The Helen Bianchin Collection (Mills & Boon E-Book Collections) (138 page)

Relinquishing her mouth, he lowered his head to her breast, and she cried out as he took possession of one roseate peak, savouring it with flagrant hunger before rendering several bites to the soft underside of the swollen peak.

Alyse balled her hands into fists and beat them against his shoulders then gave a startled cry of disbelief
as his hands shifted down to grip her bottom, lifting her slightly as he plunged even deeper.

Then he stilled, and she felt him swell even further inside her, while the hand at her back slid to clasp her nape, urging her head back as he forced her to meet his gaze.

She wanted to vilify him for an act of savagery, yet among the outrage had been a degree of primitive enjoyment, and she hated herself almost as much as she hated him for it.

He knew; she glimpsed the knowledge in the depth of his eyes, and hated him even more for the faint mocking smile that curved his lips.

Hands that had been hard gentled as they cradled her, and he buried his mouth against the hollows at the base of her throat, teasing the rapidly beating pulse there with his tongue, then, just as she thought he was about to release her, he began a slow circling movement with his hips, taking her with him until, almost as a silent act of atonement, pleasure overtook discomfort and her senses became caught up with his, spiralling towards a mutual climax that made her cling to him in unashamed abandon.

Afterwards she showered, then dressed in a vivid emerald-green ruched satin gown with a demure neckline and fitted lines that accentuated her petite figure.

Keeping her make-up to an understated minimum, she accented her eyes and outlined her mouth in soft pink before checking on Georg.

Melanie had arrived and was comfortably settled in the lounge when Alyse emerged several minutes later, and she greeted the girl pleasantly, then accepted Aleksi’s
light clasp on her elbow as they took their leave and made their way to the garage.

‘I rang Solange and told her not to hold dinner as we’d been unavoidably detained,’ Aleksi told her as the BMW cleared the driveway. ‘I’ve made a reservation at the Club’s restaurant. We’ll eat there.’

Alyse took a deep breath, then released it slowly. ‘I’m not hungry.’

‘You’ll eat something, even if it’s only
soupe du jour
,’ he declared with unruffled ease.

The fact that she did owed nothing to his insistence, and seated opposite him in the well-patronised room she did justice to soup, declined a main course in favour of a second starter of sautéed prawns, refused sweets and settled for a Jamaican coffee.

It was almost ten when the BMW passed security and slid into a reserved car space in the spacious grounds adjoining a prestigious block of apartments housing Solange and Dominic Rochas’ penthouse apartment, and Alyse stood in meditative silence as they rode the private lift to the uppermost floor.

‘A
LEKSI!’
S
OLANGE PURRED
, immediately embracing him in a manner that slipped over the edge from affection and bordered on blatant intimacy. She stepped back, her eyes shifting with glittering condescension to the woman at his side. ‘Alyse.’ She tucked a hand into the curve at Aleksi’s elbow and drew him forward.

‘Solange,’ Alyse murmured in polite acknowledgment. ‘How lovely to see you.’

Liar, a silent voice taunted. She felt about as well equipped to parry a verbal cut and thrust with the glamorous and very definitely bitchy Solange Rochas as flying over the moon! ‘Charming’ was the key-word, and she’d act her socks off—subtly, of course, with the innocuous innocence of an ingénue.

‘Everyone is here,’ Solange declared huskily. ‘I was so disappointed you couldn’t make dinner.’

‘We were delayed,’ drawled Aleksi, and Alyse merely proffered a sweet smile when Solange cast her a brief interrogatory glance.

Aleksi had sought to teach her a lesson, and it didn’t bear thinking about the resultant passion that flared between them in the aftermath of anger.

‘Unfortunately,’ Alyse added with sweet regret, and
almost died as Aleksi caught hold of her hand and lifted it to his lips, deliberately kissing each finger in turn.

His eyes blazed with indefinable emotion for a brief few seconds, then became dark and faintly hooded as he threaded his fingers through her own and kept them there.

