The Helen Bianchin Collection (Mills & Boon E-Book Collections) (32 page)

At the time she'd dealt with it. But now, the very structure she'd carefully built was falling down around her ears.

She wanted to hate him, and told herself she did. But she hated herself more.

Katrina reached her room and closed the door behind her. There was no lock, and unless she dragged heavy furniture to bar the door, there was nothing she could do to keep him out.

She cast the double bed a pensive glance. She was darned if she'd just slip between the sheets and lie
waiting
for Nicos to join her.

There was little doubt that he
would
.

She could, however, make a silent statement. There were three other bedrooms upstairs. She'd occupy one of those in the hope it would add emphasis to her intention not to sleep with him.

Katrina chose a bedroom, selected linen and made up the bed, then slid wearily between the covers.

She should have been asleep within seconds of her head touching the pillow. Instead she lay staring into the darkness for what seemed an age, her limbs and mind as tense as a tightly stretched wire.

She told herself she didn't, couldn't, want him. Yet her body was a mass of contradictions as memory
persisted in providing a vivid replay of what they'd shared the previous night.

It would be so easy to adopt a rational mindset where she simply enjoyed the intimacy of sex.
Why not?
a silent voice demanded. Just enjoy the intense pleasure of physical contact throughout the year she was forced to stay with Nicos, then walk away. Heart whole, with no regrets.

Impossible. She'd gifted him her heart, her soul, almost from the first moment they'd met. For months she'd thought she'd reclaimed them, but last night had proved beyond doubt they were his. Always would be.

She hated herself for it. Hated him.

A shaft of light pierced the darkness as the bedroom door opened, and her tense body became rigid as Nicos stood silhouetted in the aperture.

Katrina's lashes fanned down. Maybe if she lay perfectly still he'd assume she was asleep.

She should have known better. Within seconds she felt the bed covers move, followed by the faint depression of the mattress as he slid in beside her.

How long before he reached for her? Five seconds, ten?

Minutes later she was still counting, and it took concentration to keep her breathing steady.

‘What do you plan?' Nicos drawled. ‘A game of musical beds?'

Had he known she was awake? Or was he simply taking a calculated guess?

‘Don't sulk.'

‘I've never sulked in my life,' Katrina vented as she turned her head towards him, then wished she hadn't, for he lay facing her, an elbow propped on the pillow.

With a fluid movement he reached out and snapped on the bedside lamp.

The light illuminated his features, and his dark gleaming gaze held a tinge of humour…and something else she didn't care to define.

‘I'm
trying
to sleep.'

‘Without success.'

‘You don't know that.'

He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek, then let it trail down to the edge of her mouth.

‘Don't do that.'

Her eyes were dark, the hollows smudged through lack of sleep, and she was pale. He felt her lips quiver beneath his touch, and saw the pulse jump at the base of her throat.

‘Tired?'

Heat began to flare in the region of her stomach, curling in an upward spiral, and she swallowed compulsively. ‘Yes.'

He leaned towards her and placed his mouth against the soft curve at the edge of her own. ‘Want me to do all the work?'

His hand trailed a path to her navel, paused, then travelled low to begin an intimate exploration.

‘You don't play fair.' Her voice was little more than a whisper.

‘Is that a
yes
or a
no
?'

He possessed a skilled knowledge that brought forth a strangled gasp as she arched against him.

Nicos swept his tongue in an erotic dance with her own, nibbled at her lower lip, and absorbed the groan that rose from her throat.

He took it slowly, seducing her with a gentle touch, so that she simply held on and allowed him to lead a path to total conflagration.
Hers.

Afterwards he held her close, his lips against her hair as he brushed light fingers back and forth along her spine.

S
PRING
was the traditional timing of the springtime gala dinner, hosted by one the city's prominent fund-raising associations and headed by a media-conscious doyenne who utilised all her people skills to provide a glittering social occasion.

With so many worthy charities abounding, it was possible for the socialites to lunch and dine out with repetitive frequency, and many did. Others were more selective, choosing to grace only certain events with their presence.

Tonight's soirée numbered high on the scale of
derigueur
attendances, Katrina acknowledged as she entered the grand ballroom of an inner city hotel at Nicos's side.

It also entailed some tactful juggling between Siobhan, Andrea and Chloe, who would each be seated at different tables with their individual coterie of friends. Somewhere in that equation would be Paula and Enrique, who retained an intense dislike for each other, but who would for the sake of social etiquette concede to present a united front…whilst doing their best to avoid each other like the plague.

Add general interest by fellow guests as to the state of Katrina and Nicos Kasoulis's reconciliation, and
the evening resembled something akin to a trial by fire.

Years of practice as Kevin's daughter ensured she chose a stunning gown in pale mist-grey with a bias-cut overlay in pale blue polyester chiffon. It moulded her slender curves like a second skin, flaring out from the knee to swirl at her ankles. Tiny beaded straps were a token gesture holding the bodice in place, and her jewellery was confined to a delicate diamond necklace, ear studs, and matching bracelet. Stiletto-heeled pumps completed the outfit. She'd swept the length of her hair into an elegant twist.

Time spent perfecting her make-up ensured her
armour
was in place.

