years, and her mother had resisted all her efforts. Now though, it looked like Mum was finally ready to dip her toes into some fun, and for that alone Aura had to thank Dianne. “Trouble?” Dianne asked with an arched brow. “That’s for young ‘uns like you. Girls like us can indulge as we please. Besides, the only real trouble is we’re going to be soaked. February is their rainy season. It’s probably why the school’s raffle committee got those tickets so cheap.” “What’s a little rain to us Brits?” Mum waved it away with a flick of her hand. “We make merry in any weather.” A car horn blared short and sharp in the street outside and Mum rushed to the bay window. “Oh, the taxi. Where has the time gone?” “Don’t panic, Mum. You’re all packed and ready.” Mum glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s past twelve already. I’ll nip upstairs and tell Nathan I’m leaving.” She chewed her lip. “But Aura, love, I didn’t get time to make anything for lunch, so now you’ll—” “Mum, I can handle it.” With a nod, Mum dashed off towards the stairs, and with a resigned shake of her head, Aura helped Dianne shift the suitcases and bags to the front door. “Who’s this Nathan?” “Ralph’s son. He’s staying here for a few days.” “Well, fancy that. Ralph had a son? Cathy never mentioned it.” Aura shrugged. Nathan being around wasn’t something any of them mentioned. It wasn’t as if he added anything to their lives. In fact, even now, it was as if he didn’t exist. He’d had a quiet breakfast with them this morning before Dianne arrived and then disappeared to his room straight afterwards, holing up in there with the door firmly shut. Aura scowled. She was going to have to entice him out from there soon, but in the cold, harsh light of a new February day her genius decision to seduce him was looking more and more like the most lame-brained idea of the century. “Didn’t even know he was here.” Dianne continued, as she placed a bag down on the hallway carpet and opened the front door. “Quiet little bugger, isn’t he?”

“When he wants to be,” muttered Aura. They took the luggage to the taxi, and Mum came rushing out as the driver stowed the last bag in the trunk. “Ready, Mum?” Aura asked with a smile. “Yes. Gosh, I’m excited.” She caught Aura in a hug. “You’ll be okay, won’t you, love?” Aura rolled her eyes. “It’s only five days. You’ll be back before you know it. Now, go and have a great time, and don’t you dare spend it worrying about me.” “I’ll call as soon as we land in Hawaii.” Mum kissed Aura’s cheek and rushed to the taxi. Aura hugged Dianne goodbye and then stood in front of the house waving as the taxi drove away. Once the car was out of sight, she stepped back into the warmth of the house and closed the door after her. She glanced up the stairs. Just her and Nathan now, and as much as she wanted to pretend he wasn’t lurking upstairs, she couldn’t very well ignore him. With a sigh, she went to the kitchen and switched the kettle on. Her mother wasn’t here, so now it was up to her to make sure he didn’t die of thirst or starvation while he was barricaded in his room. She prepared the black coffee and took it upstairs.

6 The closed door of Nathan’s bedroom radiated a palpable wave of ‘Disturb at Your Peril’, and tension leaped in Aura as she paused outside, coffee mug in hand. What if he’d fallen asleep after her mother left? Did she really want to wake him? She rested an ear against the door. “I don’t care what they say. They deliver on time, or the contract goes. I’m not playing games here, Andy.” The wooden door muffled Nathan’s voice but did nothing to limit the sharpness. Andy. She’d never met him, but she’d read about Astreca’s co-founder. A programming whizz like Nathan, Andy and he had been best friends through university. She pulled back. Well, Nathan wasn’t asleep, so now she had to give him the coffee. She rapped on the door. “Come in.” Opening the door with her free hand, she stepped inside. The noontime sunlight streamed in through the wide window, brightening the cream and blue decor, and the fresh, masculine scent of his cologne flitted in the air, stamping the room as his territory. The room was tidy. She’d managed to sneak in yesterday, as soon as he’d gone to take a shower, and arrange all his clothes neatly in the wardrobe. Not that he’d said thank you or anything. Of course not. Thanking her? That would be so beneath Nathan. He lounged back against the cushioned blue headboard of the bed, his long jeans-clad legs stretched out in front of him. His arms were folded behind his head, and for a beat her eyes were riveted to the way the pose pulled his black tshirt tight across his solid muscular chest. He hadn’t even bothered to acknowledge her entrance, his blindfolded face remained tilted down towards the screen of the silver laptop resting on his lap. “Coffee, Nathan.” Her tone was sharp. He merely moved an arm from behind his head and pointed in the vague direction of the bedside table, before propping his arm back where it had been. She scowled. He may be used to being waited on hand and foot, but that sure as hell wasn’t her job description. Andy’s pleased voice came from the laptop. “Right. I sent Miller to pay them a surprise visit. We’ll find out if they’re really ready to deliver, or just blagging it.”

She stomped over to the bedside table and loudly deposited the coffee mug on it. As she turned to Nathan, her gaze fell on the laptop screen. A happylooking young man with wild, curly brown hair, and sparkling blue eyes lolled back in a black leather chair. The glass wall behind him showcased a perfect view of London’s skyline with the modern high-rises mingling with the older Victorian buildings. The solid business atmosphere was entirely at odds with his neon-yellow t-shirt that proudly proclaimed, ‘Trust me. I’m a GEEK’ in bold white letters. His blue eyes met hers, and a wide grin broke across his angular face. “Hey, you must be Aura. Hope old grouchy here hasn’t worn you down. I’m afraid it was my idea to foist him on you. I’m Andy, by the way.” She laughed. Oh, she liked Andy. “I’ll survive.” A muscle twitched in Nathan’s jaw and he sat forward, folding his arms across his chest. “Did you speak to Johnson?” Andy held up both hands. “Chill. I sure did. I’m not hundred percent about it, but if it’ll stop you breathing fire down everyone’s neck…” “I’ll deal with it. Now get off cam and go do some work. I need to speak with Maria about the accounts presentation for the meeting.” Aura gasped. Could he be any ruder if he tried? She stuck her hands on her hips and turned and glared down at him. Andy laughed behind her. “Good luck, bud. You’ll be needing it.” And the screen light clicked to dark as he logged off. Nathan cocked his head to the side, as if waiting for her to say something. Oh, what was the point? “Lunch will be served soon, your majesty,” she said sweetly, before stalking out of the room and closing the door behind her with a lot more force than necessary. *** Half an hour later, the meat sauce was gently simmering, filling the air with its rich herby scent, and she was blanching zucchini noodles when the doorbell rang. Whipping off the plain blue apron she had on over her jeans and white t-shirt, she went to answer the door. She’d expected Lisa, and stared in surprise at the short stout man stood outside. He wore a black trilby and was wrapped up against the cold in a black wool

coat, and in one black leather-gloved hand, he clutched a large black briefcase. He looked like he was on the way to someone’s funeral. “Good afternoon.” He tipped his trilby with an old-fashioned flourish, revealing a shiny bald pate ringed with a strip of grey hair. “I’m Dr Johnson. I believe Mr Travers is expecting me?” Nathan’s doctor had travelled all the way here to Yorkshire? “Please, come in.” She stepped back from the doorway. “Did you drive all the way up from London?” she asked a little incredulously as he stepped into the warm house. “That would be too much for a Sunday, I think.” Smiling, he hooked his trilby up on the coat rack before shrugging off his heavy coat and hanging that up too. “Mr Travers arranged for me to fly here by helicopter. It’s much quicker, and what a way to travel, I must say. Then his driver was on hand to bring me the rest of the way.” Aura nodded. Of course, things worked differently for Nathan. She should have guessed. The doctor now stood in a perfectly pressed black suit, with a neat white shirt, and a tie the same shade of pink his nose and cheeks had turned in the cold. “Perhaps you’d care for some tea or coffee to warm you up a bit, Dr Johnson?” “Ah, no thank you.” He picked up his briefcase again. “I’d best get on and see Mr Travers.” Aura bit her lip. “Nathan… Is everything all right?” “I should certainly hope so.” Then his eyes widened in understanding. “Oh, don’t worry. He didn’t call me out on an emergency. Just consider this a routine check-up.” The fluttering anxiety in her chest eased. “He’s upstairs. I’ll show you.” *** Barely ten minutes had passed before she heard footsteps on the staircase as she added a final sprinkle of herbs to the meat sauce. Wiping her hands on a teatowel, she hurried out into the hallway. “All is well, I’m pleased to say.” Dr Johnson smiled broadly as he came down the stairs. Aura smiled back, relief blooming in her. “Would you like to stay for lunch? I’m sure you must be hungry.”

“Thank you, but no. If I leave now, I’ll make it back in time for the little gettogether my wife’s organized for this evening.” He pulled on his leather gloves and Aura took his coat from the coat rack and held it out to him. “Do you usually visit patients on weekends?” “Not really. This is the first time in a long time.” He shrugged into his coat and then took his trilby. “I’ve spoken to Mr Travers, but I’ve come to realize he has a rather stubborn streak in him. He’s been experiencing occasional headaches, so it’s vital he continues to rest his eyes. A severe, ongoing headache can mean something serious, and we want to avoid that at all costs. He isn’t to stare at a computer screen too long, and he must wear dark glasses for a few more days whenever he steps out into sunlight.” Aura nodded blankly. Nathan was having headaches? Why hadn’t he said something to her? In that moment she wanted to grab Nathan and shake some sense into him. Damn his ‘keep a distance’ attitude. It was more than frustrating. Heavy footsteps thudded on the stairs behind her and she whirled around. Her breath caught in her throat. Nathan’s striking silver-grey eyes were uncovered and focused on her, the effect intensified by the black of his t-shirt and his dark hair. The expression on his handsome face was unreadable and Aura swallowed. He had never looked as sexy or as intimidating as he did right then. “Keep in mind everything I said, Mr Travers.” The doctor said with a stern nod. Nathan paused at the bottom of the staircase, his silver gaze flicking from Aura to the doctor. “I’ll do that.” She blinked as soon as she was freed from his intense gaze, hot blood scorching her cheeks as she crashed down to reality. Oh god, her heart must have been in her eyes as she’d gawped at him. She no longer had the protection of his blindfold to fall back on. She had to rein back this infatuation of hers somehow, immediately, or she’d end up making an utter fool of herself in front of him. Dr Johnson smiled and opened the front door. “Then I’ll wish you both a good day.” And with a tip of his trilby he left them. Aura closed the front door after him and turned to find Nathan’s intent gaze still on her. Her knees wobbled and she had to keep a hand on the door to steady herself. The way he was looking at her, like he wanted to eat her up, had her core throbbing and molten heat pooling between her thighs. Her gaze dropped to his sculpted mouth as she remembered the feel of his lips on hers, longing to taste him again, longing to touch him again. Whoa there. She had to stay in control here. She couldn’t let him have the upper hand.

She dragged her gaze from his face and glanced at the kitchen door as she took refuge in whatever anger she could dredge up before glaring back at him. “How could you drag him up here on a Sunday, Nathan? Other people have lives too, you know. They don’t exist to pander to your every whim. You could have done what anyone else would and register with a doctor here in Langley.” He leaned against the banister, his eyes narrowing. “Believe me, it’s not charity. The good doctor just earned more from this one trip than most earn in one year.” A frown creased his brow. “Besides, the whole reason I’m here is to keep a low profile, isn’t it? I can’t go around declaring who I am and what happened to me to any old doctor, can I?” The whole reason he was here. Nothing to do with her, of course. It never had been. If he hadn’t even had the accident, would their paths have ever crossed again? Knowing the answer to that brought a fine rage shimmering through her. She was a fool for even thinking of him. She scowled at him “Why were you in such a hurry to remove the bandage anyway? The doctor said you’re still having headaches.” She didn’t bother to keep the note of accusation out of her voice, it hurt he hadn’t told her. He grinned, instantly looking young and carefree. “Maybe I grew impatient at not being able to see you, my beautiful Aura.” Heat flooded her face as his words turned her mind to mush for a second, but the amused twinkle in his eyes quickly registered and she stomped down on the warm crazy fluttering inside her. Damn him. He was playing with her. God, she was such an easy target for him. When would she learn? She glared at him. “Lunch is ready. If you want it.” And she stalked past him to the kitchen, trying not to care if he followed or not. Nathan watched her go. Four years of the occasional photo landing in his email hadn’t prepared him for the reality that faced him now. He’d remembered the sylphlike teenager, but the woman was a feast for his eyes. She’d filled out in all the right places, her graceful hips curvier, her breasts more rounded, a perfect handful. His mouth had watered at the peek of full cleavage the low neck of her white t-shirt had revealed. The effect she had on him was like fire in his blood. It had burned for years, and now threatened to engulf him, and it had taken all his will to keep himself on the stairs and not grab her and crush those lush pouty lips to his. His nostrils flared as he breathed out. Patience. He’d sate himself soon enough.

But she was like a startled cat whenever he got too close, her claws out and ready to strike. He’d have to change his tactic. He pushed away from the bannister with purpose and sauntered into the kitchen. *** Aura finished the last stitch on Mrs Carthers’ blue dress and cut it free from the sewing machine. She stood up and stretched as the music playing through the MP3 speakers changed from a dulcet aria to a soothing piano melody accompanied by pipes and guitar. No words this time, just soaring notes loud enough to fill the entire room and keep the rest of the world outside. The entire music mix was playing on a loop and she’d heard this tune before. How many hours ago was that? She picked up the dress and inspected it. A job well done, even if it had taken the better part of an afternoon. Not that she’d had anything else to do the whole day. Lunch had been quicker and quieter than she’d braced herself for. Other than offering one brief sentence complimenting her cooking, Nathan had said little else, and as soon as he’d finished eating, he’d excused himself away saying he had work to do. She hadn’t dared repeat the doctor’s warning about working too hard, especially since the set of his jaw had indicated he wouldn’t take any such warning kindly. Logically, she should have been delighted when he returned to his room. The less time spent around him, the better, wasn’t it? But she couldn’t shake the dull sense of loss sitting like a heavy stone inside her. With a sigh, she took the dress to the wardrobe and pulling out an empty black cover, carefully eased the dress into it. She zipped the cover up and hung it back in the wardrobe then ran her hand across the other covers hanging there, coming to stop on the one containing Lisa’s Valentine dress. Two more days to go. Hopefully Lisa would love it as much as she did. Her gaze came to rest, as it always did, on the black cover at the very end of the row, and she bit her lip. She’d come close to throwing it out once, but hadn’t been able to. Doing so would have severed the one connection she had with Nathan, no matter how painful it was to remember it. She pulled the cover from the wardrobe and laid it out on the cutting table. She’d thrown this dress into the wardrobe when she was eighteen and it had remained there, ignored, but never forgotten. Then two years later, after Ralph’s

funeral and in a fit of depression, she’d pulled the dress out again. Nathan hadn’t come to the funeral. His own father, and he’d chosen to stay in New York where he’d been working at the time. She’d hated him for that. She’d wanted to see him, because when he was close, her world felt right. That day after the funeral, tears streaming down her face, she’d taken a scissors to the red dress he’d derided at the wedding. She’d shredded it. And there it had lain on her sewing room carpet for days, like strips of blood, a reminder of her shame and pain. But it was also a reminder of him. Something he’d touched the day he’d kissed her for the first time, and she hadn’t been able to let it go. She pulled the zip down on the cover and spread both halves apart, exposing the dress inside. A one-shoulder bodice in beaded red lace flowed seamlessly at the narrow waist into floating layers of floor-length red velvet chiffon, which revealed a discrete thigh split when worn. It was a far cry from the short, strapless affair she’d worn to the wedding, at an age when she’d thought fashionable and sexy meant showing as much skin as possible. She’d grown up a lot since then, but not enough to get Nathan out of her mind. She ran a hand over the delicate red fabric. If she had any sense, she’d let this dress go. This was the sort of dress the chic blondes he dated wore, not someone like her with needle calluses on her fingertips and nowhere to go. What was she even doing wanting Nathan like she did? She barely knew what to say when she was around him. How on earth did she think she was going to match him in the seduction stakes? She stepped back from the dress, shaking her head. A sharp knock sounded on the sewing room door. “Aura.” Startled, she spun around and stared at the closed door. Oh crap. Nathan. “One minute,” she called out, pulling the zip up on the dress cover and shoving it back into the wardrobe. She switched off the MP3 player, plunging the room into stark silence and opened the door. Nathan was leaning against the doorframe and she stared up at him, licking suddenly dry lips with the tip of her tongue. His eyes narrowed on the move. “It’s six. You’ve been stuck in here for hours.” That long? She rubbed a hand over her forehead. She hadn’t even realized she was hungry until now. “I’m sorry. I’ll get you some dinner.” He shouldered his way past her, stepping into her sanctuary and going to stand in the middle. His hands were thrust into his jeans pockets, and his big frame made the room seem smaller as he stood there and glanced around him.

“Nice. No wonder you keep busy.” His gaze latched on to the cork board above the cutting table and the various designs pinned to it. He moved closer to study them. “These your own designs?” “Yes.” She followed him into the room, coming to stand rather uncomfortably by the table. “You’ve sewn them?” “A few, yes. I have private clients… mostly folk in Langley.” “They’re quite good. You should have your own label,” he mused. She bit back a snort of derision. Her own label? It was a throw-away remark for him. In his world designer labels could probably be created with the snap of moneyed fingers, but in her world it was the dream of a lifetime. Still, he wasn’t to know that. “Maybe one day,” she answered evenly. “I’m already saving up to open my own little shop here.” He turned then and studied her. “You’ve changed, Aura.” Taking his hands from his pockets, he reached out and stroked a gentle fingertip across her cheek. She shivered at his touch, barely managing to keep her voice steady. “I’ve grown up, Nathan. Can’t stay naive forever.” He smiled at her words, letting his hand fall back to his side. “I’ve made us dinner, so if you’re ready…” She gaped at him. “You made dinner?” “Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for.” He grinned and indicated the open door. “But taste for yourself before you judge.” Blinking in disbelief, and unsure exactly what she was going to find in the kitchen, she went to the door.

7 The hallway was filled with the inviting aroma of herby meat. Aura followed it to its source and there on the kitchen table were two plates arranged with seared steak and vivid sautéed vegetables. A gravy boat brimming with rich brown gravy stood between the plates next to the bottle of red wine she’d bought and two empty wine glasses. And in the middle of the table, two lit white candles had been stuck into old, mis-matched metal holders. Mum had kept those candles in one of the back cupboards in case of a power cut, which hadn’t happened in many years. Aura had even forgotten the candles were there at all. Nathan must have rummaged through all the kitchen drawers and cupboards to find them. “I had no idea you knew how to cook like this,” she said, stunned. “It looks fabulous. Wine and candles too.” “I was the main cook when Andy and I were in university.” He pulled out a chair for her. “Granted, my abilities may be limited to a few simple meat dishes, but it’s good to try my hand at it again.” She sat down, hiding a grin at the heap of dirty pots and pans in the sink. He must have made noise like a thunderstorm with all those, yet she hadn’t heard. Dinner was wonderful. Nathan spoke about his skiing trip before the accident, and then explained a little about the investment deal Astreca was aiming for. Andy and he had developed sought-after software that secured data transactions in contactless payment systems. The wealth that patent had brought in had allowed them to expand Astreca by buying up other software and hardware systems in the financial sector. “We’re too big to ignore now.” He grinned over his empty plate. “And I keep the controlling stake, so we’re not open to any takeovers. Investment is the only way anyone can come in on the party. And they all want to. They’re after whatever slice of the pie they can get.” He came alive when he spoke of his work, his gorgeous features brimming with excitement as he used his hands in short, sharp movements to emphasize his points. Aura sipped her wine and listened avidly, not wanting to say or do anything that could break this enchanted moment between them. When had he ever spoken to her like this? When had they even shared a proper meal like this, just the two of them?

