55

“There you are! I was beginning to think you’d left without saying good-bye.”

Connor blinked, shaking his head as if he’d been woken from a trance.

“What are you doing in here all alone?” asked Amber as she entered the room.

Connor looked around, somewhat bewildered. He found himself in a little-used office with an old wooden chair, a desk and an out-of-date calendar on the wall. The last thing he could recall was helping himself to a chicken skewer from a passing waiter in the ballroom. Wondering how on earth he’d ended up here, a vague recollection surfaced in his foggy mind. “Um, looking for Colonel Black, I think.”

Connor knew there was something very important he had to tell the colonel. It was on the tip of his tongue, but for the life of him he couldn’t remember.

“Well, he’s in the main ballroom,” said Amber. “And did you know Gunner’s here? That man must be as strong as a lion to recover so fast.” Noticing the dazed look on Connor’s face, she asked, “Are you all right?”

Connor nodded. “Yes, fine. A little tired, that’s all.”

“I’m not surprised,” said Amber kindly as she stepped closer to him, a joyful smile on her lips. “By the way, I have some great news.”

“What is it?”

“My father just came out of a meeting.” Again something stirred in Connor’s memory like an itch he couldn’t scratch. “He organized a French aid fund to sponsor Zuzu and Deo. They’re going to be given a proper home, an education, an income. A chance to live their own lives.”

“That’s wonderful,” said Connor, the good news clearing his sluggish mind. “We should go and congratulate them.”

“Hold on a minute,” said Amber, grabbing his hand and pulling him back. She gently closed the door to the room. “Before we return to the party, we have some unfinished business.”

“We do?” said Connor, trying to jog his memory again.

“This time there are no snakes, ants, crocodiles or leopards to disturb us . . .” Without warning, she kissed him full on the lips.

Connor’s breath was taken away. He wrapped his arms round her and kissed her back. The horrors of their recent ordeal seemed to shrink to nothing in their passionate embrace. In the back of his mind, though, a voice was telling him to stop. The Guardian organization had laid down specific rules.

But, hey, if I hadn’t taken a few risks in my life, I probably wouldn’t be around to enjoy this one . . .

Yet in his heart of hearts he knew what was really wrong about kissing Amber. The revelation caused Connor to pull away.

“Don’t stop,” she murmured, her eyes half closed and dreamy.

“I’m sorry. But I must. I’m supposed to be your bodyguard.”

“And you’re making me feel safe. Very safe.” She leaned in for another kiss.

Connor gently held her at bay. “I can’t be your boyfriend. I made an oath not to get involved with clients. When I commit to something, I don’t break that commitment.”

Amber studied him intently with a mixture of longing and bittersweet admiration. “You’re the first boy I’ve met who actually does what he says and stands by his word.” She seemed about to cry. “I respect you for that.”

Stepping away, she straightened her hair and regained her composure. Her green eyes glistened, but her expression remained strong and self-assured.

“When you’re ready for another commitment, Connor, give me a call. But I won’t wait forever.”

Amber kissed him briefly on both cheeks, then opened the door and headed out of the room. Connor’s last glimpse of her was a flash of flame-red hair disappearing down the hallway.