He drew up short, and his assessing stare ran heat through every inch of her. ‘I’m sure something can be found for you up at the house.’
His brazen inspection, together with his casual assumption that she would leap to do his bidding, sent storm waves pulsing through her. The sea was nothing in comparison to the danger on the shore, Annalisa thought as she tried to side-step her way out of trouble.
But his reflexes were razor-sharp and he blocked her path. ‘My driver will take you wherever you want to go.’
‘Look, I’m sure you mean to be kind—’
His impatient gesture sliced through the air. ‘Kindness is not an issue. My only concern is to prevent you from making another mistake.’
I wasn’t aware I’d made a first until I met you, Annalisa thought, watching his jaw tighten as if he couldn’t quite believe one person could provoke so much aggravation in so short a time. ‘I’ll be fine,’ she insisted firmly. ‘It’s an easy swim.’
‘I don’t have time for this,’ he rapped, directing a level stare at her. ‘And my invitation was not a suggestion,’ he added pointedly. He turned abruptly to indicate a narrow track that cut a snaking path up the cliff.
The silent instruction made his autocratic air all the more intolerable. But with someone like Ramon Perez planted in the way Annalisa knew she had no alternative but to follow orders…for the moment.
Her mouth tightened angrily as she marched past him. But she was angrier at herself than with her forceful neighbour. There was just no excuse for going into battle unprepared. If she had only apologised for trespassing on his land, accepted his offer of some dry clothes and a lift home, the whole incident would have been over by now. Instead of which— Her stomach lurched as he strode ahead of her. Drinking in the wide spread of his shoulders and the taut power of a most agreeable back view, she was forced to concede that there were some things that made up for an attack of hurt pride.
It wasn’t the climb that tightened Annalisa’s stomach in knots, but the growing suspicion that with each step she was leaving the simple charm of the shoreline behind and entering some exclusive territory. The natural disorder of scrub and sand and pebbles gave way to steps that looked as if they had been swept recently, and the handrail had been painted in a shade that blended perfectly with the surroundings. This impression of affluence was only confirmed when they reached the top of the steep climb and a stout manservant, dressed from head to toe in a crisp white uniform, hurried forward.
Maybe he had been on sentry duty for hours, she mused, seeing the canary-yellow and white beach towels stacked on his outstretched arm.
Ramon acknowledged the man with a courteous nod. ‘Please escort Miss Wilson to a guest room, Rodriguez. And see that she receives some refreshment before she leaves.’ He swivelled round, appraising Annalisa at a glance. ‘I’m sure Margarita will be able to find something suitable for you to wear.’ And, swiping a towel off the pile, he draped it around her shoulders.
‘Thank you,’ Annalisa said, struggling to ignore the flash of sensation that rushed through her when his hand brushed her naked skin. She drew the towel tightly around her to ward off the cold hand of disappointment. He might be the most infuriating individual she had ever encountered, but he was also the most intriguing. And the way his voice had softened when he said ‘Margarita’ suggested this woman meant a great deal to him— Now she was being ridiculous! She’d only known him for five minutes and already her imagination was running riot!
He dipped his head briefly, signalling an end to the encounter. ‘Adios, Annalisa.’
Shading her eyes with her hand, Annalisa watched him power away towards an imposing white mansion. She felt sure that the home and lifestyle of Ramon di Crianza Perez were as different from her own as it was possible to imagine. But in some unaccountable way she felt the need to prove herself to her proud Menorcan neighbour.
A discreet cough distracted her. She turned and flashed a quick smile at the manservant. But he had no time to waste on pleasantries. Having caught her attention, he was already making for the house, using short rapid strides that suggested he had far better things to do.
As she climbed the central marble staircase of the villa behind her surly guide, Annalisa shot some anxious glances at the closed doors. She felt sure everyone living in such a place would have to be as self-possessed as Ramon, and looking like a beached mermaid was not the best time to cannon into some elegant presence.
The grand house was completely silent. Maybe it was empty. But when the manservant opened a door leading off the first-floor landing, and showed her into a stunning room overlooking the sea, she knew there had to be someone in residence.