An Innocent, A Seduction, A Secret

And yet she could sense something far more elemental underneath—the barely leashed power of the fierce athlete he’d once been. It was very provocative.

He came into the room. ‘You’ve signed the contract?’

She nodded, wishing she was wearing something more daring than plain black trousers and a white shirt under a sleeveless grey top. She’d never felt less feminine.

Yes, you have, reminded a voice. When the same man had looked at her as if she was an irritation that night in the club.

Sebastio glanced at his watch. ‘I need to be back in the city for a meeting before lunch, so let me show you around now.’

Edie followed him out through the door, hating that he made her feel so self-conscious. She tried her best to look around and not be distracted by his athletic build.

He was pointing out the entrance hall. ‘This will be the first point of entry for guests, so I’d like something suitably festive in here. A big tree. Lights.’

Edie took out a notebook from her back pocket, and a pen, and started making notes.

Sebastio turned around and saw Edie’s downbent head as she wrote in a small notebook. Her hair shone bright auburn in the sunlight streaming through the window. She couldn’t have been less enticing in her very plain clothes, but from the moment he’d walked in and seen her, awareness had sizzled in his blood.

She was having the same effect she’d had on him the previous day. So it wasn’t an anomaly. Or an aberration. It was irritating as hell—especially when Sebastio had always been in control of his libido.

He also felt something tugging on his memory...that vague sense of déjà-vu he’d had yesterday. Had he met her somewhere before? It was relatively likely—especially in his rugby-playing days, when his social scene had been far more hectic and debauched.

He was almost about to ask her, but then he told himself that it was four years of celibacy playing tricks on his mind, telling him he was attracted to this sprite. Telling him he might know her.

Four years of celibacy. Was that enough of a penance? Sebastio felt bleak.

Edie looked up at that moment, and her blue eyes widened as if she could see his thoughts. Sebastio cursed his reaction. He did not want to desire her.

The women he was famous for favouring poured their curvaceous bodies into designer dresses and had long luxurious hair. Not a slender frame that looked as if it might snap in a strong breeze and a bright auburn cap of feathery hair that should have made Edie look androgynous but only enhanced her delicate femininity.

All he wanted from her was to save him a lot of hassle by creating the illusion that he didn’t despise Christmas.

Liar, whispered a voice. He ignored it.

He reminded himself that she was his employee now, and out of bounds. ‘Let’s keep going,’ he said curtly.

Edie followed Sebastio, stinging a little at the tone of his voice. It was as if she’d done something to irritate him. She was almost inclined to remind him that he’d brought her here, but he’d stopped in the middle of the main reception room now and turned to face her again.

She quickly schooled her features into something she hoped was bland. She hated Sebastio Rivas at that moment, for making her feel so many things at once. Prickly, aware, defensive.

She looked away from him and said briskly, ‘You said you have a meeting to get to—Why don’t you show me what you want done?’

For a long moment there was silence, and then Sebastio responded, ‘You really don’t want to be here, do you?’

Edie looked at him in shock. Had she been so transparent?

He folded his arms. ‘But what I can’t figure out is why it feels like you’ve taken a personal dislike to me, when we don’t even know each other.’

Edie balked. She could feel the heat rising over her chest and up her neck into her cheeks. She wanted to squirm. Her inability to hide her reaction was irritating in the extreme.

Stiffly she said, ‘I don’t know you enough to like or dislike you.’

Which, technically, was true. After all, they’d only really met before for a few moments. Not that she’d ever admit it, in case he remembered the skinny girl in the badly fitting wig and too-short dress who’d tried to chat him up so ineffectually.

‘Would you really prefer if I hadn’t asked you to take on this assignment?’

She forced herself to look at him, even though it was hard when those grey eyes were narrowed on her and looking at her so intently. She took an inward breath. She needed to let go of whatever impression she’d had of him from before. It wasn’t his fault she was still carrying it around like a weight.

