The Helen Bianchin Collection. HELEN BIANCHIN

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СКАЧАТЬ much deliberation she narrowed the choice down to two, eventually selecting a stunning fitted gown in deep emerald. The colour matched her eyes, highlighted the creamy texture of her skin, and proved a vivid contrast to her blonde hair.

      It was almost four when José delivered her home from physiotherapy, and at five she took a shower, washed her hair and had Ana curl fat rollers into its length before attending to her nails.

      Alejandro entered the bedroom as she began applying make-up, and she met his studied appraisal with equanimity.

      ‘How is your hand?’ He moved towards her, and Elise felt an immediate awareness of his close proximity.

      Without a word she displayed the pink scar. ‘I’m sure you’ve already received the specialist’s report.’ She hadn’t intended to sound quite so cynical.

      His eyes narrowed fractionally. ‘Yes.’

      ‘You also know that I am able to drive again,’ she offered, watching as his head lowered down to hers.

      She averted her head so that his kiss landed on her cheek, and almost at once he caught hold of her chin, anchoring it as he covered her mouth with his own in an invasion that brought forth a muffled entreaty he chose to ignore.

      When he finally lifted his head she silently damned him to the depths of perdition.

      The desire to rage against him was paramount, and, drawing in a deep breath, she launched into attack. ‘I’d like to become independent again, rather than have to drag José away every time I want to go out.’

      Alejandro slipped the knot free on his tie and began unfastening the buttons on his shirt. ‘That is part of his job.’

      Her eyes assumed a brilliant hue as anger began to unfurl, and it took considerable effort to control her temper. ‘Have you assigned him as my gaoler?’

      ‘You’re being fanciful.’

      ‘Am I?’

      He looked every inch the power broker… indomitable, lethal, inflexible. ‘Are you intent on having an argument?’

      She wanted to throw something at him and have it cause mild bodily harm. ‘I find it difficult to condone almost everything you do where I am concerned.’

      He pulled his shirt free and tossed it down on to the bed. ‘Almost everything, querida?’ One eyebrow slanted in silent mockery. ‘Should I take that to indicate there is some hope for me?’

      ‘Don’t be so damned facetious,’ she condemned fiercely, seething with helpless indignation as she glimpsed his amusement.

      ‘We need to leave in half an hour. Can this discussion wait?’

      ‘Until when, Alejandro?’ she taunted, holding his gaze without any difficulty at all. ‘Next week, next month?’

      ‘Tomorrow.’

      It was a better concession than she had hoped for, and she viewed him steadily for several long seconds as her anger began to dissipate.

      ‘Where is the dinner being held tonight?’

      One eyebrow arched, and his mouth assumed a degree of cynicism. ‘The Sheraton.’

      Some devilish imp prompted her to ask, ‘Will Savannah be there?’

      ‘I imagine so. She likes to attend most of the events.’

      ‘In order to see you.’ It was nothing less than the truth.

      ‘Savannah has many friends, most of whom are active on the social circuit,’ he drawled, and his faintly mocking tones brought a resurgence of anger.

      ‘I can’t think why you didn’t marry her.’ Elise endeavoured not to sound bitter. ‘She would have leapt at the chance!’

      ‘Perhaps,’ Alejandro conceded, watching the play of emotions across her expressive features. ‘I chose not to ask her.’

      ‘One can only wonder why.’ Her eyes deepened in colour and became faintly reflective. ‘She’s beautiful, poised, and she comes from the right social background.’ It was amazing that her voice sounded so calm.

      His eyes gleamed with sardonic humour. ‘Many women of my acquaintance fit that description.’

      ‘Several of whom are wealthy in their own right,’ she pursued, uncaring that she was treading dangerous ground. ‘Poor Alejandro,’ she added lightly. ‘Were you afraid their prime motivation was an advantageous financial merger? Or, if their independent wealth was sufficient for that not to be a consideration, could there have been distaste that they were merely lusting after your body? Not to mention your——’ she hesitated deliberately, then finished with considered delicacy ‘—impressive skill in the bedroom.’

      ‘Only in the bedroom, mi mujer?’ he mocked cynically. ‘I retain a vivid recollection of several enjoyable…encounters, shall we say?’ he suggested, slanting one eyebrow. ‘When we shared the shower, the spa.’ His eyes gleamed as soft pink coloured her cheeks. ‘Shall I continue?’

      ‘You’ve had plenty of practice, damn you!’

      ‘You are jealous, querida, that any one of my former lovers might possibly have meant more to me than you do?’

      Elise felt her eyes widen with shock. Was she so transparent? Could he be aware of how much she hated the thought of his splendidly muscular body engaged in the act of lovemaking with another woman…? Women, she corrected. Past and present.

      ‘How could I be jealous,’ she countered, with as much pride as she could muster, ‘when you clearly defined the reason for our marriage, allocated a price-tag and specified a time-limit?’

      ‘That bothers you?’

      It bothered her like hell, but she was damned if she would admit to it. ‘About as much as the fact that you’ve chosen to retain Savannah as your mistress.’

      ‘The term mistress conveys a woman kept by a husband while still co-habiting with his wife.’ His eyes were dark, and held latent anger. ‘You imagine I would insult you in such a manner?’

      I don’t know. ‘I’d appreciate it if you would at least keep the…liaison discreet.’

      There was a perceptible pause, one in which it seemed that even a pin falling to the floor would result in cacophonous sound. ‘Am I to understand that you give your sanction to such a relationship?’

      No. The silent negation screamed inside her head. It took tremendous effort to effect a slight shrug. ‘Would anything I say make a difference?’

      He appeared to be marshalling his anger, confining it beneath a mantle of superb control. ‘We have a dinner engagement,’ he reminded her icily. ‘I suggest you get changed.’

      The thought of sitting through a formal dinner in the company of some of the city’s social glitterati was more than she could bear. ‘Forgive me, Alejandro,’ she said with bitter cynicism, ‘but I can’t bring myself to play pretend СКАЧАТЬ