Chapter Twelve
GREER HAD KNOWNalmost 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 shehadbeen 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.
