Lucy and the Sheikh
Page 18
He put down the cup of untouched espresso and brushed her hand briefly, with the palm of his hand. The gesture had an simplicity that took her breath away. Then he withdrew his hand, leaving her own hand sensitive, aware of the lingering sense of warmth of his touch. He stood over her, watching, his gaze traveled the length of her, from her chest that, she knew, betrayed her increased heart rate and rapid breathing, to her jean-clad legs.
He walked away and flicked off the light, leaving on only the reading light beside the bed. Its light pooled on and around only her, leaving darkness and all its unknowable potential beyond her.
There was only this moment in time, with him and her. That sense of timelessness caught and held her, stemming the questions, the things she knew she should say, the things she knew she couldn’t say. He was right. Her body held her in control now. And he was, had always been, master of that…
Praise for The Passionate Italian
“I found this a very good book—entertaining and stimulating and ultimately a very satisfying reading experience...long enough to allow for good story and plot development and to develop characters that are realistic and basically very human.” (thebookbinge.com)
“This is the first book I have read by Diana Fraser and it is a fantastic read. The chemistry between Rose and Giovanni is electrifying making it a definite must read!!!” (Amazon)
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The PA’s Revenge (Book 1, The Mackenzie Brothers)
by Diana Fraser
Cassandra Lee doesn’t do emotion. Why would you want to feel anything when your son and father have died in horrific circumstances? Why would you want to do anything other than exact revenge on the man you hold responsible for the tragedy? Revenge is her only focus so she studies his business and revamps her image with the aim of becoming his PA and sabotaging his fortune.
And Dallas Mackenzie’s wealth is important to him. He’s restored his family's fortunes after his father nearly lost everything through drink, violence and deceit. He believes he’s inherited his father’s violent temper and alcoholism and is determined not to succumb to them. He values honesty above all else and focuses on working hard and avoiding emotional attachment at any cost, even an empty life.
But empty lives can be filled—at least for a short while—and Dallas sets out to seduce Cassandra. Unfortunately seduction—and her body's responses to this arrogant, powerful and sexy man—wasn't something Cassandra could prepare for. She just hopes that his interest—and her resistance—will hold out long enough to ruin him...
The PA’s Revenge is Book 1 in The Mackenzie Brothers series. Books 2 and 3 coming soon.
— Excerpt —
“Come in!” The low growl penetrated the thick oak door effortlessly.
It was an order. It was without finesse. It was exactly what Cassandra had expected.
Even so, her hand trembled slightly as she tugged at her straightened hair, pulling a stubborn curl firmly behind her ear. She had to have everything under control if she was going to succeed.
She opened the heavy door, allowing it to swing wide before she made her entrance. It had to be a good one; she would have only one chance.
With a quick glance she scanned the dark office registering the minimal decor, clear desk, single light pooled over a closed laptop, before her eyes rested on the man whose image haunted her every waking moment—Dallas Mackenzie.
He stood in shadow with his back to her, hands thrust in pockets, staring out over the lights of Wellington.
“What do you want?”
He hadn’t even bothered to turn to face her.
Fear flickered in her gut.
“I’ve come to be interviewed for the PA position.”
“I’m not interviewing today. Come back tomorrow with the others.”
She swallowed. “I can’t. It has to be today. The agency rang and arranged the appointment with your receptionist for 5.30.” Her first lie. It had been easier than she’d thought.
“You’re late then.”
He still hadn’t turned around.
“I’m not late. I’ve been waiting over an hour.”
Cassandra walked slowly towards him and stopped in the middle of the room, suddenly confronted with her own image clearly visible in the window against the darkening sky. It was an image she didn’t recognize—sleekly groomed and in control.
He grunted but still didn’t move, simply continued to stare across the darkening harbor towards the Rimutaka ranges, glowing orange in the setting sun.
She had to admit the view was incredible. No wonder the man felt invincible. He had the city at his feet. Just a pity that he chose to abuse his power. But that was where she came in, wasn’t it?
“Go home.”
“You’re too busy to see me? Fine.” She turned and walked away, her stilettos stabbing the marble floor. “But you need to know you’re passing up the best opportunity you’ll get of employing a good PA. I know, I’ve looked through the CVs of the other candidates and they won’t last.”
She stopped by the door. The thud of her heart seemed to shake her body with its intensity. All the work of these past months in preparation for this moment. Was it all for nothing? She had to see. She turned her head just enough to check his reaction.
He’d shifted slightly, briefly revealing his profile against the city lights, before turning to her. An advertising hoarding cast alternating beams of red and green light across his cheek bone and down to the hard set of his mouth. The effect was demonic and unnerving. Although his eyes remained in darkness, Cassandra’s skin prickled under their intense scrutiny.
He sighed: a deep soul-wrenching sigh. “I’m not too busy.”
For a fleeting moment Cassandra felt the shock of the unexpected. She thought she recognized the emptiness behind the sound. One look at his arrogant face and the thought vanished as quickly as it came.
“I asked my receptionist to tell you to leave. She obviously decided not to.”
She turned to face him. “So you’ll interview me now?”
“Doesn’t look as if I have much choice does it, Miss—”
She stepped towards him and offered her hand.
“Lee. Cassandra Lee.” She smiled tentatively, trying to contain her nerves.
He didn’t smile back but took her hand in his. Rather than dispelling her nerves the warmth and strength of his hand briefly engulfing hers, shook her. She felt his power, and from the way his grey eyes narrowed slowly, she also felt his interest.
“The agency rang, you say?”
She nodded.
“Really?”
A warning shiver trickled down her back at the lowered tone. Her lie hadn’t gone undetected. But she had no choice but to continue.
“You wanted someone ‘highly organized, experienced and prepared for anything—24/7.’”
“And I take it you’re all that?”
“And more. I also have superb references, a Masters degree and I’m a creative thinker.”
Particularly when it came to her CV. She dropped a copy of the document—more fiction than fact—on to his desk.
Praise for The PA’s Revenge
“…the passion that [they] feel for each other is breathtaking and so passionate. I could not put the book down... Diana Fraser is a new author to me, and believe me, I will be on the look out for the next two books in this series. I can’t wait to see which brother will be next for his happily ever after as Cassandra and Dallas got theirs. Readers who like their romances hot and steamy should check this one out.” (The Romance Reviews)
“The book is intense and its intensity begins right from the first and never gives way until the very end. Such a good, good book and one that I enjoyed immensely... This is the first in a trilogy of novels and I am definitely looking forward to the upcoming stories of Dallas’ brothers. I think this book is a true ‘keeper.’” (The Book Binge)
“I loved Cassandra and Dallas. Such tension, such chemistry between them. I was gripped with the stor
y and could not wait to finish it. It has been beautifully written and catches your interest immediately. I would recommend this book.” (Amazon, UK)
Sensual, Emotionally Intense Romance…
For more information on Diana Fraser’s books, please visit her website:
http://www.dianafraser.net
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
Epilogue