It most likely had little to do with her in reality. He was probably this animated whenever he spoke to anyone about Astreca and what they were developing, but right now, she was the one blessed to be on the receiving end of all that electric passion and she wasn’t going to lose a moment of it. But just then, he raised his wine glass to his lips and took a sip, his silver gaze steady on her. The kitchen fell into silence and something subtle shifted in the atmosphere between them. Nervousness uncurled in the pit of her stomach and placing her own nearly empty glass on the table, she looked down at her plate. Well, here they were, after a delicious dinner, wine and entertaining conversation. If ever a time existed to seduce him, this was it. She licked her dry lips and glanced back at him. He was studying her, waiting, as if inviting her to make a move. “Do you… um… Do you….” God! Why had her brain dropped into a coma at this crucial moment? Cheeks burning, she stared back down at her plate. “I’d better wash up,” she mumbled. He reached beneath her chin and tilted her face up so she was forced to meet his piercing gaze once more. “Leave it for now. We still have some wine left. What say we take it to the living room and relax for a bit?” Amusement glinted in his eyes. “Doctor’s orders, after all.” Heat rushed to her cheeks again at his touch. Ugh, she probably looked like a beetroot by now. Willing her racing heart to ease off, she nodded. “I’d like that.” Nathan followed Aura into the living room, the half-full wine bottle in one hand and their empty glasses in the other. If he had his way, they wouldn’t be touching any more of the wine tonight. They wouldn’t have time. The gentle sway of Aura’s hips as she walked enticed him and his stiffening erection strained against the prison of his jeans, reaching for what it had wanted for days now. Nah, who was he kidding? Years. He subtly shifted his weight on his feet as he walked, and on reaching the nearest sideboard, deposited the bottle and glasses on top of it. Aura had sat down on the leather chesterfield couch, scooching herself up at the furthest end of it as if she was trying to make herself disappear from his sight. Like that was even possible. Even when his eyes had been covered, just having her in the same room as him had got his body thrumming with awareness and his shaft jumping for action. He studied her hungrily as she sat there fidgeting with the hem of her tshirt, not looking at him. Her pert, rounded breasts strained against the white

material of her t-shirt and his hands itched to rip everything off her and free her sexy body to his eyes and mouth. She shot him a look from beneath thick dark lashes, her green eyes wary as she pushed back her black curls with an unsteady hand. Damn. Was she still nervous around him? He’d wanted to show her at dinner that he was human too. Someone she could talk to, touch, hold. What was she used to with men? How did they usually approach her? He’d never needed to bother before. Women usually hunted him, not the other way around. He slipped a hand into his jeans pocket, feeling the foil-wrapped condom there. This night only had one ending, and if it took more wine to get there, then so be it. The tip of her tongue peeked out to lick her lush lips. The small movement grabbed his attention and excitement snaked through him. She wanted him. It was writ large in her eyes. He clenched his jaw. To hell with wine and waiting. Aura watched nervously as Nathan sauntered towards her. The hard determination in his eyes making her quiver inside. God, but he was magnificent. If only she were more experienced. She’d have jumped up, thrown her arms around his neck, and kissed his seductive lips like she ached to do. She’d have boldly shown him how much she wanted him without the need for any words. He came and stood in front of her, and she tipped her head back, unable to tear her eyes from his intense silver ones. He hunkered down, lowering his height so that his eyes were level with hers. “I want you, Aura, and I intent to have you, so tell me now if you don’t want this.” She gaped, unable to believe her ears for a second, and then a fierce thrill coursed through her. Yes! He did want her. But then her stomach rolled in trepidation. What if she disappointed him? Would he realize she was a virgin? He may not want her if he knew she’d never had sex before… But he wouldn’t know if she said nothing. Men didn’t notice these things in the heat of the moment, did they? She wanted this. Wanted him, more than her next breath in fact. She could do this. Think. How would the sort of experienced woman Nathan dated react? Steeling herself, she leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, before pulling back and gazing into his intent eyes. “I want you too.” His eyes widened in shock, then with a low growl that rumbled deep in his

chest, he dropped on to his knees and lunged forward, clasping her face between his hands and capturing her mouth in a kiss fiercer and hungrier than anything they’d shared before. Aura sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth to his demand, giving him everything. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, tasting her like a man starved, and just as she was about to die of pleasure, he broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers, his breathing ragged, his eyes closed tight. “I’ve ached for you too long. Let you drive me crazy too long. Did you enjoy teasing me all these years? Wanted me to beg, was that it?” His voice was strained and he spoke between uneven breaths. He pulled back from her a little, dropping his hands to her waist, his silver eyes snapping open to hold hers in a steady, accusing gaze. Panic rose in her as she stared back at him. She hadn’t known. And she’d never intended to tease. She cupped his face, and shook her head, looking earnestly at him. “No, I never… I would never—” “Then you’ll give me all of you,” he growled, his fingers digging into her waist. “I will take every part of you, bury myself in you, again and again, until you forget every man you’ve ever had before and I finally quench this craving inside me.” His words sent electricity snaking through her, making her core clench with need, even as her mind rebelled. He was using her to satisfy a need, nothing more, but then… wasn’t that what she was doing too? Her entire being craved him, and she’d take whatever he gave her, for as long as he was ready to give it. And looking deep into his silver eyes, she nodded. On a fierce out-breath, he scooped her up into his arms and stood in one fluid movement. His lips claimed hers again as he held her tight to his chest, and she briefly registered they were moving before she lost herself in his kiss. *** Her back hit a mattress and he broke the kiss. She was on his bed and he’d pulled back the covers, exposing the white sheet beneath. He straightened, his gaze running over her as she lay back against the sheet. “Strip. I want to see you.” She blinked and sat up, uncertainty shooting through her. He looked magnificent as he loomed over her, his black t-shirt and denim jeans emphasizing

the muscular build of his body, his dark hair ruffled, and his eyes softened to a smokey grey. He was utter perfection, and she was not. She was a little pear, with breasts that weren’t anything to write home about and rounded hips that meant her trousers were always one size larger than her tops. The thought of his gaze on her too ordinary body had her staring back at him in trepidation. What if he didn’t like what he saw? With a groan of desperation, he bent to her then, one knee on the bed to take his weight. “Don’t tease me, Aura. I’m not sure I have the strength to hold on.” He swept his lips over hers, and catching hold of the hem of her t-shirt, pulled it up over her head. He threw the t-shirt on the carpet and gazed at her, taking in the white lacy bra that cupped the mounds of her breasts. Her hardened nipples pushed against the flimsy material, and her cheeks flamed as his gaze rested there. Then he quickly gathered her to him, and she gasped. He bent his dark head and pressed a kiss to the pulsing hollow of her neck before working featherlight kisses down her chest and over the rapid rise and fall of her breasts. Raising a hand, she ran gentle fingers through his soft hair, holding him to her. But he pulled back a bit, his breath warm on the skin of her chest, and with one hand, reached behind her back and unclasped her bra. Her pert breasts sprang free. He pulled her bra off and threw it beside the t-shirt on the floor, his gaze remaining glued to her full breasts and their pink pebbled nipples. She barely resisted the urge to cover herself up. “Beautiful,” he murmured. Heat rushed to her cheeks at the awe in his voice. Lowering his head, he took one nipple in his mouth, while pinching and rolling the other between finger and thumb. She groaned, arching against him, her fingers digging into his hair as wild sensations shot from her breasts to the rest of her. He switched his attention on her breasts, and then kissed along the ripe curve of one, opening his mouth to suck hard at the soft flesh. Pain became pleasure and she shuddered. He’d leave a mark, and that thought alone had her panties dampening. She wanted to be marked by him. Suddenly he straightened, and she bit back a whimper of loss as cold air hit her breasts. He pulled his t-shirt over his head, revealing his glorious torso and she gasped. His chest was broad, his muscles solid and well-defined, tapering down into a washboard stomach. Short, dark hair sprinkled his chest and disappeared in a happy trail beneath the waistband of his jeans. She followed it with her eyes, but then he grasped his belt and her gaze flew to his face. His eyes locked on hers, he unbuckled his belt and then hooking his thumbs in the

waistband of his jeans, pulled them down along with his boxers. His thick, veined erection sprang free of its confines and her gaze snapped to it. His shaft stood proud, the tip glistening, making clear his desire. Hot pulsing need climbed in her, and her juices pooled between her thighs as her body eagerly readied itself for him. Her breath caught. He was big. How would she take him inside her? Kicking free of his clothes, he climbed on to the bed, gently pushing her back with one hand until she was lying down again. In one swift movement, he had her jeans off and discarded on the floor, before moving so that he was kneeling between her legs. His hot gaze roamed over her from her breasts to her simple white cotton panties. She was wet there, the damp patch on her panties screaming out her want, and she squirmed, desperate to press her thighs together and hide it from his sight, but with him between her legs, keeping them spread, she couldn’t. He stroked his erection with one hand, moving gently from the base to the swollen head, and back again. She stared, mesmerized, a burning need uncurling in her. Then as he stroked, he pressed two fingers to the dampness on her panties and need exploded into hot waves, making her core clench, and she moaned. “Fuck, Aura, I have to taste you.” He lay down and shouldering her legs open wider, his hands holding her thighs still, he pressed his face up against her panties and inhaled deeply. She gasped, clutching at the bed sheet with both hands. Then pulling the cotton material to one side, he flicked his tongue over her soft folds. “Sweet, so sweet,” he murmured against her skin as she shuddered at his touch. He raised his face and held her with his darkened gaze. “I want you to come for me, Aura. I want your scent on me, your honey on my tongue.” Getting to his knees, he pulled her panties off and threw them on the floor before lying down and sliding in between her legs again. He seized her thighs, swung her legs over his shoulders and burrowed his stubble-roughened face in her sex. She moaned, arching up. He licked up her entrance to her sensitive clit and gently nipped it before taking it between his lips and sucking. With a cry, she thrashed her head from side to side and bucked, trying to pull away, but at the same time silently begging for more as the electric pulses of her climax built inside her. He laved her folds and clit with his tongue. “That’s it, baby, give it to me.” Then latched on to the hardened bud with his mouth and sucked in a rhythm

that gave her no respite. Pulsing sensations gathered in her core and the muscles of her womb clenched. “Oh god, Nathan!” She arched off the bed as her orgasm ripped through her, her legs trembling, her mind a puddle, but he didn’t stop. He kept his hands clamped around her thighs, trapping her against his face, as he thrust his tongue into her channel, lapping down her climax. Then he licked her folds gently as she floated down from her high to lie there soft and senseless, open to anything he might choose to do to her. Nathan savoured the last drops of Aura’s orgasm, needing more. Damn, she was sweet. He’d planned on taking this slow, staying in control, but he’d barely held on to his own release as she’d convulsed against him. His shaft stretched and strained, and his balls were heavy with cum and ready to explode. He had to get inside her. Now. With a last kiss on her swollen clit, he moved up her body and braced his arms on either side of her, taking his weight on his elbows and forearms. He captured her mouth in a deep kiss, letting her taste herself on him, thrusting his tongue in to possess her the way his shaft ached to. Then breaking the kiss, he pulled away, and pushed himself off the bed. She whimpered in protest, her eyes going wide as if she was afraid he was leaving her. He pressed a quick, reassuring kiss to her lips. Hell, he wasn’t going anywhere. Grabbing his jeans from the floor, he found the foil packet in the pocket, and with practiced ease slid the protection on. Most likely she was on the pill. Women usually were, but he never took chances. He moved back on top of her, covering her with his bigger body before pushing one knee in between her legs and settling into the space created there. She stroked his chest and gazed at him wide-eyed, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. The head of his shaft rubbed against her soft folds and he groaned, pushing a bit so that the tip nuzzled her opening. “I’m going to take you now, Aura. I’m going to fill you until you beg me for more.” And covering her mouth with his in a hard kiss, he thrust into her to the hilt. Aura jerked against him, her body stiffening, her sharp cry hitting the roof of his mouth. Fuck!

His heart racing, he tore his mouth from hers and levered up to look down at where their bodies joined. His shaft was buried deep in her and a drop of blood spotted the white sheet beneath them. He gently pulled out a little and more blood smeared the base of the condom. What the hell? He looked into her eyes, his insides clenching at the glitter of tears there. “No, baby. I’m so sorry. Don’t cry. Just breathe through it, okay?” She nodded, grasping his upper arms as if for strength, and he kissed the wetness from the corner of her eyes before finding her mouth again. He held himself still inside her, giving her tight body time to adjust to his size. He feathered kisses to the corner of her mouth, her cheek, and down her neck. Her breathing steadied and deepened, and her legs came up over his waist, locking him to her as she tentatively rolled her hips against him. Slowly, with deliberate strokes, he moved, gritting his teeth against the urge to just hold her down and rut into her. Hell, she was a virgin. Her first time. She deserved better than what he’d given so far. He had to go slow. Just then she moaned in his ear, her nails digging into his straining biceps. “Please, Nathan, more.” And that was his undoing. He thrust deep into her before pulling back and thrusting forward again in movements that were rapidly spiralling out of his control. “Tell me what you want.” He held her feverish gaze with his. “Tell me you want this.” “You,” she gasped. “I want you. I want this.” “Fuck, baby, you’re so tight. I don’t know how long I can hold on.” But he wanted her pleasure first, and reaching down between them, he stroked her clit with two fingers. She moaned and bucked against him. “Come for me, Aura. I want to feel your honey coat me.” She gasped for breath and her colour heightened as he kept the pressure on, playing her clit. She was so close. Then with a sharp cry, she jolted beneath him, her body shaking with her climax, and her tight channel squeezed his shaft in a death grip, trying to milk his seed from him. On a ragged groan, he threw all control away and ploughed into her, letting his own release take over as cum spurted in thick jets from him. As the last pulses of his ecstasy quietened he collapsed on top of her, his heart racing like he’d run a hundred miles. He buried his face in the soft curve of her neck, careful to keep the majority of his weight on his arms. His shaft was still rock hard inside her, small spurts of cum continuing to escape, as if his

body had finally found its true home and could stay there for an eternity. He breathed in her fresh floral scent. Hell, he could die like this. Aura’s arms came around him and she rubbed his sweat-slicked back with soothing hands. It must be an automatic reaction because she damn sure hadn’t done this with another man before. Anger rolled through him. He’d hurt her. Why hadn’t she warned him? Pulling out of her, he rolled to the side, propped himself up on an elbow, and glared down at her. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were a virgin?”

8 Aura winced. The moment he’d moved from her she’d been lost and empty. She’d fought the urge to wrap her arms around his neck and pull him back to her again. But now his words and disgusted expression set her heart drumming. She bit her lip, releasing it immediately when his scowling gaze snapped to that small movement. Their lovemaking had been magical. She’d gone to heaven and back. But it hadn’t been that way for him. His face said it all. Of course he was used to better, much better. Her virginal efforts must have been beyond pathetic. “I didn’t think it was important,” she faltered. “Fuck!” He sat bolt upright on the bed, raking a hand through his tousled hair. “Not important? I hurt you.” She sat up, shaking her head in denial of his claim as she scooted back from him towards the headboard. If only she could pull something over her very naked self right now. But the covers were scattered behind him and she made do with hugging her knees to her chest and quickly crossing her legs at the ankles for good measure so that as much of her as possible was removed from his sight. The red reminder of her virginity stained the sheet between them and she couldn’t bear to look at it. He glared at her as she sat all bundled up. “Are you still hurting?” No. No. No. She didn’t want an inquisition. Couldn’t he just hold her for a few minutes, warm her with his body and tell her he’d enjoyed it too, even if it was nothing more than a pitying lie? Hot tears pricked the inside of her eyelids and turning her face away, she blinked them back. He gripped her chin, turning her back to look at him, his eyes fierce and his expression so full of rage it had her trembling. “Answer me!” He clasped her wrists and peeled her arms away from her legs. “Let me see.” “No!” Wrenching out of his grasp, she stumbled off the bed as he sat stunned for a beat. Seizing her advantage, she fled from the room, across the small landing and into the bathroom opposite, then slammed the door behind her and locked it. Leaning back against the white wood door, she willed her thundering heart to calm down, at the same time unable to stem the flow of tears as her anger ebbed. A fist pounded on the other side of the door making her jump and back away.

“Aura!” Nathan’s voice bellowed through, barely muffled by the thick wood. “Open the damn door.” Quickly turning on the shower, she stepped into the square cubicle, sliding it closed and drowning out his voice. Warm water cascaded over her and she stood still letting the water wet her hair, warm her body, and soothe her quivering nerves. He hadn’t hurt her. She was a little sore inside, but it was a delicious kind of soreness. She wanted the full feeling of having him inside her again. He could take that soreness away. It took her a few moments to realize all was quiet outside. Good, he’d gone. But the thought didn’t bring the relief she’d expected. Knowing he was no longer out there left her aching, yearning for his touch once more. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She was supposed to have gotten over this incessant need for him after they made love. Groaning at her own weakness, she grabbed the bottle of shower gel and poured it over herself, working up a lather. He’d said a lot of things to her as they’d made love, words that had her insides clenching even now, but she’d be a fool to believe any of them. Because if he’d meant even a few of them, he wouldn’t have looked at her with such disgust afterwards. She worked her hands over her sensitized skin, spreading the soapy lather everywhere. A small moan escaped her as her fingers brushed over her hard tingling nipples, and her heavy breasts strained for more. Damn Nathan. She’d never be the same again. The orgasms he’d given her had blasted through her like explosions, obliterating all her solo efforts over the years, even if they had been fuelled by images of him. She tweaked her nipple with the fingers of one hand, moving the other between her thighs to circle a wet finger over her sensitive clit. Electricity jolted through her and she gasped. She closed her eyes, remembering the feel of his mouth and tongue on her tender nub as she rubbed there. A crescendo built and within seconds her climax gripped her with such ferocity she had to bite down hard on her bottom lip to stop herself crying out. Reaching out, she placed both hands on the glass walls of the shower cubicle to steady herself. God, he could never find out how much he affected her. She would never give him the satisfaction of knowing. Nathan paced like a restless panther outside the closed bathroom door in nothing but his loosely buttoned jeans. The sound of water running came from

inside and he gritted his teeth. Aura was in there washing away all traces of their passion, all traces of him. When she hadn’t opened the door on his command, he’d been all set to burst inside and claim her. But she’d had a hell of a day. This was all new to her, and she needed the time and space to gather her thoughts. He’d given it grudgingly though. He was the one who should be soothing her right now. She should be turning to him in her need. He scrubbed a hand through his hair. If only he’d been calmer. But the thought she might have been hurting had ripped into him like a knife. Hell! Now what did he do? All this time, he’d seen Aura as little more than a slut, determined to trap him in her tired game, one she’d learned from her mother. He’d thought that if he played the game with her just this once, his inexplicable craving for her would vanish and he could leave well alone. Now he had no choice but to leave well alone. She was an innocent who had no clue about the rules of the game she’d just played, and he didn’t intend to saddle himself with any complications. Staying away from her was the right thing to do. It was time to cut and move on. He no longer needed to hide away here in Langley. He’d got what he’d come for, hadn’t he? But the thought of not holding her again made his stomach clench. What the hell? It made no sense. He leaned in, placing both hands on the door frame, and closed his eyes, waiting. She had to come out sometime. She couldn’t avoid him forever. He just wanted to make sure she was all right, nothing more. Aura dried herself and wrapped the fluffy white bath towel around her. It barely covered her breasts and bottom at the same time, but she had no other clothes to step out in. It would have to do. Her bra and panties were probably still lying on Nathan’s carpet. She cringed. How on earth was she going to rescue them? But what if he’d already taken matters into his own hands and thrown them outside his room? For some reason, that hurt more than leaving them on display on his floor. She tightened the towel. Her body still felt a little unfamiliar, still sensitive, but tingling with pleasure at the same time. So, this was what it was like to make love. No, scratch that. Have sex. Fuck.

It hadn’t been anything more for Nathan. But she couldn’t get all upset about it, could she? She’d wanted it. Practically begged him for it. Her cheeks blazed as she remembered just how she’d begged him for it. Great. She frowned and straightened. At least the memory of their time together should keep Nathan warm at night, because he sure wasn’t getting anything more from her. She had her pride and she was going to keep it. She’d never beg him for anything, ever again. She tiptoed to the door and placed an ear against it, straining to pick up any sound from beyond. Nothing. A thread of disappointment sneaked through her but she immediately squished it. It wasn’t as if she’d expected him to waste his time waiting for her. He’d probably returned to his room and locked the door after him. Yeah, that’s what she wanted. She flipped the lock back, opened the door, and stepped straight into a wall of solid muscle. She gasped and he grabbed her shoulders to steady her as her gaze collided with his intense silver one. He looked menacingly sexy in just his jeans, with his dark hair wild, his eyes intent on her face, and his eyebrows drawn together in a fierce frown. She gulped, fighting the urge to step back into the safety of the bathroom, slam the door shut and lock it once again. His frown deepened. “Are you hurt?” She bit her lip. Only her heart. “I’m fine.” She looked pointedly at his hands gripping her shoulders. “Now if you’ll let me pass?” Something flashed in his eyes. “Hell, Aura, don’t hide from me.”And grasping the towel covering her, he pulled it apart, exposing her naked body to his gaze. “Nathan!” She frantically tried to grab the towel back from him, but he let it fall to the ground before clamping strong hands on her shoulders again and holding her still. “I need to know you’re not bruised,” he muttered, his gaze traveling over her rapidly heating skin, taking in the swollen breasts and hard nipples standing to attention for him. Burning with embarrassment, she pressed her thighs together. Please don’t let him guess it was to hide the wetness pooling there. The way he was looking at her, like he wanted to thrust deep into her again, had her stomach turning somersaults. She shifted nervously on her feet. “Please, Nathan…”

His eyes snapped back to her face, his irises dark and smokey, and her breath caught in her throat. He was going to kiss her. And she wanted him to. He snaked his hands around her waist and dipping his head, pulled her into a kiss that was gentle but demanded her total surrender. And reaching up on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck, closed her eyes and abandoned herself to his command. But too soon, he broke the kiss, and she swayed against him in protest, reluctantly opening her eyes to gaze up at him questioningly. With a determined set to his jaw, he scooped her up in his arms, carried her back to his bedroom and deposited her on the still rumpled bed. And as soon as she made contact with the cool sheets, she clicked back to reality. Oh no, worst idea ever. With that kiss, Nathan had burrowed even deeper into her skin, turning her into mindless mush in his hands. If they did anything more, she’d be lost forever. “Nathan, we mustn’t…” She placed both hands on his chest in an effort to push him back as he leaned over her on the bed, but her action was half-hearted at best. “I need you, Aura,” he murmured, brushing his lips over hers. And stripping off his jeans, he climbed on to the bed beside her. He captured her mouth again in a deep kiss and she moaned into his mouth. And when he pressed her back on to the pillows, she gave in to the clamouring need of her body and relaxed beneath him, her tongue meeting his in a sensuous dance. Sweet relief washed over Nathan at her surrender. She was here with him again. When she’d locked herself away, he hadn’t been able to see sense, but to hold her again, it was as if everything was all right in his world once more. He broke their kiss and moved on top of her, caging her in with his big body. Nuzzling into the hollow of her neck, he placed a gentle kiss there. She smelled of shower gel, a fruity citrus scent that brought a small frown to his brow. He wanted to smell her, not an artificial fruit tree. He slid down her body, paying homage to her breasts on the way, briefly suckling both nipples with an intensity that left her gasping and clutching at his hair. When he reached his goal, he spread her thighs apart and fitted his big body there.

