The Helen Bianchin Collection

by Helen Bianchin

  ‘He doesn’t understand the word no.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Do you know what he just did?’ Rebekah didn’t wait for an answer. ‘He bought three dozen roses, paid for them, wrote on a card, then handed them to me.’

  ‘Such an unforgivable sin,’ Ana declared, tongue-in-cheek, and incurred her sister’s glare. ‘What did the card say?’

  “‘Dinner tonight. Seven.’”

  ‘Naturally you’re not going to go.’

  ‘Of course not.’

  ‘And you’ll be out when he calls.’

  ‘Got it in one.’

  Ana put the completed bouquet to one side, perused the next order, and began assembling it. ‘Maybe you should share dinner with him—’

  ‘Are you insane?’

  ‘And tell him exactly what you think of him,’ she continued, ignoring Rebekah’s interruption.

  ‘If I didn’t know you cared,’ her sister declared with mocking cynicism, ‘I could almost imagine you want me to go out with him.’

  ‘Not all men are like Brad.’

  ‘Yeah, sure. Well, excuse me, but I don’t feel inclined to go through the bullshit just to find out.’

  ‘Jace is—’

  ‘Nice? Come on, sweetheart. Most men present a civil fac¸ade. At first,’ she qualified. ‘Then if you don’t deliver you get called every name under the sun. Mr nice guy becomes the octopus from hell.’ She drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. ‘And I’ve never been one for indiscriminate sex just for the sake of scratching an itch.’

  ‘So cocoon yourself in cotton wool and play it safe?’

  ‘Yes.’

  It was an adamant reply, expected, and one she chose not to pursue. ‘OK.’

  Rebekah slanted her sister a sharp glance. ‘Just OK? No verbal lecture?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Now you’re pissing me off.’

  ‘You want to fight…go fight with someone else.’

  ‘Such as Jace? Over dinner?’

  Ana hid a faint grimace as she observed the way her sister plucked blooms from numerous tubs. ‘The blooms don’t deserve to suffer.’

  ‘No, they don’t.’ Rebekah crossed to the counter and collected the bouquet of roses sitting there. ‘These can go back into stock.’

  ‘Jace has paid for them in good faith.’

  ‘So? I should just leave them there?’

  ‘Take them home.’

  ‘The hell,’ Rebekah declared inelegantly. ‘You take them home.’

  ‘They were a gift to you.’

  ‘They’re going back into stock.’

  Ana paused, then quietly offered, ‘Don’t allow a mistake in the past cloud your chance of happiness in the future.’

  ‘With Jace Dimitriades? Are you nuts?’

  ‘Jace, personally,’ she pursued, ‘or any man?’

  Rebekah opened her mouth, then closed it again. ‘Knowing what I went through with Brad, during and after the marriage, you’re suggesting I dive into shark-infested waters again?’

  ‘Sharks bite.’

  ‘And you don’t think Jace will?’

  ‘If he does, I know you’ll bite back.’

  Rebekah threw up her hands, rolled her eyes in expressive disbelief, then burst into laughter. ‘I give up!’

  ‘Besides,’ Ana ventured with a hint of devilry. ‘If you bite, you might acquire a taste for him.’

  ‘Hah. And the cow jumped over the moon.’

  They were saved from further cynicism by the simultaneous peal of the telephone and the door buzzer.

  Business, Ana conceded, took priority. But it didn’t prevent the silent thought that Jace Dimitriades might be just who Rebekah needed to restore her faith in the male of the species.

  It was mid-afternoon when Ana picked up her cellphone on the second ring, identified Luc’s private number on-screen and activated the call.

  ‘How do you feel about attending a movie première tonight?’

  ‘We’re talking gala event, or slipping quietly into a city theatre?’

  ‘Fox Studios.’

  Definitely gala.

  ‘It slipped my mind until Caroline reminded me this morning.’

  The ultra-efficient secretary who kept track of Luc’s business and social diary.

  ‘What time do we need to leave?’

