STEPHANIE indicated her intention to leave. ‘If you’ll excuse me?’
If Raoul thought she’d calmly return to their designated table and watch Ghislaine continue her clinging vine performance, he was sadly mistaken!
She’d only taken two steps when he drew level.
His eyes were dark. Too dark, she discerned.
‘We’ve been invited, together with Michel and Sandrine, to party on at the hotel’s nightclub. I understand the cast, studio marketing and advertising executives intend to transfer there.’
She looked at him carefully. ‘And Ghislaine?’
Something moved in those dark depths, and a muscle tensed at the edge of his jaw. ‘She’s free to do as she pleases.’
‘As I am,’ Stephanie responded quietly. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to freshen up.’
‘Damn.’ The curse fell from his lips with restrained anger. ‘Why would I choose to spend time with her, when I prefer to be with you?’
‘She’s French, gorgeous, eminently suitable and she adores you,’ she responded flippantly.
‘And if I do not adore her?’
The mere thought of him adoring another woman made her feel slightly ill. Yet some irrepressible imp goaded her to offer, ‘Consider the amalgamation of two family fortunes.’
‘Go freshen up, Stephanie,’ he drawled. ‘Before I say something regrettable.’
Without a further word she turned and made her way toward one of the exit doors.
‘Mind if I join you?’
Stephanie caught the faintly wry tone, glimpsed an edge of exasperation evident and offered Sandrine a wicked smile.
‘On an escape mission?’
‘You’ve got it in one.’
A queue in the powder room meant they were in for a short wait.
‘Now that filming is over, I imagine you’ll be returning to New York,’ she began in an attempt at conversation.
‘We’re flying down to Sydney tomorrow for a few days before heading home on Tuesday…sans Cait Lynden,’ she concluded quizzically.
A faint chuckle emerged from Stephanie’s throat. ‘Like that, huh?’
‘Oh, yes.’
Even an unsuspecting bystander couldn’t have misinterpreted the lead actress’s marked play for Michel’s attention. Although having witnessed the occasional exchanged look between Michel and his wife, she doubted Sandrine had anything to worry about.
‘For what it’s worth, Ghislaine has been on the scene for several years,’ Sandrine offered gently. ‘The Lanier men don’t waste time going after what they want. If Raoul wanted Ghislaine, he would have had a ring on her finger by now.’
‘It really doesn’t interest me.’
‘Doesn’t it?’
Was Sandrine especially intuitive? Or was she merely attempting to elicit an indication of Stephanie’s feelings?
Somehow the latter didn’t ring true. She was spared a response as a stall became empty and the actress moved forward to occupy it.
Minutes later they took time for makeup repairs, then together they emerged to find Raoul and Michel examining the picturesque waterfall adjoining the lounge area. Cait, Gregor and Ghislaine stood close by.
‘Into battle,’ Sandrine murmured, and Stephanie successfully hid a faint smile. Battle could very well be the operative word if Cait Lynden continued to monopolize Michel’s attention.
The hotel nightclub was situated on the next floor, and the exclusive club was alive with people. Funky music emitted from strategically placed speakers, and subdued lighting added to the overall ambience.
Stephanie hadn’t frequented a nightclub since she broke up with Ben, and she was quite content to observe rather than participate.
Cait and Ghislaine made a good pair, she determined as she observed each young woman’s attempt to encourage Raoul and Michel onto the dance floor.
‘Do you want to escape the performance?’
There were any number of females present who would have drooled at the chance to dance with Gregor Anders. Stephanie wasn’t one of them.
‘Your bête noire has just entered the milieu,’ Gregor intoned cynically. ‘Do you really want to have to fend him off?’
A surreptitious glance confirmed Samuel Stone’s presence, and if she had to choose between the two, Gregor got her vote.
‘This really isn’t my scene,’ she assured as he drew her onto the crowded floor.
‘So…treat you gently?’
Her faint laugh was genuine. ‘No fancy flamboyant moves,’ she warned.
‘We could try for up close and personal.’
‘Considering the beat of the music, that might not be wise.’
‘Where’s your sense of adventure?’ He pulled her close, and expertly led her through a set of basic steps. ‘Well, well,’ he murmured close to her ear. ‘An update in the manhunting stakes sees Cait cast aside by Michel, who has very wisely made it clear he prefers his wife. And there,’ he revealed with theatrical timing. ‘We have Raoul giving Ghislaine the flick.’ He executed a sweeping turn. ‘Now we see the elder Lanier brother beating a path toward us. You, my dear, appear to be his target.’
‘You’re mistaken.’
‘Want me to play the shining knight?’
‘And have those good looks marred?’ she countered, and saw him wince.
