by Suzanna Ross
“What are you doing?” She made a feeble attempt to pull away, but he was holding her tight. She realised further protests would be useless when Theo’s breathing told her he was already fast asleep. Giving into the inevitable, she snuggled up against him and closed her eyes.
Knowing he was back gave her an odd sense of calm and she slept almost at once.
***
Theo looked down at Rosie, curled up like a kitten and still fast asleep. He hadn’t been able to stay away from her. Escaping the madness at his work and spending the night fast asleep in her arms had been worth the trouble of rearranging the Paris trip. And, even if he’d been too exhausted to even talk to her properly, just being close to her had been enough. He was energised and ready to conquer the world.
When he’d first woken, he’d thought for a minute he’d still been dreaming. When he’d realised he really was in her bed – still dressed and his clothes now crumpled beyond redemption – it had been hell to tear himself away to hit the shower. Sleeping next to her felt right.
He still didn’t do love, of course. But they had something better than that – an understanding that would benefit them both without the complications a love match entailed.
She looked like an angel this morning. Her hair fell in a riot of vibrant curls around her exquisite face. Her full red mouth sent out a silent invitation and he couldn’t resist. He sank to his knees by the bedside and gently brushed his lips against hers.
She responded by kissing him back, her eyes still closed tight. Reluctantly, he pulled away and watched as her eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding their green depths. “I have to go. I’m flying back to London in a few minutes.”
“What time is it?”
“Six am.”
“Can’t you stay for breakfast? Do you have to go straight away?”
“I’m afraid so. I have several meetings this morning. And I need to change into something a little less...” he looked down at the trousers and shirt he’d slept in and grimaced, “...comfortable.”
“You work too hard.” She reached out and stroked his cheek her soft fingers meeting with the resistance of a day’s growth of hair. He felt a muscle began to pulse merrily on his jaw.
“You need a shave.” And then she smiled at him and he felt the world tipping on its axis.
***
By the time Rosie was properly awake, Theo was long gone. It was almost as though his arrival had been a dream. It was only the fact she’d slept so well that proved he’d been there: She’d never slept so soundly in her life before.
Her rested state, however, wasn’t enough to prepare her for the shock of the visitor who turned up later that morning.
“What are you doing here?” she demanded of the overweight and balding man who stood on the doorstep.
“Evie said you’d moved.”
She eyed her brother suspiciously. “So? What’s that got to do with you?”
“Please don’t be like that. Can I come in? I want to talk to you.”
Rosie, who would have cheerfully throttled him only weeks ago, now just wanted him gone. But he was still her brother. Part of the very tiny family she belonged to. Grudgingly, she let him into the sitting room. “I’m not too impressed with you.”
“I know.” Harry sat down without invitation. But he looked pale and ill and Rosie, despite herself, found it very hard to go for the jugular as he deserved. “I’m not impressed with myself, either, believe me.”
Rosie paced the floor in front of him. “Why did you do it, Harry? Why did you sell the estate and leave me and Evie homeless? And without telling us, too. We had no idea, not until Theo turned up.”
Harry’s eyes were downcast and Rosie stared at him, truly wanting to understand why he’d thought it was a good idea to treat his sisters in that manner. “Not even a phone call to warn us, Harry. And you didn’t return any of my calls.”
“I didn’t know what to say to you.”
“How about ‘I’m sorry’ for a start.”
Harry looked up at her and she softened a little. He really didn’t look well at all, and she’d never seen him so contrite. “I’m sorry.”
She gave a brief nod and waited for him to continue.
“Theo will have told you about my gambling problem?”
She nodded again.
“There were men after me, Rosie,” he pleaded for understanding. “I’d been losing badly and had no hope of paying up. If I hadn’t sold the estate they would have come down here themselves – and I wouldn’t trust them to be around you and Evie. They’re not nice people.”
Rosie stopped pacing and rounded on him. “Don’t try to put the blame for this onto me and Evie.”
Harry held up a hand in a gesture of surrender. “I’m not, I promise. But how could I let them come here after you?”
“How could you let it happen, Harry? How could you get yourself into a position where you put Evie in danger? And how could you leave us homeless?”
Harry shifted uncomfortably under Rosie’s furious gaze. “Lysander said his brother wouldn’t throw you out. And he was right. You’re not homeless, are you?”
“Only because I threw myself on Theo’s mercy. Begged him to give me a job and to let us stay one the estate. You knew how important it was to Evie, how much she wanted to stay here so Glory would know where to find her.”
As she watched, her older brother burst into tears. “I know I’m weak,” he sobbed and Rosie, despite everything, felt a twinge of sympathy. “I couldn’t help myself. Before I knew it I was in so deep. I don’t know what I would have done if Lysander hadn’t stepped in to help.”
Rosie sat beside him on the sofa and was annoyed to find her arm snaking around him. But what else could she do? He threw himself on her shoulder and sobbed some more. She didn’t quite know what to do next – even though he was her brother, they’d never had that kind of relationship. She patted his arm awkwardly. “Tell me, how did Lysander become involved?”
