“I think it will become an umbrella day,” Charles offered, as if reading her mind.
“Thank you, Charles,” she murmured, her eyes still staring at the clouds. “Whenever I see skies like this, it makes me think that change is in the air.”
“Change is always in the air,” Harry remarked walking up behind her.
“Good morning,” she said, turning around and smiling her greeting. “I suppose you’re right about that.”
“There’s nothing so constant as change. Do you know who said that?”
“Heraclitus, 535 BC.”
“I’m impressed,” he exclaimed, gesturing her to the buffet. You have more surprises up your sleeve than a slight-of-hand magician. “Let’s eat. We have plenty of time, but you never know about traffic out to the airport.”
“Are we leaving from Heathrow?”
“No, there’s a private airstrip I use for quick flights like this.”
Charles poured them their cups of tea, then silently withdrew, and after filling their plates and sitting at the table, Alana looked around the room, studying the paintings that hung on the walls, and the two bronzes that sat on pedestals on either side of an ornate mirror.
“Penny?” Harry asked.
Slowly shifting her gaze she softly smiled at him.
“If you want to know what I’m thinking, it will cost you a great deal more than a penny.”
“Is that right?” he said, raising his eyebrows. “I’m not sure I can afford more than a penny. Things are a bit tight this week? How about a direct question instead?”
“You poor thing,” she said feigning pity. “How can I say no?”
“Is that chair comfortable?”
“That’s not your question,” she quipped. “What you’re asking has nothing to do with the chair. Of course it’s a comfortable chair. You wouldn’t have a chair at one of your dining tables that isn’t comfortable.”
“My goodness,” he said shaking his head.
She didn’t respond, but turned her attention back to her breakfast, elegantly scooping up a forkful of scrambled eggs, then biting into a piece of toast.
“I’ll rephrase. Is your bottom still tender?”
“Yes, quite,” she replied, still not looking up.
“Excellent, that’s as it should be.”
“That’s your opinion,” she said airily, appearing to give his viewpoint no merit.
“One I hold firmly,” he declared, “but on to another subject. You were going to tell me something last night, but you never got around to it. Do you remember?”
“I do. I have an excellent memory,” she replied, finally looking back at him.
“Would you like to share it with me now?”
Harry expected her to say no, but once again she proved to be unpredictable. Gently placing her fork on the gold-rimmed porcelain plate, she fixed with him with an unwavering gaze.
“It’s the same thought I had just a moment ago, when you offered me a penny,” she said softly, “but before I tell you, it’s my turn to offer an axiom. Never ask a question, the answer to which you may not want to hear.”
“Who said that?”
“I did!”
“I should have known,” he laughed. “Yes, I definitely want to hear what’s been floating around that brilliant brain of yours.”
“Very well. I think it’s a shame you have no children. You’d be a devoted father, that’s obvious, but besides the joy it would bring into your life, you have no child to whom you can pass on your knowledge, no heir, no-one to carry your legacy into the future.”
Very rarely did Harry find himself at a loss for words, but her short speech had struck a nerve. How did she know it was the one thing in his life that was missing, the one thing that had been frustratingly elusive, the one thing that he’d not been able to manifest?
A sudden silence fell between them, and Alana remained perfectly still, waiting for his answer.
If a stranger had walked in at that precise moment, they would have seen two people frozen in time. An extraordinarily beautiful, elegant, straight-backed woman, emanating an almost visible energy, and a dapper, older, attractive man looking at her like a deer in headlights.
Entering the room, it was Charles who broke the spell, and as he moved his arm between them to fill their teacups, the invisible wall shattered into tiny pieces and dissolved back into the ether.
“What made you think about me having a child?” Harry asked as Charles withdrew.
“It’s not rocket science,” she sighed. “It’s just so obvious. Hasn’t it occurred to you?”
“On occasion,” he replied, then feeling completely rattled, he left the table to return to the buffet.
Dominic was keeping watch from the living room window, and when he spied the black Mercedes limousine cruising down the street, he moved quickly away and headed down the hall to the bedroom.
“Vivien, the car’s here,” he declared. “Are you ready?”
“I guess I have to be,” she replied, staring at the contents of her suitcase. “Can you please zip this up for me while I check my purse and make sure I have everything?”
Moving to the bed he brought down the top and ran the zipper around the sides, then turning to face her, he saw her worried frown as she closed the buckle on her shoulder bag.
“You will be magnifique,” he said softly, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“I just wish you were coming,” she bleated, staring up at him. “It doesn’t seem right. I wouldn’t even be doing this job if it weren’t for you, and I know Gustav would love you to be around.”
“I will be joining you very soon,” he promised, hugging her to his chest.
“You’d better be. If there was ever a location I’d want to share with you, it’s this place.”
“The car will be outside by now,” he murmured, and inhaling the fragrance of her hair as he gave her a last squeeze, he broke away and reached for her bag.
They had just started down the hallway when the doorbell rang, and walking quickly ahead of him, Vivien opened the door to the uniformed driver.
“I can take that for you, Sir,” he offered, as Dominic stepped up with her suitcase
As the chauffeur strode away, Dominic cupped her chin and tenderly kissed her, then breaking away he looked at her intently.
