Desire (#3) by Carrie Cox Read Free Book Online Page A

heart rate would ever slow down.
    Benjamin turned on his side and gazed down at me. His finger lightly stroked my cheek. For a while we just laid there, saying nothing.
    Then Benjamin gave me a wicked grin. “I think I quite enjoy being seduced by you, Kate.”

8

    WE ONLY SPENT TWO more days at the Vastors’ estate. I finished the portrait and left Lady Vastor instructions not to frame the painting until it was completely dry, and Benjamin got the all-clear from the doctor.
    We flew back to Boston first class. I enjoyed the luxury and the champagne they served before take-off, but even so, I felt nervous about my future.
    I had no work lined up, and no idea where I stood with Benjamin. Did he expect me to stay in Rhode Island until he grew tired of me?
    I studied his profile as he leaned over his iPad, working again no doubt. I supposed you didn’t get to be a billionaire by taking time off. His dark hair had grown a little long during our time in England, but it suited him. His bruises had faded and his gorgeous skin was now un-blemished.
    He tilted his head and caught me staring. He smirked, and my heart raced. How did he do that? How could he affect me with one look?
    I lowered my head and pretended to be absorbed in the in-flight magazine.
    Benjamin’s new security detail met us at the terminal. Colin looked very pleased with himself.
    “This is just temporary,” Benjamin snapped. “I don’t need full-time baby-sitters.”
    “Yes, of course it’s just temporary,” Colin said, trying to appease Benjamin. “They’re professionals. You’ll hardly notice they are there.”
    It did feel a little strange to walk out of the airport terminal, followed by four burly men in dark suits. They didn’t try too hard to blend in, but I supposed their mere presence acted as a deterrent to anyone who might want to hurt Benjamin. At least, I hoped so.
    One of the new security men took the wheel of Benjamin’s silver Mercedes, and the remaining three followed behind in a black sedan. We travelled back to the Easton estate in silence. Benjamin was angry at Colin for persuading him into getting extra security, and Colin knew better than to talk to Benjamin when he was in a mood like this. I was too tired to try to smooth things over between them and stared out of the window, watching the scenery change as we approached Newport.
    Even though I knew what to expect this time, when we turned the corner and Cliff House came into view it took my breath away.
    The marble walls glowed with a rosy hue in the setting sun. Wow. Just wow. I didn’t think I’d ever seen a more beautiful house.
    I turned to see Benjamin watching me with a strange expression, almost wistful. “Are you glad to be … back, Kate?”
    For one moment, I thought he was about to say ‘home’.
    I nodded. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a house as beautiful as this one.”
    Colin launched into a description of how the marble had been imported from Italy, but I barely listened. I gazed into Benjamin’s eyes as the driver pulled up by the entrance.
    I managed to wrench my eyes away and climb out of the car. I hated not knowing where I stood. I knew not to expect confessions of love or a marriage proposal, but if he would just tell me he wanted me to stay…
    Mrs. Wicker opened the huge oak front door and trotted down the steps to meet us. “Welcome, back, sir.” Then she turned to me. “There is a visitor waiting for you.”
    I frowned. “A visitor for me?”
    Mrs. Wicker nodded and her eyes widened. “I wasn’t sure what to do. She’s waiting for you in the small sitting room.”
    The small sitting room? I didn’t even know where that was … I never saw much of Cliff House before we left, only Benjamin’s private apartment and the Great Hall.
    I shivered. Who would be visiting me here? Who even knew I was here?
    Benjamin’s hand clasped mine, and he pulled me forward towards the house. We passed through the Great Hall, with its vaulted ceilings