The Helen Bianchin Collection. HELEN BIANCHIN

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СКАЧАТЬ with Camille has been done to death.’

      ‘Renee rang. She assured me it was of no importance, and indicated she’ll have the opportunity to speak with you tonight.’

      Hannah looked at him sharply. ‘You didn’t tell her about today?’

      ‘No. Why would I worry her unnecessarily?’

      Her mother would freak if she discovered the extent of Camille’s campaign and the repercussions it had caused.

      Opening night at the theatre meant dressing up, and Hannah chose an ensemble that comprised a high-waisted skirt with alternating bands of cyclamen-pink and burnt orange and a strapless fitted top in burnt orange. A long wrap in cyclamen-pink completed the outfit, and she selected minimum jewellery, choosing to twist her hair into a fashionable knot atop her head.

      Members of the city’s social élite were in attendance, and it came as no surprise to discover Graziella and Enrico del Santo mingling among the guests in the auditorium. Also present were their friends, Aimee Dalfour, and, Hannah noted, Camille and Luc.

      Somehow, the ‘cat among the pigeons’ allegory didn’t even begin to cover it. Admittedly, the harassment injunction Miguel had applied for wouldn’t be served until the following day, but, given Camille was no fool, her appearance here tonight was nothing short of blatant arrogance.

      Dressed to kill, the Frenchwoman looked positively sinful in a designer gown that was strapless, backless, and moulded her curves like a second skin.

      A last-ditch attempt to show Miguel what he was missing?

      Impossible, of course, that they could slip through the foyer unnoticed. Nor could they ignore the del Santos’ presence.

      Act, Hannah prompted silently as Miguel enfolded her hand within his own.

      ‘Hannah, Miguel. How nice to see you,’ Graziella greeted with enthusiasm. ‘You remember Aimee, of course. Camille, Luc.’

      How could they forget? They exchanged polite meaningless pleasantries and Hannah endeavoured to ignore Camille’s sultry appraisal of Miguel. It was a wonder he didn’t burn at the sensual pouting of her lips and the wicked promise portrayed in the provocative depths of her gaze.

      If they were seated close together, she’d scream, Hannah decided, and was immeasurably relieved to see her parents moving towards them.

      ‘Oh, my,’ Renee murmured minutes later as the del Santo party moved away. ‘Is there an apt word for such exhibitionism?’

      ‘Not one utterable in polite company,’ Hannah acknowledged with a touch of cynical amusement.

      Within minutes the auditorium doors were opened, and the guests began making their way forward to take up reserved seating. Hannah attempted to extricate her hand from Miguel’s firm clasp, and failed. Was he making a statement, or seeking to provide her with reassurance? Maybe both?

      Hell, now she was being paranoid!

      As they took their seats she was thankful there was no sign of the del Santo party within the immediate vicinity, and she began to relax.

      The play was superbly acted, the sets, the characters magnificent, and Hannah took pleasure in losing herself in the excellence of the script, the cast, the production.

      The interval provided the opportunity for patrons to mix and mingle in the foyer, have a drink or coffee at the bar, or choose to remain in their seats.

      ‘Let’s go out for coffee, shall we?’ Renee suggested. ‘Miguel and Carlo can opt for something stronger—’ she flashed Hannah a conspiratorial smile ‘—while we check out the fashions other women are wearing.’

      Why not? Hannah rose to her feet and felt the light touch of Miguel’s hand at the back of her waist as they moved into the aisle.

      His close proximity stirred her senses, and she felt the return of nervous tension as they entered the foyer.

      There were people she knew, a few clients and their partners, friends, and she paused briefly to exchange a greeting as they crossed to the bar.

      ‘Renee, Carlo. Please join us.’

      Hannah momentarily closed her eyes, then opened them again. Enrico del Santo indicated four chairs empty at their table. This was not her evening! How long did the interval last? Ten to fifteen minutes? She could survive that long in Camille and Luc’s company, surely?

      Miguel deliberately placed Hannah next to Renee and took the adjoining seat. He was charming to Graziella, conversed with Carlo and Enrico, and chose a polite façade whenever Camille commanded his attention.

      A frequent occurrence, Hannah noticed, as she was meant to. It all became a bit much, and in a bid to escape she excused herself and headed towards the powder room.

      Big mistake, she realised minutes later as Camille quickly joined her. A queue was inevitable, given the number of stalls, and Hannah stood stiffly as she waited for Camille to strike.

      She wasn’t disappointed. ‘Don’t imagine you can hide behind a bodyguard. I suppose you think you’re very clever.’

      Hannah turned slightly to look at the Frenchwoman. ‘Not at all,’ she responded lightly. ‘And the bodyguard is there at Miguel’s instigation.’

      Camille’s expression became an icy mask. ‘Protecting his business investment.’

      ‘Of course.’ It was the truth, so why deny it?

      ‘But there is a bonus,’ Hannah continued quietly. ‘I get to share his bed, his life, and bear his children.’

      She took a shallow breath and released it. ‘Admit you failed, Camille, and go look for another rich man who’s not averse to your game-playing.’ She paused fractionally. ‘And take Luc with you.’

      ‘He’s a practised lover,’ the Frenchwoman intimated with deliberate maliciousness.

      ‘Do you think so?’ Hannah contrived a slight frown. ‘I found his foreplay technique reasonable, but his application needed work.’ She managed a careless shrug. ‘Maybe he’s improved.’

      Camille swung her hand in a vicious arc, except this time Hannah was prepared, and she took a quick sidestep so the slap didn’t connect.

      Hannah was aware of a few surprised gasps, then Renee was there, her normally composed features fierce with anger.

      ‘You’ve said quite enough, Camille! Now get out of here at once. There is another set of facilities if you must use them.’ She turned towards her daughter. ‘Darling, are you all right?’

      ‘Yes. Thanks,’ she added, and couldn’t help wondering if Miguel had sent Renee to her rescue.

      ‘Come, let’s go back to—’

      ‘The table?’ She shook her head. ‘I really do need to freshen up. Tell Miguel I’ll go straight to our seats.’

      ‘I’ll stay,’ Renee said firmly.

      ‘Then СКАЧАТЬ