  ‘Seven. Petros will have dinner ready at six. Try not to be late.’

  For once she managed to get away from the shop ahead of time. Largely due to Rebekah’s prompting, and the help of their new assistant.

  Choosing what to wear didn’t present a dilemma, and she plucked a delightful multi-layered gown from its hanger, spread it on the bed, and paused to admire the brilliant mix of deep blue and peacock-green. A luminous thread made the colours shimmer beneath the light. Exquisite for evening wear, it highlighted her blonde hair and matched her eyes.

  ‘What is the movie, and who are the lead actors?’ Ana queried en route to the studios.

  ‘The lead actress is an American-based Australian, so is the producer.’

  Of course. She’d read about its upcoming release in numerous publicity slots on television. It promised to be colourful and amusing, as well as entertaining.

  Parking wasn’t a problem, and they joined fellow guests entering the auditorium. Invitation only, it was a glamorous event with several city socialites and notables attending.

  Celine’s presence was guaranteed. The only thing Ana could hope for was they were seated far apart.

  Social mingling was a refined art, she mused as a fellow guest called Luc’s name. There were pleasantries to exchange, the occasional opinion that touched on business…and the need to have instant recall of a host of names.

  She had to hand it to Luc…he didn’t appear to falter.

  ‘You possess an awesome memory,’ she murmured as they moved forward, and he cast her a musing look.

  ‘It’s an acquired skill.’

  ‘Very much part of business.’ She hadn’t meant an edge of cynicism to creep in.

  ‘An essential courtesy,’ he elaborated, his gaze sharpening as he caught the nervous slide of her fingers over the elegant beading of her evening bag.

  ‘I can promise she won’t get near you.’ His voice was calm, unruffled, and Ana cast him a startled glance.

  ‘You intend sticking to my side all night?’

  A tinge of amusement momentarily softened his features. ‘Like glue.’

  ‘This could get interesting.’

  His fingers threaded through her own. ‘I’m counting on it.’

  ‘United we stand?’

  His expression sobered, and she caught a brief glimpse of the steely determination exigent. ‘Yes.’

  So his aim was to present togetherness. Just how together did he intend them to portray?

  Very, Ana conceded, half an hour later. The light brush of his fingers down her arm; the arm loosely circling her waist; the way his fingers sought her nape and effected a brief, soothing massage there; the way his palm rested between her shoulder blades and moved fractionally.

  It represented a tactile reassurance as they stood conversing with fellow guests, and there was a part of her that wished it was for real.

  Her body felt alive with evocative sensation, and she was almost willing to swear she could feel the blood course through her veins, activating all her nerve-ends.

  Was it possible to tune in to someone to such a degree you felt you were meant to be like two halves of a whole? That only this person was your soul mate, never to be replaced by anyone else?

  Love. Unconditional, abiding love. A gift without equal…beyond price. Reciprocal, it represented heaven on earth.

  A light, fleeting touch to her lips caused her to start in surprise, and she was powerless to still the surge of emotion that rose from deep inside as she met Luc’s unfathomable gaze.

  For a moment she was acutely vulnerable, and she caught her lower lip with the edge of her teeth to prevent their fa
int tremor.

  Had he glimpsed what she tried so desperately to hide?

  His finger traced the curve, lingered at its edge, then he lowered his mouth to hers in a sweet evocative kiss that was all too brief.

  She felt her eyes widen, and her voice emerged as a shaky whisper. ‘What was that for?’

  His smile completely disarmed her. ‘Because I wanted to.’

  Oh, my. For a few heightened seconds she wasn’t conscious of anyone else. There was only Luc, and the moment.

  Ana saw the inherent strength apparent, the integrity…and something else. Then it was gone, and she wondered if she’d imagined a quality beneath the slumbering passion evident.

  Get a grip, she cautioned silently as she blinked rapidly to dispel the image. He’s merely playing a part.

  There was a need to re-focus her attention, and she glanced idly round the auditorium, catching sight of a familiar face here and there…and found herself trapped in Celine’s gaze.

