And the Bride Wore Red by Lucy Gordon Read Free Book Online Page A

wanted more, if he planned to end the evening in her arms—or even in her apartment—what then? A gentle letdown? How did you half-reject someone you more than half-liked? Again she began to think about what she would say to him.
    When they arrived, he came with her to the apartment block.
    â€˜How far up are you?’ he asked.
    â€˜Second floor.’
    He rode up with her and came to her door.
    â€˜Lang?’ she began uneasily.
    â€˜Yes?’
    She lost her nerve. ‘Would you care to come in for a drink?’
    â€˜I certainly want to come in, but not for a drink. Let’s get inside and I’ll explain, although I’m sure you know what the problem is.’
    Once inside he took off his jacket and helped her off with hers.
    â€˜You’ll need to remove your blouse as well,’ he said, beginning to work on her buttons.
    â€˜Lang…’
    He took no notice, opening the buttons one by one until he could remove the blouse, revealing her as he had the day before. She was astonished at his effrontery. Did he think he could simply undress her, seduce her, do as he liked with her?
    â€˜Now let me look at that arm,’ he said.
    â€˜My arm?’ she echoed, thunderstruck.
    â€˜That’s why I came to find you tonight, isn’t it?’
    â€˜Oh, yes—I remember.’
    She had a horrible feeling that she sounded idiotic, but that was how she felt. He hadn’t come here to seduce her, but totend her. Her wild thoughts had been nonsense. She felt herself blushing from head to toe.
    Then she thought she caught a gleam of mischief in his eyes, although it was gone before she could be certain.
    With her blouse removed, he held her arm up, moving his head this way and that without appearing to notice anything but her injury. He had no eyes for the peachy, youthful glow of her skin, the way her waist narrowed and the lamp threw shadows between her breasts. It was almost insulting.
    â€˜This is the last time it will need covering,’ he said. ‘It’s healing nicely.’
    He’d brought a small bag in with him, and from it he took replacement dressings. He covered the grazes lightly, and fixed everything in place.
    â€˜Now get a good night’s sleep,’ he instructed.
    Then he was heading out of the apartment, without having touched her, except as a doctor.
    â€˜Wait,’ she said desperately. ‘What did you mean about “the problem”?’
    He paused in the doorway.
    â€˜The problem,’ he said, ‘is that you’re still my patient. Later…’
    â€˜Later?’
    His gaze moved over her slowly, lingering just a little on the beauty he had so dutifully ignored.
    â€˜Later you won’t be. Goodnight.’
    Â 
    The school term was nearly over. Olivia was busy writing reports, talking to parents and consulting with the headmistress, who looked in on her on the penultimate day.
    â€˜I’m just making plans for next year,’ she said cheerfully. ‘I’m so glad you’re staying.’
    â€˜Staying?’ Olivia echoed vaguely.
    â€˜You originally came for six months, but when I asked if you were going to stay on you said you would. Don’t you remember?’
    â€˜Oh, yes—yes.’
    â€˜You really sound in need of a holiday,’ Mrs Wu said kindly.
    â€˜It’s just that I’ve been wondering if I should go home.’
    â€˜But you can do that and still come back next term. From all you’ve told me about Norah, she wants you to stay here and spread your wings. I hope you come back. You’re doing such a good job. But you’ve got my number if you have a last-minute change of mind.’
    Olivia went home, thoughtful. Everything that had seemed simple only a short while ago had suddenly become complicated.
    It was true that Norah showed no sign of wanting her early return. Only last night she’d been at her most lively, talking furiously about