Chapter Twelve
GREER HAD KNOWN almost from the moment he’d introduced himself that she didn’t like this man.
But good manners overrode her instinct to walk away. So she’d agreed to follow him to the edge of the terrace, to a seat where they could talk without interruption and where, he said, they’d have a perfect view of the fireworks. He assured her Conall would find them easily before then.
Greer’s first billionaire’s party was lavish and spectacular.
From the displays of precious jade, gold and precious antiques to the handmade crystal glass from which she’d sipped the finest champagne.
From the who’s who of guests to the extraordinary jewels and designer wear.
Even the tiny canapes were exquisite works of art, carried on burnished trays by smiling, perfectly presented staff.
As for the intriguingly lit gardens, she’d love to explore, but not with this companion.
Now, as Jason Abercrombie reached for her hand, Greer heeded instinct and pulled away, grateful she’d already risen from the seat and could step back.
‘Now, now, Greer,’ he said in a voice probably designed to reassure but which to her ears sounded smug. ‘Is that any way to treat your brother-in-law? You don’t need to worry about Conall. He’s used to me taking things from him. Besides, he won’t know unless you tell him.’
His smile bordered on a leer and she suppressed the urge to slap him.
Don’t make a scene. You can handle him without that. No matter how much he deserves punching.
At first she’d seen the similarities between the half-brothers. The height, thick dark hair and air of confidence as if they owned the world. It was probably something they’d inherited from their father. But over the last ten minutes she’d been cataloguing differences.
Jason was thickset, his neck and head broad and bullish. Grey dusted his temples and he must be at least a decade older than Conall. But those were superficial differences.
Conall had always treated her with respect. But even in the gloom Greer could see the avaricious glint in Jason’s eyes, as if she were some prize for the taking. He’d finally given up trying to pump her about Conall’s business and his meetings in Singapore.
He spoke down to her, patronisingly assuming she’d got her job because Conall fancied her. He’d even asked if Conall had proposed because it was the only way to get her into bed.
Jason seemed to think that uproariously funny, saying it would be just like his prig of a brother to be undone that way. Then he stepped to block her retreat to the path.
As if that would stop her! She’d scramble through the bushes if she needed to escape his touch. But she wanted tonight to go smoothly for Conall. She refused to be a liability, drawing unwanted speculation and gossip.
Her fears that she’d let Conall and herself down in this unfamiliar milieu had faded. She’d found herself almost enjoying the night. Until Jason Abercrombie. But she hadn’t wanted to snub Conall’s brother and she had been curious.
Curiosity was overrated.
‘You’re very loyal, Greer. I applaud that.
It’s rare.’ She repressed a shudder of nausea at his cynical appraisal as he loomed closer.
‘But I’m not just interested in business, I’m interested in you.
I see you don’t wear his ring. There’s no reason why we can’t have a little fun together. If not here then—’
She snapped her mouth open to cut him down to size when a familiar voice drawled, ‘Still pushing your luck, Jason?’
Jason turned and Conall walked past, jostling him out of the way without breaking his stride.
Jason Abercrombie might be a big bull of a man but Conall topped him by a couple of inches and the honed power of her husband’s body contrasted sharply with the running-to-seed bulk of his half-brother.
Conall wrapped his arm around her waist and peered down at her. She knew that look. Concern.
‘I’m okay,’ she whispered, planting her palm on his chest, soaking up that delicious sensation of solidity and familiarity. Everything was better with him close. ‘But I’ve had enough.’
‘You’re sure? If he’s touched you or—’
‘No!’ Greer felt the restless energy vibrating through Conall and read the dangerous set of his jaw. She murmured, ‘I don’t want a scene. He’d like that. Don’t give him the satisfaction.’
Eventually Conall nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. Yet instead of turning to speak to his brother, he drew her closer and dipped his head.
Without a second thought, Greer leaned up, pressing against him as their mouths met, and suddenly everything was all right.
The kiss began gently but inevitably the long-banked fire burst into flame as he cradled her head and she opened for him, losing herself in the vortex of passion they created between them.
The taste of him, that rich woody scent and the feel of his arms around her were so dear and exactly what she needed. No wonder her hands clutched his shoulders as if never wanting to let go.
