Читать книгу Modern Romance Collection: January 2018 Books 1 -4 - Dani Collins - Страница 18

CHAPTER NINE

A FEW HOURS later they disembarked at Sydney’s major airport, collected their bags, and were met by Paul in the passenger lounge.

‘Welcome back,’ Paul greeted with a smile. ‘A successful trip?’

Natalya inclined her head as Alexei answered in the affirmative as Paul took hold of their bags, and began leading the way towards the exit.

Confirmation documents digitally signed in ADE Conglomerate’s favour had been recorded. Another deal settled, Natalya acknowledged as Paul eased Alexei’s limousine away from the terminal.

No matter how many domestic and international flights Natalya had made over the years, the return to Sydney inevitably invited the pleasure of familiarity, the buzz of city traffic, famous landmarks.

Mission accomplished, she acceded...admitting it was good to be back. Within half an hour of her own home, free of an insidious awareness pervading her senses with every passing day.

A temporary madness, she dismissed, due to being in Alexei’s presence a minimum of eight hours five days a week...more, if you counted business dinners, travel.

She didn’t feel comfortable with it. Didn’t condone he had managed to manoeuvre her between a rock and a hard place by robbing her of choice...aware there was only one choice she could make.

It made her want to rail her fists against him...except she didn’t do tantrums. Couldn’t remember throwing any, even as a child. Not that there had ever been a reason for her to do so.

A faint smile curved the edges of her lips. Except one incidence as a child in first grade when a boy...she couldn’t even recall his name...grabbed hold of her single hair braid and pulled it so hard her eyes had watered. The taunt of ‘cry-baby’ had made her so mad she didn’t hesitate to kick him...inadvertently where it hurt him most. An act which earned both children a demerit point, a lecture, and a phone call to each of their parents.

A forgotten incident...until now.

The limousine eased to a halt outside her home, and she emerged from the door Alexei held open while Paul removed her bag.

It was a simple expedient to offer Paul a polite word in thanks, reach for her bag, only to have Alexei collect it and accompany her to the front door, wait as she extracted her keys.

‘I can take it from here.’

For a brief moment she imagined she glimpsed a tinge of amusement in his dark eyes. The temptation to execute an expressive eye-roll was uppermost. She selected the appropriate key, unlocked the front door, reached for her bag...missed by a mere second or two as Alexei placed it in the hallway before exiting without so much as a backwards glance.

An unladylike swear word slipped quietly from her lips, followed by another as she transferred her bag into her bedroom, tossed her satchel, then dug out her smartphone and rang Ben.

‘Okay if I call over and collect Ollie?’

‘Sure. He’s antsy. I think he heard the car and your key in the door.’

‘On my way.’

And there was Ben waiting for her with Ollie in his arms. ‘Good trip?’

The fluffy cream seal-pointed cat squirmed with delight at the sight of his mistress, purred as Ben transferred him to Natalya, and she smiled as Ollie smooched his head into the curve of her neck, lightly nipped her earlobe in mild protest at her absence and followed it with another smooch.

‘You missed me, huh?’ Natalya acknowledged, and received a soft plaintive meow in return.

‘Thanks, Ben. I appreciate you taking care of him.’

‘No problem. Any time.’

He was a great neighbour, and looked out for her like the brother she didn’t have. ‘We’ll catch up. Soon,’ she added, meaning it.

‘No rush. Whenever.’

She smiled, aware his life was even more hectic than her own. ‘We’re good.’ And they were, for the pet minding thing was reciprocal... Ben owned an adorable sad-faced pug named Alfie, whom she looked after on occasion. ‘Talk soon.’

‘Look forward to it,’ Ben bade as she crossed to her adjoining apartment.

Time spent with Ollie, smooches, head-butts...the feline equivalent of an adoring, Welcome home. I missed you, and food...always a clincher.

After which she changed into comfortable sweats, unpacked her bag, set up her laptop, checked the agreement, itemised the salient points and sent the data to Alexei. Resisting adding an expressive emoji...only to send it separately minutes later.

Time for a light meal, shower, then hit the bed with Ollie curled up beside her, maybe view a television programme.

Surprisingly she slept well, woke early, checked her email...no response from Alexei...then fed Ollie, collected the morning newspaper, made breakfast, then she poured a second cup of coffee and began skimming the daily headlines.

Normally she might have missed the article, except the bold print caught her eye. So, too, did the capitalised name—ADE CONGLOMERATE SCORES MEGA DEAL—together with a photograph of ADE’s CEO, followed by brief details.

An approved press release from ADE? Doubtful, given she would have known about it. Unauthorised, damage control would ensue via a statement from Alexei in the late afternoon news.

Exactly as Natalya predicted, followed by a phone call from her father voicing a conspiracy rant, insisting she must have had advance knowledge the deal was about to go public. Concluding with a spiel alluding to the victory should have been his.

