Games (Timeless Series) Read Online Free Page A

thought him the most exciting man on earth. Touching her mouth, still a bit swollen, she was now certain of that fact.
    She chanced a peek at Simon’s handsome, determined profile. He was no boy she could lead around with sweet words and empty promises. At that moment she realized exactly how dangerous the man truly was. That in itself was a lure, hard to resist.
    As h e stopped to pull out a chair, she glanced at his hands—glorious hands that had roamed over her breasts just moments ago. She sat, remembering he had been involved in the kiss as much as she. He was no different from other males, which meant she could handle him.
    Giselle’s gaze sought the main table and she smiled. Libby was engaged in a lively conversation with Colin. Just as she suspected, her friend really didn’t need any help in socializing. Talk at the table centered on the new thoroughbred racetrack. She exhaled a pleased sigh, sat back, and decided to enjoy herself.
    “What brought on such a beautiful smile?” Simon asked, pulling Giselle out of her daydreams.
    “Oh, I love watching thoroughbreds race,” she answered dreamily. “I am so excited about all the news. We used to go to the track in Paris quite often and I miss it.”
    “Do you miss Paris?”
    “How can one not miss Paris?” She lifted her shoulders. “Such a lovely city and so alive.”
    “So, why are you her e? Why have you never married? Surely there are young swains everywhere, including Paris, who have fallen under your spell.”
    “Maybe, but I have not fallen under anyone’s spell, and certainly have no plans of allowing such a fate .” Most of the marriages of her peers in Paris were arranged. Very few actually ended in happily-ever-after for women in her position. Thankfully, her mother and father wanted what they had for their two daughters. To marry for love.
    “Oh, Giselle . If I but had the time, I bet I could make you fall under mine.” Simon grinned.
    “ Oui , I am sure you could,” Giselle countered, presenting a coquettish smile. “But I am smart enough to know my father’s words spoke volumes. You will be gone soon, and I will be back to fishing, non ?”
    Simon sat back in his chair and roared with laughter . Eyes glistening with merriment, he picked up her gloved hand and kissed it. “I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed someone’s company as much as I’ve enjoyed yours tonight. Thank you for allowing me to escort you to dinner. It has truly been my pleasure.”
    Non , she thought. The pleasure was all hers. No man had ever captured her attention as he had tonight, the same as he’d done so long ago. Such a genuine pity he was precisely the kind of man her father warned her away from.
    ~~
    In another part of the ballroom, Caroline Hillier stood talking with a well-dressed man. Her attention roamed to Simon Harrington, who led the woman he’d been with during dinner to a group of people that included Colin Thorpe.
    Finally she turned to the gentleman beside her. “Your plan sounds intriguing, but I have no use for your money. I don’t need or want it.” Caroline’s gaze refocused on Simon, who was now talking with another man. “Sorry, old boy. I’m not interested.”
    The man standing in the shadows chuckled . He’d followed Caroline’s gaze as Harrington escorted Giselle Franklin across the room.
    “Good -looking couple,” he finally said.
    Caroline met his stare with an interested lift of her eyebrows.
    He smiled. “Harrington and Giselle Franklin. It’s been awhile since the heiress has graced our ranks.”
    “I suppose so . She’s of no concern, but he’s definitely an attractive man.”
    “I can see he’s caught your eye.”
    “Yes.” She sighed. “It’s really too bad he’s leaving tonight.”
    “Well, you never know . Maybe he’ll be back.”
    “When hell freezes over . He has no ties here.”
    He let out a soft laugh. “Like I said… ” His voice was whisper soft, almost menacing. “You never