‘I won’t deny that the space is daunting. But, no, I’m glad you asked me. It’s good to get out of my comfort zone.’

He arched a brow. ‘Personally I’ve always seen comfort zones as the death of progress or achievement.’

Edie could well imagine that. She doubted a man like Sebastio Rivas had ever been in a comfort zone in his life. She shivered a little at the prospect of going so far outside her own.

He unfolded his arms. ‘I will just have to do my best to garner your favour, Edie.’

The thought of him trying to charm her made panic spike. ‘Not every woman on the planet has to like you.’

The words had spilled out before Edie could censor them, and she looked at Sebastio aghast, expecting him to storm out and fire her on the spot. Instead his head fell back and he let out a full-throated laugh.

When he looked back at her his eyes were gleaming with genuine amusement and her chest grew tight. He looked years younger and less intense when he smiled.

‘Indeed, they don’t.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘As you pointed out, I’m under pressure for time—so why don’t we get on with it?’

Edie’s conscience smarted. He hadn’t really deserved her waspish reply, but he put her on edge and made her feel jittery. She hadn’t been expecting that response. It disarmed her. And then she felt guilty. Had she subconsciously wanted to provoke him into firing her because that would be easier than dealing with him again and facing up to how he made her feel?

Edie looked around the room they’d entered and their previous exchange was forgotten in the face of what could be described only as majesty.

It was a massive room, with an enormous stone fireplace at one end. An ornate coat of arms hung above it. Huge chandeliers. A wall of windows with the longest curtains she’d ever seen in her life, made of heavy luxurious velvet. The parquet floor was covered in oriental rugs.

Edie wondered how on earth he had thought she could do this. After all, he’d only seen a tiny display—a few branches, leaves and artfully cut-out decorations!

Sebastio stood in the middle of the room, perfectly in proportion with the space around him. But for once his sheer masculine beauty couldn’t distract her as the full enormity of what he was asking of her sank in.

‘Look, I’m truly flattered that you liked my display enough to think I could do this...but I don’t want to mislead you. This is way beyond my capabilities in such a short space of time.’ She started to back out through the door. ‘You need to hire professionals who are used to dealing with a project of this size. Why have you left it so late?’

The question landed like a lead weight in Sebastio’s gut. Because he didn’t want to be doing this at all. But he could read the panic in Edie’s eyes, and he suspected that unless he was honest she’d bolt.

‘Because,’ he said heavily, ‘I detest Christmas.’

The panic faded to be replaced by something else. Curiosity? Sympathy? Cursing himself for giving in to an impulse to be honest, because it would only lead to questions he wasn’t prepared to answer, Sebastio went into damage limitation mode.

‘What about this? I’ll hire professionals who have expertise and resources in this area, but I want you to design the decorations and oversee everything. So in essence you’ll be the creative designer and you’ll have all the help you need.’

She still looked as if she was ready to turn and run, and Sebastio didn’t like the sense of desperation he felt to convince her at all costs.

He said, ‘I know you’ve probably never project-managed anything this big before, but really it’s just a matter of being clear about what you want and delegating. Would it help if you could have the young man who was working on the window with you?’

Her mouth closed and he could see her brain whirring as she took that in. She relaxed perceptibly.

‘Well...that would be helpful...to have someone I know here.’

Sebastio thought of something then, and asked sharply, ‘Are you in a relationship with him?’

He couldn’t recall the features of the skinny young man, but he was already regretting saying that he could be part of this commission.

Edie looked affronted. ‘No! Jimmy is gay. Not that it’s any business of yours.’

Some of the tension in Sebastio’s chest immediately eased. ‘I think you can do this job, Edie. I wouldn’t ask you if I thought you weren’t capable. I’m not in the habit of hiring or working with incompetents.’

That made him think of the cohesive unit of the rugby team around him, all working as one to the best of their ability. He pushed down the pang of regret. The ever-present guilt.

Edie was biting her lip again, and Sebastio had to fight the urge to close the distance between them and crush that lush mouth under his, seeking to dilute his memories as much as anything else.