She was all wet and ready for him, and with a grunt of satisfaction, he licked her slightly swollen folds, using his hands on her thighs to clamp her to the bed as she squirmed and twisted against his tongue. Judging by her delicious moans, she wasn’t in any pain, still he used his tongue to massage her soft flesh, lapping up her flowing juices. He released one of her thighs and thumbed her clit, smiling with satisfaction when her moans increased in intensity. “Let go for me, Aura.” He pressed his lips to her clit and sucked. With a scream and a shudder that shook her entire body, she climaxed against him and he pushed his tongue into her tight channel, loving the way she contracted around him. As she came down from her high, he turned his face and placed gentle kisses against the soft inner skin of her thigh. Then when she was ready, he straightened up on to his knees between her legs. His heart raced and his shaft was rock hard, precum leaking from its tip in anticipation. Aura lay before him like a raven-haired goddess, her skin flushed, a look of wonder on her face. He shouldn’t need her this much, but he was powerless to walk away. Never had a woman had such an effect on him. It should terrify him, but then, never had any attraction lasted. Maybe he should stop questioning this pull between them and just enjoy it while the feelings were there. Aura gently floated down to earth. Her body was like jelly and she couldn’t even summon the strength to move her legs as Nathan kneeled between them, his eyes locked on hers. “You’re even more beautiful when you come. It’s something special knowing I’m the only person to have seen that.” A sexy half-smile tipped his mouth, and he stroked his stiff erection with lazy movements. Her gaze dropped to it, instantly snared by the way little droplets escaped the tip and he used his fingers to spread it down the length like lubrication. She licked her lips with the tip of her tongue. What would he taste like? She’d heard of it before, and had never wanted to do it… until now. Clambering up on all fours, she reached out and brushed tentative fingers over the tip of his shaft. He sucked in a sharp breath, his whole body tensing, and her gaze flew to his face. Then he relaxed, smiling that crooked half-smile again before spreading his legs slightly to brace himself and holding his shaft out in invitation to her. She inched forward and taking hold of his thickness with one hand, licked the tip with her tongue. Musky, a little salty. She liked it.

A small moan escaped him, but he held still. She glanced up at him. His jaw was set and he was watching her every move with narrowed eyes. She licked her lips and this time took the tip fully into her mouth, running her tongue around it in teasing circles. “Fuck.” He buried his fingers into her curls and pulled her closer so that a bit more of his shaft entered her mouth. “That’s so good.” She took more of him in, pulled back, and then ran her lips and tongue down his length again. “Not so fast, baby,” he said through gritted teeth. “I don’t want to come like this.” Why not? He’d given her unbelievable pleasure. She desperately wanted to give him pleasure too. Bolder now, she sucked on the head of his shaft and pumped a gentle hand up and down it’s length, causing him to buck his hips. He groaned, his fingers tightening in her hair in a half-hearted effort to stop her. Then, without warning, he pulled himself from her mouth, and squeezed his erection with one big hand. She blinked up at him. “Turn around,” he growled, twirling a finger. She shifted on the bed so that she was on all fours before him, her bottom towards him. His hand came down in a sharp smack on her butt cheek, and she gasped, but the sting quickly melted into a warm glow of pleasure. “Ass in the air, baby. Let me see you.” He placed a hand between her shoulder blades and pushed down until one side of her face was pressed against the sheet, her bottom high. Grasping her thighs with both hands, he spread her legs further apart. She bit her lip and closed her eyes, hot embarrassment searing her skin. But then his warm breath flowed over her sex, followed by his tongue, and her eyes popped open on a whimper. With a grunt, Nathan straightened behind her. The tip of his shaft nudged her opening, and grasping her hips, he pressed into her. She gasped, and then moaned as his thickness stretched her bit by bit. The fullness bordered on unbearable this way. He held still for a beat, letting her body adjust to his entire length buried in her, then rocked back, pulling out to the tip before pushing back in, inch by glorious inch. Aura trembled as her channel squeezed him, her orgasm coiling and building inside her. “Goddamn, you feel so good,” he muttered.

His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her hips and increasing his pace, he pounded into her. His groin smacked up against her bottom again and again, and the slick sound of their joined bodies moving filled the air. Her body swayed and shuddered beneath him and she levered up on her forearms and elbows. The intensity was too much. She was right on the edge. Nathan reached down and thumbed her clit with one hand, keeping his grip on her hip with the other. “Come for me, Aura. Give me all of you.” The build-up of her climax powered through her core and with a cry she let the explosion burst in her. He pounded into her a couple more times, and then on a shout of pleasure, rammed fully in. His shaft pulsed inside her and the warm spurts of his seed coated the walls of her channel. Gasping, she slumped forward on to the bed, her body a quivering spent heap, and he collapsed over her, his breathing harsh, his hot sweat-slicked skin pressed against her back. *** Aura opened her eyes. The bedroom was shadow-grey and only a dim glow peeked in from around the closed curtains. She glanced at Nathan’s bedside clock. Half-past-three. Nathan lay spooned against her back and she shifted a little against the solid warmth of his body. He was asleep, one heavy arm draped over her, and his hand cupping her breast possessively as he held her tight to him. His breathing was deep and even, and no wonder; they’d made love on and off throughout the night, unable to get enough of each other. He must be more than tired. She glanced at the clock again. It was early, but her body buzzed with restless energy and all her sleep had fled. How many times had they made love last night? She’d lost count. His intoxicating male scent was on her and his taste still on her tongue. She smiled and licked her lips remembering the first time he’d come in her mouth. She’d never have enough of him. Her smile froze. He hadn’t used a condom. Oh, he had the first time, but not after. And she wasn’t on the pill. Her heart beating against her chest, she counted quickly in her head. She was a week away from her period, surely that meant she couldn’t get pregnant? A sudden twinge of disappointment snaked through her and she bit her lip.

To have Nathan’s baby… a little girl or boy with dark hair and intense silver-grey eyes, his crotchetiness and his sweet smile, a part of him that would be hers forever. She touched tentative fingers to her stomach. If any such chance existed… She wouldn’t even be a nuisance to Nathan. He’d leave, and she was ready to accept that without complaint. Her heart would eventually heal, but please let there be a chance… Nathan stirred behind her, his hand tightening over her breast and then moving down to clasp hers over her stomach as he pressed soft kisses to the base of her neck. He raised his head, his lips feather soft by her ear. “Since you’re not asleep… I know a few things we could do to pass the time.” She turned, melting against him as he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss.

9 “All right. Tell me everything.” Aura glanced up from the delicate hand-stitch detailing she was adding to another dress. Lisa stood in front of her, hands on hips, her eyes expectant. “About what?” “Don’t you act innocent with me.” Lisa said, going and plonking herself down on the window seat in the sewing room. Even the weak afternoon sun was enough to bring out the gold in her beautiful blonde waves. “You’re glowing like a light bulb, Aura, and don’t think I’ve missed the hot looks that Nathan of yours has been shooting you since I walked in here.” She sat forward. “And by the way, he’s a total knockout in real life. I can see why you’ve been lusting after him all these years. I would too if dark and brooding were my type.” She grinned, and waggled her eyebrows suggestively. Aura rolled her eyes. Was she glowing? She’d spent the morning in bed with Nathan, only getting up for lunch. Monday would have gone in a blink like yesterday if it hadn’t been for Lisa arriving with Jason just after three in the afternoon. Yep, she probably did look well-loved. No, well sexed-up would be more accurate. “He’s not my Nathan anything.” And she’d do well to keep reminding herself of that. They never spoke about the future. They never spoke about anything but the now. How long would ‘now’ last? “Uh-huh. So you’re telling me you haven’t done anything with him?” Aura put down her sewing and glanced at her friend. She’d never been a convincing liar, and Lisa knowing her better than most would pick up on it straight away. “Well, maybe we did something…” Lisa gasped. “Something? Like kissing, touching?” She pointed to her crotch with an evil grin. “All the way down there?” “For goodness sake!” Aura choked back a laugh. “Are you still a virgin?” “I don’t… I mean…” She cast a nervous glance at the closed door of the sewing room, but Lisa just goggled at her expectantly. “No, not anymore,”Aura said dropping her voice, though it wasn’t as if Nathan would hear, not with Jason keeping him busy in the kitchen. “Oh.” Lisa sat back on the window seat, a concerned frown crinkling her brow. “What?”

“Well, that explains the looks he’s been giving you. But what about you? If he’s not your Nathan, then what is it?” Aura shrugged. “Sex. What else would it be?” She picked up her sewing again, needing something soothing to occupy her fingers. “I’m here. He’s here. And when that’s no longer the case, it stops.” “Yeah, I can imagine that’s how it would be for him, but not you.” “Why not?” Exasperated, she thumped the material down on her lap. “It’s not like I’m still a teen with my first crush. Plenty of people have sex and don’t think any more of it.” “Plenty of people do, but you’re not plenty of people, are you? Your heart is soft as mush, Aura, and it’s just too easy for someone to squish it.” “That’s not how it is with Nathan and me. It’s…” She chewed her lip. “Look, I know there’s no future in this, and I’m okay with that, really I am. I just… I just needed whatever time I had with him.” Lisa looked at her with sad eyes. “Oh, sweetheart, I know you need this, but I don’t want you getting hurt either.” She sighed. “You know, I hoped Bill might make you happy. He was the safer bet, but deep down I think I knew it wouldn’t really work. Only Nathan would do for you. You’re that far gone on him.” “I’m not expecting more, not really.” “Then you’d better lock your heart up and throw away the key,” Lisa said, shaking her head. “And if he dares hurt you, you tell me and I’ll sort him.” Aura smiled. That was adorable. But the image of Lisa squaring up to Nathan, brought to mind a little golden duck trying to browbeat a raging bull into submission. She loved her friend too much to ever let it get to that. It was better to just get the whole matter of Nathan out of Lisa’s head. “I’m fine, but what about you? Found out anything more about your mysterious date for tomorrow?” Lisa grimaced. “Nope, he’s still mysterious. Well, okay… not as much maybe. I did ferret out that he’s a maths lecturer at Leeds University.” “Ooh, twenty-six and a maths lecturer. Brainy. You know, with a little more sleuthing you could easily find him online.” “And waste my time for what? No, thank you. I’d rather know tomorrow when my expectations are well and truly shattered.” “Gosh, you’re such a cynic. I hope he turns out to be the hottest prince you’ve ever clapped eyes on, if only to prove you wrong.” “Frog prince, you mean, with my luck around men.” Lisa hopped up from the window seat with a leer. “Come on, nymphet. We’d best rescue Nathan from Jason’s clutches or you won’t have anyone to get jiggy with once I’m gone.” Aura stuck her tongue out at her, but Lisa just laughed and bounced out of

the room, and Aura trudged behind. The sound of Nathan’s deep rumbling laughter and Jason’s excited squeals reached them in the hallway even before they got to the kitchen. Lisa shot her a questioning look, and Aura shrugged, her own eyes wide with surprise. The scene that met them in the kitchen left her gaping. Jason stood on the kitchen counter, with Nathan steadying him with both hands, as he reached up on the tippy toes of his stripy blue socks, trying to grab the pink and blue toy caterpillar that was wrapped around Nathan’s head like Caesar’s wreath. Nathan grinned at them as they entered and Aura could only smile and stare. He looked utterly silly and utterly carefree, and this new side of him had her speechless. Jason clapped his little hands and cooed at Lisa as she surveyed them, her hands on her hips. “Well, you two seem to be getting on like a house on fire.” Her gaze fell on the kitchen table where the squeezed remains of two orange halves lay beside an empty mug and a great big splodge of orange juice. Nathan shrugged. “He was thirsty, and it’s always better squeezed fresh.” “Can’t argue with that.” Lisa went to them and held her hands out for Jason. “Come here you little terror.” Jason leaped into his mum’s arms, and Nathan took off the caterpillar crown and handed it to him. Lisa picked up her bag and turned to Nathan. “Till next time, Nathan. But meanwhile, take good care of my girl.” It was said with a hint of threat and Aura had to hide a grin. Lisa wasn’t ready to rubber stamp him just yet. But Lisa’s true meaning must have flown over Nathan’s head because he merely lounged against the counter with a broad grin. “I’ll do that.” He caught her to him as soon as the front door had closed behind Lisa and Jason. “I’ve missed you.” Aura giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “What? In fifteen minutes?” “I’m beginning to think one minute is too much.” And he captured her mouth in a kiss that sent molten fire throbbing through her veins. He finally broke the kiss and she gasped for breath before wriggling out of

his hold. “You keep doing that and you won’t have any dinner tonight. I need to get to the shops.” “We’ll go together.” Warmth curled through her and she smiled up at him. He could have chosen to stay back and work, but he was actually prepared to traipse around a shop with her. Her mind latched on to all sorts of interpretations. No, don’t go there. Don’t even think about reading too much into it. “Are you sure?” she asked. “Aren’t you supposed to stay out of sunlight?” Not that the greyish February afternoon sunlight was anything to talk about, but if he’d only offered to accompany her out of politeness, this was his out. “I’m not a vampire, Aura. A bit of sunlight won’t turn me into a steaming ash cloud.” She laughed. He could easily be a vampire. He had all the magnetic charisma of a prince of darkness. All he lacked were the pointy teeth. Her laughter had him grinning and reaching for her again. She dodged. “No, you’re not going to distract me.” And sidestepping him, she raced for the stairs, intending to get to her room and lock herself in so she could get changed to go shopping. But she only managed to make it half-way up before he caught her, one arm curling around her waist. He pulled her back to him, turning so they both landed on the stairs with him cushioning the impact for her with his big body. He grinned. “Can’t be going anywhere without having you first, baby.” Flipping her over, he undid her jeans and quickly pulled them off along with her cotton panties, grunting as she writhed against him and tried to clutch at her clothes. “I’m going to have to get you in skirts, and without the damn underwear,” he growled. He spread her thighs and settled in between, throwing her legs over his shoulders. His skilled lips and tongue made swift work of killing her lingering inhibitions and she was gasping with pleasure in seconds. His teeth nipped her sensitized clit and she arched off the stairs with a moan, her climax building at a blinding pace, and when he pushed two thick fingers inside her and stroked, she came with a shudder, her channel contracting around his fingers. “Damn, I’ll never get enough of that,” he muttered. In her dazed state, Nathan’s rough voice came from afar. She heard the sound of his jeans’ zipper and propping herself up on an elbow, watched as he kicked off his jeans and boxers. He pulled his t-shirt up over his head then reached for her and pulled off her top. He kissed the mound of her breasts before unclasping her bra from behind and sliding it off her shoulders. Then

laying her back against the stairs, he claimed each pebbled nipple in a rough suckling kiss that had her groaning and arching towards him. He moved back up to press a kiss to her lips. “I want you on top, Aura.” Sitting back on the stairs, he lifted her on to his lap so her knees were on either side of him and she straddled his thick erection. She curled her fingers into the short dark hair of his chest as she let his hands on her bottom and hips guide her into position. The tip of his waiting shaft stroked her wet folds and she sank down on to it, taking him fully inside her. He dug his fingers into her soft flesh and closing his eyes, tipped his head back on a throaty groan. She moved, slowly up and down, glancing down at where they were joined and how he slipped in and out of her. The sight had her channel throbbing and clenching. Leaning forward, she pressed a kiss against the exposed column of his neck, and then brushed her lips up over the rough stubble under his chin. He opened his eyes and arched up to capture her mouth with his, then gripping her hips with strong hands, rocked her faster against him. She broke the kiss, gasping at the punishing rhythm he set. He filled her completely, becoming her entire awareness. His shaft bulged, growing impossibly bigger inside her as his breathing roughened. Her own pleasure snowballed. “Oh, Nathan, I’m…” He twined his fingers into her hair and pulled her down for his kiss, and she exploded around his shaft, grinding down on him as he swallowed her wild cries of ecstasy. With one final thrust he ripped his mouth from hers and yelled with the force of his own climax as he shot his seed into her. She collapsed trembling into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck, and he held her to him, running a soothing hand through her hair. “We still need to get to the shops,” she murmured when she could once again think straight. His chuckle vibrated in his chest, against her cheek, and he kissed her hair. “Shower with me first, then I promise to let you dress.” *** By the time they finally got out to her car, it was half-past-four. The shower had been slow and delicious, with Nathan kissing down the entire length of her body as he washed her, and then taking the opportunity to do more than just kiss. It

was a miracle they’d made it out of the house at all. She’d bundled up against the cold in her blue wool coat, over jeans and a red buttoned top. Nathan looked like he’d just stepped off a movie set in dark jeans, black flight jacket, and dark-tinted aviator glasses hiding his eyes. She had to stop herself from goggling at him like an idiot. It was hard to believe someone like him was with her. She unlocked the car with her key fob, and his lips set in a grim line. His dark glasses hid his full expression from her as he walked around the front of the car to the passenger side. “This thing road safe?” Aura bit her lip. Her second-hand car wasn’t much of a looker—bug like, mint-green and a little muddy around the base from the winter roads—but it got her from A to B without too much fuss. But of course, he was more used to sleek plush monsters like the one he’d arrived in. Too bad. She grinned at him. “Perfectly safe. Get in and strap yourself down.” The corners of his mouth turned down, but he opened the door and squeezed himself into the passenger side. She got in the driver side, biting back a laugh at the scowl on his face as he realized his long legs weren’t going to stretch forward anymore than the seat allowed. He pulled at the seat release. “Doesn’t this damn thing move back any further?” “That’s as far as it goes.” “Christ, Aura, you need something better.” He shook his head. “I could—” “No.” She tapped the steering wheel fondly. “My little car and I go back four years. I’m very comfortable with it.” What had he been about to say? That he’d buy her a car? Probably not. You don’t sleep with someone a couple of days and then suddenly buy them a car. But Nathan was rich enough that such a gesture could mean nothing to him. She hadn’t wanted to find out though. That wasn’t their relationship and the thought of accepting anything from him felt inexplicably like charity. She started the engine and put the car into gear. It juddered beneath them as if it was waking up from a long cold sleep. Nathan clenched his jaw, but said nothing, choosing to look out his window instead. She pulled out on to the road. “You were quite good with Jason. I didn’t know you got on so well with kids.” The drive to the supermarket was only ten minutes, but his brooding silence was getting to her. “Neither did I.” His tone was dry. “Andy’s newborn is the only kid I’ve ever held, and that was just the once.” He glanced at her. “But Jason is great. It

probably had more to do with his easy going nature that things didn’t dissolve into tears and tantrums.” “Give yourself credit. It looked like you were enjoying it too.” She shot him a smile. “I was actually a little concerned at first when Lisa handed him over to you. For a moment, you looked like he was a ticking time bomb ready to explode.” He grinned. “Did I now?” They reached a set of traffic lights, and the car trembled to a halt. “Hell, this contraption better not collapse around us.” “I’ve been told the backseat has less vibration. You’re welcome to try that if you want. It might feel more familiar too.” He glanced dubiously behind him at the narrow backseat that would probably have had him sitting with his knees up by his ears. “I do drive, Aura, but having a chauffeur is handy. It lets me get work done on the way to places.” The lights changed and she eased the car into protesting motion. “Are you always busy, Nathan?” “Yes. Though, these past few days…” He broke off and stared out of his window again. She longed to know more, but dared not press him. From what she’d heard him discuss with Andy that day, Nathan was still hands-on with his business even when he was supposed to be recuperating. What if he already regretted the time he’d wasted with her? Was she ready to hear him admit it? With relief, she pulled into the supermarket car park. Hopefully, if she kept the shopping quick and got something tasty for dinner, it might bring back the relaxed Nathan who’d been with her until now. The supermarket sign loomed up on one side of them, but Nathan’s head was swimming with questions. Why did she drive this old hunk of metal? Why didn’t she have her own business? And why were they still living in this same small house they’d moved into after Cathy married his father? His father had run a successful business, and he’d sold it several years ago for a large amount, so where had all that money gone? He’d never inherited a penny from his father, but then he’d never wanted to. All his childhood, the only thing he’d ever wanted was his father’s love, and he’d strived for it. Even when he’d been shipped off to boarding school at a tender age, he’d never let his grades drop below excellent, because that was the one and only thing that had brought a nod of approval from the old man, not a smile

though, and never a hug. And then the divorce happened. His father had upped and moved on, just like that, happy with his new ready-made family. The only thing on his father’s mind after that was endlessly berating Nathan over his choice of girl friends of all things. More out of a sense of revenge than anything else, Nathan had taken his mother’s side as she played the victim to maximum advantage. He was all too ready to see his father as a lying cheating monster who’d been having an affair with his secretary behind his wife’s back. But when he’d turned to his mother after the divorce was finalized, he quickly found out she had no love or need for him, and within months she was married to husband number two, some stupid big-shot lawyer who’d turned out to be a crook. He learned that day that only the relationships he controlled, lasted. And since then, he’d never been at the mercy of anyone’s love or approval. He was always able to get up and walk away unscathed. Then what was it about Aura that had him all twisted up in knots? It had taken all the strength he’d possessed to stay away from her over the years, and coming back now was beginning to look more and more like a huge mistake.

10 Aura finished the shopping in record time, mainly because she rushed Nathan through all the aisles, since she knew by heart where everything was in her local supermarket. The reason for her lightning speed was that Nathan attracted a lot of attention, especially female, standing out as he did in a crowd with his tall, dark good looks and ‘don’t bother me’ glasses. Her jealousy meter had only been able to take so much. Not that he’d noticed all the captivated gazes on him. He’d contented himself with saying little and pushing the trolly for her. He hadn’t even offered much of an opinion when she’d asked about his preferences for dinner, other than suggesting the wine. In fact, the only time he’d grudgingly spoken more than monosyllables had been when the plump middle-aged cashier had taken one look at him and decided this god of a man was going to brighten her boring day. She’d engaged him in a relentless conversation about the dreary February weather with it’s biting cold wind, and how it all made her carrot-orange hair frizz like the fur on an electrified cat. She’d even praised his chivalry when he’d insisted on paying, and Aura, who’d been forgotten about, let him get away with it only because she didn’t want to cause a scene. Still, his tact and patience with people astonished her. It was nothing like the Nathan who’d snapped away at Andy. But then he’d just spent the last few minutes pushing a trolley after her without complaint. This new homely side of him was bowling her over. They stowed the last shopping bag in the car’s small trunk, and Nathan suddenly straightened, one hand shooting to his forehead. Aura looked at him in concern. “What is it? Do you have a headache?” A frown furrowed his brow and he paused for a beat, then shook his head, his hand falling away as he turned to her. “It felt like one was starting for a moment, but I’m fine.” “I should never have let you come with me. If you’d stayed home—” “Aura, it was nothing.” But she wasn’t listening. “How stupid am I? I didn’t even bring painkillers.” Her frantic gaze fell on the pharmacy two shops away from where they were parked. “Wait here in the car. I’ll just run over and get you some tablets.”

