In the Millionaire's Possession Read Online Free Page A

drink? ’ She took a deep breath, forcing herself back to a semblance of composure, even though her heart was racing unevenly. ‘ I — I didn ’ t know that. And I certainly wouldn ’ t dream of having another. In fact, perhaps you ’ d bring me the bill for this one, plus the water, and I ’ ll just — leave. ’

    ‘ But you have not yet had lunch, ’ the waiter protested. ‘ And besides, here comes Monsieur Hartley. ’

    And sure enough it was Nigel, striding across the restaurant as if conducting a personal parting of the Red Sea, tall, blond and immaculate, in his dark blue pinstripe and exquisitely knotted silk tie.

    ‘ So there you are, ’ he greeted her.

    ‘ It ’ s where I ’ ve been for the past half hour, ’ Helen told him evenly. ‘ What happened? ’

    ‘ Well, I warned you I was busy. ’ He dropped a cursory kiss on her cheek as he passed. ‘ Menus, please, Gaspard. I ’ m pushed for time today. In fact, I won ’ t bother with the carte . I ’ ll just have steak, medium rare, with a mixed salad. ’

    ‘ Then I ’ ll have the same, ’ Helen said. ‘ I wouldn ’ t want to keep you waiting. ’

    ‘ Fine. ’ He either ignored or didn ’ t notice the irony in her tone. ‘ And a bottle of house red, Gaspard. Quick as you can. Plus a gin and tonic. ’ He glanced at Helen. ‘ Do you want a drink, sweetie? ’

    ‘ I ’ ve already had one, ’ she said. ‘ Kir Royale, as a matter of fact. ’

    His lips thinned a little. ‘ Rather a new departure for you, isn ’ t it? Did the waiter talk you into it? ’

    ‘ No, ’ she said. ‘ But don ’ t worry. One is more than enough. ’ She was ashamed to hear how acerbic she sounded, and it was all the fault of that — that creature across the room. But she was sharing precious time with the man she loved, and she wouldn ’ t allow it to be spoiled by anyone or anything.

    She made herself smile at Nigel, and put her hand on his. ‘ It ’ s so great to see you, ’ she said gently. ‘ Do you realise how long it ’ s been? ’

    He sighed. ‘ I know, but life at work is so hectic just now I hardly have any time to spare. ’

    ‘ Your parents must miss you too. ’

    He shrugged. ‘ They ’ re far too busy planning Dad ’ s retirement and giving the house a pre-sale facelift to worry about me. ’ He shot her a swift glance. ‘ You did know they ’ re moving to Portugal in the near future? ’

    ‘ Selling Oaktree House? ’ Helen said slowly. ‘ I had no idea. ’ She gave him a blank look. ‘ But how will you manage? It ’ s your home. ’

    ‘ Off and on for the past ten years, yes, ’ Nigel said with a touch of impatience. ‘ But my life ’ s in London now. I ’ m going to stop renting and look for somewhere to buy. Ah, my drink at last. My God, I could do with it. I ’ ve had a hell of a morning. ’ And he launched himself into a description of its vicissitudes which was still going strong when their food arrived.

    Not that Helen was particularly hungry. Her appetite, such as it was, seemed to have suddenly dissipated. Nor was she giving her full attention to the vagaries of the financial markets and the irresponsible attitude of certain nameless clients, as outlined by Nigel. Her mind was on another track altogether.

    Something had happened, she thought numbly. Some fundamental shift had taken place and she hadn ’ t noticed.

    Well, she was totally focussed now, because this involved her life too. She ’ d assumed that Nigel would live with her at Monteagle once they were married, and commute to London. After all, she couldn ’ t move away, use Monteagle as a weekend home. Surely he realised that.

    But there was no way they could talk about it now. Not with Nigel glancing at his watch every couple of minutes as he rapidly forked up his steak.

    Eventually she broke into his monologue. ‘ Nigel — this weekend, we have to talk. Can you come over — spend the day with me on Sunday? ’

    ‘ Not