Chapter 20
Damien had arrived.
Anna, dressed in black lace and pearls, opened the door and threw her chin back offering each cheek for a kiss.
She had prepared the evening with military precision.
For dinner, her speciality, boeuf bourguignon to be served with mashed potatoes and green beans, accompanied by a red burgundy.
Crystal glasses and silver candlesticks sparkled on the dining table, the centrepiece pale pink roses in a Lalique vase.
She liked to do things properly.
‘Thank you, Damien, for all your help. I think that Justin Baird will be great for me… He’s so enthusiastic about my book.’
‘My pleasure,’ he said.
‘Would you like a whisky?’
‘Yes, please.’ He watched her trip this way and that. His drink first, and then into the kitchen to check the beans. Damien could hear her whistling.
How strange , he thought, this delicate creature trilling like a nightingale .
Back to the sofa she came and sat next to him, with her goo-goo eyes and pink flirty smile, her bare, pretty knees glued together.
Maybe just one more time . He stroked her leg with his little finger.
Once Damien had sunk his fork into the tender beef and tasted the sublime dish, Anna knew that he was hers for the evening.
She charmed and flattered, played with his ego, plied him with wine and moving closer said, ‘Will you be a prize?’
‘A prize?’
‘Yes.’
‘For what?’
‘A charity auction ball raising money for a special-needs school. Claudia asked Sophie and me to join the committee, chaired by Lady Elizabeth Maitland. Do you know her?’
‘No, I haven’t met her.’
‘Well, she knows who you are and she’s very keen for you to donate your time.’
Damien ran his fingers through his hair and fixed her with a naughty-boy look. ‘And how will you list me?’ he asked.
‘The main prize…’ Anna improvised. ‘A night with Damien Spur. The famed thriller writer, bon viveur and heart-throb, would love to entertain you.’
‘Excellent, Anna. How could I say no? So, please tell your committee that I am delighted to say yes.’
‘Thank you, Damien.’ Anna leant forward and brushed his lips.
And yet… had he known that saying yes to her innocent request would send him plummeting into the depths of despair, he would have said no.