“I don’t need them, and we could be back at your house in that time.” “I won’t take a moment. Just sit in here and relax.” She moved to open the passenger door, but he laughed and stopped her with a hand on her arm. His laughter had her staring up at him. It was so wonderful to hear it again. “I’m coming with you,” he said with a wry grin. “Because I suspect this contraption of yours will try to eat me alive once you’re gone.” *** The pharmacy was neat and spacious inside, with an opticians taking up half the building and the pharmacy’s rows of medicines and products in the other half. A number of customers milled around, talking in rather hushed tones, probably awed by the smell of medicine around them that put them in mind of a hospital rather than a shop. Aura headed straight for the shelf of painkillers and picking out a box of the strongest tablets she could find, took them to the counter at the back of the pharmacy. Nathan sauntered a distance behind, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets as he glanced around the various shelves. She left him to his exploring. Two customers were in line before her and she waited patiently for them to be served first. “Aura.” She turned to see Bill approach from the opticians’ half. He was dressed casually in jeans and a dark-green padded jacket left open over a lighter green button-down shirt. He looked to be off-duty from the fire station. “Hey, Bill, how comes you’re here?” “Came to sort out my contacts.” He nodded towards the opticians. “And you?” She held up the box of tablets. “Painkillers.” “You okay?” he asked, frowning. “They’re for Nathan, not me.” At that moment, Nathan came up to them and Bill’s entire bearing changed. He stiffened and straightened. Aura looked from one to the other. Hardly an inch difference in height existed between the two of them, but Nathan drew all attention to him, like an inexorable dark force. “Right… Nathan.” Bill extended a hand. “How you doing?” “Bill, isn’t it?” Nathan grasped it in a firm handshake before letting go. “That’s right. See you got them bandages off.”

“Yes.” He regarded Aura for a moment through his dark glasses. “They were getting in the way.” Heat scorched her cheeks at his meaning, and she glanced at Bill hoping he hadn’t picked up on it. But Bill just nodded. “Aura, I was going to come over later…” He shot an uncomfortable glance in Nathan’s direction. “I wanted to ask you something.” The line stepped forward as the customer being served left and the lady immediately before her went to the counter. “About what?” She braced herself to gently turn down any request for a date. “Excuse me,” Nathan said dryly. He left them and Bill stepped closer to her. “Seeing as it’s Valentine’s tomorrow, and Lisa’s got this date set up, I thought, you and I, we could tag along for a bit. Make it a night out for all four of us.” It was on the tip of her tongue to say yes. It didn’t sound like an actual date, and no doubt Lisa would appreciate the company, at least for the beginning. Aura suspected Lisa’s reluctance to think too much about her mystery date had more to do with nerves than anything else. But how could she leave Nathan alone at home? And did she want to? Bill didn’t look like he’d take kindly to any suggestion of Nathan accompanying them. As she stood undecided, the pharmacy assistant, a bored looking girl with a short mousy ponytail, called from the counter. “Can I help you?” Aura stepped forward and placed the box of painkillers on the counter. “Just these, please.” Nathan loomed up behind her and plonked down another box next to hers along with a twenty pound note. “And these.” Aura gaped at the blazing orange and pink box. The words ‘Pleasure Me’ were emblazoned on it in large white letters, beneath which was written '24 condoms ribbed and dotted for extra stimulation’. It stood proud like a little flame shooting up from the drab grey counter, and every eye was turned to it. She groaned inwardly. If only the ground would open up and swallow her right about now. The pharmacy assistant didn’t bat an eyelid, quickly ringing through their purchases and dropping both boxes into a carrier bag. Aura risked a glance at Bill. He’d turned brick red, the colour even reaching the roots of his blond hair. “See you later, Aura,” he muttered, before turning and striding away. She spun around and glared at Nathan as he took the bag and his change from the assistant. “How could you?”

He placed a hand at her elbow and ushered her away from the counter and the line of customers behind them, his expression poker-faced. “How could I what?” She snatched her elbow back. “God, Nathan, you thoroughly embarrassed me and you drove Bill away.” He laughed. “What’s so embarrassing about it? And as for old Bill, maybe he suddenly realized he had more important things to attend to.” She glared at him, at a loss what to say. He could be such an insensitive pig when he wanted to be. With a shake of her head, she hurried away towards the car, not bothering to see if he was keeping pace with her or not. The drive back home was as tense as a mile-high tightrope walk. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Nathan, and luckily he’d sensed her mood and retreated back into the brooding silence of before. Once they reached the house, he helped her carry the shopping in, and then placing the bags on top of the kitchen table, shucked off his jacket and hung it over one of the chairs. He stood tall beside her in his dark-blue button down shirt and jeans, his arms crossed over her chest, his dark glasses still hiding his eyes from her. “You can’t keep up the silent treatment forever, Aura.” She dumped her coat next to the bags and narrowed her eyes at his challenge. “Really? Watch me.” Oh, she’d ignore him for the rest of her life if she had to. He smiled and took off the glasses, fixing her with his amused silver gaze. He thought this was funny? That he could do anything he liked and to hell with the consequences? Stepping closer, she poked him in the chest. “You know what you can do with that wretched box of yours, don’t you? You have no decency, Nathan.” “And I suppose decency is keeping some poor sod hanging in the hope he’s in with a chance with you.” “I would never do that to Bill. But you’re just determined to make me look like a fool in front of my friends, aren’t you?” “If it gets the message across that you’re now involved with me, so you’re off limits, then yeah, I don’t have trouble doing anything.” She gaped at the possessive tone in his voice. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was jealous of Bill. But this was Nathan. What he actually meant was, he didn’t want any other man snooping around while he was shagging her. But after he’d finished with her? Well, that would be a different story, and she wasn’t naive

enough to think otherwise. She looked into his eyes. What she wouldn’t give to hear him say he wanted her, body, mind, and soul, to be his forever. A heavy weight settled on her heart as she admitted something to herself that she’d held at bay for a long time. She loved him. Always had. Perhaps even from the first day she’d set eyes on him as a shy ten year old. She couldn’t hide from it anymore. There would never be any other man for her but Nathan. How she would cope when he left her and returned to his life, she had no idea, but she would… somehow. But right now, she couldn’t bear to see the pity in his eyes if he discovered her real feelings. She had to protect her heart from him at all cost. She squared her jaw. “We’re not involved, Nathan. We had sex, nothing more.” Denial roared through Nathan. Sex? That’s what she called it? When every moment with her had left him shaken like nothing he’d experienced before. The sudden need to hear her say she’d felt the same consumed him, and he took a step towards her, his lips twisting on a snarl. “It was more than just sex, and you know it.” But her green eyes stayed locked on his and didn’t flinch. “No. Sex. Where you never even cared to use the type of protection you made such a show of buying today.” Nathan blanched, her words hitting him like bricks. He’d had extra condoms with him all this time, but he hadn’t wanted to use them after the first time with her. He hadn’t wanted anything coming between them. “Why, Nathan? Why didn’t you use protection with me?” “Because you’re—” Mine. You’re mine, he’d been about to say, but a fear deep down had him bite back the word. Aura looked stricken. “I’m what? I’m not worth the effort? I’m not worthy of the consideration you give your blonde lovers?” He grabbed her arms and pulled her to him. She gasped, her eyes widening as she stared up at him, but it wasn’t fear that glowed in the bright green depths, just a deep sadness that tore at his heart. It took everything in him not to kiss her, to tell her she’d come to mean more to him than any woman before. But then what? He wouldn’t make promises he couldn’t keep. He hardened his heart. “It takes two to tango, sweetheart. I didn’t hear you complaining about it.” “No, I didn’t complain,” she said quietly. “But thank you for teaching me. Next time I have sex with a man, I’ll remember.” He saw red, the thought of another man touching her tearing him up inside.

“Then I’d better make sure you know exactly what sex is,” he growled, and swooping down, he captured her mouth in a hard kiss that throbbed with all his need and frustration. Aura parted her lips and wound her arms around his neck, giving herself fully. Rage radiated from him. His tongue plundered her mouth as his fingers dug into her hips and he pulled her closer. This almost animalistic kiss should have turned her off, instead she craved him so desperately that to her shame she was ready to take him this way too. She pressed into him, but he suddenly broke the kiss. “This is sex,” he gritted, his silver eyes dark like storm clouds, and in one move he ripped open her red buttoned blouse, sending the buttons pinging everywhere before stripping it from her body. She gasped, her hands flying up to stop him, but his lips crashed down on hers in another all-consuming kiss as he made light work of snapping off her bra and discarding it. Crowding her back against the kitchen counter, he dipped his head to capture one pebbled nipple in his mouth, sucking and licking until she was near crazy with need. She closed her eyes and threw her head back on a moan, cradling his head with both hands as she buried her fingers into his thick dark hair. He swapped his attention to her other breast and cold air hit her thighs. She snapped her head up. He’d unbuttoned her jeans and pushed them off along with her panties. Releasing her breast, he lifted her by the waist and sat her on the kitchen counter. The smooth, hard surface was like ice against her sensitized skin, spearing through her fog of need. He unbuttoned his jeans, his mouth a grim line, and she stared at him. “Nathan…” Her voice quivered. He freed his thick erection from his boxers and without bothering to unbutton his shirt, grasped her thighs and spread her legs apart. “After this, you won’t even think of another man.” And grabbing her feet, he placed her heels up on the counter so she was fully exposed to him. A mewl of protest left her lips, which quickly turned into a moan of pleasure when he dipped down and ran his tongue over her moistened sex. He caught her clit between his lips and sucked hard. Electric waves shot through her, and with a shudder she leaned back, taking her weight on her hands behind her and surrendering to the delicious build-up

of her orgasm. But he pulled away then, and she looked up to meet his burning gaze. “No, Aura, you’ll come on me.” She watched in a daze as he turned and grabbed the box of condoms he’d bought. He ripped it open, took one out and quickly sheathed himself. He was back with her before she’d even thought of moving, capturing her mouth in a fierce kiss as he positioned himself between her spread thighs, his shaft pressing against her slick folds. One thrust and he was in her, his girth stretching her wide, and she gasped into his mouth at the fullness. Pulling out to the tip, he plunged back in, setting a pace that increased with every stroke. He released her mouth, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him as he gripped her hips and raised her off the counter to pound into her. His warm, rasping breath stroked her ear. “Come for me, baby.” “Oh god… Nathan” She pressed into him, her breasts squashing against the hard muscles of his chest through his cotton shirt. He angled her so her clit was bumping against him on every thrust, and that was all it took to send her careening off the edge of her climax in a shuddering heap, sobbing out his name. With a shout, he thrust in to the hilt, his shaft pulsing inside her as his own release claimed him. She still clung to him as their breaths steadied. But he’d placed her back on the counter, one hand on her hip, the other on the surface beside her, supporting his weight as he leaned into her, eyes closed, his forehead resting on her shoulder. She turned her face and pressed a small kiss on to his hot sweat-slicked cheek. His eyes snapped open and he pulled back as if stung, and unwrapping her arms from around his neck, stepped away from her. Her stomach clenched at the sudden cold loss of him, but she didn’t dare reach out. She slipped off the counter and bent to pick up her clothes from the floor as he discarded the condom and pulled up his boxers and jeans. She straightened and sneaked a glance at him. His expression was grim and he was looking anywhere but at her as he buttoned his jeans. She clasped her jeans and the remains of her red blouse protectively in front of her, and he looked at her then, anger flickering in his eyes. “I’ve work to do.” And with that he grabbed his jacket and glasses from the table and left. Loss weighed like a rock inside her as he strode away, and her gaze fell on the

colourful box of condoms. The cardboard was ripped open and several fuchsiapink packets lay strewn around it. That was her, used and discarded. Angry hot tears gathered in her eyes, but she blinked them away. She was a big girl, and big girls didn’t cry. At least, not over men who didn’t want them. What just happened between Nathan and her cut deep. It was like an ending underlining everything they’d shared. She should have seen it coming. After all, he’d never promised her anything. She should walk away too if she had any pride left. But she had no pride when it came to her love for him, and the thought of never holding him again had her crumbling inside.

11 Nathan slammed his bedroom door shut, spun around and punched his fist square into it. Dull pain radiated through his hand, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the agony in him. “Fuck!” He closed his eyes and braced himself with both hands flat against the door. How? How did she do it? How had she burrowed so deep into him? He had to leave, or he’d end up hurting her more than he already had. He straightened and ran a hand through his hair. A few days with Aura and he’d gone against all his principles. Wanting someone so much that they consumed your every waking hour gave them a shit-load of power over you, and in business and in relationships he’d always made sure to be the one calling the shots. But now here he was, acting crazy around her. How had he got to this? And what if she was pregnant? The image of Aura, her belly swollen with his child, came to mind, and a strange thrill shot through him, the complete opposite of the horror he’d expected. The memory of playing with Jason brought a warmth to his heart. What if he had that for himself? A little family of his own, the way Andy had. When he’d realized she’d never been with another man, something had flipped in him, and the need to make her only his had ridden him, destroying all common sense. But in his selfishness, he hadn’t given her a choice. He shook his head. He should have taken better care of her. No matter what he’d said to her just moments ago, he was the real culprit in all this. She was the innocent. And now he had a duty to look after her. He thrust his hands into his jeans pockets, and going to the window, stood staring out. The darkening street outside was empty, but the row of grey stone townhouses opposite had lit windows that glowed a cosy yellow as people snuggled up indoors on the cold evening. He hadn’t switched on his room light, not yet ready to face his troubled emotions in the stark brightness. He’d thought he’d bought those condoms to warn Bill off, but had it been more of a warning to himself? He always used protection during sex, yet with Aura he’d willingly taken a risk more times than he cared to count. Did he want her pregnant? She’d make a loving mother. He knew that instinctively. Far better than his own had turned out to be. But was he prepared to marry her for that?

His shoulders slumped. He’d always blamed Cathy for his parents’ divorce, but she’d taken him in when she’d thought he was hurt, and looked after him like a son. And Aura, she wasn’t the easy slut he’d always been happy to think of her as. In fact, she deserved a much better man than he could ever be. Someone like Bill, maybe. He grimaced at the thought. But he had no right to stand in the way of her happiness. The likes of him had women such as Oksana. It wasn’t as if he loved Oksana. He loved no one. But he’d got bored with the usual games women played, and having Oksana around had made things more predictable. Over the year they’d been together, they’d fallen into a comfortable routine. If he wanted her company, she’d travel out to meet him, no matter where he was in the world. And in return, as his star had risen, so had hers by association, and now she was something of a celebrity in her own right. But not even once with Oksana had he felt this overwhelming urge to keep her by his side day and night. That was why when she’d begun to talk about marriage, he’d been able to walk away without a second thought. No, he had no regrets about finishing with Oksana. He’d never looked to sleep around during their year together, but she’d never been short of male attention in the glitzy world she inhabited. It had never particularly bothered him who else she was seeing, as long as she kept it discrete. Maybe it had been his way of keeping that exit door open if he ever needed it. But if he married Aura… he’d kill before he let another man come near her. He closed his eyes on a groan. There it was again. This possessiveness that grew with every passing day. Where the hell had it come from, and how the hell was he going to overcome it? He opened his eyes and stared at the houses opposite. Maybe Oksana was the answer after all. She’d marry him in the blink of an eye. He only had to offer. And she certainly fit his lifestyle better than Aura did. She knew how this world of media, money, and pretence worked. But most of all, she had no hold on him. She could never hurt him. Yes, that could be the way. If he was with Aura, his heart would forever be on the line and what if he eventually came to resent this hold she had on him? What if she left him? She deserved someone who would love her unconditionally without fear of the future. Once he left, she’d eventually meet someone. Hell, with that Bill sniffing around, it may be sooner than later. He gritted his teeth against the surge of possessiveness that nearly knocked him off his feet. Everything in him wanted to return to her right this minute. Hold her, and tell her…

Tell her what? That he couldn’t think straight around her but he was incapable of offering more. No doubt she hated him for everything he’d done so far. Wasn’t it best to remain the bad guy he was in her eyes and leave now? *** Aura went through the motions of preparing lemon risotto for dinner, her thoughts miles from the stove and the saucepan on top of it. For years, Nathan had been her reason to avoid other men, even if she’d never fully admitted that to herself. But now, having been with him, would she ever recover? He hurt her, never physically, but deep in her soul, yet she couldn’t bring herself to stay away from him. It was as if life had no spark if he wasn’t around. Maybe if she hadn’t picked a fight about those wretched condoms… but she’d been angry. Why try and scare off Bill when Nathan had nothing to offer longterm? She’d taken his show of jealousy as something else, and she’d wanted him to admit feeling more for her. Well, that had backfired spectacularly. And now all she had was an aching emptiness inside. She had to try. For her own sake at least. She wanted the Nathan who smiled at her, the Nathan who made sweet dizzying love to her. She wanted that man back. She had to try. She spent the next half hour making their dinner. Lemon risotto topped with parmesan and roasted shrimp accompanied by a balsamic sweet potato and cherry tomato salad. Nathan had chosen a white wine—a Prosecco he’d sworn was delicious when she’d mentioned she was planning to cook risotto. She took the bottle and carefully placed it with everything else on the kitchen table. She’d changed into loose cotton trousers and a pink vest top, and nervously wiping her sweaty hands on the flowing cotton of her trousers, she headed up the stairs. His bedroom door was slightly ajar, and she paused outside. It sounded like he was talking to someone, but it was nearly seven o’clock in the evening, so it couldn’t be someone from his office. “My mother or not, if she leaks details to the press, then she’d better get

ready for the consequences.” She frowned. He was talking about Vivienne. From what she’d heard Mum say, Vivienne had never been much of a mother to Nathan. Aura’s heart went out to him. Her own mother had always been her rock, but Nathan had never experienced that sort of love. What had Vivienne done to make him sound this furious? Gathering her courage, she knocked once and without waiting for his answer, pushed the door open and stepped into the room. He turned from where he’d been facing the dimly illuminated window, and even in the unlit room the deep frown on his brow was clear. He straightened, his phone still at his ear as he raised an inquisitive chin at her. “I made dinner…” He shook his head, his frown deepening, before running an agitated hand through his messy hair and turning away from her. She stared at his broad back for a moment. Shut out. She wanted to go to him, smooth his tousled dark hair, and insist he rest and eat something. But he’d given her no right to do such a thing in his life. He leaned against the side of the window then, one hand supporting his head. The painkillers! She’d forgotten about them. He must still be getting headaches. She left the room, pulling the door ajar after her, leaving it exactly as she’d found it. She may not be able to touch him as she wanted, but she could still make sure he was okay. Back in the kitchen, she placed the food she’d prepared in the oven to keep warm. She’d eat if and when he ate. And then picking up the box of tablets and a glass of cold water, she took them upstairs. When she reached his bedroom, the door was now firmly closed. The message was loud and clear. He expected her to leave him alone. A heavy sadness crushed her, but she placed the tablets and glass of water on the cream carpet in front of his door. She missed her mother right now. She needed someone to hold her. And in search of comfort, she wandered into her mother’s bedroom next door, where she flipped on the light switch, illuminating the clearly feminine room with its pink and cream decor and ruffle-edged furniture. Going to the wide dressing table, she opened the bottom drawer and took out a large, leather-bound photo album. She carried it over to the double bed, and kicking off her slippers settled on the flower-print quilt with the album in

her lap. The last time she’d flipped through this album had been two years ago, the day after her stepfather’s funeral. Her mother had wanted to remember, and Aura had sat with her and held her as she’d gone through the entire album, talking about each and every photo. It was a visual record of Ralph and her mother’s twelve year marriage. She opened the album. The first page had a photo of her mother and Ralph on their wedding day, and on the page opposite, a group photo from the same day. It had been at a registry office, with only a couple of employees from Ralph’s glassworks factory as guests and witnesses, and a ten-year-old Aura. Nathan was absent. He’d been sixteen at the time, and had chosen to stay at his boarding school rather than be by his father’s side that day. She flicked through the album, her eyes searching for Nathan as they always did. He was there in only three photos, his thick dark hair longer and scruffier on his teenage head, his expression one of silent disdain. He was always standing off to the side of everyone else as if he didn’t belong in their little family unit. The third photo had been taken when he was twenty, the last time he’d spent a weekend at their house. They were all in the garden with a few of Ralph’s friends, and there as clear as day in the image was her fourteen year old self staring up at Nathan with such devotion in her eyes as he sat next to her on a wooden garden bench, that her crush was plainly written on her face for everyone to see. She cringed. She’d been such a hopeless basket case around him even then. No wonder he’d run away the next day. Her cheeks blazing, she flicked through to the last page of the album. A large, official looking photo of her father in his army uniform was there. She gently traced her finger over his face. She didn’t remember him, but she missed him like missing a part of herself. Ralph had been a caring stepfather to her, and she would always be grateful to him. He’d been the one to encourage her to take up sewing professionally, having believed in her skill as much as her mother had. In many ways, Ralph had saved her from growing up with a bigger hole in her heart where her father should have been. But why had things been so intolerable between Ralph and Nathan that he never even came for his father’s funeral? She’d tried to contact Nathan, but his secretary had passed on his condolences and informed her he wouldn’t be attending. Her mother had forgiven him immediately, saying they had to be more understanding because Nathan’s relationship with Ralph had been strained. But Aura had waited for him, hoping he’d change his mind. She’d needed him there, and she’d waited all five days leading up to Ralph’s cremation for him. But true to his word, Nathan never came.