Because he wanted her.

He cursed himself. He hadn’t needed to exercise restraint for a long time—if ever—but he had to exercise it now. He couldn’t jeopardise his successful acceptance into European society just because his hormones had decided to come back to life.

He backed away, putting distance between them. ‘I’ll show you the rest of the rooms to be decorated...’

Edie dutifully followed Sebastio as he took her through yet more rooms with the same football field dimensions. She couldn’t help wondering why he detested Christmas so much. But then she told herself it was none of her business. Not everyone liked the festive season. She knew that. It could be hard for people who didn’t have family around them, and if Sebastio Rivas was spending Christmas in London then maybe he had family issues...

The shock and trepidation were wearing off slightly as she focused on what Sebastio was saying about each room, what he wanted, and in spite of her earlier sense of panic she actually began to imagine the rooms dressed for Christmas, filled with guests. She was surprised at how easily images were coming to her—considering the proportions!

‘So you’ll do it, then?’ Sebastio asked.

They were in a ballroom that had French doors leading out to a terrace overlooking a vast manicured garden, complete with fountain.

Would she do it? Could she?

She realised now that she did want to do this. It would be a huge challenge—beyond anything she’d ever done before.

It’s not just for the challenge, though, is it? asked a wicked little voice.

It was because of the way this man made her feel—alive and aware. Exactly the way he’d made her feel that night four years ago. As if just looking at him and connecting with him, even so fleetingly and painfully, had given her some vital injection of life-force. Something she’d been afraid she’d never feel again.

She knew it wasn’t appropriate to be feeling like this about a man who was hiring her to do a job, but it would be her own illicit secret. After all, it wasn’t as if Sebastio would ever find out—she wasn’t remotely in his league. She hadn’t been then and she wasn’t now. That hadn’t changed.

She looked at him and tipped up her chin. ‘If you’re willing to take a risk on hiring me to do this job then I promise I’ll do it to the best of my ability.’

He inclined his head, the corner of his mouth tipping up ever so slightly. ‘I can’t ask for more than that.’

He looked at his watch and became brisk.

‘I’ll ask my team to liaise with you regarding hiring a suitable firm to help you, and I’ll negotiate with your supervisor at Marrotts to let Jimmy join you.’

Once again Edie marvelled at what it must be like to be powerful enough to make people do your bidding, no matter how big the ask. In the space of less than twenty-four hours he’d comprehensively turned her life upside down, and it was disconcerting but also...thrilling.

As if he had issued a psychic command, Matteo appeared with Sebastio’s coat and a briefcase, handing them over. He said, ‘The pilot is ready when you are.’

Matteo disappeared again, and Sebastio looked at her after he’d pulled on his coat. ‘I can offer you a lift back into the city, if you’d like?’

Edie blanched and then squeaked out, ‘In the helicopter?’

He nodded. ‘Ever been in one before?’

She shook her head, and then gabbled, ‘No, it’s fine, Mr Rivas. I should stay and make some notes. I can take the train back.’

Coward! whispered a little voice. She ignored it. Taking a helicopter ride with Sebastio Rivas would only compound the conflicting things he made her feel. She needed to keep her feet on the ground. Where she belonged.

He made a face. ‘Please, call me Sebastio. “Mr Rivas” makes me sound like my father, and he’s dead.’

Edie felt an immediate burst of compassion. ‘Oh... I’m sorry. Was it recent?’

But Sebastio’s face was impassive. ‘A year ago. We weren’t close.’ He was turning to go and said, ‘Are you sure about the ride?’

Edie nodded. She was far too intrigued by this man as it was. And this nugget of information made him even more intriguing.

‘Very well, I’ll have my driver come and pick you up and take you back into town—just let Matteo know when you’d like to leave.’

‘Thank you, Mr—’ She stopped and could feel herself grow warm.

Sebastio stopped too, a glint coming into his eye. ‘Go on, Edie...say it. You won’t turn to stone.’