Any attempt to defuse the situation proved unsuccessful, and Natalya simply concluded the call, aware a reality check would prove a wasted effort.

* * *

Their return resulted in invitations to social events supporting various prominent charities arrived, requesting Alexei Delandros’ presence and partner.

Back in the day of Roman’s excesses and largess, almost all such invitations were accepted, including Natalya’s attendance with her parents from the age of eighteen when she’d adapted to sharing the glitz and glamour as the social elite worked the ballroom.

Natalya checked each of the invitations, listed a few she warranted would benefit from Alexei’s presence and probable donation, and placed them on his desk.

‘I’ll organise for an acceptance when you’ve made your choice.’

Would he decide to appear solo...and if not, whom would he choose as his partner?

Like she cared?

Yet deep down she did, and for a brief few seconds she considered attending with her parents...just because.

Only to have the decision taken out of her hands when Alexei summoned her into his office prior to an event.

Natalya took a seat, opened her iPad with her fingers poised to tap in an update, schedule or reschedule a meeting...and glanced up when he failed to begin.

It was the end of the day, and he’d removed his jacket, loosened his tie, aiding a casual look that succeeded in ruffling her composure.

‘Ensure you’re available for Thursday evening’s charity event,’ Alexei began.

She schooled her expression and met his steady gaze. ‘I’m sure you have a few young women on speed dial who would jump at the chance of an invitation.’

‘None of whom possess your observation skills and diplomacy.’

‘Assuming their total focus would be on charming you?’ Natalya queried sweetly, sure she caught a faint smile at the edge of his mouth.

‘Consider your presence a necessity as my PA.’

Be seated at his side throughout a lengthy dinner? Play nice, when privately she wanted to hit him? An inconceivable action in public view. Something more subtle...an elbow in his ribs, perhaps? Accidentally, of course.

‘Business-oriented,’ she clarified in droll tones. ‘I’ll ensure the mini-recording device will fit in my evening purse.’

‘You’ve attended several events in the past. I doubt tomorrow evening’s event will be any different.’

A number of the people present were repeat guests at several of the city’s charity events throughout each year. Wealthy, influential, dedicated in donating funds to worthy causes, active on the social scene...and most familiar with Roman Montgomery’s fall from grace in the finance sector.

The fact Roman’s daughter would be seated next to, and to all intents and purposes partnered by, Alexei Delandros would be viewed with interest and a degree of speculation.

* * *

Poise and sophistication were an acquired façade, and qualities in which Natalya excelled...on the surface. Education in one of Sydney’s highly respected private schools and world travel had ensured she could handle almost any situation without falling in a heap.

This evening’s charity event would be no different. So why the edgy onset of nerves as she put the finishing touches to her make-up prior to Alexei’s timed arrival at her home?

Her expressed insistence she meet him at the hotel venue had been dismissed out of hand, and for twenty-four hours she’d considered defying his edict with a last-minute text...only to abandon the tempting plan.

Instead she visited one of her favoured boutiques and purchased a new gown in champagne silk with an overlay of matching lace.

Dressed to kill, she observed as she added a diamond pendant on a slim gold chain, attached a single diamond tennis bracelet to her left wrist, adding discreet diamond ear studs...each of which had been gifts over time from her late grandmother.

Natalya ran her fingers over her hair, plumping the loose waved tendrils touching each collarbone, and reached for her evening purse.

Good to go, with a few minutes to spare.

Alexei’s limousine slid to a halt at the prearranged time, and she drew in a deep breath as the doorbell rang.

Nervous tension, Natalya excused, and sought to steady the increased pulse-beat at the base of her throat as she opened the door.

He had presence, an elusive quality that set him apart from most other men. Difficult to define in mere words, but there nonetheless.

Dark eyes that could sear the soul; a mouth which held the promise of sensual sin...and delivered.

Stop, a silent voice echoed inside her brain. Remembering how it had been between them served no purpose.

As an escort he ticked all the boxes. Appearing even more devastating in impeccable evening wear, he could easily have passed as a male model in a photo shoot for Armani. The epitome of the man he’d become...assured, comfortable in his own skin. The acquisition of the fine things in life, its influence and power. An added quality he bore with ease.

The limousine purred silently through the city streets, entering the inner city perimeter until they reached the hotel where the evening’s event was being held.

Assembled media, photographers were positioned ready to capture the arrival of well-known guests, and flashbulbs popped as the cream of Sydney’s society descended from a moving procession of limousines...women offering practised smiles, should their photograph be one of a chosen few to make the following day’s social pages.

Alexei’s light touch at the back of Natalya’s waist was a courtesy, although only she was aware of the flare of sensual electricity coursing through her body.

Her role was strictly business-oriented. Definitely not personal. She should have organised a pin discreetly emblazoned with PA to clarify her presence.

