‘Tamsin.’ He stopped a few paces away.

Despite her embarrassment her lips curved in response when he smiled, a dimple grooving his cheek.

She could almost believe he was pleased to see her, though she told herself he didn’t really care. She tried to dredge up anger. He’d kissed her out of pity.

‘Alaric.’ She liked saying his name. Too much. ‘How are you? I thought you were away?’ Too late she realised she sounded far too interested in his activities.

‘Business kept me away until today.’ Was that a cloud moving over the sun or had his bright gaze shadowed?

‘We need to talk about my work.’ She drew herself up straight, reminding herself that was all that mattered. Not her shocking weakness for indigo eyes. ‘I haven’t been able to access the chronicle to continue my translation. Your staff claim not to know where it is.’ Indignation rose that he didn’t trust her with her own find!

‘My priority is ensuring absolute secrecy till we confirm it’s genuine.’ His expression grew stern.

Tamsin opened her mouth to protest that it shouldn’t stop her work. ‘However, arrangements will be made to enable you access while maintaining security.’

‘Thank you.’ Her indignation fizzled, leaving her feeling wrong-footed.

‘Now, would you like to come out with me tonight?’

He sounded like a polite host, entertaining a guest. Except he’d bought her cooperation, bribed her with staff for her project. The knowledge stopped her pleasure in his smile. The staff had turned up days ago and now it was time to deliver on her part of the bargain.

‘Where are we going?’ She might as well be gracious about it.

His smile broadened and her lungs squeezed. He really was the most stunning man.

‘To a ski resort.’ He named a town famous for exclusive luxury that drew the world’s most prestigious VIPs. ‘There’s an event I must take part in then we’ll stay for dinner.’ No mention of her role as decoy. The man was a diplomat when he wanted to be.

‘Fine.’ She stepped forward and he turned, shortening his stride to match hers.

‘Watch the icy path.’ He clasped her elbow and she tensed. Heat rayed from his touch, countering the wintry air.

He held her arm even when they reached safer ground. Tamsin didn’t fuss by telling him to release her. He’d think she read too much into the gesture. Hurriedly she searched for something to say.

‘What should I wear?’

He slanted her a piercing glance and the air sizzled between them. He was remembering, too.

I don’t give a damn about your clothes, he’d said.

And then he’d kissed her.

Tamsin’s pulse accelerated painfully as she watched his impassive face. Or had their kiss meant so little he’d forgotten it?

‘Some will be in ski gear and the rest dressed for an evening out. Take your pick.’ Heat shimmied through her as their gazes collided and she felt again that sensation like chocolate melting, deep inside.

Spending time with Alaric had to be the biggest mistake of her life! Yet despite her doubts, Tamsin couldn’t resist the invitation in his smile and the intriguing mystery of his cool, blue eyes.

Even when he annoyed her, Alaric made her feel alive; brimming with an effervescence she’d never known.

Tamsin stood on the terrace of an exclusive resort hotel, huddled into the soft luxury of the full length faux-fur coat that had been delivered just before she left.

She’d been about to object, uncomfortable with accepting clothes Alaric had bought when she’d seen his note.

To keep you warm tonight. This was my mother’s. I’m sure she’d approve its loan.

He’d lent her something of his mother’s? Ridiculous to feel such pleasure that he’d trust her with the gorgeous garment. Yet she couldn’t dispel delight that he’d thought of her comfort. Without being obvious, he’d also ensured she wouldn’t look too out of place in this A-list crowd.

Tamsin glanced at the glamorous, beautiful people surrounding her, some of the faces familiar from press reports. They quaffed vintage champagne as if it were water. And the jewels—even by lamplight some of the women almost blinded her with their casually worn gems.

She stroked the soft coat. For now it didn’t matter that beneath its elegant lines she wore a chain store dress and a pair of plain court shoes, her best, which she’d bet none of the sophisticated women here would be seen dead in.

‘Here they come!’ Excitement rippled through the gathering and Tamsin turned to look up at the blackness of the mountain looming above.

Butterflies danced in her stomach. It was hunger, not excitement at the idea of Alaric joining her.

Tags: Annie West Billionaire Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net