She crushed the sense of exposure and took a breath, willing her voice to sound totally cool. ‘Sebastio. Thank you, Sebastio.’

He started walking backwards, his mouth tipping up on one side in a wicked smile. ‘See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?’

Edie watched him depart and scowled at his broad back. He was making fun of her. Her fascination with him must be blindingly obvious.

She whirled around and stalked back into the room they’d just left, and when she heard the sound of the helicopter taking off she refused to look out of the window because she had the very irrational sense that even from here she’d see a mocking smile on his face.

* * *

‘Just a bit higher, Jimmy. That’s it.’

Edie looked up at the massive Christmas tree that stood, almost twenty feet tall, at the foot of the grand marble staircase in the main reception hall. It was finally dressed.

Jimmy climbed down the ladder and stood with her. In a moment of doubt, she said, ‘You don’t think it’s too rustic, do you?’

He shook his head. ‘No, it’s perfect. Really different and unique. You’ve done an amazing job, Edie. The place looks stunning.’

She felt a spurt of pride. But she just wasn’t sure if it was exactly what Sebastio Rivas had been looking for. She hadn’t seen him again for the whole week, and since she’d agreed on a firm to help her with the decorating she hadn’t had time to think.

Jimmy coughed discreetly beside her and she looked at him, to see him jerking his head slightly. She felt the small hairs on the back of her neck stand up just as she turned around to see Sebastio behind her, looking up at the tree.

He had obviously recently arrived, and was dressed in another three-piece suit and an overcoat. An immediate flash of heat right through to her core made a mockery of the fact that she’d tried to convince herself all week that her reaction to him had been a fleeting thing, based on a potent memory.

It didn’t feel fleeting now.

It felt as if her body had been in a dormant state all week until this moment.

He looked at her and Jimmy. ‘Why are you working on a Saturday?’

Edie felt ridiculously defensive. ‘It’s just the two of us. There’s so much to do and it’s easier to finish things off when there’s no one else around. Jimmy is heading home now.’

Jimmy looked at Edie, as if to say, I can stay if you want? but she shook her head and he backed away.

‘See you on Monday morning.’

‘Thanks, Jimmy.’

When she and Sebastio were alone he said, ‘You’re not heading home?’

‘Well, I wasn’t going to—not right now. There are still some things I’m tweaking. Your first dinner party is next Tuesday,’ she reminded him a little primly.

His mouth quirked slightly. ‘I’m well aware of that.’

She flushed. She noticed that he hadn’t said anything positive about the decorations, but also he wasn’t saying anything negative. And then something struck her. It was Saturday and he was obviously here for the weekend. Possibly with someone in tow. A lover?

As that suspicion sank in a wave of embarrassment washed over her. Edie immediately started to back away. ‘I’m so sorry. I just assumed we could have the run of the place until the first party, but of course you’re home for the weekend—no doubt looking for privacy. I’ll get my things...leave you in peace.’

She turned to leave, but her arm was caught in a big hand and she stopped, her face flaming now. She turned back to face him and he was staring down at her.

‘What on earth are you talking about?’

Edie wanted to crawl into a hole. This was far too reminiscent of another time and place. Run along... And she really didn’t want to hang around to see him kiss whatever stunningly beautiful woman he’d brought home for the weekend for recreational purposes. Which was none of her business.

‘Obviously you want your privacy for the weekend.’

He frowned again, shaking his head. ‘What...?’

Now she was feeling angry, on top of embarrassed. She pulled her arm free. ‘Just let me go home and I’ll leave you and your...guest alone.’

She’d started walking away again when she heard him behind her.

‘Edie—stop.’

Reluctantly she did. He came and stood in front of her, and against every effort her insides clenched in response to his sheer presence. His evocative scent. This was so humiliating. Any second now she expected to hear a woman’s voice, calling for her lover.

He was frowning. ‘Are you suggesting I have someone here with me?’

He sounded so incredulous that Edie just looked at him for a moment. ‘Don’t you?’