But then Nathan had always been like a dream that slipped through her fingers the harder she tried to hold on to it. She turned the last page over, and stopped on seeing a sealed white envelope tucked into a plastic slot inside the back cover. That had never been there before. It was normal letter sized and unstamped. The only word on it was in her mother’s neat handwriting. It said, ‘Nathan’. She pulled it out and turned it over in her fingers, frowning, feeling the folded edges of the letter inside. But why would her mother write a letter to Nathan? What was so important that it had to be written down, and why hadn’t she given it to him already? She’d make sure to find out as soon as her mother returned from Hawaii. She replaced the letter and closed the album, sealing the letter inside once more. *** Nathan frowned but listened patiently as his assistant, Maria, spoke over the phone. Aura had just come and mentioned something about dinner, and he longed to go to her, but Maria’s call had come out of the blue and suddenly everything had gone belly up. As Maria talked, he strode to his bedroom door and closed it. He didn’t need Aura hearing any of this conversation and worrying. “What the hell was she thinking?” He gripped the mobile phone tighter as he went back to staring unseeing out the window. Maria sighed at the other end. “She’s still your mother, Nathan.” His laugh was mirthless. “You give her too much credit, Maria. She doesn’t know the meaning of that word.” Maria was fifty and soon to be a grandmother. Her idea of ‘mother’ was no doubt someone who lived for her children, soothed their fears, and cried when they were hurt. But that wasn’t Nathan’s mother. Vivienne Gimondi lived for no one but herself, and that was a truth he’d refused to acknowledge until after his father’s death two years ago. If she ever shed a tear, it was only for herself. Vivienne’s third husband, Alberto, had mafia connections, and a year ago, as Astreca had flourished, Alberto had tried to use his dubious relationship with Nathan to ingrain himself with a Sicilian don. Vivienne, sensing an opportunity to get the kind of money she needed to fuel her exotic lifestyle, had eagerly slung her son to the wolfs, urging Nathan to sell a significant share in Astreca to the

investors her husband brought. They’d offered twice what Astreca had then been valued at, but Nathan wouldn’t have sold even for ten times. Astreca’s software and technical know-how would be worth billions in the years to come, and the Cosa Nostra were aware of that. They’d put pressure on Nathan, subtle threats and warnings when he hadn’t immediately complied, but Nathan had deftly sidestepped them, actively seeking out legitimate investors for Astreca. It was a move that generated huge publicity for Astreca and put it well out of the Mafia’s shady reach. It also thrust him right into the media limelight, but that had been a small price to pay for his company’s survival. Alberto had been left with no deal and a lot of explaining to do to his Mafia benefactors, and since then, Vivienne had looked for any and every way to bring Nathan down, and it looked like she’d finally found one. “How did my mother get the information?” “Andy did some digging. Apparently, it was a stewardess on your flight back from Switzerland. She had a photo of you with your eyes bandaged.” Nathan groaned. So much for Andy playing incognito. “So why didn’t this woman take the photo straight to the papers? Why collude with my mother?” “I think the original idea was to blackmail Vivienne. I suppose she expected your mother to be more emotional about you. That way, you’d pay more for your mother’s peace of mind.” “And then she met my mother, who’s even more diabolical than her, and now the two of them decide to blackmail me together.” “That is where we stand.” “If it weren’t so pathetic, it would be laughable.” “Nathan, the meeting is in four days’ time. All it would take is for you to return to the office now and show everyone you’re all right. This thing would disappear without a trace.” He fell silent. He should leave. It was the right thing to do for Aura and for himself. But a stubborn part of him refused to. “Nathan?” “I need time… a few more days.” “I see.” Her headmistressy tone brought a small smile to his lips. Maria had been his assistant for the past five years. She’d been with him since Astreca was nothing more than a paper company trading out of a rented shoebox apartment in the middle of London, with him and Andy as the only other employees. She knew him well enough not to question. “Pull up Alberto’s file, Maria. He owes me several million and I’ve a sudden itch to see it paid back immediately, with interest.”

“How ever did you get that hold on him?” “I bought it from the don he was trying to cosy up to. I figured I’d be needing insurance against him in the future.” It would mean the end of any pretence of a relationship between him and his mother, but she’d brought it on herself, and strangely, the thought of losing the one family he had remaining no longer frightened him as much as before. Maria laughed. “That’ll certainly put a damper on Vivienne’s plans. It’s put a smile on my face at any rate.” “Happy to oblige. Let’s also give it a touch of official weight. Send the paperwork up to our law firm’s Leeds branch and I’ll sign off on it tomorrow.” “Will do, but one more thing before you go.” He shot an impatient glance at the door. “What is it?” “Oksana’s been trying to reach you these past few days. Andy asked me not to tell you until after Friday’s meeting, but she called again just ten minutes ago. I’d rather you knew, in case it’s something urgent.” He closed his eyes and rubbed a weary hand across his face. Maybe this was needed. Maybe it was a sign he should be leaving Aura alone. “Call her back, Maria, and put me through.” “Right away.” The line went blank for a moment and then ringtones sounded at the other end. “Nathan!” “Oksana, are you all right?” “Yes. It’s wonderful to hear your voice again.” He breathed a small sigh of relief. At least she wasn’t in any immediate trouble. When they’d split two weeks ago, she’d taken up with a mid-grade actor she’d had waiting in the wings. Perhaps that relationship had fallen through. “Was there something you wanted to talk about?” he asked. “I know we didn’t part on the best of terms.” She rushed into speech as if afraid he might hang up on her. “I pushed you, and you weren’t ready. I understand that now. But I’m returning to London tomorrow, and maybe we could meet… for old times sake. I’d really like that.” He let her familiar, lightly accented voice wash over him. This was his ticket out. He could leave Aura and return to the comfortable predictability of his old life, complete with Oksana. It was the right thing to do. What he needed to do. But the words refused to form. “Oksana…” “You’re busy. I know. But it’s Valentines tomorrow and… please, Nathan?” He thrust his fingers through his disheveled hair. Why in hell was it so difficult to leave this place?

“I’m sorry.” It was as if a weight was lifted off his chest. “Besides, I’m not in London at the moment.” He also didn’t want her going to the office and giving Andy grief. “I could fly over and meet you anywhere if you tell—” “No. I’m up North. My father’s house.” “Oh.” Her voice dropped in defeat. “Perhaps we could meet—” “I’ll get Maria to schedule you in sometime. But if you’ll excuse me now?” “Yes…” “Bye, Oksana.” He hung up. No regret. Just an overwhelming need to get to Aura. And he wasn’t going to fight it any longer. He put the phone down on the bedside table and strode to the door, but when he pulled it open, he came to an abrupt halt. A blue box of painkillers and a glass of water was on the carpet outside. A small smile curved his lips, and hunkering down, he popped two tablets from the foil strip in the box and swallowed them with a swig of water. Then straightening up, he placed the tablets and water on a sideboard in his room and stepped out to find Aura. He didn’t need to go far. The light was on in Cathy’s bedroom, its brightness seeping around the slightly open door into the dim unlit landing.

12 The bedroom door swung open, and Aura whipped around from where she was placing the album back in the drawer. Nathan leaned against the door frame, both hands thrust into his jeans pockets, his face impassive and his silver-grey eyes intent on her. She straightened, licking her lips nervously. What was going on in that head of his right now? “You’ve finished… Are you hungry?” His mouth tipped up in that sexy half-smile that took her breath away. “Always.” His eyes glittered with a hunger that brought heat flooding to her cheeks. She crossed her arms across her chest to hide the hardening of her braless nipples as they pushed against the thin cotton of her vest top. “I kept dinner warm,” she mumbled. He cocked his head to the side, as if considering something for a moment, then with a nod, straightened and moved away from the door. She didn’t hesitate. Taking the opening he’d given her, she rushed past him, not locking gazes with him again lest her body embarrassed her with more signs of its desperate clamouring for him. *** Dinner was less stressful than she’d braced herself for. They kept the topics to her mother’s vacation, Andy’s little family, and even the erratic weather. The Prosecco Nathan had chosen went beautifully with the risotto, and he must have enjoyed the food as much as she did because there were no left overs. Still, it was a relief when it was over. Nathan had been there physically, but not in any other way that mattered if their lacklustre conversation was anything to go by. It was as if neither one of them wanted to acknowledge the massive elephant in the room that was their sorry relationship. The cleaning up afterwards was quick. She’d done most of the washing up straight after cooking, and they had only their plates to wash. Nathan had insisted on helping her, and she’d let him without a murmur of protest. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes as she wiped down the tabletop. He was drying and stacking the last of the plates as if he did this

everyday. So distant, yet so homely at the same time. The awkward silence between them loomed and filled the kitchen, and she couldn’t face it anymore. She had to say something to make things right between them. Maybe she could admit she missed him and wanted him. Could she admit she loved him? She glanced at the clock on the wall. Just past eight. The coward’s way out was to excuse herself. She did have dress alterations to do, and if she spent the next couple of hours working she might stop thinking about him. It might just work. She dropped the tea towel she was holding into the laundry basket and turned to him. “You must have work to do. I’ll just—” “Do you have plans for tomorrow?” “Plans?” “Valentines. I heard you mentioning something about a date to your friend.” His tone was clipped, impatient, and he leaned against the sink, his arms crossed across his broad chest. She frowned for a moment, confused, and then it dawned on her. “Oh, you mean… That’s Lisa’s blind date. I don’t have—” “What about Bill?” She frowned again and crossed her own arms, mirroring his haughty stance. “Unfortunately, no, and definitely not after today’s fiasco.” He grinned then, his entire face lightening, and was that relief lighting his eyes? Still she couldn’t decide if she wanted to slap him for being so insensitive as to find this funny, or kiss him for coming back to his old self. But the lightness vanished as fast as it had come, and he uncrossed his arms and pushed away from the sink, his expression pensive as he came to stand in front of her. Reaching out, he took hold of her bare upper arms and stroked his thumbs in soothing circles over her skin. She gasped at the gentle contact, her wide-eyed gaze flying up to meet his contemplative one. “There’s so much between us I want to set right, Aura. I’m not sure where to start…” “Nathan…” She shook her head, trepidation robbing her of words. “I need to apologize. You deserved much better.” Her heart thundered in her chest. Was he saying this now because it was the end for them? What else could this be? She wanted to beg him to try again. Wanted him to believe there was more for them. But she could only stare numbly at him. He released her and half-turned away, running a hand through his hair. “Hell, Aura, I don’t know how to say this.”

She waited with bated breath, her arms wrapped around herself, her thumbs rubbing the spots he’d held just moments before. He turned back to her. “I have to go to Leeds tomorrow morning…” Her stomach dropped like a stone and a chill shot through her. He was leaving? So soon? “But when I get back, we’ll work things out…” Relief was a warm rush in her. He was coming back. “But I want you to know, no matter what you decide, I’ll always look after you… and our baby if it comes to that.” Her hand flew to her mouth. He wanted their child if she was pregnant. She hadn’t dared hope. She’d thought he would just leave, but to hear him say he would accept their baby had her heart swell to bursting. “Thank you,” she whispered, and throwing her arms around him, pressed a kiss to his lips. He staggered back a step in shock before steadying himself. Then with a rumbling growl, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him, deepening the kiss with a ferocious hunger. *** Aura woke alone on Valentines morning. She sat up in Nathan’s bed, missing the feel of his arms around her, holding her tight through the night. They’d made slow sweet love that had left her sobbing with its deliciousness, and then he’d held her to him as if he was scared she would run away. It had been different to all the times they’d made love before, it had been as if they finally belonged to each other. She shook her head. She was getting carried away. He’d never promised anything, and she wasn’t going to start dreaming about forever again. A quick glance at the bedside clock showed it was nearly ten o’clock. God, she never slept this late. She ran her hand over the indentation in his pillow where he’d slept. Leeds. That’s where he said he’d be today. But he’d also said he’d come back. She refused to think any further than that. She would wait. Pulling herself out of his bed, she gathered her clothes from the floor and headed back to her room to get ready for the day. ***

Six o’clock in the evening, and Nathan still hadn’t returned. Aura put the last stitches to the dress she was altering and freed it from the sewing machine. He would have called and explained if he wasn’t coming back today, wouldn’t he? Frowning, she put the dress back in its protective cover and went and hung it up in the wardrobe. She had to stop thinking about him. She was driving herself crazy. The doorbell rang, startling her. Nathan? Her heart doing a mile a minute, she quickly swiped a hand over her yellow top and loose cotton trousers to remove any stray bits of sewing thread before hurrying to the front door and opening it. “Hey, sleeping beauty.” Lisa grinned at her. Aura had to hold on to her smile to keep it from dropping. Lisa’s face was artfully made up and her long blonde hair had been styled into romantic waves that flowed down her back. The whole princess look was at odds with the old jeans and cream wool coat she wore, and the oversized bag slung over her shoulder. Aura gasped. “Oh my god, your date!” “You forgot?” Lisa giggled and stepped into the house. “Loverboy has been keeping you busy if you forgot about me so fast. The dress is ready, isn’t it? Or am I stepping out in these fine tatty jeans tonight?” She swept a hand over her jeans. Aura closed the front door. “Of course it’s ready. And I didn’t forget.” She led the way to the sewing room. “Uh-huh,” Lisa said as she followed. “Where is he anyway? Don’t tell me he’s holed up in his room working on Valentine’s Day. He’s supposed to take you out and paint the town red.” Heat scorched Aura’s cheeks as she took Lisa’s covered dress from the wardrobe and laid it on the cutting table. Lisa squinted at her. “Why have you gone all tomato? Ooh, he has, hasn’t he? He’s gone off somewhere and left you all alone on Valentine’s Day.” “It’s not like he has to do anything for me.” Aura averted her eyes from her friend’s piercing gaze. “It’s not that kind of relationship.” “Well, that’s mighty handy for Nathan.” Aura shrugged, her expression carefully neutral. “I’m not that bothered.” She paused with her hand on the zip of the black plastic cover. “Now, are you ready to see your dress, or not?” Lisa grinned and clasped her hands together. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” Aura opened the cover and carefully lifting the dress out, held it up beneath

the warm white of the ceiling light. It was blush pink, high-waisted and A-line. It came to just above the knee and the gently flaring skirt was made up of many delicate pieces of cloth sewn one over the other to look like new spring leaves. Lisa clapped her hands over her mouth and stared at it wide-eyed. “Do you like it?” Aura asked. “Oh my god, Aura, it’s stunning.” She reached for it. “I’ve just got to try it on.” “You bought the shoes, didn’t you?” Aura went to look in the shoulder bag as Lisa shimmied out of her walking boots and the rest of her clothes. “Yep, shoes, purse, the whole kaboodle. Everything a girl needs to be going out with.” Fishing out the cream high-heeled pumps, Aura took them back to her. Lisa slipped on the shoes and Aura moved behind her to do up the hidden zip at the back of the dress. She turned Lisa around and stood back with a broad smile, admiring her creation. The dress was a perfect fit, the deep v-neck enhancing Lisa’s pretty cleavage and the waistband accentuating her nipped-in waist. “Perfect, if I say so myself.” “Let me see.” Lisa opened the wardrobe door and gazed at her reflection in the long mirror there. She shook her head in wonder. “I can’t believe it. I don’t even look like me anymore.” “It’s not the dress, really. You’ve got the kind of figure men would kill just to see.” And with her shiny blonde locks and perfect hourglass figure, Lisa looked the part of the fairytale princess to perfection, while Aura was just pretending, having been lumbered with the name. Lisa was the sort of woman Nathan usually went for in a heartbeat. With a silent sigh, Aura bit back her envy. It wasn’t fair on Lisa to think like that. Hopefully her date tonight would be worthy of her. “Your mystery man, he knows to pick you up from here, doesn’t he?” Lisa grinned, twirling around in front of the mirror, trying to catch sight of herself from all angles. “Sure girl, I’m no fool. I’m not going to give him my real address, am I? He could be a stalker or a serial killer, or heaven forbid, a dog lover.” Aura smirked. “Gee, thanks a bunch for landing me with him then.” “Don’t worry, babe, you’re so innocent looking no one will hurt you. Besides, you have big brawny Nathan here to protect you.” Aura rolled her eyes. If only she did have him.

The doorbell rang and Lisa clasped her hands together again, doing a little jig on the spot. “It’s him! You get it. I’m too nervous.” “Don’t be. You’ll blow him away. Just wait and see.” Aura hurried to the front door and opened it. There in the evening sunset, stood a tall, lean young man with mousy-brown hair that swept across his brow and grazed the round glasses over his cornflower-blue eyes. He was dressed in a neat brown overcoat over dark grey trousers and polished black oxfords. He smiled at her, his whole face changing from good-looking to striking in a beat. “Hi, I’m Gary.” He suddenly remembered the lone red rose he clutched in his hand and held it out rather shyly. “For you.” Aura jumped back as if the rose had sprouted pointy teeth and snapped at her. “No, not me. You’re here for Lisa.” Gary’s cheeks glowed pink. “Oh, bugger. I’m so sorry. I thought you were —” “No, it’s fine. I really should have introduced myself. I’m her friend Aura.” He still stood there looking mortified and she caught him by the elbow. “Come on in. Lisa’s nearly ready.” “Oh, right… thank you.” He stepped into the warm hallway and she closed the door after him. He smiled at her, seeming to search for a topic to cover his earlier embarrassment. “It’s rather cold out. Not raining though, so that’s quite nice. I suppose…” His voice trailed off as Lisa came out of the sewing room. Aura stepped towards her. “Lisa, this is Gary. Gary. Lisa.” Lisa smiled at him, but Gary just stood there and gaped. Aura regarded him. Should she nudge him and tell him to scrape his jaw off the floor? Luckily, Lisa wasn’t so overcome. She stepped forward with her hand outstretched to shake his. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Gary.” Gary hinged his jaw back together and his wide-eyed gaze flicked from Lisa’s face to the elegant hand she held out. Taking it, he bowed and planted a kiss on it. Lisa stiffened and goggled at Aura over his bent head. Straightening, he held the rose out to her. “For my love is like a red red rose.” Aura hid a grin. Lisa looked like someone had smacked her with a wet haddock. Her mouth was open in shock and her eyes bulged. Reaching out on automatic, she snatched the rose from him and clutched it to her. “Th–thank you… I need a moment to

get ready, would you mind…” She looked at Aura for help. But Gary answered with a nervous grin. “Sure.” He nodded towards the half-open door of the living room. “I’ll wait in there, shall I?” Aura nodded, moving to open the door fully for him. “Can I get you something to drink while you wait? We have tea or coffee.” He followed her in and plopped down on the couch. “No, I’m fine thanks.” He took off his glasses and wiped a hand across his forehead, shoving his brown locks back. “Rather nervous as it is. I don’t need more fluid messing up the waterworks.” Aura hid another grin as she left him. Lisa grabbed her arm as soon as she came out into the hallway and pulled her into the sewing room, closing the door behind them. “Oh my god,” Lisa whispered, fanning herself dramatically with the hand that wasn’t holding the rose. “Is that a good Oh my god or bad?” “I don’t know. He’s not what I expected… The way he talks…” Aura blinked at her in surprise. “I thought he was lovely, the rose and that little snippet of poetry. And the way he was staring at you, like you’re the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. He’s a tad nervous, but that’s quite sweet too.” “But don’t you think he’s a bit too pretty and sweet for me? I mean, I usually end up with the rough rugged ones.” She went to the open wardrobe and checked herself in front of the mirror again. Aura watched her from the door, not missing the way Lisa’s fingers trembled as she adjusted her dress. How much of this reluctance was down to nervousness? It was tough imagining Lisa being nervous about anything, but the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. “You wanted someone more considerate and kind, remember?” Lisa spun around from the mirror, wringing her hands. “He just seems so… What if I can’t keep up with him? What if he finds out I’m really dumb as soon as I open my mouth and then decides to bail on me half way?” Aura gasped. Was that how Lisa saw herself? She rushed to her friend and caught her by her shoulders. “Never put yourself down like that. You’re a gorgeous woman, a wonderful mother, and a true friend. Any man should be grateful to have a chance with you.” “But—” “But nothing. Gary’s in the other room waiting for you, and from the look of him, he doesn’t want to be anywhere else right now.” She released her hold on Lisa’s shoulders and stepped back, staring down at her own fluffy house slippers. “At least he turned up when it mattered. That’s such a huge compliment.”

Lisa clasped Aura’s face in both hands, forcing her to look up. “You really wanted Nathan to be here, didn’t you?” Aura smiled, and leaning in, placed a kiss on her friend’s cheek. “We don’t all get what we want, but maybe you will. Give Gary a chance. He might surprise you.” “You’re right. It’s not like the rugged type I’ve been with hung around when the going got tough. Besides, it’s just a date, and Gary had the decency to turn up like he said he would. That’s a promising start.” “That’s the spirit. You ready then?” With a nod, Lisa went and took a cream clutch and a shawl from her shoulder bag, and drawing herself up tall, walked out of the sewing room. Aura shooed her into the living room, and then as she stepped back to wait in the hallway, the doorbell chimed again. She nearly jumped out of her skin. Nervously licking dry lips, she opened the front door.