Harry sat up straight and took a tissue from his pocket before blowing his nose noisily. “I met him at a poker game. We got on – made a good team. I’ve been staying with him.”
“Well, it’s good you’ve got some support.” Although she’d have very much preferred Harry get that support from anyone other than Lysander. He might be Theo’s brother, but she really hadn’t liked the man. It was also highly questionable that he’d paid so much of Theo’s money to a man who was a friend of his.
“Harry.” The door crashed open and the shriek was deafening as Evie, just this minute freshly back from Julia’s as though guided by some sixth sense, threw herself towards her brother and enveloped him in hug as she landed on his other side. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Obligingly, Harry brightened up and returned the hug. “It’s good to see you Evie. How are you? What happened to your head.”
Evie sat up straight and put her hand to the healing injury. “Long story. How long are you staying?”
He glanced hesitantly at Rosie. “Not too long. I only came to wish you both well in your new home. Oh, and to give you this, Rosie…” He searched in the pocket of his tweed jacket and handed her an envelope.
She couldn’t help being suspicious. “What is it?”
“Open it and find out.” Evie urged, impatient as ever. Rosie threw her a despairing glance.
Carefully, as though it might bite, she took the envelope and peered inside. She well remembered the last time a man had delivered an envelope from his pocket and tried to quell her fear and suspicion. If it was something bad, Harry wouldn’t have brought it in person. Harry was a coward where confrontation was concerned.
Rosie’s eyes widened in shock when she eventually opened the envelope and examined the contents. “It’s a cheque.”
“All I’ve got left from the sale of the estate, after settling my debts.”
Evie got to her feet and walked around to peer over Rosie’s shoulder. “Oh-my-gosh. We’re rich.”
�
�No we’re not.” This was a very nice gesture from Harry, but if Lysander hadn’t practically defrauded Theo’s company, the estate wouldn’t have realised half of what it had fetched. “This money belongs to Theo.”
She was pleased Evie didn’t disagree, but Harry pouted quietly on the sofa, obviously unhappy.
The silence stretched until, normally a master of picking up on a difficult atmosphere and deflecting trouble, Evie plunged them right into another area of controversy. “Why don’t you come down to see us more often?”
Harry glanced at Rosie and Rosie bit her lip for a moment. What could she do? Despite all that had gone on before, Harry was trying to be a decent brother now, he really was. “Are you doing anything about your gambling?” she asked at last. She had to know, if he was to be allowed back into their lives, she had to ask what steps he’d taken to overcome his problem.
Harry rubbed his bald head. “I’m getting help – seeing a therapist. Giving you the rest of that money is my pledge that I’m not going to gamble again.”
“You’re sure about that?”
“Oh, yes.” Harry nodded. “Very sure. I’m going to have to be very careful and not put myself in the path of temptation, but Lysander’s promised to help. It really shook me up, you know, losing the estate. And I can’t tell you how terrible I feel for leaving you to fend for yourselves – and for all the years I relied on you to keep me in funds.”
As she listened to him talk, she began to believe him.
At last, Harry was turning into the kind of brother she’d always hoped for. Someone who would stand beside her and Evie and be proud to be a part of their family. “In that case...” She paused and cleared her throat. “Harry, you’re very welcome to visit us here, whenever you’re able.”
Chapter Fifteen
Theo was staring at her and she could tell he wasn’t amused. Rosie shrugged. “You said yourself Lysander shouldn’t have paid so much for the estate.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m going to take money from you.” Gold eyes glared, but she refused to be intimidated.
“Theo, it’s your money.”
“Why don’t you look on it as the salary your brother should have paid you over the past year? Because the amount he’s given you should just about cover that.”
Rosie sighed loudly. She was beginning to wish she hadn’t come to Bradley’s to stay with him for the weekend after all. He’d sent a car for her and Evie last night, and they’d been pleased of the chance of a break – so much so that Evie had happily left George in charge of the sanctuary.
And what a break. Theo’s suite at Bradley’s Hotel in central London was the ultimate in luxury. When Rosie first saw it she’d cringed at the recollection of what he must have thought when he’d turned up at the manor.
But now Theo was being so...well... “You’re being stubborn.” She planted her hands firmly on her hips and tried to stare him down, but he wasn’t having any of it.
“Said the pot to the kettle. You’re not going to win this time, Rosie. I’m not taking your money.” His voice was soft and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but his eyes were unrelenting and she knew he had no intention of giving in.
“I’ll just have to buy you a very expensive present, then.” Because, one way or another, she was going to make sure he was going to benefit from Harry’s generosity. Not that she wouldn’t have been grateful for it had the circumstances been different – had the money rightfully been Harry’s to hand over.
“You spend a penny of that money on me and there will be trouble.” The smile reached his eyes and Rosie found herself smiling back.
“Seriously, that money was paid over in exchange for the manor, the fact my brother paid over the odds isn’t your problem. Okay?”
She nodded.
“Good. Now, maybe we should give Evie a shout,” he said. “The car’s waiting downstairs.”
