His Diamond Bride by Lucy Gordon Read Free Book Online Page A

She guessed that it wasn’t over, whatever he said.
    â€˜Nobody realised Billy was going to grow so enormous,’ she said. ‘He’s really too big for that little house so I take him for walks whenever I can. Thank you for bringing him out.’
    â€˜He’s marvellous company.’ Frowning, he added, ‘He must be about eleven, quite old.’
    â€˜Yes, I know I won’t have him much longer so I make the most of every day. I can’t bear to think of life without him.’
    â€˜I can imagine. He’s exactly the dog I’d have liked.’ Mark turned his attention back to Billy. ‘D’you hear that? You’ve got a fan club right here.’
    â€˜I’m jealous,’ Dee said, regarding Billy, who was receiving Mark’s caresses with every sign of bliss. ‘Normally he’s only like that with me.’
    â€˜I guess he knows a willing slave when he sees one. Hey, the owner’s trying to attract our attention. I think he wants to close.’
    They took the journey home at a gentle stroll, enjoying the pleasant evening, which was mild for winter, with a bright sky. Once Mark stopped and gazed upwards, prompting her to say, ‘Are you thinking of how soon you can be up there?’
    â€˜If there’s a war. There might not be.’
    â€˜Then you’d have to forget planes and enjoy motorbikes. It must be thrilling to go at that speed.’
    â€˜I’ll take you some time. Sylvia didn’t like it, but I think you would.’
    â€˜Mmm, yes, please! ’
    He laughed and put a casual arm about her shoulders. ‘You know, it’s funny,’ he mused. ‘I’ve only known you a short time—but that’s really all you need, isn’t it?’
    â€˜Is it?’ she asked breathlessly.
    â€˜Yes. I already feel that you’re my best friend. I think I knew from the start, when we understood each other at once. Normally, a man wouldn’t want a woman to understand him too well, but in you I like it. It’s almost as though you’re my sister. You don’t mind my saying that, do you?’
    â€˜Not at all,’ she said brightly. ‘I’ve always wanted a brother.’
    â€˜Really? What a coincidence. I’ve often thought it would be nice to have a sister, preferably a younger one.’
    â€˜Yes, so that she could help you out of trouble without complaining, and let you get away with murder,’ Dee said tartly.
    He laughed. ‘You see? You understand my requirements instinctively. What a fantastic sister to have!’
    And she really would be his sister when he married Sylvia. With a sinking heart, she realised that he was preparing her for the announcement of the marriage.
    Sylvia was waiting for them on the front step. ‘Where have you been?’ she demanded. ‘You said you were taking Billy for a walk and you just vanished.’
    He explained about rescuing Dee from the bus. ‘So naturally I had to take her for a cup of tea.’
    â€˜That’s right, I was dying for one,’ Dee said. ‘But Sir Lancelot rescued me.’
    â€˜Who?’ Sylvia asked.
    â€˜Never mind,’ Mark said, hastily drawing her aside.
    Dee took Billy into the kitchen and released him from his lead while she explained to Helen.
    â€˜I hope that doesn’t mean you don’t want your tea,’ her mother said practically. ‘It’ll be on the table in a minute.’
    â€˜I’m starving.’
    On her way through the hall she was waylaid by Mark, hastily thrusting some money into her hand.
    â€˜That’s too much,’ she said, examining it.
    â€˜Give me the change later,’ he muttered. ‘Just don’t tell— Sylvia! ’
    â€˜What’s going on?’ Sylvia demanded, seeming to appear out of nowhere. ‘Why are you giving Dee money?’
    Quick as a flash, Dee replied, ‘He’s not giving it to me, he’s lending