13 “Miss Aura Willis?” A man in a black suit and chauffeur’s hat stood outside, his face partially obscured by the thick bunch of red roses he held up. Nathan’s chauffeur. Where was Nathan? A small frown touched her brow. “That’s me.” “These are for you, Miss Willis.” He passed her the gold-wrapped roses and she had to stretch her arms wide to hug them. Lisa gasped behind her. “Here, let me help you with those.” Gary reached out and took the heavy bunch from her. She surrendered it willingly, and turned back to the chauffeur. “Mr Travers requests your company for dinner tonight, at the Belgravia, Miss.” Her eyebrows rose. The Belgravia in Leeds was one of the finest hotels in Yorkshire. The sort of place you gawked at as you passed, but dared not step into because even a glass of water would cost you the same as a smallish house. The chauffeur waited patiently for her answer. The sleek black Bentley that had brought Nathan to Langley a few days ago was parked in front of her gate, but Nathan wasn’t there. “What’s your name?” she asked the man. He touched the tip of his cap, a smile in his warm brown eyes. “George, Miss.” “Well, George. It’s very kind of Nathan… er… Mr Travers, but…” She glanced down at her plain home clothes. “I’m not sure—” “She needs to get ready, is what she’s trying to say.” Lisa pushed up beside her and poked her head out the doorway with a smile. “Won’t be long. Why don’t you come in and have a cup of tea?” Aura shot Lisa a glare, which her friend blithely ignored before hustling Aura back from the front door so George could step in. “Don’t mind if I do,” George said, taking off his hat and running a hand over his cropped salt-and-pepper hair. “Gary, would you mind?” Lisa smiled sweetly at Gary. “The kitchen’s through there.” “No problem.” Gary nodded amicably and turned to George. “So, you’re not from around here?”

“London actually,” George said, following Gary into the kitchen. “But I’m here as long as the Boss is.” With a murderous look, Aura pushed Lisa into the sewing room and closed the door. “Why did you say that? I’m not going anywhere.” “A minute ago, you were upset Nathan wasn’t here, and now you want to turn him down flat?” “He still isn’t here!” “But he wants you with him tonight, Aura. That’s something, isn’t it?” Aura stalked to the cutting table and stared at her designs on the cork board. “All he had to do was come back home. I don’t need all this show. The roses. The chauffeur. And the Belgravia! I’m not the sort of person who goes to places like the Belgravia.” “But you’ll go there for Nathan.” Aura spun around and glared at her friend. Lisa scowled back at her. “Think about it, Aura. Maybe this is all he knows. This is Nathan. A bit like Gary and his poetry. And if you love him like I think you do, then you’ll have to accept him as he is. All of him.” “I don’t—” “Oh please.” Lisa gave a dismissive flick of her hand. “It’s written all over you whenever you mention his name. You love that guy like there’s no tomorrow.” “But he doesn’t love me.” “You don’t know that.” “I’m not that naive that I believe great sex equals love.” Aura said, with a pointed look at her friend. “You’re right. I’ve always loved Nathan, but I know I don’t mean anything to him.” “All right. If you’re so sure he feels nothing for you, why not go and put your cards on the table tonight? Tell him you love him and ask what he plans to do about it.” Aura shook her head. “I can’t…” “Look, if he doesn’t love you, then dragging this relationship on will only hurt you more later. You’ve got to know, Aura. If he’s not truly yours, then end it now, because he won’t stay anyway.” Aura paused, but Lisa was right. This thing between Nathan and her lived or died tonight. She nodded. “I’ll go.” Lisa grinned. “Excellent!” “But I don’t have anything to wear that’s good enough for the Belgravia.” “You’ve got to have something.” Lisa strode to the wardrobe, where all the dresses were hidden in their black covers. “What about one of the dresses you

were making? That blue one for Mrs Carthers. She won’t mind if you take it for a test drive.” “She may not…” Aura said, coming to stand beside her. “But since I’m not a buxom fifty-something, I doubt I’ll rock it quite the same.” She reached for a dress cover. “I have the black one I wore for that date with Bill.” “Black? For Valentines? No way! Besides, isn’t Nathan sort of responsible for your black hang-up?” “I don’t have anything else.” “Right. Then you wear this.” Lisa reached back to pull down the zip of her pink dress. “No!” Aura grabbed her hand. “All right. Fine. I may have something.” Lisa smirked. “Thought you might. Come on. Show.” With a resigned shake of her head, Aura reached into the wardrobe and pulled out the dress cover right at the end. She laid it on the cutting table and opened it to reveal the red dress inside. “Oh, wow. Just wow,” Lisa breathed. She ran a reverent hand over the detailed lace of the bodice and the soft layers of the skirt. “You had this all the time and you never showed me?” “I never planned on wearing it.” “You are so going to wear this tonight.” “But it’s just the dress. I have nothing else to go with it. No shoes. No bag. Nothing.” “Never fear, Cinderella. Leave it to your fairy godmother, Lisa. You have the perfect dress. Your carriage awaits. And you shall go to the ball tonight and capture your prince’s heart. But first we need to go raid your mother’s wardrobe.” *** Aura’s eyes widened as she stepped into the Belgravia’s exclusive restaurant. The dark wood and cream decor was enriched for Valentines with red up-lighting along the walls and pillars, giving the tables and high-backed chairs a gentle romantic glow. The scene was completed with red candles on all the tables and soft instrumental music from a live band at one end of the restaurant. The atmosphere was meant to seduce, and it was doing a wonderful job going by the way various couples were leaning into each other at their tables. She clutched her mother’s dark-pink purse and walked further in. The place was full, and she sent a mental thank-you to Lisa for dressing her to perfection.

In her flowing one-shoulder gown, red open-toe pumps, soft face-framing dark curls, and make-up that managed to make her lips fuller and green eyes larger, she could pretend she belonged in a place like this. The women wore jewellery that flashed and caught the light and the men wore elegant suits. None of it looked cheap. She paused and glanced around. Several pairs of eyes had turned to her, but strangely she no longer wanted to run and hide. She stood straighter, looking around for the one pair of silver-grey eyes that mattered to her. A short, slight man with slicked back hair, a black tailcoat and bowtie, came to her and dipped his head in a small bow. “Can I be of service?” He had to be the maitre d’. “Mr Travers? …I’m supposed to be meeting him.” “Of course. If you’ll follow me.” He led her deeper into the restaurant, where the lighting changed, becoming more golden red, and the tables were larger and spaced further apart. They approached a gently lit section that had been partitioned off with a waist-high ornate wooden divider, giving the four tables there a certain degree of privacy from the rest of the restaurant. A couple sat at each table, except the one at the back, where Nathan lounged alone, a whiskey tumbler in his hand. For a moment, he looked so lonely and her heart went out to him. Then he saw her and slowly got to his feet, his appreciative gaze raking her up and down. He looked magnificently powerful in a dark suit and black shirt with the top button left casually undone, and she swallowed, suddenly shy at the thought of facing him. As they entered the private area, the couples at the other three tables glanced at her, the men’s appraising gazes lingering a bit too long, but it was Nathan’s hot gaze that held her trapped. The maitre d’ led her to the table and pulled out her chair, but Nathan stepped forward and took over from him. With a small bow, the man left them. “Thank you for the roses,” she said as she sat down, casting him a shy look over her shoulder. He smiled and leaning down, placed a kiss on her bare shoulder. “You look beautiful, Aura.” “Thank you,” she breathed, her skin burning from where his lips had touched her. He wouldn’t recognize the red dress, but this greeting from him was a far cry from the last time she’d worn it. He sat down beside her, a wry smile on his lips. “Though, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with the way the guys here are gaping at you.”

A stupid thrill fluttered through her. Was he jealous? That was a good sign, surely? “You’re attracting a fair amount of attention yourself, Nathan.” And he was, if the way plenty of female gazes not so discreetly flicked to their table was anything to judge by. He shrugged. “I only have eyes for one woman.” His gaze was intent on her, and she had to glance away, her cheeks heating. “I’m glad you came tonight,” he said. “For a while, I thought you might leave me waiting.” She looked back at him. A hint of uncertainty showed in his eyes, and she bit her lip. She nearly had left him waiting, if Lisa hadn’t talked her out of it. But the way he was looking at her now was speaking more than words. Maybe Lisa was right. Maybe Nathan and she did have a future. They just needed to admit it to each other. She smiled. “I’m glad I came too.” A waiter approached them then, and Nathan turned his attention to ordering. She relaxed back into her comfortable chair, already loving being here with him. For once, it was as if he was finally within her reach. *** The meal was delicious, roasted lamb and dauphinoise potatoes with a red wine and rosemary sauce, finished off with slices of mouth-watering passion fruit cake. The conversation had been easy, but something remained unsaid, on the edge of their tongues. It was there in the brooding looks Nathan shot her, and in her gathering nervousness. A piano struck up a slow dance melody accompanied by the rest of the band and several couples rose to go to the dance floor, moving into a close sway in each other’s arms. Nathan looked at her. “Would you like to dance?” “I don’t have much practice.” And she was wearing her mother’s shoes, which were taking some getting used to, even though they had the same size feet. “I’ll guide you.” He stood and extended a hand. Wanting to be close to him, she placed her hand in his and let him lead her out to the dance floor, where he gathered her into his arms and they swayed together to the dreamy music. He moved a hand to caress her lower back and she melted into his touch, pressing herself closer to his firm body. The hard ridge of

his arousal thrust against her and she gasped, her wide-eyed gaze shooting to his. Until now all his words and actions had remained on this side of polite and to finally feel his raw desire was like reaching air in the midst of drowning. “Hell,” he muttered, and swooping down, captured her mouth in a fierce kiss. Her small moan was lost in his mouth, and her eyes fluttered closed as she abandoned herself to him. But he broke away, his breathing ragged. “Not here. That’s not how I planned it.” His face was flushed, a small frown marred his brow, and the fierce light in his narrowed eyes made him look like he was fighting a silent battle inside. What had he planned? That they’d have a meal, go home and have sex? Why did that make her feel so cheap, even though she ached for him? She shook her head sadly. “Nathan, we need to talk.” His mouth compressed into a thin line. “We’ll talk at your house.” He steered her through the crowd of dancing couples back to their table, where he made quick work of settling the bill. And within minutes they were outside, and George was opening the back door of the Bentley. Nathan seated her inside on the black bench seat, and then slipped in after her. George went to the front and soon had the big car in motion. The car left the brightly lit city roads behind, and she cast a glance at Nathan’s silent profile as he sat with his head tilted away from her, looking out the window. His silence unnerved her. What had he planned? Had he planned on telling her it was all over? Her heart did a painful somersault. Straight home and sex suddenly seemed the better option. As a teenager, she’d have given her life for just one smile from him. She’d had her smiles and much more these past few days, but now she’d give her life if he’d only give her forever. How pathetic to clutch on to a dream that would never happen. But her silly heart needed to hear him say they had no future to finally give up all hope of having him in her life. Taking a breath to shore up her courage, she reached out and touched his hand. “Nathan, what’s happening between us?” He looked at her, his light eyes hooded, and then shot a glance at the back of George’s capped head. For a moment, it looked like he wouldn’t answer, but he hit a button by his door and dark tinted privacy glass slid into place between them and the front of the car.

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I wanted to wait, but there’s never a right time for this.” He caught her hand in his, absentmindedly massaging her fingers, and she braced herself for his next words. “Aura, will you marry me?” Her world spun to a halt and she gaped at him. He had to be joking. But he was staring at her, waiting for her answer, everything about him taut with tension. This was everything she ever wanted, but why did her heart suddenly feel as if it had shrivelled to a lump? She stared back at him, yelling at herself to just say ‘yes’, but his rigid expression registered. He looked like a man willingly facing a firing squad for the greater good. She frowned in confusion. “Why would you ask me to marry you?” He gazed down at their joined hands. “I’ve been selfish where you’re concerned, taking my pleasure and damning the consequences.” His silver eyes met hers. “You might already be pregnant, and that’s my responsibility.” A cold chill washed over her. He didn’t want her, only the baby they might have created. She pulled her hand from his hold and curled it into a tight ball in her lap. “Even if I am pregnant, you don’t need to marry me for that, Nathan.” His eyes narrowed. “As long as you’re carrying my child, you’ll marry me. It’s as simple as that.” Really? He was going to order her into this? But it would be so easy to say yes. He would be hers just like she’d dreamed. Only… it wouldn’t be like she’d dreamed. She would be his wife in name, the mother of his child, but she’d never own his heart, while he already owned hers. And then when the day came that he finally gave his heart to another woman, she’d have to stand by and watch, dying a slow death inside. No, it was better she set him free now. She would be freeing herself too, even if it sure as hell didn’t feel like it. She blinked back the hot tears that stung her eyes. “The question is if I’m carrying your child, Nathan, and even that’s doubtful. It’s the wrong time of month for me.” “Are you saying you’re not pregnant?” he asked through gritted teeth. He should be happy. She was letting him off the hook. So why was he still acting like a bear about this? She shook her head. “I don’t think I am.” “But you can’t be sure. It’s too early to tell.” Why oh why was he pushing this? Anyone would think he was desperate for her to be pregnant so he could marry her. Only the reality wasn’t anywhere near as romantic, and it hurt like a thousand cuts.

The car turned into the familiar streets of Langley, and dragging up a courage she hadn’t known she had, she fired back at him. “Pregnant or not, I’d never marry you. We have no future together. You need to get off your moral high horse, Nathan, and go back to your life and women in London. I don’t need you and I never will.” He rocked back in his seat as if she’d struck him, staring at her like he was seeing her for the first time. She stared back, biting back the urge to throw herself in his arms and tell him she hadn’t meant a word. That she loved him. But no, she had to let him go. He’d thank her for this as soon as this night was over and he came back to his senses. The car rolled to a stop outside her house and the spell was broken. His mouth set in a grim line, Nathan pushed his door open and was out even as George came to open her door for her. She stepped out of the Bentley just as the passenger side door of a car parked in front of them opened and a vision in a short mink coat and stilettos got out, her long platinum-blonde hair flowing like silk down her shoulders and back. Aura gaped. In real life, Oksana Petrova looked like an Angel fallen from heaven. “Nathan!” Oksana ran to him, her arms outstretched, sure of her welcome. Without hesitating, he slammed his car door shut and strode the few steps to meet her, catching her in his arms. She hugged him tight. And Aura’s world crumbled then and there. He broke the embrace, but kept a hand at the small of her back. “Oksana, what are you doing here?” “Are you all right? It’s all over the news that you had a head injury from a ski accident. Your mother’s been giving interviews saying you’re not fit to work. I was so worried. I had to come here and see you.” His lips thinned. “I’m fine. My mother likes to exaggerate.” He frowned and glanced at George. “I’ll have to head back to London straight away.” “Very well, sir. The roads should be clear at this hour. We’ll make good time.” “No, you’ve been behind the wheel since morning. Just take us to the airport. I’ll call and have them get the helicopter ready. Book yourself into a hotel and drive back tomorrow once you’re rested.” Aura straightened. She’d let him go, and now she had to see this through.

Just, please, let her stay in one piece until she was inside the house. She made her way around the back of the Bentley and stepped on to the pavement, walking quickly to the house’s small wrought iron gate. “Aura…” Nathan called her from behind. She turned slightly and glanced back at him, her head high. He still had one arm around Oksana, who was pressed into his side, a small satisfied smile on her lips. They made a beautiful couple. No denying it. And that look of concern on his face was just him wanting to know she would be all right, nothing more. Of course she would be… in time. “Goodbye, Nathan,” she murmured, and turning away, she fished in her clutch purse for the door keys. As she pulled them out, the car doors closed behind her, and the engine started. He wouldn’t leave until she was inside. For some reason, she knew that as sure as her next breath, but opening the door and stepping inside meant Nathan would leave forever. With shaking hands, she thrust the key into the lock and pushed the door open, taking that one fatal step. The car wheels crunched on the road, and the tears finally streamed down her face. She staggered in, turning in the act of closing the door to watch the Bentley’s red tail lights disappear down the road, until nothing remained but black emptiness. Closing the door, she sank to the floor of the hallway, sobbing out her grief.

14 Aura let herself into the empty house after work on Thursday and flicked on the hallway light. Two days had passed since Nathan left her life, and it still hurt as if her own heart was missing. Work at the alterations boutique had helped keep most of the suffocating loneliness at bay. She just had to keep her head down and get on with her sewing. The three older seamstresses had more than made up for the silence with their tales of family misadventures and opinions on who should be making out with whom on the daytime soaps. But being back home was something else. The memory of Nathan lingered everywhere, and she had nowhere to hide. George had stopped by early Wednesday morning on his way to London and taken all of Nathan’s clothes and belongings with him. She’d packed up every little thing and handed it over, not wanting anything of Nathan in the house anymore. It had been an attempt at a clean break, but he refused to leave her mind. Her days were a smothering fog of loneliness, and her nights had dissolved into a nightmare of sleepless tossing and turning because she missed having his arms around her. She walked into the kitchen and put the shopping bag on the table. She’d bought ingredients for dinner tonight. Nothing fancy. Mum was returning from Hawaii and an easy spaghetti bolognese had sounded nice. Easy enough that she could do it with her eyes closed, and not worry about burning everything to a crisp in her current state of mind. Ten minutes later, she’d changed into her comfy loose cotton trousers and a yellow vest top and was dicing onions. The rhythmic motion gave her mind something to focus on, leaving it little time to mope. Stay busy. Stay busy, was her new mantra. The doorbell rang jolting her out of herself. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Mum wasn’t due back until after six, and it was only half-past-five. Maybe the flight had landed early. Wiping her hands on a tea towel, she went to open the door. Lisa stood on the doorstep beaming. Her blonde hair was done up in a thick side-braid over one shoulder and her make-up was flawless. Aura forced an answering smile to her face. She probably looked as crap as she felt, but no need to burden Lisa with it. “Why are you all dressed up? And

where’s Jason?” “Jason’s with his grandparents, and I have a date,” She stepped into the house and took off her coat to reveal a blue silk wrap dress under a darker blue cardigan. Aura closed the door. “Gary?” Lisa nodded as she hung up her coat, her smile broader, and Aura grinned. Finally, it was like sunshine after a storm to be able to smile with real joy for the first time these past two days. “Come and tell me everything.” She led the way to the kitchen and put the mince to brown on the stove. “I’m sorry I didn’t drop by yesterday,” Lisa said, leaning against the counter. “But let’s just say my Valentine’s date was extended.” Aura laughed. “You’re excused, but only because it sounds like you had a heap of fun.” “Oh, you have no idea.” Lisa waggled her eyebrows. “Hmm, Gary’s proving to be better than expected, huh?” “Much better.” Her expression dropped. “I hope he feels the same about me though.” Aura looked up from the stove. “Why wouldn’t he? You’re still seeing each other.” “He hasn’t said anything about this being long-term, and honestly, I’m too scared to ask so early in the relationship. Heck, I don’t even know if it’s a proper relationship. I might be head over heels, and he seems to like being with me, compliments me like crazy, but it feels like he’s holding back for some reason. What if it’s just an infatuation for him and it all blows over?” Aura winced. Hadn’t this been how she’d felt about Nathan? And look how that had turned out. But not every man was like Nathan. She laid a comforting hand on Lisa’s arm. “Give it a chance. Don’t panic it to death this early on.” “It’s hard not to panic, especially when I’ve been a fool once before and given my heart away too soon. And then there’s the trouble of being a single mum. It’s not just me. He has to like my kid too. Though, Gary has been brilliant with Jason so far. He’s a natural with kids.” Aura smiled. So Lisa had given her heart, and to Gary. Who’d have guessed, especially considering the macho action-man types she’d always claimed to be attracted to. Maybe Gary’s more easy-going nature was what Lisa had needed all along. Hopefully this would work out for them. She added the last ingredients to the mince and stirred. “That’s good, isn’t it? If he likes both you and Jason, then I’d say you’re on to a winner. Just give it time.” “Time. Yep, that’s what it needs. It’s also a good thing I’ll be moving into my

own apartment tomorrow. Mum and dad are great, but it’s awkward being twenty-two and dating around the parent unit. You’re still helping me move, aren’t you?” “Of course. I’m leaving work at lunchtime just so I can be there.” “Fantastic. I’m really excited. It sort of feels like a right of passage to adulthood to have your own place. Though, does having your older brother as your next door neighbour count?” Aura laughed. Lisa’s new apartment for her and Jason was in the same complex as Bill’s, with his being right opposite hers. “I think it’s great you’re all together. It’ll be nice for Jason to have his uncle nearby.” “Huh, I thought it was a good idea to have Bill close by when I first chose the apartment, but now with Gary in the picture, I’m not so sure. You know how Bill likes to poke his nose in my business.” “That’s called being protective. He’s your big brother. What did you expect?” “I’ll put up with it for Jason’s sake, but if he scares Gary away, then he’s going to feel the sharp end of my heels on his bossy backside.” Aura turned down the gas and Lisa sniffed appreciatively as the bolognese sauce simmered on the stove. “That smells good. I’d be tempted to join you guys if Gary wasn’t taking me out for a fancy Greek dinner.” She grinned. “Does Nathan know your mum’s back today? It’s going to put a wet cloud over your little love nest.” “He’s not here.” Aura turned away, stirring the bolognese as it simmered. “Where is he?” “He left for London, Tuesday night.” “Straight after your Valentine’s date?” Aura glanced back at her and nodded. Lisa was frowning. “When is he coming back?” “He’s not coming back.” A tear slipped down her cheek and she dashed it away with an impatient hand. “Oh, darling.” Lisa came and wrapping her arms around Aura’s shoulders, pulled her into a hug. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been yakking about my troubles, and here you’ve been feeling like horse shit.” Aura tried to laugh it off, but it came out as more of a sniffle. “No, I’m over it. Really. I always knew he’d be leaving. It wasn’t a surprise.” But Lisa shook her head, her expression disbelieving. “No, really,” Aura said. “It’s just that it might take me a few days before I’m ready to talk about it.” “Fine. I won’t mention it. For now. But you know there are several choice things I’d like to say about him.” Aura looked at her imploringly.