“Call me the minute you land, and again when you reach your room.”
“Yes, Sir,” she nodded, feeling the need to feel his strong, protective, dominant energy.
“Take care of yourself, and have an early night,” he said firmly. “Those are instructions, not suggestions. You start shooting tomorrow and you need to rest.”
“I’ll do as you say,” she nodded, then impulsively kissing him again, slinging the strap of her large, leather Gucci bag over her shoulder, she hurried down to the car.
The driver was waiting, holding the door open, and Dominic watched her climb in, then remained where he was until the limousine drove away, and disappeared around the corner at the end of the block.
Walking back inside, the flat felt empty. He missed her already. He’d spent many lonely nights there when she’d been away at the farm, but being around her clothes and belongings had given him comfort. Ambling back into her bedroom, he laid on the bed and closed his eyes. He was worried about her. Studying her over breakfast he’d thought she still looked pale, and though she’d insisted she was fine, he wasn’t sure he believed her.
And then there was Harry Harrison.
As Vivien had climbed into the car, she’d been shocked to see Alana, but it explained why Harry had chosen a stretch limousine. Driving through the streets of London was difficult enough without the vehicle being oversized, but with Alana along for the ride it meant three people in the back, not just two.
“Alana, this is a surprise,” she remarked as she settled into the seat.
“I invited Alana because of her overly zealous fan,” Harry explained. “I think it was prudent to get her out of London for a few d
ays.”
Seeing the smug look on Alana’s face, then glancing back at Harry seated next to her, Vivien could sense an energy between them. Had they had become involved? Alana was staying at Harry’s penthouse, of course they’d become involved. It was a no-brainer, but just the thought sent a churning through her stomach.
You didn’t waste any time, did you Alana. I’m not surprised. Living in that amazing place, having that butler at your beck and call, jetting around in his private planes. I can’t say I blame you for letting him jump your bones.
She wished she wasn’t sitting directly in front of them. It was uncomfortable, and a vague throbbing was starting along the side of her head. She wanted to close her eyes, but she didn’t want to be rude, so she gazed out the window instead.
“Are you feeling all right?” Harry asked.
“Yes, thank-you,” she lied.
As the car cruised along she could hear them quietly talking, and every now and then she’d covertly dart her eyes in their direction. They were leaning into each other, their conversation intimate and muted, and Alana would shift in her seat as if uncomfortable. Vivien knew exactly what that meant. She herself would shift exactly the same way when her bottom was tender from a spanking.
The pain in her head was worsening, and she was irritated that she was irritated. Why should she care that Alana was dating the mega-billionaire? She had Dominic, her wonderful, sweet, masterly Dominic, but she had to admit that seeing them together bothered her. It bothered her a lot.
Once out of the city the car moved along at a decent clip, and as Vivien leaned her head back into the cushioning comfort of her seat, she couldn’t fight it any longer and closed her eyes, and it was only a few minutes before she felt herself beginning to drift away. She thought about pulling herself out of it, but Harry and Alana were in their own little world, and any conversation she attempted would be strained; she had neither the desire nor the energy to make the effort.
When the car stopped, she blinked her eyes open and saw the gleaming jet waiting on the tarmac. It was considerably smaller than the aircraft in which she’d traveled from New York, but that was to be expected. The pain her head was still alive and well, and sighing heavily, she accepted the hand of the chauffeur as he opened the door. Harry led the way into the jet, and while the seats were wide and inviting, and there was a small love seat behind a narrow table, the three of them would be in close quarters. To her relief, Harry and Alana chose the small sofa, so she was able to sit with her back to them in one of the chairs at the front. She had settled in with her seat belt fastened when Harry appeared at her side.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked. “You’ve been so quiet, and you slept most of the way here.”
“Yes, honestly, I’m fine. I’m just a bit tired. How long will it take us to get to where we’re going in France?”
“Only about ninety minutes, but I’ll tell the flight attendant to leave you in peace so you can get some more rest, unless you want something to eat or drink. We have plenty on board.”
“Rest is what I need. Thank you, Harry.”
“It should be a smooth flight, so hopefully you’ll feel more awake when we arrive.”
But she didn’t.
When the announcement came that they were about to land, Vivien winced as she opened her eyes. Her attempts at sleep had been in vain. The pain in her head, which had begun as a dull ache, had moved on to a sharp, stabbing pain. Doing her best to smile as Harry and Alana walked past her to exit the plane, she slowly rose to feet. After a fleeting wave of dizziness, she followed them out, and gratefully sucked in the cool air that met her. Though it perked her up, as they climbed into a black SUV with darkened windows, she hoped she would haven’t to engage in too much conversation.
“You look as if you’re feeling better,” Harry remarked.
“Why do you think you’re so tired?” Alana asked. “Did the dinner party you and Dominic attended last night run late?”
“Very,” Vivien said, grateful for the excuse and wishing she’d thought of it.
“Just as well he’s not here then,” Alana quipped. “From what Harry has told me, the Chateau is a very naughty place.”