  Venom was reflected there. Sheer, unadulterated hatred.

  It was as if time hung suspended, and Ana unconsciously held her breath. She lifted a hand to her throat in protective self-defence, then sought to cover the gesture by touching the diamond pendant resting there.

  Dear heaven. How could anyone be filled with such malevolence? Or be so possessed by an obsessive emotion that it led towards destruction?

  A shiver of apprehension slithered down Ana’s spine. Premonition? But what? And where and when?

  This was a civilised society, and Celine moved among the echelon of Sydney’s wealthy élite. Realistically, what damage could she cause?

  It was one thing to be prone to envy and jealousy, but quite another to act on it.

  ‘Ana. Luc. How nice to see you here.’

  Ana recognised the feminine voice and entered into conversation with one of the city’s society matrons whose untiring support to charity organisations was legendary.

  It produced, as it was meant to, an invitation to an upcoming event during the following month.

  ‘You’re keeping well, Ana?’

  A polite query, or had the woman heard news of her pregnancy? Word flew with the speed of lightning in the social set.

  ‘Fine, thank you.’

  She was spared anything further by an announcement over the speaker system advising the guest stars had arrived and would soon be entering the auditorium.

  Red carpet, security…light background music. It was all part of the hype and glamour of the evening.

  As one, the invited guests turned towards the red carpet waiting for the first VIP to enter, and Ana felt Luc’s arms circle her waist as he drew her back against him.

  His breath was warm as it fanned her cheek, and she gave in to temptation and leaned in to him, exulting in the way his arms tightened a little.

  Held like this, she could almost imagine everything was right in their marriage. That he adored her, and nothing, no one could come between them.

  To know, irrevocably, the night and every night for the rest of their lives would end with a shared intimacy that was uniquely theirs…

  A reverent hush was heard through the auditorium as the first star guest appeared at the head of the red carpet, followed soon after by another.

  The female lead was exquisitely dressed, her long hair beautifully styled, make-up expertly applied, and a figure to die for.

  Recent emotional tragedy had marred her life, but it was undetectable in her smile, her soft laughter, the way she crossed from one side of the red carpet to the other as she paused to greet guests who’d come to see her.

  As an actress, she was superb, and Ana silently applauded her in admiration for her ability to put her personal life aside in public.

  The lead actor followed, and he was charm personified as he worked the room, doing his job for the publicity machine.

  The usual entourage appeared, together with the director and producer, then they were through and the invited guests were encouraged to take their seats.

  Celine, Ana was relieved to see, was seated three rows to their left, and she felt herself relax as the lights dimmed and the curtain swept open.

  Throughout the film she was conscious of Luc’s close proximity. The warmth of his hand as he held her own, the shared glance and quiet laughter when a pertinent clip stirred the audience.

  The film ran a little over two hours, and there was a collective sigh when the credits began to roll, followed by applause.

  It had, Ana admitted, been an entertaining experience, and one she’d enjoyed. She said so as the lights came on, and they joined guests in a slow-moving queue departing the cinema.

  Tea, coffee, champagne were being offered in the auditorium, encouraging guests to linger and discuss the film.

  Would Celine elect to join them there? It seemed impossible to imagine she wouldn’t, and Ana sipped tea as she waited for the moment her nemesis would intrude.

  Except the minutes slipped by to become several, and there was no sign of her. Unusual. Definitely unusual. Celine was not one to miss an opportunity!

  ‘Ready to leave?’

  Ana caught Luc’s quiet drawl, and inclined her head. ‘Whenever you are.’

  It took a while to slip free and leave the auditorium, for there were acquaintances, friends whom they paused to speak to…but no Celine. Had she already left?

  The Mercedes whispered through the city streets, and Ana let her thoughts drift to speculate on Rebekah’s date with Jace Dimitriades.

  Had it been successful? She fervently hoped so. Tomorrow she’d discover the details…

  Luc traversed the New South Head road to suburban Vaucluse, then he turned the car into the sweeping drive leading to their home.