He shook his head, and a curious expression crossed his face—half angry, half frustrated—before he said, ‘No, I’m alone.’

Now Edie wanted the ground to swallow her for an entirely different reason. She’d just exposed herself spectacularly.

She swallowed. ‘Sorry... I just assumed...’

He sounded grim. ‘Well, you assumed wrong. The reason I was asking why you were still here is because you shouldn’t be working at the weekend.’

Sebastio looked down at Edie and saw the evidence of her embarrassment on her flushed face. It made him feel alternately irritated and aroused. Why did he always feel as if he’d insulted her in some way?

He’d got caught up in a round of social engagements in the past week, and hadn’t been able to make it back to the house. Which in any other circumstances wouldn’t have bothered him in the slightest. But knowing she was there...that was a different matter.

He’d been in Paris the previous evening, at an exclusive charity ball, surrounded by the crème de la crème of European society. The most beautiful people in the world. Certainly the most beautiful women. All vying for his attention. And not one had sparked his libido like she had...and did.

As soon as he’d walked in here this morning and seen her he’d felt the resurgence of desire. Igniting his nerve-endings. Making him hard.

But then he’d noticed something else. Shadows under her eyes.

His voice was rough. ‘You look tired.’

Her eyes flashed, and perversely that eased Sebastio’s conscience.

‘It’s been a busy week. We’ve all been putting in long hours to get the work done in time, and with the commute...’

‘Commute?’

She nodded. ‘Well, yes...’

‘Where do you live?’

She blinked, as if his question had taken her aback. ‘North London—Islington.’

Sebastio cursed under his breath. She might as well be in Paris. Even if he had his driver ferry her back and forth every day it would still be a huge commute. No wonder she looked tired.

He made a split-second decision. ‘You’re going to move in here for the duration of your contract.’

CHAPTER THREE

SHOCK REVERBERATED THROUGH EDIE. ‘You’re going to move in here...’ It wasn’t a question.

Sebastio was looking at her as if he was enjoying watching her reaction. And then he said musingly, ‘You’ve got a very expressive face. It’s amazingly refreshing.’

Edie scowled and folded her arms. She didn’t like to be reminded of how gauche she must seem to a man like him, who was undoubtedly surrounded by sophisticates who knew better than to let every thought be read like a cloud passing across the sky.

‘Are you always this bossy?’

He bit back a smile. ‘I think it’s my duty to ensure your health and safety.’

She looked at Sebastio suspiciously. She knew her commute was a bit ridiculous—even Jimmy had asked her how she was doing it. He lived in South London, so Richmond was handy for him. He’d offered her his couch to sleep on, but she preferred to sleep well for a few hours rather than badly for longer!

Sebastio was waiting for her reply. He really meant it.

She unfolded her arms. ‘I can’t just move in here... It’s not...appropriate.’

‘Says who?’

‘Me!’ Edie fired back.

‘I’ll hardly be here, if that’s what you’re worried about.’

She managed to stop herself from pointing out that he was here now.

‘I just don’t think it’s right.’ And then, before she could stop her runaway mouth, she was asking, ‘Why buy a property like this if you’re hardly ever here?’

Sebastio tensed. No one ever questioned him. And her question cut far too close to the bone. There were myriad reasons why he’d bought this place—chief of which were to do with its privacy and space, which appealed to his need to hide from the world and his ever-present guilt. However, he’d also bought it for its potential for entertaining. And its exclusivity.

But those aren’t the only reasons, whispered a mocking voice.

No. They weren’t. And he hated to admit it—even to himself. Hated to admit that in spite of the fact that he’d never felt as if he’d had a home, he wanted to create one. Some place where he might feel some measure of peace or atonement. When he didn’t deserve atonement. At all.

Not when he’d mocked Victor and Maya for their happy domestic idyll just moments before he’d been intrumental in wrecking that idyll for ever.

‘That’s none of your business,’ he said now, with more bite than he’d intended.

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