His After-Hours Mistress. Trish Wylie

Zane.

      But she might have known that she couldn’t go through the rest of the night like that. As soon as he had her to himself Zane demanded to know what was wrong.

      ‘Nothing,’ she answered coolly, averting her eyes because she knew that if she looked into his she would weaken. They mesmerised her. They were like pools of silky smooth water that she could dive into—and then drown in a sea of passion.

      ‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ he snarled. ‘You’ve ignored me completely for the last few hours. I’m not a fool, Lucinda.’

      ‘And nor am I,’ she tossed back furiously. ‘So don’t take me for one.’

      Zane frowned. ‘I don’t understand.’

      ‘Don’t ever,’ she spat, ‘ever take advantage of me again.’

      ‘So that’s it, is it?’ he asked, enlightenment in his eyes. ‘Forgive me if I’m wrong, but you didn’t complain at the time.’

      ‘Maybe,’ she snapped, ‘but I’ve changed my mind. ‘It was a foolish mistake, one that I’m not likely to make again.’

      ‘Even though your body still craves mine?’

      ‘Who’s saying it does?’ Lucinda’s eyes flashed a furious green.

      Zane smiled, slowly and confidently. It crinkled the corners of his eyes and made him look boyish and charming and Lucinda felt an unwanted quickening of her pulses, which added to her annoyance.

      ‘I’m saying it does,’ announced Zane. ‘Words are easy, Lucinda. It’s body language that counts. And, believe me, I can read your body language any day.’

      Lucinda felt like slapping him. ‘You’re talking nonsense,’ she responded haughtily, ‘and I have no wish to continue such a conversation.’

      ‘Very well,’ he agreed, much to her surprise. ‘The next item on the agenda is dinner. I thought I’d take you out.’

      ‘Then you thought wrong,’ she snapped. ‘Besides, aren’t I supposed to be looking after Tim?’

      ‘Mrs Burton can do that tonight,’ he said carelessly. ‘Besides, he very rarely wakes.’

      ‘The answer’s still no,’ she retorted, fighting a whole host of inflammatory sensations. It had to be no. For ever no! For her own peace of mind!

      Zane drew in a deep breath, his chest rising and his height increasing. She had angered him but she didn’t care. Why should he think that he had only to click his fingers and she’d do as he asked? She was her own woman; hadn’t he found that out yet?

      ‘Maybe you’ll condescend to dine with me here, then?’ he growled.

      Lucinda wanted to say no but she didn’t think that she could face any more of Zane’s wrath. So she inclined her head. ‘That would be nice.’

      ‘And before then? Can I expect the honour of your company?’

      His voice was dry and sarcastic and Lucinda shook her head. ‘I still have work to do.’

      Zane frowned and glanced at his watch ‘It’s nearly seven.’

      ‘And I spent much of the day playing with Tim,’ she reminded him. ‘I can’t afford to let my business go.’

      Her remark hit home and his eyes shot daggers. ‘Then I’ll see you at eight.’ And with that he whirled on his heel and left the room.

      They were halfway through their meal when the phone was brought in to Zane. ‘The hospital,’ said his housekeeper gravely.

      Zane listened for a moment or two and then shot up from his chair. ‘I have to go,’ he said apologetically. ‘Helen’s taken a turn for the worse.’