Liquid fire coursed through her veins, activating each separate nerve-ending as it centred deep within the vulnerable core of her femininity, and she ached, aware of bruised tissues still sensitive from his wounding invasion.

Almost as if he was aware of her thoughts his thumb brushed back and forth across the throbbing veins at her wrist, and her pulse leapt in recognition of his touch. If she hadn’t retained such a vivid memory of his wrath, she could almost imagine the gesture was meant as a silent token of—what? Apology? Remorse?

‘I’m sure you had a very good reason, darling,’ Solange declared, her eyes narrowing with speculative interest as she drew them into the lounge. ‘I’ll get you a drink, then there’s something we must discuss.’ She gave a brittle laugh, then offered in throwaway explanation to Alyse, ‘Business, I’m afraid.’ Then she turned away, effectively shutting Alyse out. ‘The Holmes residence. You absolutely
must
dissuade Anthea against the shade of pink she insists on having as the main theme. It really won’t do at all.’

Alyse moved slightly, watching with detached fascination as Aleksi’s mouth curved into a wry smile.

‘If you’re unable to exercise your professional influence, Solange, then you may have to accept that it’s Anthea’s house and she’s paying the bills.’

‘But it’s
my
reputation.’

‘Then relinquish the commission.’

The woman’s eyes glittered as she made a moue of distaste. ‘The problem with the nouveaux riches, darling,’ she conceded, with a careless shrug, ‘is their gauche taste.’

‘Why not show her a visual example of one of your previous commissions?’ ventured Alyse, thereby forcing Solange’s attention. ‘Magazine layouts and countless sample swatches can be confusing.’

Solange looked as if she had just been confronted with an unwanted dissident. ‘Something that would be an impossible intrusion on a former client’s privacy,’ she dismissed with patronising hauteur.

‘If I were really delighted with the décor of my home, I’d be only too pleased to share it,’ Alyse qualified quietly.

At that precise moment Dominic came forward to greet them, and his deep smile was infinitely mocking.

‘Ah, there you are,’ he greeted, flicking his sister a brief questioning glance before acknowledging Aleksi, then his gaze settled on Alyse with musing indulgence. ‘You look gorgeous, as always. What can I get you to drink?’

‘Mineral water will be fine,’ Alyse requested without guile, while Aleksi opted for soda with a splash of whisky.

Her glass was icy, its rim sugar-frosted, and she sipped the contents, silently applauding the dash of lime juice and twist of lemon.

‘Aleksi,’ a soft breathy voice intruded, and Alyse turned slightly and failed to recognise the owner of that husky feminine sound. The slight pause was deliberate,
as was her deliberately sexy pout. ‘Didn’t the babysitter arrive on time?’

Alyse shifted slightly and summoned a brilliant smile. ‘Aleksi is to blame. He didn’t approve of what I’d chosen to wear, and …’ She trailed to a halt, made an expressive shrug, then directed the man at her side a wicked smile. ‘One thing led to another.’

The stunning brunette’s scarlet-painted mouth parted slightly, then tightened into a thin, uncompromising line.

‘How refreshingly honest, darling,’ drawled Dominic, and his eyes gleamed devilishly. ‘I presume it was worth missing dinner?’

‘Really, Dominic,’ Solange derided in a voice dripping with vitriol, ‘must you be so crude?’

‘My husband can be—’ Alyse paused, deliberately effecting a carefully orchestrated smile, ‘very persuasive.’ There, let them make of it what they chose, and be damned! She was heartily sickened by the various snide comments, the none too subtle innuendo designed to shock or at least unsettle her. Timidity had no place in her demeanour if she were to succeed within Aleksi’s sophisticated circle, and it would seem her only strength lay in presenting an imperturbable if faintly humorous exterior.

Aleksi’s eyes narrowed faintly, but she really didn’t care any more.

‘I’m sure Dominic won’t mind keeping me amused for a while if Solange would prefer you to confer with Anthea,’ she said sweetly, and glimpsed Solange’s smile of triumph.

