Paradise Found Read Online Free Page A

was one thing she was learning about, it was the operation of resorts and restaurants. She had been researching the hospitality business in order to become educated in the field so as to operate her own in the future. Eden Resorts, LLC, owner of the Shangri La and other exclusive resorts around the world, had a flawless reputation. They were the world leader in luxury accommodation and dining, setting the industry standard. If she ever hoped to succeed in owning and operating resorts, theirs was an example to follow. Lunch had been more than an entertainment with a new friend, it had been part of her research. Daemon needn’t know.
    “Thank you for the exquisite lunch and entertaining company, Mr. Wells,” she said, politely, not wanting to lead him into thinking this would be the start of some island fling.
    “Call me Daemon, and the pleasure has been all mine.” He stood and pulled out her chair.
    She rose, standing so close to him she could feel his body heat and smell his spicy aftershave. He was one of the few men who towered over her. He was also one of the few men who unnerved her and she had to move away.
    “Would you like a tour of the resort?” he asked.
    She thought the question strange coming from the owner of a helicopter service and stared at him.
    “I thought you might like to check out the resort for future reference. After all, you are buying up property on the island and, I assume, planning on some tourist
    development,” he said, in a serious tone she found disconcerting.
    Her legs went weak and for a moment she thought she’d faint. How did he know? She had just closed her third land acquisition deal that very morning. No one was told of her true plans.
    “Mr. Wells, why would you be interested in my business affairs?”
    “Well … you were surveying land from my craft the other day.”
    He was clearly hedging. “There are many wonderful resorts on the Islands if I need to do research and I really don’t need a guide.” She glanced at her wristwatch, though she hadn’t any pressing plans. “I really do need to get back to Victoria.”
    “You are sure?”
    “Quite.” She turned and walked briskly toward the lobby and exit, him following. Touring the resort of her dreams with a man who made her heart flutter and mind wonder was out of the question. Daemon had a magnetic effect and an intimate understanding of her that she found frightening. The sooner she returned to Victoria and left him and his fancy car, the better.
     
     
    The conversation in the Jag as they returned to Victoria had been light and minimal. Part of it was due to the rustling wind and difficulty in hearing and the other was by choice. She wasn’t interested in revealing any more about herself than necessary to a man who had such strong perception and intuition. When she returned home to the Seychelles she had promised herself that she’d leave all of her experiences and memories of her time in Europe and the States behind. Especially her memories of the States. She was going to start over on her own terms with no encumbrances to question her or hold her back .
    In Victoria, Mah’e, she asked Daemon to let her off on Albert Street.
    “I can drive you home, it would be easier,” he offered.
    The last thing she needed was for him to know where she lived. “Thanks, but I have some business to attend to here first,” she lied.
    “Can we do this again?” he asked with a sparkling and hopeful smile.
    She smiled back, exiting his car in silence and waved. Better to be silent than to make promises only to be broken.
     

 
    Chapter 3
     
    Victoria set her overnight bag near the front door of her mother’s home. Her plan called for a quick trip to the island of Praslin to see and negotiate on some property. She also welcomed the solace the smaller, more secluded island would bring. She relished the time away from her mother’s inquisitive eyes, her friends’ small talk and the chance of encountering Daemon Wells. In