‘I agree. He’s a formidable quarry, in more ways than one. Prepare yourself for takeover.’
Stephanie sensed Raoul’s presence a few seconds before he drew level, and her whole circulatory system immediately went into overdrive.
She was willing to swear the blood traveled faster through her veins, and her pulse seemed to jump to an accelerated beat. Even her skin’s surface prickled with awareness.
‘Do you mind, Gregor?’ The voice was a deep drawl that held an edge of steel.
Gregor didn’t mind at all. He didn’t even feign reluctance. So much for the shining knight offer!
‘Be my guest.’ The words scarcely left his lips than he faded away between the milling patrons.
The music changed from fast and funky to a soulful ballad, and Raoul drew her close against him.
She should object, and pull back a little, but although the mind dictated, her body chose not to obey. She fit perfectly, and there was a part of her that wanted to lean in and just drift.
For a few minutes she did just that, succumbing to an insidious sensuality that intensified with every passing second. Treacherous, primal, raw.
The music changed, and she told herself she was glad. Sexual passion in any form wasn’t on her agenda. Especially with a man who lived on the other side of the world, and to whom she was merely a passing fancy. Someone to be his social partner and occupy his bed for a limited time.
Even the thought of engaging in sex with him turned her bones to liquid. Instinct warned that this man would not take his pleasure without thought for hers, and just thinking how he could pleasure her was sufficient to set her pulse racing into overdrive.
Dangerous. Infinitely dangerous, she perceived, unwilling to admit even to herself that with each passing day her resistance was gradually ebbing away.
Was he aware of it? Probably, she conceded, for he was far too attuned to her psyche. Having someone anticipate her thoughts, her actions, made her feel uncomfortable. And guarded.
‘We’re leaving,’ Michel indicated, then he turned toward his brother. ‘I’ll ring you early Monday morning.’
Raoul inclined his head, and Sandrine leaned forward to touch her cheek to Stephanie’s, murmuring ‘good luck’ as she did so, then drawing away she offered Stephanie a warm smile. ‘I hope we get to meet again.’
Words, sincerely meant, but expressing a desire for something that would probably not eventuate. Nevertheless, Stephanie returned the words in kind.
‘Stephanie!’
Oh Lord, Samuel Stone, more than a little the worse for wear and on a mission, from his determined expression.
‘Dance with me.’
‘We were about to leave,’ Raoul drawled. ‘Perhaps another time?’
Not if she could avoid it. ‘Sorry, Samuel.’
‘C’mon, Stephanie.’ He reached out and caught her arm in a viselike grip. ‘Let’s give it a whirl.’
‘I think not, my friend.’ Raoul’s voice was deceptively quiet, like steel encased in silk.
Samuel’s expression assumed alcohol-induced belligerence. ‘Staked a claim, have you?’
Raoul didn’t move an inch, but the air suddenly seemed charged with threatening promise. ‘Yes,’ he acceded with hard inflexibility.
For a heart-stopping few seconds Stephanie froze, unaware of the room, the people, the noise. There was only Raoul, and the indomitable power he portrayed.
Then Samuel released her arm and spread his hands in a conciliatory gesture. ‘Your round, ice princess,’ he conceded with deliberate mockery, and melted through the crowd.
‘Trouble, darling?’ Ghislaine arched delicately.
Lose one, gain one, Stephanie accorded silently. ‘Nothing to be concerned about,’ she said with an edge of mockery.
‘Raoul is very good at defending a woman’s honor.’ Ghislaine cast him a sultry look. ‘Aren’t you, mon ami?’
‘Good night,’ Stephanie issued when Raoul didn’t answer.
‘Oh really, darling?’ The pout had been practiced to perfection. ‘You’re leaving so soon? It’s early.’
‘For you, possibly,’ Stephanie remarked steadily. ‘But my day began at dawn this morning.’
‘Why interrupt Raoul’s enjoyment? I am sure you can take a taxi home.’
‘No,’ he said with chilling softness. ‘That isn’t an option.’
‘Aren’t you taking chivalry a little too far?’ Ghislaine queried with a hint of disdain.
Raoul placed an arm along the back of Stephanie’s waist. ‘Bon nuit, Ghislaine.’
His tone held indolence and the smoothness of silk.
‘I’m impressed,’ Stephanie declared as he propelled her toward the entrance. ‘Do you do this often?’
‘Do what, precisely?’
They exited the nightclub and made their way to the lift that would take them down to the car park.
‘Defend one woman and destroy another, both at the same time.’
‘You have a way with words,’ he alluded cynically, and she cast him a dazzling smile.
‘It’s one of my talents,’ she assured.