Smile
, Katrina bade silently. Facial muscle strain was a small price to pay for surviving the evening.

‘Preparing to do battle?' Nicos murmured as he led her towards their designated table.

‘Can you doubt it?' Katrina conceded. ‘There's Siobhan,' she indicated, and felt the brush of his hand at the back of her waist.

‘Andrea and Chloe are seated on opposite sides of the room.'

She offered him a winsome smile. ‘Then let's go do the greeting thing in order of priority.'

It was a while before they took seats at their own table, and she had the feeling as the evening progressed that they were merely players on a social stage, each performing a scripted part.

Did that encompass Nicos's solicitous attention? The touch of his hand, the slow musing smile that
sent tiny lines fanning out from the corner of his eyes?

There was a part of her that wanted it to be genuine, while another part was afraid to deal with it if it was.

She had only to look at him to
see
the man beneath the sophisticated façade. The impeccable tailoring sheathed a male body in superb physical condition, which exuded an aura that was sexually primitive and intensely sensual.

Those eyes, that mouth… Oh, for heaven's sake, she chided silently. Control yourself!

The meal comprised three courses, skilfully broken up by brief speeches, and entertainment. It was while dessert was being served that Katrina took the opportunity to glance around the large room.

And felt her heart jolt at the sight of a familiar sleek dark head. The height, the stance…

It couldn't be, could it?

Even as she watched, the woman slowly turned, and Katrina sensed the blood drain from her face.

Georgia.

What was she doing here? Not so much in Sydney, but
here
, attending an invitation-only event…

Then she saw her stepbrother hand Georgia a drink, and everything fell into place.

Enrique, enraged at her repeated refusal to lend him money, had chosen to cause trouble in the most diabolical way he knew how.

Dear heaven,
why
did her life seem filled with fraught situations?

Her first instinct was to escape. Except that would play right into Enrique's hands, and she was darned if she'd give him the satisfaction.

Had Nicos sighted Georgia? Somehow she doubted it. He was deep in conversation with a colleague and, unless she was mistaken, Georgia and Enrique were beyond his peripheral vision.

Katrina sensed the moment Nicos saw her stepbrother and recognised his companion. He didn't appear to move, but she was willing to swear most of his body muscles reassembled from relaxed mode to full alert beneath the fine tailoring of his evening suit.

Almost on cue, Georgia turned slightly and, with a smile and a word to Enrique, she excused herself and began threading her way towards them.

‘Now,
this
will be interesting,' Katrina declared,
sotto voce
.

‘Behave,' Nicos warned, and she threw him a stunning smile.

‘Why, Nicos,' she chastised sweetly, ‘I intend to be politeness itself.'

There would be avid eyes watching every move, every nuance in her expressive features, she perceived.

The separation of Katrina and Nicos Kasoulis had garnered press at the time. Just as their reconciliation was gaining undue attention now.

The appearance of Nicos Kasoulis's former mistress provided a reason for titillating gossip, and it didn't take much imagination to realise the phone
lines would be running hot with conjecture over Georgia Burton's arrival in town.

‘Nicos.' The name emerged from Georgia's lips as a sultry purr, while at the same time her eyes devoured him. ‘I was hoping to see you here tonight.'

Sure. I just bet you planned it right down to the finest detail, Katrina thought silently as she inclined her head in acknowledgement. ‘Georgia.'

Georgia's practised pout held just the right degree of regret. ‘You haven't returned my calls.'

‘I had no reason to,' Nicos informed her with an iciness that sent shivers down Katrina's spine.

‘Not even for old times' sake? We go back a long way.'

‘It's over. It has been for some time.'

Her expression was mildly calculating. ‘How can you say that when we have a child together?'

‘
You
have a child,' Nicos conceded, ‘whom we both know is not mine.'

‘Still in denial, Nicos?'

‘Perjury is a punishable offence.'

‘So is refusing to take responsibility for one's child,' Georgia retaliated.

‘Your bravado veers towards the incredible,' Nicos stated grimly.

‘
Incredible
aptly describes your sexual skills.' Georgia shifted her gaze to Katrina. ‘Surely you agree?'

‘I'm not into ego-stroking,' Katrina proffered with pseudo sweetness.

‘And you think I am?'

Katrina didn't bother to answer, and watched as Georgia offered a practised smile, then turned and melted into the milling guests.

‘That went down well.'

Nicos spared her a dark glance. ‘She's courting trouble.'

‘And you won't stand for it?' Katrina queried, feeling the anger stir beneath a veneer of social politeness.

‘No.'

‘I think I need to go visit the powder room.'

‘Effecting a temporary escape?'

‘Right first time.'

She'd learned from an early age to pin a smile on her face and hold her head high… Years of practice meant ease in acquiring a social façade. It was a game, a pretense, and she did it well.

It helped her greet a few acquaintances as she threaded her way through the fellow guests, to pause and converse briefly with a one or two.

The powder room was relatively empty, and Katrina smoothed a hand over her hair, took time to freshen her lipstick, and was about to retreat when the inner door swung open and Georgia entered the room.