“All right.” Lisa threw her hands up in defeat. “My lips are sealed until you decide you want to talk.” “Thank you.” The sound of the front door opening came from the hallway followed by her mother’s voice as she spoke to someone, and they both walked out of the kitchen to look. Mum stood by the coatrack, and Gary was stepping into the house after her, holding her suitcase which he placed on the carpet. “I met this rather handsome young man outside, Lisa,” Mum said with a smile. “He says he’s here for you.” Both Lisa and Gary coloured and grinned sheepishly at each other. A fond smile touched Aura’s lips as Lisa went to him, and he hugged her and placed a lingering kiss on her lips. No, Lisa didn’t need to worry. Gary was all hers. “Ready?” he asked, and Lisa nodded. He took her coat and held it open for her to slip into, then bidding them goodbye, he opened the door. “You look after yourself, okay?” Lisa said, turning back to Aura with a worried frown. Aura nodded and smiled. “Have fun.” Mum studied her after Lisa and Gary left. “Why do I get the feeling all isn’t as well as it should be?” “Everything’s fine.” Aura pulled up a smile. “Come and tell me all about Hawaii over dinner.” Mum glanced up the stairs. “Where’s Nathan?” “He had to return to London, but we already knew he would.” “Oh, I see.” Mum smiled then, inhaling deeply as she took off her coat. “Mmm, dinner sure smells nice. After all that traveling, I’m definitely craving a hot meal, a hot bath, and a warm bed preferably in that order.” With a smile, Aura led the way to the kitchen. It was good to have her mother back. “The strangest thing,” Mum said as they ate. “I read an article in the paper a few days back about Nathan having a serious head injury and no longer being able to work because of it.” Aura stiffened. “That’s a load of cobblers. He’s fine.” “Oh, I know that. But apparently, it was Vivienne who gave out the information.” “Nathan’s mother?” Aura said with a frown. “I did hear him say she’d leaked

details about him to the press.” Mum put down her fork. “She must know speaking about him like that would cost him business.” She shook her head. “I’ve always known they weren’t especially close, but Vivienne is his mother, and I assumed… Well, a mother is a mother, isn’t she? And no matter what I thought of her, I was always careful not to bad-mouth her in front of Nathan. I never wanted to upset him.” Aura looked down at her plate and toyed with her spaghetti. “You can’t upset him. The way he spoke about her, it didn’t sound as if he much cared for her. In fact, I don’t think Nathan cares for anyone other than himself.” “Aura,” Mum said gently. “I know there’s something between you and Nathan. I think there has been since you first set eyes on him. I would have to be blind not to see it. Do you want to talk about it?” Aura met her concerned gaze. She wanted to tell her mother everything, remove the heavy burden from her heart, but the words she wanted to say still refused to come out. “Not now, Mum. Later.” Her mother regarded her for a moment and then nodded. She picked up her fork again and turned the conversation solidly to Hawaii. Aura listened dutifully, nodding along and smiling where required, but her thoughts were stuck on Nathan. Maybe if she never spoke of him again, this love she nursed for him would die a neglected death. It was a hope, but an even bigger doubt lurked in the back of her mind. Would she ever be free of him? What if she was pregnant? There would be no clean break then. He would always be a part of her life, even if distant. Still, even the chance of a peripheral existence in his life made her traitorous heart jump for joy. *** The next morning, Aura stood in the hallway and shrugged into her blue wool coat. Friday mornings tended to be busy, and she needed to be at work before eight o’clock. Good thing. The busier the better. It kept her mind occupied. And just like that her thoughts strayed to Nathan. Today was the day of his investor meeting. He’d be all right, surely. With a sigh she pulled her mind back. It was no longer any of her business how his day went. For heavens sake, this was supposed to become easier as the days passed. Perhaps she should have told her mother everything last night. Perhaps getting it off her shoulders might have speeded up the forgetting. But then, she didn’t want mum worrying about her.

Just then her mother came rushing down the stairs, dressed in a smart lemon-yellow skirt suit with a black cape coat over it. She looked like she was headed out for a job interview somewhere. Aura frowned. “Mum? You’re not working today, are you?” “No, but I thought I’d visit a friend of mine who lives out of town.” She paused at the bottom step and rummaged through her cream handbag as if looking for something. “This early?” Her mother looked up and nodded, but said nothing more. “Okay…” Aura hesitated. “Well, I was going to tell you I’d be late coming home today. I’m going over to Lisa’s new apartment after lunch to help her move in.” Her mother smiled. “That’s fine. I’ll be late myself, so have dinner with her if you like. No need to wait for me.” A sudden suspicion formed in Aura’s mind. She’d tried fruitlessly these past two years after Ralph’s death to push her mother back into dating. Had Mum met someone in Hawaii? Was that what this sudden trip was all about? If it was, she didn’t want to ask too many questions and scare her mother off the whole idea of dating again. “How are you traveling, Mum?” “Train.” Her mother checked her watch. “There’s one in twenty minutes actually.” She smiled winningly at Aura. “Drop me off at the station on your way, love?” Aura grinned. “Get in the car.” *** Nathan glanced around the glass walled boardroom with it’s panoramic vista of London on two sides and a view into Astreca’s modern offices on the third. The wide presentation screen was lit up on the solid white wall behind him, and the attention of all eight smartly suited investors was on it and him as he stood before them, ready to wrap up his speech. It had taken him a whole year to bring these people to this table. A year during which they’d carefully stood back and assessed Astreca’s steady rise until they couldn’t ignore it any more. This was his moment. His crowning glory, and he should be seizing it with both hands, but all he could think about was Aura. He should have spoken to her before he left, but what could he have said?

According to her, they had nothing more between them. Funny, those words usually came from him at the end of a brief relationship, but to hear it from her… fury coursed through him again, and he scowled. Andy coughed lightly from the black leather chair beside him, and still scowling, Nathan glanced down at his friend. Andy was staring at him, a clear ‘what the fuck?’ look in his blue eyes. Perspective dawned. Oh, yes. The meeting. He cleared his throat and briskly ran through the points why Astreca was the ideal candidate for an investment of multi-millions of dollars. The investors nodded along, not looking as if they’d noticed his small distraction. They were hardball representatives of the big banks and venture capital firms. But they wouldn’t find better technology out there than Astreca’s, and they knew it. This meeting was just a pretty formality they’d insisted on having in an effort to make him sweat. But he’d wager the deal was already done. Gathering together like this was sort of like putting a steak on a plate before you ate it. Waste of time. You were going to eat it anyway. What did it matter if it was on a plate or still in the pan? He placed the tiny remote he controlled the presentation with down on the table. “Gentlemen, if you have any questions?” The murmuring began around the boardroom table as people discussed, and he sat down next to Andy and took a sip from his glass of chilled water. The sooner he wrapped up this thing the better. One heavy suit, in his late fifties, turned to him. “I must admit, the offer is very tempting, but the trouble is, Mr Travers, just how reliable are you in heading this venture?” Nathan clenched his jaw. It would have to be a banker with a question like that, and not just any banker. The guy represented the biggest bank in Europe, and Astreca would go far with that sort of backing. But if they were looking to get personal and dirty in this fight… “I fail to understand that question. I’ve headed Astreca to where it is now. I don’t see why I can’t take it to the next level.” The suit smiled indulgently and cast a glance around the boardroom table. “This past year has been rather interesting for you, hasn’t it Mr Travers? You’ve become quite the darling of the society gossip columns. And of course, there was your recent unfortunate skiing accident.” “That was a minor accident.” Andy jumped to his defence. “And the rest exaggerated.” The suit shrugged. “We’ll have to take your word, since you’re here in front of us in good shape, Mr Travers.”

“What exactly are you getting at?” Nathan pinned the man with a direct look. And beside him, Andy groaned quietly. Well, fuck that if the suits didn’t like what they were being offered. He wasn’t in the mood to roll over and show his belly like a well-behaved little kick-toy. The man leaned forward. “Let’s get serious here, Mr Travers. Has your recent celebrity become a concerning distraction? After all, this is an unusually large deal on the verge of being given to someone who is at a tender age in business terms, and who only has a record of building up one company.” “One company…” Nathan said quietly. “That is now one of the most valuable in the tech sector.” He glanced around the table. “I’m twenty-eight, but I didn’t build Astreca to where it is today by partying and whoring my time away, if that’s what’s being implied. Now this deal comes with me at the helm because no one else has the vision or the balls to lead it. And I will do this with or without your backing. So, it’s up to you, Gentlemen. Do you wish to be part of the next business revolution or not?” The murmuring started up again, and the investors exchanged looks, then one by one there grew a wave of nods. The suit from the bank stood up and extended his hand to Nathan with a smile. “Congratulations, Mr Travers, I do believe you’re the man we’re looking for to head this venture.” Nathan stood and took his hand in a firm handshake. The deal was done. Astreca was now firmly on the international stage. But it was a hollow victory. Something vital was missing inside him.

15 “Bloody hell, Nathan. You’ve more balls than a bull elephant, sticking it to them like that.” Andy gave a bemused shake of his head as they stood in front of the bank of elevators on the twelfth floor of Astreca’s headquarters, having seen the last of the investors off. “They were looking to wrangle down the offer. They should have known I wouldn’t settle for anything less than what this company is truly worth.” Andy laughed. “And there’s a smack in the face they’re not likely to forget in a hurry.” He rubbed his hands together in glee. “But now that’s all in the bag… Let’s party!” With a groan, Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. Andy had a huge party organized for the rest of the afternoon, so everyone could drink themselves silly if the deal went through, or drown their sorrows if it didn’t. It looked like all of Astreca was about to get rather silly. The peace and solitude of his office beckoned. “You go ahead. I’ll catch up with you later.” Andy looked at him in concern. “You all right? Do I need to get Dr Johnson?” It wasn’t something Dr Johnson could fix. “Look, don’t worry. I just need a few minutes alone before cutting wild with the party poppers.” “Ah, you need to unwind from the interrogation. Gotcha.” One of the elevators pinged and the doors slid open to reveal Andy’s wife Jasmine holding their tiny baby girl, Bella, against her shoulder. She stepped out of the elevator and looked expectantly at Andy. “Well, do you need a shoulder to cry on or a congratulations kiss?” Andy grinned at her. “I’ll take the kiss.” He grabbed her in a bear hug and kissed her full on the lips leaving her gasping. Then taking Bella from her, he kissed the dark curls on his smiling daughter’s head. Jasmine giggled, her cheeks a pretty pink. “And congratulations to you too, Nathan.” She came and hugged him, and he hugged her back, bending to place a kiss on her cheek. She reached his heart, same as Aura. And Jasmine’s hair was midnight-black, like Aura’s, but longer, hanging like a straight shiny sheet down her back. Her eyes were black too, and her skin a golden-brown that spoke of her Indian heritage. Holding her brought a sudden twinge of loss spiking through him, and

he released her at once and stepped back. “You’re staying for the party, right?” Andy asked, grabbing her to him once more. “If you’re on baby duty, sure.” “Yay, Daddy’s on baby duty, Bella. You hear that? It’s pink champagne for you.” Little Bella gave him a gummy smile and gurgled, her dark eyes twinkling into Andy’s bright blue ones. Jasmine regarded them both. “Uh-huh… Yeah, on second thought, give her to me.” She reached for the baby. “I’ll leave you to it.” Nathan said with a smile. “I’ll be in my office.” “No worries.” Andy grinned at him. “I’ll give you a call when everything’s in full swing.” With a nod, Nathan stepped into the elevator and punched the button for his floor. The doors slid shut on Jasmine and Andy fussing over Bella. He stood in the middle of the empty elevator, head down, shoulders slumped, his hands thrust in his trouser pockets, and only one image in his mind. A little baby with dark curls and bright green eyes. The elevator pinged to a stop on the fifteenth floor, and he raised his head, staring ahead unseeing as the doors opened. He’d offered Aura marriage and she hadn’t wanted it. In fact, she hadn’t wanted him. Perhaps he should be grateful for the easy escape. Besides, he’d never be the sort of husband and father Andy was. Hadn’t he spent his whole life running from commitment? His set his jaw and strode through the reception area of the executive office suite, passing Andy’s section and heading through the glass door leading to his own. Maria looked up from behind her spacious desk outside his office. “There’s been a few calls for you.” He paused, a twinge of hope surging in him. How soon would a woman be able to tell if she was pregnant or not? “Anything personal?” “The meeting you wanted for Miss Aurora Willis with the Flavian Design House has been okayed for consideration.” “Consideration?” He raised his eyebrows. “I know. I know. They’re pompous gits who think the sun shines out of their collective backsides, but they are the best. Actually, when I told them you asked personally, they were tripping over themselves to oblige, despite the way they worded it.” “I want a definite date and time from them. I don’t have patience for artistic

flakery.” “Will do, and you also had two calls from Oksana in the past hour.” His mouth thinned. “Hold any further calls. I’m not to be disturbed.” And he walked on, pushing through the dark wood door to his office. *** The door to Lisa’s new apartment was wide open, and Aura walked straight into the barren living room with its cream walls and soft chocolate-brown carpet. Lisa was kneeling in the middle of the room next to a large open packing box. She looked up with a grin. “Nice timing, we just got started. Bill’s due up any minute with the second lot of boxes.” The apartment block was a spacious building with just three floors, and Bill’s and Lisa’s apartments were two of four on the top floor. “He’s got a load of climbing to do. I didn’t see any elevators.” Aura slipped off her coat and placed it on the windowsill. Lisa giggled. “There aren’t any. That’s why I gave him the job of bringing up the boxes.” She paused in the midst of pulling out books and knick-knacks from the box in front of her. “How are you doing?” she asked, her voice soft. The concern in her eyes had Aura cringing with guilt. If she didn’t move on fast from her hangup over Nathan, none of her loved ones would either. She smiled brightly. “Surprisingly okay now.” “I’m so glad.” Lisa grinned back, relief lighting her eyes. “I was honestly so worried you wouldn’t survive it.” “I’m tougher than that.” It was said more to herself than Lisa, but it still lightened her mood, almost as if she believed it. She nodded at the box. “So, all this stuff, is it for this room?” “Yup. I’ve another in the bedroom that I’ll get on with if you can unpack this one for me?” With a nod, Aura kneeled to deal with the box. Heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs outside the apartment and Bill walked in, a huge box held up to his chest. “It’s at times like this you wish this damn place had an elevator,” he muttered. He lowered his cargo a little and grinned at her, his gaze lingering a little over her curve-hugging olive-green t-shirt and dark jeans. “Hey, Aura.” Aura gave a small smile back, and Lisa looked from her to him and back again, then raised her eyes heavenward. “I’ve stuff to sort in the bedroom. Keep

this room clear you two, the furniture guys will be here in an hour.” She flounced off and Bill set his box down beside the one Aura was emptying. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes, heat rushing to her cheeks. They hadn’t seen each other again since that incident in the pharmacy. What on earth could she say to him? Something about the unusually sunny weather? But Bill broke the silence. “So… Nathan’s back in London, is he?” “Yes.” She kept her attention on the crystal tree she was carefully wrangling out of the stuffed box. “Right… Well…” She put the tree down on the carpet and looked at him as he kneeled beside her. Red streaks coloured his cheeks and his light blue eyes were uncertain as he regarded her. “Bill, I’m really sorry for what happened that day. I didn’t mean—” “Did he hurt you?” “Who? Nathan?” “Because if he did, I’ve no problems paying him a visit.” His eyes narrowed and his hands clenched into fists at his side. “No! I mean…” She bit her lip. “Nothing other than my heart. But that’s always how these things end, isn’t it?” “Not with me, it wouldn’t.” “Bill…” Agitated, he glanced away for a second then back, his earnest eyes locking to hers. “I’m not pushing, Aura, but if you need me, I’m always here for you.” Sudden tears sprang to her eyes and she had to blink them back. She looked at him next to her, so strong, so kind, so sincere. Why hadn’t she fallen in love with him? It would have been so perfect. Instead, here she was, pining for someone who didn’t want her, when someone who did was right here. Maybe it was time she stopped being a fool and dreaming her life away. Maybe love was something earned and given, and what she felt for Nathan was nothing more than lust dolled up, and would one day wither to nothing. With a small smile, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.” His eyes widened and he touched his skin where she’d kissed him. Then his face split into a huge grin. “I’d better get the rest of Lisa’s boxes. I left them in the foyer downstairs. Wouldn’t want some looter running off with them.” The smile still on his face, he jumped to his feet and strode out of the apartment. She bit her lip, her brow knitting in a small frown as he left. She was doing the right thing. She had to move on. Nathan had moved on with his girlfriend, hadn’t he? She would too.

*** Nathan headed straight for the wide shelf lining one side of his modern office and pushed a button. A section containing a black and white framed landscape photo slid sideways and a lit minibar rolled out from behind to take its place. He poured himself a shot of whiskey. Normally, he wasn’t into drinking during the day. The bar was there in case he needed something to break the ice with clients. But right now, his scattered thoughts needed gathering and alcohol was as good a crutch as any. He walked past the wide mahogany desk and came to stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the ant-like crowds bustling on the streets below. The late lunchtime rush was in full swing. City workers rushed to grab a bite to eat during their tiny windows of opportunity, and the more casually dressed tourists ambled leisurely, enjoying the unseasonal sunny weather in February. Past the crowds, his view extended out across the riverside part of London, broken in the middle by the stone stretch of Waterloo Bridge dotted with red double-decker buses like marching ladybirds. He took a sip of whiskey. He had a decision to make. When he’d returned to London from Langley two days ago, he’d dropped Oksana off at her apartment, politely declining her invitation to go inside. Aura’s rejection had still been burning in his chest, but the thought of being with Oksana instead had left a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d finished it with her then and there. It had been easy to end things with Oksana, but Aura… He gritted his teeth. Though his body was here in London, his mind was still in Yorkshire. He stared out at the slow River Thames, seeking solace in its rippling movement. Why was it so difficult to let go? He’d never planned for a relationship. It left you too open to being hurt. The people whom you thought had loved you all through your life, instead used you for their own needs. At least Aura had been honest. Hadn’t she said she didn’t need him? His jaw set. Since when did he chase after a woman? He had enough work to do now that Astreca had secured major investment. Either he got himself under control and got on with his life or… Or what? Or he went back to Langley and made Aura see sense. The sudden thought brought such a rush of relief flooding through him he took a step back.

That was it. Surely she’d see that whatever it was between them wasn’t finished. That she did in fact need him. A knock on the door broke his thoughts, and he turned with a frown as Maria let herself in and closed the door behind her. “I said I wasn’t to be disturbed.” She arched her eyebrows. “You’d eat my head off if I didn’t tell you that a Ms. Travers is waiting outside to see you.” “Ms. Travers?” His heart skipped a beat. But Aura had never adopted his father’s surname. It had to be Cathy. He nodded. “Send her in.” Maria left and he went to his desk, setting his whiskey on it as he sat down to wait. His mind refused to be calm. What could bring Cathy all the way here? Was Aura all right? A moment later, Maria knocked again and opened the door for Cathy to walk through. Nathan stood to greet her. A nervous smile touched Cathy’s lips as she timidly approached his desk, glancing around at the modern white, black, and dark wood luxury surrounding her. “This is quite beautiful.” “Thank you.” He indicated for her to sit on one of the black leather chairs opposite him at the desk before taking his seat again. “Would you like something to drink?” “No, I’m fine.” She clutched her cream handbag in her lap and shot him another nervous smile. He glanced at Maria who nodded and stepped out of the office, closing the door after her. Cathy was fiddling with the clasp of her handbag, and a sense of foreboding rose in him. “Is everything all right… in Langley?” “Yes. Yes, everything’s fine. Lisa’s moving into her new apartment today, and Bill and Aura are helping her.” He should have felt relief, but hearing Bill’s name mentioned in the same breath as Aura’s had sudden rage thundering through him like he’d never experienced before. He clamped down on it, gritting his teeth, before he bit Cathy’s head off. Grabbing his whiskey tumbler, he took a sip, then placed it down and cleared his throat. “What can I do for you, Cathy?” A sadness touched her eyes as she regarded him. “Actually, Nathan, it’s something I should have done for you… two years ago.” She unclasped the bag, reached in and taking out a white envelope, passed it across the desk to him.