‘I have to fly down to Sydney tomorrow,’ Raoul informed as they rode the lift. ‘I had a call this afternoon to say the deal has been finalized and the contract will be ready for my signature on Monday.’
Her heart plummeted. Finalizing the deal meant there was no reason for him to stay.
‘Will you take a direct flight from Sydney to Paris?’
He cast her a sharp glance, saw the carefully composed features, and noted the visible pulse beat at the base of her throat. Not so composed, he conceded with satisfaction.
‘I intend returning to the coast Monday evening.’
She wasn’t aware she’d been holding her breath, and she released it slowly, evenly. ‘I see.’
They reached the car, and Raoul freed the lock. ‘Do you?’
Now, there was a question. How did she answer it without incriminating herself? Best not to even try, she bade silently as she slid into the passenger seat.
He fired the engine and eased the car toward the main exit, then gained the divided road that led to the main southbound highway.
‘No answer?’
‘There isn’t one,’ she said simply.
Brightly colored neon detailed shops and cafés as they passed through the heart of Surfers Paradise.
Motels lined both sides of the highway. It was a vibrant colorful city, geared for the tourist dollar, and offered a multitude of entertainment services.
The flow of traffic at this hour of the night was smooth, and it seemed only minutes before they drove through Broadbeach and entered the fringes of Mermaid Beach.
Raoul brought the car to a smooth halt in her driveway, and cut the lights and the engine.
She released her seat belt, then undid the door clasp and slid out, aware he was duplicating her actions.
‘There’s no need for you to come in.’
He crossed around and held his hand out for her keys. ‘Yes, there is.’
At that precise moment she was prepared to agree with Ghislaine. There was a limit to chivalry.
‘I’ll be fine,’ she assured as he unlocked the door and switched on the lights.
‘Are you afraid of me, cherie?’
Confrontation was admirable, but right now she wasn’t sure she cared for it. ‘No,’ she answered honestly.
It was herself she was afraid of. Afraid that if he kissed her, she might not be able to control her emotions. And if she relinquished that control, she knew precisely where it would lead.
To experience his lovemaking would be…incredible, she qualified. To take him to her bed, and wake to his touch… Dare she?
She looked at him, saw the strength evident, the heat carefully banked, and felt her body leap with answering warmth.
Stephanie made her way through to the lounge, aware he followed close behind. Her composure was rapidly falling into shreds, and she mentally chastised herself. Nerves were hell and damnation. Raoul was just a man, like any other.
A lot you know, she silently derided. It’s four years since I was intimate with a man, and I feel gauche, awkward…dammit, scared in a way that has nothing to do with fear.
This could, he cautioned, disintegrate in a second. She was a complex mix that comprised integrity and honesty, with a well of passion a man could drown in if he wasn’t careful. Yet there was also deep-seated pain and distrust.
‘Go make some coffee,’ he said quietly.
So he wasn’t about to seduce her…at least, not right now. She should have felt relieved, but instead there was a sense of delaying the inevitable, and that in itself only worsened the state of her nerves.
Stephanie entered the kitchen, filled the carafe with water and set it into the coffeemaker, measured out and added ground coffee beans.
‘I imagine Celeste has rung to confirm their safe arrival?’
He’d moved so quietly she hadn’t heard a sound, and she spared him a quick glance as she extracted two cups and saucers from a cupboard.
‘Yes. Everything’s fine.’ A few steps to the refrigerator to retrieve milk. ‘Would you like something to eat?’
When she closed the refrigerator door he was there, and she felt her eyes widen as he took the milk container from her hand and set it on the bench.
‘You. Just you.’
He didn’t give her time to protest as he drew her close, and his mouth fastened on hers in a slow evocative tasting that became a feast of the senses.
Impossibly sensual, it dispensed all rational thought as she angled her head and indulged in an emotional ride that swept her high to a place where there was only the man, the moment…and desire.
Dear heaven, it was all she could do not to slip her hands beneath his jacket and tear the garment free. Loosen the buttons on his shirt in her need to touch his skin. To feel the warmth, the pulsing life of muscle and sinew, to savor the taste of him. And have him taste her.
The kiss deepened into possession as his hand slid to her derriere and pulled her close against him. His arousal was a potent force, electrifying and primal as she instinctively reached for him.
She felt a tremor race through his body, and for an instant she gloried in the power, the supreme, albeit brief moment of having him at her mercy.
Then the control was all his as he took his mouth from her own and began trailing a tantalizing path down the edge of her neck, drifting to tease the hollows at the base of her throat, before slipping low to the soft swell of her breast.
A beaded shoestring strap slid off one shoulder, and a faint groan escaped from her lips as he bared one breast, then shaped it, stroking the creamy contour until she thought she’d go mad.
