At Conall’s surprised look the woman laughed. ‘I don’t mean you’re disorganised, only that you have a formidable reputation. Your wife must be very talented to keep everything under control for you.’
‘She is.’ For some reason his voice acquired a rough edge. ‘I couldn’t do what I do without her. She’sveryspecial.’
Greer turned, eyes locking on his, and he felt like he’d dived into an indigo sea. Warmth bathed him and he felt buoyant. How did she do that? His blood effervesced and his pulse quickened. Heneededher.
Why had he brought her here instead of giving his excuses? They could have spent the evening at the hotel.
‘Ah, newlyweds,’ their hostess purred. ‘It does me good to see the way you look at each other. Don’t worry, I’ll bring your bride back soon.’ Then she ushered Greer past the vestibule’s enormous fountain and fishpond and into the vast gold-accented room beyond.
Lee chuckled. ‘You must forgive my wife’s enthusiasm, but she really will look after your lovely bride. Now.’ He held his arm out. ‘There are people I want you to meet before our sessions tomorrow.’
Conall bit back a refusal. What had got into him? They were in Singapore to finalise this deal. Yet his mind was on Greer. He watched her move through the throng in the next room. Heads turned to watch her and he had to remind himself she was the most capable woman he knew, in the company of their hostess. She’d be fine.
‘Of course. It will be a pleasure.’
Through the next hour or so, Conall kept an eye on Greer from a distance. Any sign that she was distressed or lonely and he’d be there. But she seemed to be enjoying herself, smiling and talking with every appearance of enjoyment. Their hostess led her from group to group, all women, and his tension eased at her happiness.
Conall felt a weight lift. She was beginning to feel better. He’d been worried for her.
Instinctively he turned to look for Greer but there was no sign of her. Excusing himself from a group discussing the Singapore market, he made his way through the crowd filling room after room. There were several red dresses but no Greer. Frowning, he made for the terrace. He couldn’t see her and his pulse quickened.
From this vantage point he saw winding paths, lit by ornate golden lanterns shaped like dragons. He heard laughter in the darkness nearby. He was following the sound when a flash of red caught his eye mere metres away. Greer and… Conall halted in mid-stride, eyes rounding at the sight of a familiar figure.
Shock hit like a blow to the solar plexus. Then his eyes narrowed and he stalked towards the pair.
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—’
