Stormy Vows/Tempest at Sea by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online Page B

working. Miss Charles is well qualified to do just that.”
    Brenna nodded slowly at the logic of Monty's reasoning. “You're right, Monty,” she admitted, and smiled at Doris Charles. The red-haired woman seemed to be loving as well as efficient. “I'll be glad to have your help with Randy, Miss Charles,” she said warmly.
    “Doris,” the nurse said briefly, grinning back at her. “I'll take the greatest care of your son, Miss Sloan,” she promised.
    Paula Drummond cleared her throat gently, and said tentatively. “Now, if you'll tell me which of these bags are your personal possessions, Miss Sloan, I'll have Johnny take them to the cottage. He can come back and take the baby's things to Miss Charles' apartment later.”
    “What are you talking about?” Brenna asked blankly. “Everything goes to the cottage. Randy is staying with me.”
    Paula Drummond shook her head. “No, ma'm,” she said, “Mr. Donovan was quite definite on that point. Only you are to occupy the cottage. The baby is to remain at the residence hall with Miss Charles.”
    “I don't care how definite Mr. Donovan was on the subject,” Brenna said between her teeth. “I am not being separated from my baby.” The nerve of the man, she fumed. Casually disposing of her child like an unwanted parcel. “I don't care where you put me,” she went on grimly. “I don't need any fancy cottage, anywhere will do. But wherever it is, I want my child with me.”
    There was a shocked look on the receptionist's face. “But you don't understand, Miss Sloan,” she stammered. “I can't go against Mr. Donovan's orders.”
    “I'm not going anywhere without Randy,” Brenna said flatly. “So you are going to have to, aren't you?”
    “It's just not possible,” Paula Drummond said, almost in tears. “Please be reasonable, Miss Sloan. Mr. Donovan will be most displeased.”
    Brenna had opened her mouth to tell the girl what Michael Donovan could do with his displeasure, when Walters interjectedsmoothly. “You can't do anything about it tonight, Brenna. Paula is only obeying orders, and you'll only get her in trouble. Why don't you go along with the arrangements right now. When you see Mr. Donovan, you can speak to him about making any necessary changes.”
    The voice of reason again, Brenna thought impatiently, wishing she could fault the argument. She was beginning to understand why Monty had risen so quickly at Donovan Enterprises Ltd. He was a very persuasive gentleman.
    “Okay. I'll do as you suggest for the present,” Brenna said reluctantly. “But I want to speak to Mr. Donovan right away, Monty.”
    Monty Walters nodded, ignoring Paula Drummond's outraged gasp. He understood the receptionist's incredulity. One didn't demand an audience with Michael Donovan in his own kingdom of Twin Pines. Such an act was unprecedented, but then so were all Donovan's actions in regard to Brenna Sloan. Perhaps Donovan's reception of her request would be in accordance with this exceptional behavior.
    “Mr. Donovan asked me to call him when we arrived,” he said quietly. “I'll ask him to get in touch with you.” He touched Brenna's cheek lightly. “It's been a long day. Why don't you try to take a nap? You look exhausted.”
    Brenna nodded ruefully. She probably looked a wreck. With only four hours' sleep last night and the long drive today, she felt achingly tired. “I will,” she promised, smiling. “Thank you for everything, Monty.”
    “My pleasure, Brenna,” he said lightly. “I'll see you soon, no doubt.” With a casual wave, he turned and walked out the door.
    “Well, now that we're all in agreement, we'll get you settled, Miss Sloan,” Paula Drummond said brightly. “Which are your bags?”
    As she silently pointed out her personal luggage, Brenna was tempted to tell the girl that they were not all in agreement.There was no way that Michael Donovan was going to get away with this high-handed interference in her personal life. As she gave