Her Heart's Desire by Lauren Wilder Read Free Book Online Page B

out in panic.
    Marcus appeared in the doorway, a lecherous grin on his face.
    ‘Oh, my God, what are you doing in my room?’ Marisa stared at him in shock.
    Marcus smiled. ‘Hey, don’t panic, I was just passing and wanted to make sure you were all right, just being hospitable.’
    ‘Look, I brought a nightcap.’ He held up a bottle of wine and set it down on the dressing table. Marisa wasn’t quite sure how she should play this. She didn’t think he would force her into anything, but this wasn’t good. She just wanted him to leave.
    She walked slowly around him towards the middle of the room, keeping the bed behind her. He stepped towards her, and she glared at him.
    ‘Come on, Marisa, lighten up, that’s what you Yanks say as well, isn’t it? Now, what does that mean exactly?’ Marisa backed up as he continued to move towards her.
    He looked her over with a sly, dirty grin.
    ‘Marcus, I want you to leave. I don‘t want you here.’
    He ignored her as he advanced, closing the space between them. Marisa stepped back until she was wedged up against the edge of the bed. She looked behind her at the huge four-poster and groaned at her predicament. Trapped.
    He reached out and stroked her face. ‘Oh, dear, nowhere to run now.’
    Marisa brushed his hand away and steadied herself against the bedpost.
    ‘Come on, it’s just a bit of fun.’ She could feel his breath on her face as he moved closer still, stroking her hair. When he bent to kiss her, she quickly pushed him away.
    ‘Get out, I don’t want this!’
    His demeanor immediately changed, and he stepped back and cleared his throat. He held his hands up in front of him.
    ‘Fine. Obviously this is a simple misunderstanding. I thought you were up for it. No need to freak out .’ He emphasized the Americanism with dripping sarcasm and strode out, leaving the door wide open behind him. Marisa rushed to close it. Turning the key, she checked the door was firmly locked and sighed with relief.

Chapter Four
     
    The next morning she was woken by the sound of little voices laughing and chattering along the corridor from her rooms. She got ready quickly, curious to see the little visitors and get some breakfast before creepy Marcus made an appearance. He was one person she really didn’t want to see.
    She left her rooms, and as she reached the staircase, she was accosted by two very boisterous children.
    ‘Hello, are you going to come and play with us!’ They trilled with excitement.
    A pretty girl of about five grinned innocently. Curly, dark hair framed her chubby face, and her big blue eyes watched for Marisa’s response.
    ‘Don’t be daft, Emily; you know we’re not allowed to play with the staff.’ The little boy chipped in. He was a little older, maybe six, with dark, unruly hair and the same big blue eyes, just like Daddy’s.
    ‘I’m Marisa, your daddy’s assistant. Nice to meet you both. I guess we could play sometimes…’ She was flustered by their sudden ambush and uncertain of how to behave with them in front of the frosty Mrs. Reed.
    ‘Children, come here at once, and leave Miss Lowell alone!’ Mrs. Reed trilled out as she came along the corridor, her heels clacking on the wooden flooring.
    ‘Apologies, Miss Lowell. Meet Tom and Emily. I’m afraid they are very excited. It’s their first night home after the holidays.’
    ‘Oh, that’s all right, no problem’
    Marisa stood aside as they all swept past her and the children skipped down the stairs, shooed on by an annoyed Mrs. Reed. She smiled as their busy little voices grew dimmer until they had disappeared.
    Oh, what sweet little children, she thought . So adorable.
     
    * * * *
     
    Marisa was anxious to get to the office, so after checking Marcus wasn’t in the dining room, she had a light breakfast of coffee and croissants and went straight in to work. James was already at his desk, and Marisa felt an overwhelming desire to throw herself into his strong arms and hold on