Angel in the Shadows Read Online Free Page A

in for the original photographer who was unable to make it at the last minute. I trust that’s not a problem?”
    Despite the rewards this job would bring, a small part of her hoped the switch would be an inconvenience. While there was no doubt that Vance was charming and polite, she couldn’t help but to be overwhelmed by his excessiveness. Perhaps this was how he greeted everyone , Madison reasoned. I am, after all, out of my league here.
    “A problem? Nonsense. Having an attractive young woman hovering around is never a problem. I would be in sad shape if it were. And please, Madison, call me Vance. Mr. Goldston is my grandfather.”
    Although it didn’t bother her to be addressed by her first name, it struck her as uncouth to regard him with the same familiarity. But tonight he was the boss so she would do as he asked. Taking a moment to retrieve her camera bag, she turned back to the handsome billionaire, flashing him a small smile.
    “Okay. Vance. Where would you like me to start?”
    His laughter was deep and warm, his smile, megawatt bright. “Wonderful. A beautiful woman who gets right to the point. If I didn’t know better Madison, I would think you were after my heart.”
    Laughing lightly, Madison shook her head, playing along as best she could. “Oh no, Vance, I’m not after your heart, only your picture.”
    “Wonderful, wonderful,” he replied, casually placing his hand on the small of her back, leading her toward the door. The heat from his palm seeped through the thin material of her dress, sending an uncomfortable jolt through her, though she’d never be so rude as to move away.
    “My guests should be arriving soon and we will be in the dining room. I have some things to attend to in the meantime so I’ll leave you in the highly capable hands of my assistant.”
    “Seth,” he called softly.
    Miraculously, Seth appeared, almost as if he had been waiting just outside the open doorway. His cool, colorless eyes slid over her, eliciting another wave of unease.
    “Don’t mind Seth,” Vance replied absently, as if his assistant were not even in the room. “He’s a bit of a cold fish, somewhat lacking in personality. Especially where the ladies are concerned. But he’s extremely efficient and very dependable. Been with me what? A year now?” Vance asked, turning his attention to Seth momentarily.
    “Eleven months, sir.”
    “See what I mean, he stays on top of things. Pays attention to details. Excellent! Seth, would you please show Madison to the dining room?”
    “As you wish, Mr. Goldston. If you’ll follow me.” Turning quickly, Seth led her from the library.
    For a split second, Madison almost longed for the sickly smooth company of Vance and his attractive girlfriend rather than that of his remote assistant.
    She trailed Seth to the dining room and saw with some surprise that while his hair was stylishly cut, it was longer than she realized, brushing the top of his broad shoulders. And he was taller, more solid too. Odd that she would notice something like that.
    The dining room had been carefully arranged with numerous tables scattered throughout the room, each one covered with a pristine white tablecloth and boasting a centerpiece of vibrant flowers, designed to catch the eye.
    Seth turned to her with an emotionless smile.
    “Perhaps the best spot to begin would be at the back of room. As I’m sure you can see, the lighting is better and it would allow you to capture the entire space.” His accommodating manner was completely out of place with the hollow, detached tone in his voice and he seemed to be having trouble maintaining a balance between rudeness and civility.
    Her uneasiness swelled as he stared down at her, his pale eyes disconcerting and intense. She felt like a bug under a microscope. Determined not to reveal her discomfort, she instead offered him her politest smile.
    “Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. I appreciate your advice but I’m sure that I’ll be fine on my own.