Natalya offered a slight smile as she accompanied Alexei into the large atrium where guests were gathering for pre-dinner drinks prior to a bank of doors being opened to allow access into the formal dining room.

Waiters circled the atrium offering flutes of champagne as guests mingled with fellow associates and friends, increasing the noise factor as the numbers swelled to capacity.

Natalya offered a smile in silent acknowledgment as she recognised friends among the crowd, aware they’d be able to connect throughout the evening, and when a few scions of industry approached Alexei she achieved each introduction with practised ease.

It became increasingly obvious Alexei garnered attention. His takeover of Roman Montgomery’s firm had become a lingering buzz among those in the financial sector, fired by successful deals Alexei had achieved worldwide.

There was media interest in his background, together with any information investigative journalists could dig up about his personal life.

Until now Alexei had declined to give interviews, sanctioning only information his media personnel were instructed to release. Fine in theory, but the gutter press possessed few scruples, and a grain of truth embellished with innuendo could increase sales of varying tabloids tenfold.

‘Natalya.’ The sound of Ivana’s voice captured her attention, and she greeted her parents with affection, formally introduced Alexei to her mother, who offered him a gracious smile and shook his hand.

‘You’ve already met my father,’ Natalya indicated, sensing the tension beneath the obsequious smile as Roman extended his hand.

‘Indeed,’ Roman expressed. ‘So pleased you’ve taken Natalya on board. She’s an excellent PA.’

Proficient at covering your back...words which remained silent.

‘Ivana, darling. We’re seated together.’ Aaron’s mother, Elvira, Natalya perceived, aware both women were long time friends. ‘Roman. Natalya.’ Her gaze shifted towards Alexei. ‘Alexei Delandros, of course. You photograph well. I’m delighted to meet you.’ She turned towards Natalya. ‘Aaron is parking the car. Al has been shanghaied by a client. I’m sure he’ll manage to escape soon.’

Interesting didn’t begin to describe the seating arrangement. Aaron, the gay son whose parents were in ignorance of their son’s sexual proclivities; Alexei and Roman...which member of the committee thought to put the fox and the rabbit together? Each table seated twelve. Who were the remaining five?

‘Ah, they’re opening the doors,’ Elvira declared. ‘Shall we go in?’

Moving within a crowd involved some inadvertent contact with other patrons, and she stiffened as Alexei placed an arm along the back of her waist...and kept it there until they reached their table, choosing to position her chair as she graciously took a seat. The gesture polite, impersonal...so why did his touch affect her body as much as it did?

A temporary madness, and one which she’d avoid by maintaining a reasonable distance between them. Which worked until a complement of five guests soon joined them. None other than Lara and Richard Tremayne, their two daughters Abby and Olivia, with son Jason bringing up the rear.

Like she needed awkward?

Nothing she couldn’t handle...and she did, with grace and politeness, expressing amusement at the right intervals, while easing her way through three courses of beautifully presented delectable food.

‘Champagne, Natalya?’ Alexei queried, and she spared him a polite smile.

‘Thank you.’

Definitely a departure from her usual preference of sparkling mineral water, and she caught Aaron’s faintly raised eyebrow in silent askance.

On the surface all twelve patrons at their table appeared to be sharing a pleasant evening. Perhaps they were, and she was the only one present who sensed an edge of tension.

It was a relief when the wait-staff began clearing tables in preparation for serving coffee. An action which usually pre-empted a series of announcements, speeches offering thanks for generous donations, the evening’s success, followed by music and the voiced encouragement for guests to enjoy the dance floor.

Roman stood to his feet and crossed to Natalya’s side and extended his hand. ‘Shall we?’

At least her father employed a little circumspection in leading her part-way through the waltz before he lowered his head a little and quietly demanded,

‘What in hell are you thinking?’

She didn’t pretend to misunderstand. ‘I’m Alexei’s PA, and seated with him in a professional capacity.’

‘Darling girl, he’s merely using you to highlight his success over my business failure.’

Natalya looked at him, glimpsed the anger, the frustration evident, and sought to alleviate it. ‘Why would he do that, when the media have already printed the coup in various newspapers?’

Roman snorted in derision. ‘Didn’t you learn anything five years ago? The man upped and left you without a word.’

‘That’s not relevant to the current discussion.’ Her voice was firm as she refused to placate him. ‘Shall we rejoin the others?’

Coffee, hot, black, with no sugar helped, Natalya admitted, and she offered a smile as Roman swept her mother onto the dance floor, which left Natalya, Alexei and Jason Tremayne the only occupants at the table.

Not the best scenario, she perceived, wondering if she could escape to the powder room. However luck wasn’t on her side as Jason rose to his feet and approached her.

‘Our turn, I think.’