Rosie frowned. She hadn’t seen her sister for a while. “Where is she anyway?”
“In the study, updating her Facebook status.”
Rosie gave a short laugh. “And probably chatting to Louise. Honestly.”
She went through to Theo’s study to tell Evie they’d be leaving soon and then went back to Theo who had papers from his briefcase scattered all over the living room. “Aren’t you coming with us? It would be nice to go sightseeing.” She bit her lip as she realised how touristy she must have sounded. “Of course, you’ll have seen everything already.”
He looked up. “I’d like to take you sightseeing, but not today. The car’s at your disposal, you can go wherever you want.”
“Oh.” She was too late to stop the exclamation of disappointment.”
“Don’t be like that. I really have to get some work done. We can meet up for dinner later.”
“I really don’t know why you invited us up here if you’re too busy to spend time with us.”
“I thought you’d enjoy the break. Besides…” He hesitated and looked almost shy.
“Besides what?” she demanded.
“I wanted to see you. I’ve missed you.”
Instantly, all was forgiven and Rosie found herself smiling. “I’ve missed you, too.” It was amazing how much courage it took to admit that out loud.
He smiled back. “I should be finished here by six. If you don’t fancy sightseeing, take that company credit card I gave you and go mad. Treat yourself and your sister.”
“That could be a dangerous offer. How do you know I won’t bankrupt you?”
He smiled and picked up a folder from the coffee table. “If you come close to denting my fortune I’ll warn you.”
“Meaning you’re so incredibly rich I couldn’t possibly do much damage to your millions.”
“Remind me to show you my bank statements sometime.” His smile widened to an out and out grin. “But if the thought of shopping offends you, why don’t you treat yourself to a visit to the spa and beauty parlour downstairs?”
Affronted by this suggestion, Rosie glared at him. “I’m not some dolly bird who’s happy to spend her time and your money pampering and preening herself all day. Besides, why do you think I need to visit a beauty parlour?”
“Don’t pretend you even imagine I was suggesting there’s anything wrong with you – you must know by now how I feel about the way you look. You’re utterly beautiful.”
Rosie stared at him, stunned. And horrified and embarrassed that she’d brought this on herself. What if he thought she’d been looking for complements? But, on the other hand, this might be as near a declaration of devotion as she’d ever be likely to get from Theo. “I’m not beautiful.”
“You have the most amazing luminous skin, your eyes are vibrant and alive, your hair is incredible…”
A slow blush heated her skin. “I’m not used to being spoken to like this.” And she wasn’t enjoying it, she felt horribly uncomfortable. “Don’t.”
He sighed. “I just thought a visit to the beauty parlour would help you to relax. You’ve been through so much – not just since Harry sold the manor, but your whole life has been a struggle. You deserve to be pampered.”
No way did she want to be cosseted. But she supposed Theo made some kind of sense. These days she didn’t even manage to visit a hairdresser. It hadn’t particularly bothered her as she had been blessed with hair so curly it covered a multitude of self-inflicted sins. But, despite her usual lack of vanity, she had a sudden urge to experience life as lived by the other half.
“I could do with a haircut,” she commented absently. “It’s years since I had it cut properly.”
Theo got to his feet and advanced, his liquid gold eyes fixed on her wild red curls. “You can have an inch cut off the length,” he warned, winding his long, dark fingers into the soft tresses. “No more.”
“I quite fancy having it short for a change,” she challenged, hardly able to breathe as she looked up and his free hand snaked around her waist to draw her closer.
“Don’t you dare,” hi
s lips were mere inches away from hers.
“You can’t tell me how to wear my hair.”
“I’m not telling, I’m asking.” He kissed the top of her head. “Nicely.”
“And what if I have it cut off anyway?”
His golden eyes met the challenge in her green ones. His lips moved closer to hers, hovered invitingly only millimetres away. She tasted the tingle of anticipation on her lips and she hated herself for it.
“You won’t,” he intoned with breathless arrogance that infuriated her to the point she resolved to have it cut so short she’d never need to use a de-tangling comb again. And she’d probably look like a boy.
“And are these perks available to all your staff?”
“Only the ones who can make my heart beat a little faster with just a smile.”
She was aware of Evie entering the room, but resisted the urge to move away from Theo.
“I’m ready to go,” Evie announced.
“Okay,” she said, not taking her eyes from Theo, silently warning him she’d wear her hair any way she liked.
She and Evie went to the hotel’s beauty parlour as Theo had suggested, but Rosie paid for their treatments herself. Much as she liked and respected Theo, taking advantage of his generous nature wasn’t on her agenda. Particularly not when she was about to give orders her unruly mop was to be shorn.
She found she couldn’t do it, though. As she sat in the chair, the hairdresser at her side waiting patiently for instruction, she just couldn’t bring herself to tell him to cut it all off. It wasn’t vanity on her part, but the memory of the look on Theo’s face as he’d spoken of how much he liked her hair long… Although it shouldn’t have mattered to her, she found she didn’t want to disappoint him. Which made no sense whatsoever. Maybe she’d grown to like Theo even more than she’d thought.