How, why had she kept her distance so long? Had she really needed time to clear her head or was she punishing herself? Or him? Whatever the reason, distance wasn’t the answer. Being with Conall felt as natural as breathing.
When they finally drew apart Jason was muttering something under his breath but Greer didn’t listen.
Reluctantly she turned to face her brother-in-law. Discontent made his fleshy face ugly. It was hard to believe the two men were related. They were so different.
Conall drew her towards the path, walking between her and his half-brother. Scowling, Jason opened his mouth but before he could unleash any poison, Conall leaned across and said something in his ear Greer couldn’t make out. She saw the older man flinch back, eyes wide with dismay.
Then she and her husband strolled across the terrace, his arm holding her close to his side.
‘Let’s find our hosts and thank them so we can leave.’
Greer looked up. Even under the bright lights, Conall looked at ease, as if nothing untoward had happened, but he held her so close she felt his rigidity. For a minute there she’d really thought he was going to flatten his half-brother.
‘You’re sure you want to go?’ She glanced around the glittering crowd. Billionaires and powerbrokers were everywhere, even a couple of Serene Highnesses. ‘Should we at least stay for the firework display?’
Obsidian eyes met hers with a look that made her fully aware of her feminine needs. It felt as if her skin didn’t fit anymore. It was too tight to contain the need clawing at her.
‘If you’d like to stay we can. I’ve done what I needed to do. As for fireworks…’ His slow smile was an exercise in seduction. Her core turned molten and she leaned closer. ‘We can manage those elsewhere.’
They were silent on the limo drive to their hotel. But, despite his fury over Jason’s behaviour, and his impatience at being denied the satisfaction of felling him with one solid punch to his self-satisfied face, Conall’s primary emotion was happiness.
For Greer had kissed him the way she used to. Without reservation. With no shadows of doubt.
Sheer elation kicked as adrenaline raced through his blood.
His wife was always the one who ensured everything went smoothly.
He could be impatient and tunnel-visioned when focused on achieving his goals.
After all, he’d learned at his father’s knee.
Patience and the ability to listen and consult had taken years of practice.
Greer was the one who smoothed his rough edges, should they ever show.
But she hadn’t given a damn about social niceties when she’d melted against him tonight. When he’d kissed her he’d have sworn she had nothing on her mind but him. All the guests could have been standing watching them and it would have made no difference. Greer wanted him.
And they’d held hands all the way back to the limo.
She must have been relieved when he’d interrupted Jason, but relief alone didn’t explain her reaction.
He opened the door to the presidential suite and ushered her inside, watching the undulating sway of her walk in high heels with something akin to pain in his lower body.
His need for her was so great but he knew sex alone couldn’t restore their relationship. That was what he had to remember, even when she paused to look at him over her shoulder, her smile a combination of hesitancy and a siren’s invitation.
‘A nightcap?’ He moved closer, allowing himself the pleasure of stroking her hand, his pulse quickening at her little shiver of response. ‘While we talk about Jason.’
That was a starting point, at least.
Her forehead wrinkled. ‘You want to talk about him, now?’
Conall moved towards the discreet bar against one wall. The prickling sensation that ran down his spine told him she tracked every step.
‘What I want is to make love with you. But it’s past time we began talking, don’t you think? Besides, I owe you an apology if not an explanation.’
He turned back, half fearing she’d retreat from him again. Instead her dilated eyes and parted lips proved she felt the same hunger. Relief filled his lungs.
‘Whisky, please.’
Conall smiled. Neither drank much but occasionally at the end of a long day’s work, they’d share a whisky.
He waited until they were seated and she’d taken a sip before asking, ‘What did he want? I have a fair idea but…’
Greer shifted in the corner of the lounge they now shared, pulling up her bare feet. She shrugged and a myriad of tiny scarlet lights winked across her body. Conall swallowed.
‘Information. He seemed to think I had no concept of confidentiality or loyalty. He wanted to know who you’re seeing in Singapore, what deals you’re negotiating.’ She frowned over the rim of her glass. ‘Did he follow you to Singapore?’
It was Conall’s turn to shrug. ‘I have no idea but I suspect it was coincidence.’ He slid closer along the sofa, palming her ankle then circling the smooth skin of her leg. They needed to talk, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t touch. ‘What else did he want?’