‘Mine actually,’ Alexei intervened smoothly as he rose to his feet and placed a hand on her shoulder. ‘If you’ll excuse us?’

She could refuse him, plead the need for a coffee refill, and attempt to relax. Instead she inclined her head towards Jason, offered a faint smile, and accompanied Alexei onto the dance floor.

‘That wasn’t necessary,’ Natalya said quietly as she matched his steps with familiar ease.

‘No?’

What could she say? If in doubt, don’t, and in this instance silence was the better option.

The music slowed, and Alexei pulled her in as they adjusted their steps to a softer beat. The top of her head barely reached his shoulder, and he fought the urge to wrap an arm around her slender body, brush his lips to her temple...as he had done in the past. Enjoy the light floral perfume she wore, aware of his body pulsing with need, and the promise of how the night would end.

He’d been so sure of their relationship, of her, envisaging they’d grow old together, having raised a family, and enjoy grandchildren. Until Roman Montgomery had employed strong-arm tactics to ensure Alexei’s swift departure from Sydney and the country.

Five years on, Alexei had changed, so too had his life.

The human psyche had intrigued him to such a point whereby he’d studied psychological behavioural patterns, mannerisms, characteristics that would provide insight to figurative red flags during his business dealings.

Qualities that had led to his success.

Had it hardened him? Undoubtedly.

His late father would have been proud.

‘We should return to the table,’ Natalya indicated as the music sped up to a modern beat. ‘Considering the duty dance is done.’

‘Duty?’ Alexei queried as he released her. ‘Is that what it was?’

‘Of course,’ she dismissed. ‘What else would it have been?’

Indeed. If he hadn’t noted the fast-beating pulse at the base of her throat, felt the throb of it beneath the palm of her wrist, he might have believed her.

The evening eventually drew to a close, with the final speech, the lucky door ticket prize, with guests lingering in the adjoining atrium as they waited for taxis, private limousines, while others continued on to a nightclub.

There were hugs, air kisses, voiced promises to do lunch or coffee...the usual pattern following the end of an evening’s social event.

‘The limousine will be here within a few minutes,’ Alexei indicated.

‘I can easily take a cab.’

‘But you won’t.’

Her lips parted with the intention of arguing with him, only for her to decide against it. Besides, taxis at this time of night were in short supply.

‘Compliance, Natalya?’

She spared him a glance. ‘Only because it makes sense.’

And if you dare smile...

He didn’t, or else she missed it as Paul eased the limousine to a halt at the kerb. The late evening flow of traffic was intense as patrons vacated cinemas, cafés and restaurants until they cleared the inner city and crossed the harbour bridge.

‘I trust you both enjoyed a pleasant evening?’ Paul queried, and it was Alexei who responded,

‘Successful.’

The context had to relate to the capacity crowd, donations raised, and Natalya added, ‘Very much so.’

There was a sense of relief when the limousine drew to a halt in her driveway, her set of keys in hand as she released the door clasp and stepped out in one fluid movement, pausing to offer, ‘Thanks for the ride, the evening.’ She held up her set of keys. ‘I’m fine. My porch light is on a timer.’ She closed the rear door, then turned towards the gated path, unaware Alexei had joined her.

‘I’m quite capable of walking unaccompanied to my front door.’

‘I was unaware I implied otherwise.’ His voice was a musing drawl, and she was conscious of the sharp tug of awareness, the unbidden heat flooding her body...and silently damned her own vulnerability, choosing to glance at the lit window on the far left of the house.

‘You share the house with someone?’

Not an unusual question, given its spacious size.

‘It’s a large family home divided in half to incorporate two separate units. I occupy one. Ben leases the other.’

Alexei’s eyes narrowed. He had no recollection of her mentioning anyone by that name. And he would have. A sharp memory was one of his talents. ‘Since when?’

‘Two and a half years ago.’ She deactivated security, then inserted her key into the lock and heard Ollie’s pathetic wail. ‘My cat,’ she enlightened as she opened the door, whereupon Ollie leapt into her arms and began purring as he affectionately butted his head against her chin.

Feline love, gifted unconditionally. If only human emotions were as uncomplicated...

Except they weren’t, and Natalya offered Alexei a polite goodnight, entered the spacious hallway, then with a brief smile she closed and locked the door. Less than a minute later the veranda light faded, and she released her breath.

‘Bed, hmm,’ she murmured against Ollie’s furry head. But sleep came without success, as she tossed and turned for what seemed an hour or more, only to check the illuminated hands on her watch to witness only thirty minutes had gone by.

Ollie protested and resettled his furry self at the base of the bed as Natalya punched her pillow, counted to ten, and sought a more comfortable position.

But there were too many images filling her mind of the times when she and Alexei were so attuned to each other there had been no need for words. Magical, engaging, special...so much so, she would have wagered her life nothing, no one, could tear them apart.

Yet someone or something had.