Coincidence? Unlikely. This was a deliberate move on the model's part to initiate a one-on-one confrontation.

She could escape, but why, when Georgia was determined to have her say?

‘I imagine there's a purpose to you following me here?'

‘Of course.'

‘So why don't you get it over with?'

‘The terms of your late father's will must be a terrible trial to you.' Georgia inclined with practised languidness.

The game was about to commence. It took two to play, and she was determined not to lose. ‘In what way?'

‘Why…sharing the same house with Nicos, of course.'

Attack was better than defence. ‘After he betrayed me?'

‘Difficult, darling. Surely?'

‘We agreed to compromise,' Katrina said steadily.

‘Oh?'

‘And enjoy the fringe benefits.'

‘Such as?'

‘Sex.' She even managed to effect a secretive smile. ‘Nicos does the sex thing superbly well.'

Georgia's eyes narrowed. One to Katrina. But how long before the model evened the score?

‘Agreed, darling. But can you be sure it's
you
he's thinking of at that…ah…' she paused for effect ‘…intense moment,' she concluded with delicate emphasis.

Too soon, Katrina acknowledged.

‘How can you compete,' Georgia continued archly, pitilessly, ‘when I have his son?'

‘Has that been proven conclusively?'

‘Why else would our individual lawyers be in the throes of hammering out a settlement and child support?'

Not so good, she conceded, aware just how the odds were stacked against her. ‘And where
is
your son, Georgia? Isn't he a little young to leave with a sitter?'

‘My mother flew in from Brisbane with me. Naturally I have a nanny.'

Naturally. Whatever happened to hands-on motherhood?

‘If you're so important to Nicos,' she said carefully, ‘why didn't he initiate divorce proceedings as soon as I left him?'

‘How can you be so sure he didn't?' Georgia countered. ‘A legal separation doesn't require documentation, other than a noting of the date both parties live apart. The Australian legal system recognises a decree nisi application one year after the date of separation.'

‘In which case, our reconciliation has thrown a spanner in the works.'

Georgia mentally sharpened her claws and aimed for the kill. ‘Not really, darling. A year isn't long in the scheme of things. I'm prepared to let him have you for a while.' Her smile was pure feline. ‘After all, I'll get to keep him for a lifetime.'

‘You're that confident?'

‘Determined,' the model assured.

Katrina felt sickened. ‘What makes you think I'll give him up so easily?'

‘You did before. Why should this time be any different?' A soft laugh slipped from her carefully painted mouth. ‘Oh, darling,' she chastised with pity
ing candour, ‘you're not going to fight for him, are you? It would be such a demeaning exercise.'

‘Demeaning to
whom
?'

There was a telling silence, then Georgia pursued softly, ‘I play to win.'

‘So do I.'

The model took a deliberate minute to check out her mirrored reflection before meeting Katrina's unwavering gaze. ‘Then, we shall see who takes the prize.'

As an exit line it was a doozey.

It was several long seconds before Katrina felt calm enough to leave the relative sanctuary of the powder room and re-enter the ballroom lobby.

Nicos was standing close to one of the main doors, one of a remaining few guests, as most had already entered and were in the process of being seated.

He watched her cross the floor towards him, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of her carefully composed features.

She was a spunky lady in many ways, but grief for Kevin was taking its toll. Georgia with her insidious innuendo was an abomination, and Enrique was again trolling for cash.

He experienced angry exasperation at the hand fate had dealt him, and impatience at being forced to wait for the resolution. Yet it was the end that justified the means.

‘Georgia ensured a confrontation.'

Katrina lifted her chin and met his dark gaze with equanimity. ‘Ah, you noticed.'

‘There's very little I don't notice about you.'

‘Well, now, there's the thing,' she commented with unaccustomed flippancy. ‘I'm sure I should be flattered.'

‘She upset you.' It wasn't a query, merely a statement.

‘Observant, too. Please don't ask me for a word-by-word replay.'

‘Katrina—'

‘Let's go enter the social fray, shall we?'

‘It'll keep.'

There were friends present whom they needed to connect with, acquaintances to acknowledge, and it was almost midnight before they could slip away.

Katrina sat quietly in the car as Nicos traversed city traffic and headed towards the eastern suburbs.

‘Want to talk about it?'

She transferred her attention from the brightly lit street and could define little from his shadowy profile.

He'd been so chillingly cool with Georgia…for her benefit? She returned her gaze to the scene beyond the windscreen. Even
looking
at him hurt.

‘Not particularly.'

As soon as they reached home she slid out from the car and moved through to the lobby ahead of him, mounting the stairs at a quickened pace, almost as if she was intent on putting as much distance between them as possible.

Which was ridiculous, she admitted silently as she reached the landing and made her way towards the bedroom.

Nicos followed, watching as she stepped out of her shoes, then she removed her jewellery before freeing the zip fastening on her gown.

‘I had no idea Georgia would be there tonight.'

Her fingers stilled for a few seconds, then she slid the straps free from her shoulders and carefully slipped the gown down over her hips.

All she wore were thong briefs, and he wondered if she had any idea how provocative she appeared. Pale, satin-textured skin, slender, toned curves, and firm breasts which fitted perfectly into his palms.