“Yes, I know, it’s going to be perfect for the shoot,” she replied, subtly changing the direction of the conversation. “The countryside here is beautiful too. Maybe we can find some outdoor locations as well. Is the Chateau very far, Harry?”
“No, not far at all, we’ll be there shortly. Are you hungry? We have an excellent restaurant, two in fact, but you can have something sent to your room if you’d prefer.”
“I’d prefer my room. I have some calls to make, and I’d like to freshen up before I meet with Gustav. I know he’ll be eager to take me down to the set.”
“Your room it is. Since it will just be the two of us,” Harry said, turning his attention to Alana, “I think I want to take you to the more casual dining room. There’s a rather special table in there. Hopefully it hasn’t already been reserved.”
“If it is, can’t you just take it over? It is your Chateau,” Alana suggested, leaning into him.
“I could, but that wouldn’t be very hospitable, and I’d be chasing off paying guests. The Chateau isn’t cheap.”
As they continued their conversation, Vivien did her best to block them out, and shifting her eyes to the window she admired the passing scenery, but when the Chateau came into view, she caught her breath. The pictures on the internet had been fabulous, but in person, the French castle appeared even grander.
Goodness! Look at that place. I wish I felt better, and I wish Dominic was here.
Back in London, sitting at Vivien’s desk in the flat, his phone in his hand, Dominic was talking with Walter Fairmont, and smiling with relief; the news was all good.
“It’s hard to believe this stress is behind me,” Walter said with a heavy sigh.
“I thought it would take another day at least,” Dominic declared.
“I won’t receive the executed paperwork until tomorrow, but I have no doubt it will be on my desk in the morning.”
“I’m not leaving London until it’s there,” Dominic said gravely. “I don’t want to tempt the fates.”
“I’ll let you know the moment it arrives, and Dominic, how can I ever thank you? Saying I’m immensely grateful would be an understatement.”
“I wish I could tell you who it is you should really be thanking, but I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“You were the one who persuaded me to tell you what was happening, and you were the one who contacted that person, whoever it is, so as far as I’m concerned, you’re at the top of my thank-you list!”
“Don’t forget, Walter, you did me a favor too,” Dominic reminded him.
“Be careful,” Walter said solemnly. “Harry Harrison is a powerful man. He’s not an enemy you want to make.”
“I agree, and I must make sure Vivien stays in his good graces as well. She has too much to lose. It’s a delicate dance. Believe me, I will… être sur mes orteils. What is it in English?”
“Be on my toes,” Walter laughed.
“Oui, be on my toes,” Dominic repeated.
“Make sure you are. When all this is behind us, I’d love to have you and Vivien at my country home for a weekend.”
“I’m sure Vivien would enjoy that very much.”
Hanging up the phone, Dominic immediately called the airlines. Just twenty-four hours and he’d be on his way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
In spite of feeling unwell, Vivien had to smile. She’d been shown to her suite by a young woman dressed in a scanty maid’s outfit, and walking inside, she felt transported back in time. It was filled with French antiques, and the bed was heavily carved dark wood, with a canopied top, from which thick burgundy and grey fabric draped down the sides. If it wasn’t centuries old, it was an outstanding replica, and after the young woman had left, Vivien laid down on the thick, inviting comforter and stared up at the c
offered canopy.
She was hungry, so she ordered a chicken breast sandwich and coffee, and asked that a bottle of extra-strength aspirin be brought with it, then called Dominic.
“You arrived safely?”
“Yes, I’m here, and I’m sorry I couldn’t call you when we landed, but it was awkward. Harry and Alana were around me all the time.”
“Alana? She’s with you?”
“Harry thought it would be a good idea because of the creepy guy who texted her. I can’t imagine how he got her number.”
“I agree, it is odd, but these days do we have any privacy left? But tell me, how do you like the Chateau? How is your room?”
“It’s an amazing place, and my room is a suite, and I swear, I feel as if Napoleon is about to walk through my door. I’m really looking forward to seeing the dungeons.”
“When will that be?”
“I don’t know. Harry said he’d let Gustav know I’m here, so I expect he’ll call me soon.”
A shard of pain suddenly pierced the side of her head, and she let out an involuntary cry, squeezing her eyes shut.
“Vivien? What is it, what’s the matter?”
“It’s just…I have a headache,” she muttered. “It’s nothing.”
“But you made a sound like you hurt yourself.”
“It’s a stabbing pain that comes and goes.”
“I don’t like this, I don’t like this at all. Did you have the headache this morning before you left?”
She paused, not sure how to respond. Should she tell a second lie?
“Vivien, did you?”
“A bit,” she admitted.
“I knew you weren’t feeling completely well. I could see it. This we will discuss later. Do you have anything to take?”
“I just ordered some aspirin with my lunch.”
“Aspirin! I wish I was there. You need something stronger, but perhaps they will help. These are my instructions,” he said firmly. “Have your lunch and take the aspirin, then you turn off your phone, put the Do Not Disturb sign on your door, and climb into bed. I will let Gustav know you’re not feeling well. Ring me when you wake up. Understood?”
A Promise of Passion Page 38