‘I’ll speak to Anthea later,’ Aleksi determined mildly, although there was nothing remotely mild about the
warning pressure of the hand clasping her own. ‘Shall we mingle?’ he queried pleasantly. ‘We can’t monopolise our hosts’ attention.’

Solange’s expression clearly revealed that he, at least, could monopolise her attention any time he chose, and Alyse had little choice but to drift at Aleksi’s side as he drew her among the glittering guests.

The penthouse apartment provided a brilliant advertisement for Solange and Dominic’s interior decorating expertise. Perfection personified, Alyse thought, with the smallest detail adhered to from the exquisite floral arrangements to the attire of the hired staff. Even the music had been deliberately selected to blend with conversation rather than provide a cacophonous intrusion.

‘Aren’t you being a little careless?’ Aleksi queried with deceptive calm as they paused near the edge of the room, and Alyse idly twirled the contents of her glass.

‘Another guessing game, Aleksi?’ she countered, deliberately meeting his gaze.

‘I find it particularly unamusing to have my wife offer provocative comments to a known society playboy.’

‘Dominic?’ Her eyes widened measurably, then became startlingly direct. ‘Really? When almost every woman in the room homes in on your presence like a prize bitch in heat?’

‘Aren’t you being overly dramatic?’

‘No,’ she said simply, and had to force herself to stand perfectly still as he lifted a hand and brushed his fingers across her cheek.

‘Does it bother you?’

Yes
, she wanted to cry out. It bothers me like hell. Yet if she acknowledged how she felt it would amount to an
admission of sorts, and she wasn’t ready to accord him any advantage. Instead, she held his gaze and returned evenly, ‘Why should it?’

Something flared in his eyes, an infinitesimal flame that was quickly masked. ‘We can always leave.’

Her surprise was undisguised. ‘We’ve only just arrived.’

‘Do you want to stay?’

What a loaded question! Whichever way she answered would be equally damning and, although she didn’t particularly want to remain, she wasn’t ready to go home.

‘Aleksi! I’m so glad you’re here.’

The intrusion was welcome, and Alyse glanced with interest towards the petite blonde hovering nearby as Aleksi effected an introduction.

‘Anthea Holmes, my wife Alyse.’

‘How nice to meet you,’ she acknowledged with gracious charm before turning towards Aleksi. ‘I’m almost at my wits’ end!’ Her pretty hazel eyes darkened with anxiety. ‘The house is superb, but I can’t help wondering when I’ll be able to move in.’

‘Solange mentioned a conflict of interest over the colour scheme,’ Aleksi acknowledged. ‘What seems to be the problem?’

‘A shade of pink,’ Anthea said at once. ‘I originally chose an extremely delicate salmon shade to blend with cream, and utilising various apricot tones as the main theme. Solange insists on shell-pink to blend with mushroom and various tones of amethyst.’ She turned towards Alyse. ‘What do you think?’

Oh lord, Alyse groaned inwardly. Why drag me into it? ‘I wouldn’t presume to infringe on Solange’s territory,’
she ventured diplomatically. ‘But surely it’s a personal choice?’ Solange was bound to feel insulted if she discovered Anthea had solicited another opinion, especially
hers
, and, while the woman could never be her friend, she didn’t particularly want her as an enemy.

‘I’d appreciate your viewpoint.’

‘Whose viewpoint, darling?’

Alyse almost groaned aloud, and was somewhat startled to see that Anthea was not in the least perturbed that Solange had overheard part of their conversation.

‘I’ve invited Alyse to see the house.’

It was clearly evident that the cat had been well and truly placed among the pigeons, for Solange cast her a sharp narrowed glance. ‘Well, of course, if you value the opinion of an unqualified outsider over and above my own …’ She let her voice trail to a deliberate halt.

‘Alyse is naturally interested in my work,’ Aleksi inserted smoothly. ‘Aware, also, that I consider my individual clients’ wishes are paramount.’ His dark eyes encompassed Solange’s features in silent warning before switching to Anthea. ‘I’ll ring my painting contractor tomorrow, then confirm with you and have him meet us at the house.’

