A Passionate Surrender. HELEN BIANCHIN
I finish this.’ She indicated the plate with her fork. ‘Then I’ll go into the shop.’
‘Not to work.’
There was almost an edge of command apparent, and she paused in the process of transferring a portion of food to her mouth. ‘Of course, to work.’
‘There’s no need for you to work.’
‘Are we talking today specifically?’
‘At all.’ There was no mistaking the clarification.
‘Now that I’m pregnant?’ Her voice was quiet, too quiet.
‘I don’t see the necessity for you to be on your feet all day, put in long hours, and become overtired.’
She replaced her cutlery with care and pushed her plate aside. ‘Instead, you’d prefer me to join the social-luncheon set, shop a lot and rest each afternoon like a delicate swan?’
‘You can shift your interest in the shop to that of silent partner, and have Rebekah employ an assistant.’
‘No.’
‘I’m not giving you an option.’
His voice was silk-smooth with an edge of anger she chose to ignore.
‘Don’t try to manipulate me, Luc.’ Heat flared, turning her eyes into brilliant blue shards. ‘I won’t stand for it.’
‘Finish your breakfast.’
‘I’ve lost my appetite.’ She stood to her feet and tossed the napkin onto the table. ‘I have a few calls to make.’
He caught hold of her arm, halting her flight, and she had no illusions his grasp would tighten if she attempted to struggle.
‘Tell Rebekah to employ your replacement.’ Those who knew him well would have blanched at the silkiness in his tone, recognised the predatory stillness apparent…and quailed. ‘Or I will.’ He waited a beat. ‘Meanwhile, ensure your time at the shop is kept to a minimum.’
‘Go to hell.’
His gaze chilled. ‘Don’t push me too far.’
She ignored the urge to respond as he released her arm. Instead she chose dignified silence, and walked out onto the terrace and descended the few steps to the garden.
There, she extracted her cellphone and called her father, confirmed her return and suggested lunch, only to have it postponed due to a business meeting until the following day.
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