His lips sought the sensitive peak and tantalized it with his tongue, grazing it with his teeth as he held her on the knife edge between pleasure and pain.
When he took the distended peak into his mouth and suckled she arched up against him as sensation arrowed through her body.
It was almost more than she could bear, and she made no protest as Raoul slid an arm beneath her knees and lifted her high into his arms.
His mouth returned to claim hers, and she wound her arms around his neck as she kissed him back, exulting in the sensation he was able to evoke.
It was relatively easy to discover which bedroom was hers. Feminine in soft peach and pale mint green, an antique bed, and numerous lacy pillows stacked against the headboard.
He shrugged off his jacket, discarded the bow tie and paused to brush light fingers down her cheek as she sought to free the buttons on his shirt.
In tandem they slid off shoes, then Raoul sought the zip fastening at the back of her gown and slid it free.
She was beautiful, slender curves, delicate bone structure and pale skin. Lacy bikini briefs were the only item of clothing protecting her from total nudity, and he shrugged off his shirt and dispensed with his trousers in two fluid movements.
Stephanie could only admire his physique. The well-honed muscular chest and shoulders, the taut waist and flat stomach.
The state of his arousal gave her a bad moment, and her insides involuntarily clenched at the thought of accommodating him.
He curled a hand round her nape and shaped her head as he took possession of her mouth, kissing her with such eroticism she almost cried at the sweet sorcery of his touch.
One tug was all it took to pull the covers from the bed, then he tumbled her down onto the sheeted mattress and knelt over her.
His eyes were dark and slumberous, and his strength was a palpable entity as he buried his mouth against her neck.
Stephanie lifted her arms and linked them at his nape, only to have him gently disengage them and carefully place them above her head.
She felt a tremor race through her body as he traced a path to her breast, explored at leisure, then trailed down to the soft indentation at her waist.
A faint gasp escaped her lips as he moved lower, and she whimpered out loud at the path traced by the tip of his tongue.
Raoul took intimacy to a new level, evoking a response from her that was wild and wanton. Libidinous, she added, as sensation spiraled through her body, taking her higher than she’d ever been before.
Dear heaven. If this is what he could do with his mouth, how on earth would she survive when he took possession? Go up in flames? Self-destruct?
Both, Stephanie acknowledged a long time later as she lay cradled against him on the edge of sleep.
Every nerve ending had flared into impassioned life as he’d begun a slow invasion, stirring her emotions to fever pitch with long hungry kisses that dispensed with any inhibitions. She’d met and matched his rhythm in a wild pagan dance that surpassed her wildest imagination.
She’d thought he might vacate her bed, shower, then dress and leave.
Instead he curved her close in against him and stroked her hair, pausing every now and then to brush light fingers across her cheek.
Her body ached, and she was willing to swear she could still feel him deep inside.
She wasn’t conscious of drifting off to sleep, except she must have, for she came slowly awake at the soft tracing movement at her waist. Fingers slid over one hip and brushed against her thigh, and she shifted restlessly as he began an evocative pattern.
Stephanie leaned forward and nipped the skin close to one male nipple, and had the satisfaction of hearing his intake of breath.
‘So you want to play, hmm?’
In one fluid movement he pulled her on top of him, and she arched back in a supple feline movement.
‘You woke me,’ she protested teasingly, loving the feel of his hands as they shaped her body, her breasts, and took a tantalizing path down to where she straddled him.
‘Now I have your full attention?’
Oh, yes, he had that. She wriggled a little, and took pleasure in his husky groan, the heat of his arousal pressing against her.
With provocative intent, she moved a little, causing a sexual friction that was just as electrifying for him as it was for her.
In one swift movement he curved a hand around her nape and pulled her head down to his, taking possession of her mouth in a manner that left her weak-willed and malleable.
When he released her she rose with graceful fluidity, then carefully positioned herself and took him deep inside.
She had control, and she used it mercilessly as she rode him hard and fast, then eased to a slow erotic pace that had him growling low in his throat as he rolled her onto her back.
At some stage they both slept, and woke late to the sun streaming in through the curtains.
Together they rose from the bed and showered together…a long shower as Raoul pulled her high against him and she curved her legs over his hips in one final passionate coupling, then they dressed and breakfasted on strong coffee, eggs and toast.
It was after ten when Raoul caught her close and bestowed a lingering kiss. ‘I have to leave,’ he said gently. ‘I’ll call you from Sydney.’ His smile held a warmth that made her stomach curl. ‘Take care, cherie.’
Without a further word he slid in behind the wheel of the car, fired the engine, then reversed out onto the road.
Stephanie stood watching until the car was no longer in sight.