He turned the envelope over in his hands. It was addressed to him. “Ralph wrote this when he was in hospital recovering from that first heart attack. He didn’t give it to you then because… well, he thought you deserved a proper explanation from him, not just words on paper. But then he had that second attack two weeks later, and… well…” She glanced down at her hands, before looking back at him. “I kept it. At the time, I thought it would cause a rift between you and your mother, and she was the only close family you had left.” His mouth thinned and he frowned at the envelope in his hands like it was Pandora’s box calling to be opened. He’d washed his hands of all connection to his father years ago. What use was a parent who’d never bothered to be with him like a son might have deserved. But there were so many unanswered questions. “I’ll go… You must want to read in privacy.” Cathy’s voice cut into his thoughts as she stood up. “No, stay.” It was more a plea than a command. With a nod, she sat down again, then watched as he ripped open the envelope and unfolded the neat, handwritten letter inside. My dearest Nathan It must be strange reading a letter from me, especially when the things I write here are those that I should have told you face to face when you became a man. I hope you will read my words and forgive an old man for not having the courage to swallow his own pride. I must begin by telling you how proud I am of all that you have become. There is no greater accomplishment for a father than to see his son grow up to be a better man than him in both deed and respect. I know your memories of me are harsh, and for that I readily accept all blame. I have not been perfect, or the best of fathers, though Lord knows I tried. However, I admit my pride came between us until we were nothing more than strangers to each other. You would not know that I am the bastard son of a woman who worked all her life as a cleaner. I had no education to speak of, and no connections to help lift me in life. I sold all of mine and my mother’s meagre belongings and took heavy loans to start my first glass factory. That, Nathan, was not the fate I wished for you. I hope you will begin to understand why I was compelled to push you to succeed even from when you were very young. In my early days of struggle, I was often forced to bend my head to others, but I resolved you would never do so. You are my son, and you were to be equipped in the best possible way to meet anything life threw at you. And to this day, I have proudly watched you do that and more. But in chasing after your success, I sorely neglected you in one area. I denied you the chance to know true family like I have. And by the time I realized that, it was too late. You

were grown up and gone. I must be open and honest with you now at least. If only to prevent you from making the same mistakes I made. I married your mother in an attempt to move up the social ladder and belong to a better class than the one I was born into. But it did not matter how much money I made or how worldly I became, I was never considered one among your mother’s people. But I was at fault too. The truth of it is that my marrying Vivienne was a cold-hearted business decision. She suited what I needed to get ahead at the time. I suppose I gave it no more thought than choosing a matching pair of shoes to go with my best suit. It certainly wasn’t the best attitude for you to be born into, nor was it fair on Vivienne that I was never fully there for her. In fact, it was my guilt over this that had me turning a blind eye when she sought solace in other mens’ arms. Any focus I could spare from my business at the time was on you and your future, and as long as she kept her affairs discrete, I was willing to overlook them and continue to fund the lifestyle she was used to. In those first seven years of marriage, my heart did not come into the equation. But that changed the day I met my Cathy. The day she walked into my office and agreed to take the job as my secretary was the day my life truly began. In that moment, I realized what I had been missing my entire life, and I knew she was mine and mine alone. Having Cathy by my side, tirelessly helping me, unquestioningly loving me, was what built me and my business. I hid all this from Vivienne. I did not wish to embarrass her by making my relationship with Cathy public knowledge. But my true motivation was that it should not affect you. You were only seven years old, and it would have been emotionally devastating to know that your father did not love your mother. I also did not want Vivienne to file for divorce. She would have been entitled to half of everything I owned and the financial blow would have destroyed my hopes for your education and future. As it happened, I succeeded in keeping my two lives separate only until you were sixteen years old. But it was inevitable that Vivienne would eventually discover the truth and demand a divorce. Cathy and I decided to sell what remained of the business and keep whatever money we made from it in an account for you to finish your education. I am proud to say that seeing the man you have become has made it all worthwhile. Whatever you choose in life, Nathan, I hope you will continue to step forward and seize it. I will always be cheering for you, your greatest fan, who only wishes he’d let you know sooner. Your loving father.

It was difficult to know which was heavier on his bowed shoulders, sorrow or guilt. He met Cathy’s worried gaze. “What did you really feel for my father?” “Oh, my…” A small smile touched her lips as she remembered. “He was my other half. It sounds so trite, but that’s how it felt. After Tom died, I was so lost, but Ralph taught me to live again. A day away from him was like being adrift. That’s how I feel even now. But I wouldn’t give up those few years I had with him for anything. Life is short and everyday is precious, but sometimes we don’t realize that until it’s too late.” He stared at her, realization lighting his mind like the first rays of dawn. She rose to her feet again. “I’ve taken up too much of your time…” “I’ll see you out.” He stood up, determination in every fibre of his being.

16 Aura looked at the two white flowered orchids in their matching jade-green pots, which someone had abandoned on the new plastic-wrapped living room couch. “Where do you want these orchids?” she called out. “Kitchen,” Lisa hollered back from the bedroom next door. Nearly four hours in and they’d managed to unpack and put away the majority of Lisa and Jason’s possessions. Her stomach grumbled in protest, all the work having built up an appetite in her, but they had to wait for Gary to get here after his work before Lisa would let them order the fish and chips and beer they’d all decided on for dinner. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Nearly half-past-five. Gary better get here soon or she was going to eat Lisa. Picking up a jade pot in each hand, she took the plants to the kitchen where Bill was checking the connections on the gas stove. “Handy having a fireman around to do that.” She placed the pots on the windowsill, one on either end, and stood back to admire them for a second. Not that it mattered how perfect they looked there. Lisa would move them anyway. Bill grinned. “I could do this in my sleep.” He straightened and headed for the fridge where he pulled out a large fudge-covered chocolate cake his mother had made for them to celebrate with. “You hungry? This thing has been sitting here, tempting me like candy for a kid.” He pulled a knife from the cutlery drawer, ready to massacre the cake. “Bill! Don’t! Lisa’ll have our hides. You know she’s waiting for Gary.” “Blast, Gary. She can at least feed her brother and best friend properly. We’re the ones who did all the work, not him.” “Okay, put the knife down slowly, mister, and step away from the cake. I’ll make you a cup of tea to tide you over.” He groaned. “A little taste. She won’t know.” With a thick finger, he scooped a dollop of fudge from the bottom of the cake and popped it in his mouth. “Mmm… See? She’ll never know.” Aura looked at the deep furrow he’d created. “Uh-huh… It looks like a little mouse has been at it with a mousey shovel. No way is she going to miss that. You’d better cover it up.” He frowned, and with a finger pushed fudge from above into the hollow he’d made. It looked an even bigger mess by the time he finished and another huge dollop of fudge rested on his fingertip.

He held it out to her. Her gaze flew to his. His blue eyes were intent and his jaw had a determined set as if daring her. Why not? She took a step forward, not taking her eyes from his, and grasping his hand in hers, softly licked the fudge from his finger. His eyes lit up and he grinned at her. She smiled back, ignoring the tiny voice that clamoured in her head saying he didn’t affect her like Nathan had. Where was the thrill? The deep curling need in her core? Damn Nathan. He’d taken everything, even her ability to feel. Why couldn’t she just forget him? He had no place in her life anymore. But the burn of guilt didn’t ease from her cheeks, and she turned away from Bill to busy herself with the kettle. “I’ll make us some tea.” The doorbell rang just as she finished making their tea, and Lisa’s voice came from the bedroom. “That’s Gary. Can one of you get it?” “I’ll go. You have your tea.” She handed a mug to Bill and headed into the living room to open the front door. Gary stood outside, a long coat over his suit and his briefcase in hand. “Gary. Brilliant, now we can eat,” she said with a grin. He pushed his glasses up his nose and smiled back rather nervously. “Hi Aura… um… someone to see you.” His eyes flicked sideways. She poked her head out the front door to look, and Nathan straightened up from where he’d been leaning against the wall outside the apartment. Her mouth fell open and she could only stare, her starved eyes taking in every precious detail, barely noticing when Gary scooted past her into the apartment. Nathan was here. Nathan. Looking like her every fantasy in his tailored black overcoat, dark suit, and light grey dress shirt a shade darker than his silver eyes. But those eyes that stared back at her looked tired, his features haggard, and his thick dark hair was tousled as if he’d run his fingers through it countless times. The investor meeting, had it not gone well? Was that why he looked so worried? Her first response was to reach out and soothe him, and her hand rose halfway before self preservation kicked in and she snatched it back. She was the last person he’d come to if something was wrong. They weren’t that sort of close.

What had it been between them? Sex. That was it. Just sex. Folding her arms across her chest, she glared at him. “What are you doing here, Nathan?” “Yeah, Just what are you doing here, Travers?” Bill came to stand beside her in the doorway, his crossed arm pose mirroring her own. Lisa pushed her head through between them and goggled at Nathan. Nathan’s dispassionate gaze flicked over all of them before coming back to rest on Aura. “Aura, We need to talk.” “Really? I can’t think about what.” She clenched her jaw and stared at him mutinously. Bill uncrossed his arms, moving into an unconsciously aggressive stance. “She doesn’t have to give you the time of day if she doesn’t want to.” Nathan shot him a warning look, his silver eyes narrowing to glittering shards. “When I need your opinion, Bill, I’ll ask for it.” Setting his jaw, Bill took a quick step out of the apartment towards Nathan, and Lisa who’d been leaning against him fell forward with a yelp, only saved from face-planting on the concrete floor by Gary doing a flying grab from behind her. Nathan hadn’t moved an inch, his haughty gaze steady on Bill, and Aura rushed in between the two of them. “Fine. We’ll talk,” she said to Nathan. Bill frowned. “Aura, You don’t need to—” “I do. I need to. It’s all right, Bill.” The look she gave him spoke volumes, and with a shake of his head he stepped back, his eyes understanding. “If you need anything, we’re here,” he murmured. She shot him a grateful smile and nodded, then turned back to Nathan. “We’ll talk downstairs.” He inclined his head in agreement. “After you.” With a last glance at her staring friends, she moved past him and went downstairs as he followed. By the time they silently descended the three flights of stairs to reach the ground floor foyer, the chill in the evening air was biting into her. She wrapped her arms around herself and rubbed her bare skin below the short sleeves of her green tshirt. “Here, put this on,” Nathan said from behind her. He shrugged off his overcoat and draped the warm heavy garment over her shoulders. It swamped her, and enveloped her in the oh-so-familiar wood and

musk scent of him. Bittersweet memories surfaced. The feel of him against her skin. His mouth against hers. Things they’d never have again, and she moved to take off the coat. “Thanks, but I’m fine.” His impatient hand stayed her. “Keep it on, Aura, or you’ll freeze.” And he pulled the coat tighter around her. “Look. What is it you wanted to talk about, Nathan?” He glanced past her to the stairs where a young couple were coming down. They nodded at her and Nathan in friendly greeting before exiting the building. “Not here,” he said. “My car’s outside. I can… take you home. We’ll talk on the way.” Well, she might as well go home. She couldn’t talk to Nathan and then return to Lisa’s apartment as if nothing had happened. She wasn’t looking forward to answering her friends’ questions, not when all she’d want to do once he left her was curl up in her bed and cry her eyes out. At least back home, she’d be alone. With a resigned nod she followed him out of the building to the car park. The black Bentley was parked in one of the bays and George was leaning against it, waiting for them. He smiled and opened the back door for her as Nathan went around the other side. Once seated in the warm interior, she let Nathan’s coat drop from her shoulders. It kept the delicious scent and touch of him far too close for comfort. She squeezed back into her corner, keeping as far from him and his distracting, overpowering masculinity as possible. Ten minutes. She could hold herself together for the ten minutes it took to get to her house. She could listen to whatever he had to say knowing she had a quick getaway. George took his place in the driver’s seat and locked eyes with Nathan through the rear-view mirror. “Sir?” Nathan nodded and pressed the button for the privacy glass, sealing Aura and himself in the spacious back portion of the car. The car pulled out of the bay and he turned to her. “I never apologized, and I wanted to—” “Forget it.” She frowned at him, her cheeks burning as anger lanced through her. So he’d come for this. He’d come all the way to Yorkshire so he could apologize and make himself feel better for the way he’d treated her. His huff of laughter was short and mirthless. “This isn’t easy for me, Aura. I don’t usually place myself in a position where I need to beg forgiveness.” “No, of course not. You usually don’t feel the need to apologize, no matter what you do.” “But with you, I do. It hurts me to think I might have hurt you.”

“Not might, Nathan. You did hurt me.” “Christ! I can’t even do this right.” He shook his head and turned away from her to stare out of his car window. He looked so lost. Nathan, who was always so sure of himself, looked like he didn’t know what to say next. Well, now she knew what he was here for. He wanted to apologize. He wanted a clean break. And she wanted his love forever. Those two worlds were never going to meet. What they both truly needed was to end this whole sorry episode, tie it with a bow, and go their separate ways. She reached out and placed a placating hand on his arm. “It wasn’t all your fault, Nathan. I’ve been following you around like a lost puppy for years and throwing myself in your path ever since I was old enough to be a nuisance. For what it’s worth, you handled me fine all those times.” “No, I didn’t.” He looked at her, his eyes hard. “I treated you like dirt most of the time, and then at that wedding I jumped to conclusions because I thought… I couldn’t see past my own rage and jealousy.” Her breath caught. “You were jealous?” “I’ve always been jealous about you, Aura. No, make that possessive. To see you with another man tears me up inside. It’s not a feeling I’ve ever had for another woman and it scared me, even when I was a teenager. So I chose to have nothing to do with you.” “But, if you’d only said…” He shook his head. “I was a coward, wasn’t I? I even went so far as to date women as different from you as possible. Dark hair always brought up too many memories of you. It was easier to stay away than question what I was feeling. ” She stared at him, her eyes wide. “Wh–what were you feeling?” “That you were a part of me.” A small smile touched his lips. “Even when you were ten and I saw you for the first time. It was crazy and I refused to accept it then.” “And now?” she whispered. He laughed. “I thought I was being smart. I thought if I had you, I’d be rid of this constant craving for you. It’s why I came to Langley. It had nothing to do with the accident.” Budding hope withered in her heart and she looked down, clasping her hands in her lap. So that was what their brief relationship had been about. He placed his fingers under her chin and tilted her face up so she was looking into his intent silver eyes. “It didn’t work, Aura. If anything, you’ve burrowed even deeper into me. So deep now that I can never let you go.” “But… you only asked me to marry you because you thought I might be

pregnant.” She fought back tears. He grinned. “I want us to have babies, lots of them, and I hope to be a good father to them, but I need you more. I’ve come to realize that I’ve been adrift all these years, and it’s only when I’m near you that I feel like I’m truly home. I want your smiles and your laughter, and I want to be the one to wipe away your tears.” He gently thumbed away one tear that had escaped her at his words. She smiled “Nathan…” His eyes held hers, the shine of uncertainty still in them. “Be mine, Aura. Tell me you’ll marry me.” “Yes. Oh, yes.” With a ragged groan, he pulled her to him, crushing her against his solid body as he took her mouth in a kiss that claimed her absolutely as his. She revelled in it, her heart near bursting with joy as she opened up to him and gave him everything she was. She could have stayed in his arms for all eternity, but too soon he pulled away. Pressing her hands into the warmth of his chest over his shirt, she stared up at him uncertainly. He smiled down at her and placed another kiss on her lips. Then he reached into his inside jacket pocket and taking out a royal blue jeweller’s box, opened it. She stared wide-eyed at the solitaire cushion-cut emerald surrounded by a sparkling halo of diamonds. “It’s a platinum aura ring,” he murmured. “It reminded me of you.” “Nathan, it’s beautiful,” she breathed. He slipped it on to her finger, and brought her hand to his lips. Then raising his head, he grinned. “We’re here.” The car had stopped and she looked out the window as George came to open her door. “Nathan, where are we?” He merely smiled and opening his door, stepped out. Frowning, she gathered up his coat and wrapping it around her shoulders, stepped out of the car on to the tarmac of an airport. A white mid-size jet stood waiting to one side of the Bentley, its air-stairs down. Nathan came to her and slipped an arm around her waist. “I told you I’d take you home, and from now on that’s with me, wherever I may be.” She stared at him incredulously. “And if I’d said no?” “Then I’d have had to persuade you.” He grinned. “I can be quite persuasive.”

She laughed at his self-satisfied expression, and he caught her to him, dipping her into a kiss that stole her breath. Her cheeks flamed when he finally let her up. “I need to get you home,” he growled. “I’ve been going crazy with not being able to hold you.” He herded her towards the airplane where a uniformed flight attendant was waiting at the top of the stairs. She showed them to a plush, cream leather two-seater in the middle of the plane. A polished dark wood coffee table stood in front of it with a tall vase of red roses on one side. The interior was more like a luxury living room than a plane, with another cream couch opposite theirs and a row of matching armchairs behind. Her first time on a plane, and Aura sat down and stared at the beautiful cream and gold decor, not noticing until after the fact that Nathan had buckled her in. The flight attendant left after telling them it was an hour and a half to London, and she’d be serving their meal once they were airborne. As soon as they were alone, Nathan put an arm around her and placed a kiss on her curls as she rested her head on his shoulder. “I still need to apologize,” he murmured into her hair. She looked up at him with questioning eyes. “For being a fool and putting us through all this in the first place.” He stroked her cheek with his finger. “I never knew what love was growing up, or at least, I thought I didn’t. I was scared that if I ever got too close to someone, I’d lose them, so I refused to love. But you, my darling, loved enough for both of us, and for that I’m grateful beyond words.” The plane taxied down the runway and she stared at him, her heart in her eyes. “I was always waiting for you, Nathan. It was only you. No one else could have taken your place in my heart, though…” She gave a cheeky smile. “I might have tried…” His eyebrows rose. “Bill?” She nodded. “Thank god I came to my senses in time,” he said with a shake of his head. “Though actually, I have your mother to thank for that.” “Mum? What did she say to you?” He chuckled, and the sound vibrated through her body, warming her. “Plenty. But ask her for yourself. She’s waiting for us in London.” He examined the ring on her finger. “I think she’ll be pleased with how things have turned out.” She laughed. “You have Mum waiting in London? You really weren’t going

to take no for an answer were you?” “No, my darling, I was not.” And he claimed her mouth in a soft, searching kiss as the plane took flight, and she pressed herself to him, happy to be anywhere in this world, as long as she was with him.

Epilogue Two Years Later “Aura, you’re on.” One of the London Fashion Week assistants indicated for her to go on stage. Aura ran a nervous hand over her curve-hugging, knee-length red dress and stepped out from the wings. The bright lights of the catwalk briefly dazzled her, but even before her eyes adjusted, the entire marquee erupted into applause. The tall models in her jewel-coloured creations, gathered either side of her and accompanied her down the distance of the catwalk as she beamed and waved to the dimmed out rows where the audience sat. It had taken two years, but finally her brand ‘Aurora’ was on the international stage. She stopped at the end of the catwalk and squinted into the darkened crowd around her. Only the front rows were visible in the glaring spotlights overhead, and her eyes sought out familiar faces among the celebrities, journalists, and photographers seated there, but came up empty. A huge bunch of red roses was passed up from the audience and a willowy blonde model beside her bent down and taking it, presented it to her. Aura smiled, clutching the blooms close. Valentine’s Day had passed, but it was still February and she’d received an even bigger bunch of red roses just weeks ago, Nathan having decided he’d keep that little tradition going every year. With a final wave, she turned and accompanied the models backstage, and was immediately grabbed in a bear hug. “You were fantastic. The dresses. Everyone loved them. I told you you’d be famous, didn’t I?” Lisa bounced up and down with excitement. With a laugh, Aura placed the flowers down and hugged her back. “You’re always right. Where are the others?” “Right here.” Bill approached from the entrance to the audience seats, his arm around a lovely tall redhead who could easily have joined the ranks of the models there that day. “Congrats, Aura.” He placed a kiss on her cheek, and his girlfriend Ellen did the same just as Gary followed Bill in backstage. He held a boisterous Jason by one hand and cradled his and Lisa’s year old baby daughter, Grace, up against his shoulder. He was chatting to Andy and Jasmine, whose little girl, Bella, ran up and tugged at Jason’s free hand, trying to get him to break away from Gary and go explore the

colourful sparkling dresses hung up on racks all around the backstage area. Aura let herself be swept up in her friends’ embraces and congratulations. Bill glanced at the double doors leading outside through which groups of people were heading out. “Come on. We don’t want to miss the spread next door.” Lisa took Grace from Gary. “God, I hope it’s nothing airy-fairy like lettuce with carrot shavings. I need something with more meat on it.” “You’re in luck,” Aura said. “It’s us Brit designers showing today, so the caterers have gone with something more homely. You’ve got yummy things like top-hat chicken pie, and pink eggs and soldiers to look forward to.” Bill pulled a face. “Mmm, pink eggs. Perfect for whetting a man’s appetite.” “Where’s Bella?” Jasmine asked, tugging Andy’s arm. “And Jason,” Gary said, looking around his feet. Ellen laughed, leaning into Bill. “They ran off to check out those wedding dresses over there.” Andy shot Gary a wry look, and the two of them strode off together to gather up their wayward offspring. “Coming, Aura?” Lisa nodded towards the double doors as Aura scanned the crowd leaving the backstage area. “In a bit. You lot go on ahead.” Lisa shot her an understanding smile and left with the others in the direction Andy and Gary had gone. Just then, the crowds leaving through the double doors parted almost reverentially as a tall, dark haired man in jeans, black sweater, and a black fitted overcoat entered the backstage area. Aura smiled at him and his silver eyes lit up, and the little black-haired boy in his arms turned and grinned on seeing her. Nathan came and placed a lingering kiss on her lips. “Sorry we couldn’t stay till the end, but this little one here decided to get fussy as soon as he saw you on stage.” She laughed and held her hands out to their fifteen-month-old son. Aidan jumped to her from Nathan’s arms, his silver-grey eyes, so like his father’s, gazing adoringly up into hers. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed a kiss to his chubby cheek. “He’s probably sleepy too. It’s been a long day.” Her mother came up from behind Nathan and tousled Aidan’s black curls. “Your show was wonderful, love.” She hugged Aura. “Thanks, Mum.” “Why don’t you give him to me? George will take us home, and I’ll put the

little one to bed.” “You don’t mind?” “Of course not. I’ve had my fill of crowds for the day.” Aidan went to his grandmother without any fuss, settling with his head on her shoulder as she cooed to him. Aura smiled as her mother walked away. George would look after her. They thought no one knew, but they’d been taking it slow and getting closer every day. She’d have to let her mother know that everyone was just dying for them to name the day already. Nathan put his arm around her shoulders and bent to her ear. “You weren’t planning on staying here the whole evening, were you?” he murmured. She turned and wrapping her arms around his waist, stared up at him in mock confusion. “Why? What ever did you have in mind?” His grin was wicked. “Dinner for two and then bed, of course. What else?” She laughed. “Now, why does that sound suspiciously like I’m not going to be getting much sleep?” “Sleep is the last thing on my mind when I have you in my arms, Mrs Travers.” And his lips met hers in a teasing kiss filled with the promise of so much more to come.

Hi, I'm Alyssia. It’s great to meet you through my stories. If you liked this book, a few words from you would mean a lot to me. I'd love it if you would drop me a line at [email protected] or leave a word or two as a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or another store. It’ll be awesome to hear from you.

More Fun If you’re in the mood for more fun then visit Appleby, a beautiful English village in “NEVER TOO LATE”. This is Billionaire Jake and sweet village girl Molly’s story. It's book one of the Appleby series.

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