  Minutes later they entered the foyer and took the stairs to their suite.

  Luc closed the door behind them, then crossed the room to her side. With infinite care he unclasped the pendant at her nape and placed it on a nearby pedestal, then his hands closed over her shoulders as he turned her round to face him.

  Ana was powerless against the softness of his mouth as it caressed her own, his touch an evocative supplication as it teased and tasted in a manner that melted her bones.

  His tongue took a low, sweet sweep, tantalising with the promise of what would follow, and she angled her mouth to his, seeking deeper exploration in the prelude to passion.

  With evident reluctance he lifted his head and sought the zip fastening of her gown, sliding it free so the soft fabric fell at her feet in a silken heap.

  The absence of a bra had proven a provocation all evening, and the thought of freeing her smooth breasts, weighing them in his hands, caressing them with his mouth, the edge of his teeth, had almost driven him wild.

  Did she have any idea how heart-stoppingly beautiful she was? Not just in body, but of heart and soul?

  So generous and giving, she was part of him, and he sought to show her with his hands, his mouth, exulting in her sultry moan as he took her high, only to emit a husky groan as he helped her tear his clothes free to allow her the same privilege.

  Ana loved the taste of his skin, the faint male muskiness, and the light sheen of sensual heat that rose as she trailed her mouth to his shaft and savoured there.

  Too soon he dragged her up against him, kissing her deeply as he carefully pulled her onto the bed, and his loving became the sweetest she’d ever known. Power and gentleness. Acute sensuality and hunger. Together they meshed as one in an intoxicating ravishment that was all-consuming. Mesmeric.

  After-play was inevitably the sweetest, the slow drift of hands, the soft touch of lips…the languor of complete satiation.

  Tomorrow he would leave for Melbourne. Three days, two nights. She’d miss him…dreadfully.

  CHAPTER TEN

  ANA woke late, discovered within minutes that Luc had already left, and tried to stem her feeling of disappointment as she showered, dressed, and prepared for the day ahead.

  As always the morning part
of the day was the busiest, with processing orders, tying preparation time in with the four scheduled delivery pick-ups.

  There were the usual delays and interruptions, and a prospective assistant won their hearts and the job when she offered an immediate start.

  ‘OK, last night, dinner, Jace,’ Ana queried during a lull around midday. ‘Tell me.’ They’d sent the new girl out for a lunch break and an order for sandwiches.

  Rebekah seemed strangely hesitant. ‘Not what I expected.’

  Her eyes narrowed. ‘What do you mean…not what you expected?’

  ‘The restaurant was great, the food better than great…’ She trailed to a halt, and effected a slight shrug. ‘It was just…different.’

  ‘As in?’

  ‘We talked.’

  Ana’s mouth curved into a musing smile. ‘You didn’t expect to talk?’

  ‘I mean, discussions, opinions, views.’

  ‘Anything in particular, or just generally?’

  ‘A day in the life of a florist. Anecdotes.’

  ‘And…nothing?’

  ‘No teasing, flirting, or attempt at seduction.’

  Jace seemed intent on playing it cool, Ana perceived, and wondered if he would see through her sister’s fac¸ade, past the hurt and the betrayal to the heart of a woman who had so much love to gift to the right man.

  ‘Are you seeing him again?’

  Rebekah chewed the edge of her lip in a gesture of pensive distraction. ‘I don’t think so.’

  I don’t think so was an improvement on the definitive no her sister would have uttered a few days ago.

  Ana chose not to pursue it further, and she turned her attention back to the computer screen.

  The phone rang, and she picked up the receiver. ‘Blooms and Bouquets, Ana speaking.’ The greeting was automatic, her voice warm, friendly and professional.

  ‘I want to place an order if you can guarantee delivery before this afternoon.’

  It would be tight, but do-able, and Ana wrote down the relevant details, double-checked the address and keyed it into the computer, took credit-card details, and concluded, ‘May I have your name, please?’