Finding Trust (Centre Games) by Natalie Gayle Read Free Book Online

at the right-hand corner.
    “Why don’t you come out on the veranda and enjoy the view and the night air? I’ll organise some coffee, or something else if you would prefer.”
    Was that an underwritten suggestion or her overactive imagination running away yet again? “Tea,” she said, quickly recovering from her thoughts. “I would prefer black tea, if you have it.”
    “Tea it is. Go make yourself comfortable and I’ll be out in just a minute.” With that, he turned and moved behind a freestanding wall that she realised must separate the lounge from the kitchen and dining areas. Alone, with her thoughts racing, Rihanna decided to follow his suggestion and enjoy the view of the veranda.
    He wasn’t wrong. The night view over the valley was spectacular. The house was sited high enough on the hill to take in the full expanse of the valley unfolding below and in front of the veranda. The black nightscape of the valley opened onto the bustling coast that they had just retreated from. The high-rise buildings continued to provide the neon light show that somehow seemed just for her in the secluded surrounds of the house and grounds.
    Rihanna moved to the edge of the veranda and leant her arms on the railing. The slight breeze was tickling her with a subtle chill that was pleasant after the events of the evening. The breeze was also accented with the sweet citrus smell of the mock orange or murraya hedges that are so popular in South East Queensland.
    “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
    She jumped slightly at the intrusion of his voice in her thoughts and enjoyment of the tranquility that the position offered. “I’ve always preferred the country to the hustle and bustle of the coast.” She turned slightly and noticed the confusion in his eyes. “Don’t get me wrong. I love the coast, the beach and all it has to offer. But I think I like living in the country a little more.”
    He walked to a low table that sat between two outdoor lounge chairs. Brayden placed the cups on the table and stretched out on the chair to the right. There was an awkward silence between them. Rihanna did the obvious and settled on the other chair. A lot of experiences had passed between them tonight. Yet they were still very much strangers with an infant bond of trust between them.
    Finally, Bray broke the silence.
    “So how are you feeling?”
    The question was innocent enough, depending upon what level you considered the answer.
    How was she feeling?
    On one hand, she felt violated, dirty, and extremely anxious about what had happened with the men earlier in the evening. On the other hand, she felt more interest in this guy than she felt in a man in several years, probably ever. But could she trust her instincts or feelings given what had transpired this evening? She did trust him, but why? And was it smart? Probably not.
    She realised that she hadn’t answered the question. “I didn’t realise it was that hard to answer,” he said, a trace of humour in his voice.
    It was also enough of a clue to help her decide her answer. “Well, I’m basically okay. I think I’m going to have a few bruises when I get cleaned up.”
    “Probably. It looked like they grabbed you pretty hard.”
    “My throat is probably going to be a bit sore for a few days but at least it wasn’t slit.”
    That brought a low chuckle from Bray. “Slit throat would have definitely been bad,” he agreed.
    The silence between them returned. “Hey, why don’t you go take a shower and go to bed? It’s after three and some sleep will probably make you feel better.”
    With his suggestion, she finished her tea in one long swallow and rose from the lounge. “Where am I sleeping?”
    It was on the tip of his tongue to say something suggestive but integrity and a solid sense of what is right checked the impulse.
    “I have a few guest rooms—you can take your pick. Probably best to take the one on the hill side of the house. It will be darker and you can sleep a bit later