Anthea’s relief was instantly evident. ‘Thank you.’ She touched Alyse’s hand. ‘I’ll be mailing invitations to a housewarming party just as soon as I’ve settled in. You will both come, won’t you?’

‘We’d be delighted,’ Aleksi responded warmly, and Anthea looked quite overcome.

‘Another conquest, darling?’ Solange asked archly the instant Anthea had melted into the crowd.

‘Anthea is a very pleasant woman,’ he acknowledged
coolly. ‘And a valued client of mine.’ But not necessarily of yours.

The words remained unspoken, yet Alyse was supremely conscious of the veiled threat. Aware also that Solange sensed his displeasure, for her features underwent a startling transformation.

‘A figurative rap across the knuckles, Aleksi?’ Solange queried provocatively. ‘Dear little Anthea can have her salmon pink and cream with apricot, if that’s what she wants. Why, when she has such rigid ideas, she should consult with an interior designer is beyond me.’ Her exquisitely manicured hands fluttered through the air. ‘One mustn’t forget the newly rich consider it quite the thing to gather opinions without the slightest intention of applying one of them.’

‘Perhaps because they prefer to impose something of their own personality,’ said Alyse, and drew a raised eyebrow in response.

‘Really, darling,’ Solange gave a faint shudder, ‘I hope this doesn’t mean you intend making too many changes in Aleksi’s home. It’s total perfection just as it is.’

‘An incredible compliment,’ a drawling voice intervened, ‘considering you had no part in it.’

‘Dominic. Eavesdropping again?’

Alyse’s glass was whisked out of her hand before she had an opportunity to protest, and she made no demur when Dominic took hold of her elbow.

‘Come and let me show you the view from the window,’ Dominic insisted. ‘It’s really spectacular.’

It was; beyond the wide expanse of plate-glass tiny pinpricks of light outlined countless high-rise buildings along the foreshore curving in an arc towards the ocean.
The sky was a crisp cool indigo, meeting and merging on the horizon with a moon-dappled darkened sea.

‘It’s beautiful,’ Alyse said softly, caught up in the thrall of man-made monoliths of concrete steel and glass blending with the stark simplicity of nature.

‘I can pay you the same compliment.’

She stood quite still at the degree of warmth in his voice. ‘I shall accept that in the context in which it should be given,’ she said lightly, and heard his purring laugh.

‘I’m shattered,’ he remarked musingly. ‘I imagined you to be an innocent in paradise.’

‘Innocence belongs to the very young.’

‘Cynicism too,’ he mocked. ‘From one whose air of fragility is positively intriguing. A mystery woman-child with clear eyes and a beautiful smile. I hope Aleksi appreciates you.’

Of its own accord her smile deepened, and she laughed, a light bubbly sound filled with genuine amusement.

‘No comment?’

‘May I choose not to?’ Alyse countered, and her eyes flew wide as he took hold of her hand.

‘Old-fashioned values?’

‘I consider a respect for one’s privacy is merely good manners,’ she corrected solemnly, and saw his eyes lose their customary jaded expression in favour of what appeared to be genuine warmth.

‘What a pity Aleksi saw you first.’

Even if he hadn’t, she couldn’t imagine herself being smitten by Dominic’s superficial charm. Whereas Aleksi possessed depth and strength of character, the
man at her side bore a shallow brittleness that was undoubtedly motivated by self-obsession.

She turned slightly, unconsciously seeking a familiar dark head across the crowded room, and her eyes widened as they encountered Aleksi’s riveting gaze. He was engaged in conversation with a group of men she had met but vaguely remembered, and it was almost as if he knew she had conducted a mental comparison, for she saw one eyebrow lift in silent query.

For one crazy moment she felt as if everything faded away and there was no one else in the room. It was totally mad, but she wanted to be with him. Not only by his side, but in his arms, held close, and loved with such incredible tenderness that she would probably cry from the sheer joy of it.