Wise Folly by Rita Clay Read Free Book Online Page B

recording studio his friend and lawyer Philip Young had assured him was a sound investment . The nineteen-year-old singer had shown promise and he 'd made sure she got the break she was looking for. The rest she had done herself. Charles had seen her and they had become a couple - fighting like cats and dogs all the time. Noah didn't understand the relationship and couldn't handle being around either of them. He had a business to run, not a drama school.
    Catherine soon made a good-sized splash in C ountry-and-Weste rn circles , and before long had cut two gold records. Then, last year while on tour, she’d made a surprise visit to Dallas to " thank her benefactor ." She had changed from the cheeky, scrappy kid he 'd first met into a sophisticated young woman with the experience and sensuality of a she-cat . It was obvious from the first that she had more than gratitude in mind, and he hadn’t objected . They both understood the nature of their relationship, or so he had thought . Only lately had he realized just how much she expected of him. He had used her, true, but she was out to use him to far greater advantage.
    The strings would be cut . Noah would give her the piece of jewelry she had been hinting for and show her the door. It was the least he could do. She had been there when he needed her on dark lonely nights. It didn’t matter that any female would have satisfied that part of him: she had been there, never asking questions when he performed separate from his thoughts. She had never asked for more than physical release; and Noah, haunted by an image from the past—a vision of silky skin, dark flowing hair, and bright hazel eyes—could never give more than that . Perhaps she had known. ...
    He pulled into the underground garage, parking his car next to the elevator and stepping out First things first— right now his problem was Dianna.
    *******
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    Consciousness came too soon. Dianna felt as if her tongue was double the usual size and there was a dull throb at the base of her neck . Her body felt weighted and lifeless . It took all her strength to move reluctant legs to a more comfortable position. She knew she was feeling the aftereffects of the shot administered by the doctor last night . She vaguely remembered bits and pieces of the conversation . But the emotional pain had been too intense for her to concentrate on anything.
    She forced her eyes open and slowly looked around the familiar surroundings. The room was just as it had been seven years ago, decorated in shades of chocolate and rust and almost overwhelmingly masculine. The furniture was all in natura l dark wood, polished to a high mirror -l ike gloss. The king-size bed sat upon a dais, and t he new bedspread was softened earth tones in geometric design. Noah’s forceful personality was stamped on everything. He had good taste.
    Noah. He was a puzzle in the shape of a man. Last night he had taunted, teased, cajoled and threatened. Then, when he realized she was truly ill and her nerves were stretched to the breaking point, he had been tender. He had bathed her forehead, called the doctor, given her some type of prescription medication, and then cradled her gently in the darkened room. He had been ruthless but he’d proved he could also be gentle.
    The doctor had come and gone quickly, allowing Dianna to surrender to the dark curtain that wrapped her in black, blessed peace. But just before she was captured by oblivion Noah had whispered a question, and she had again answered truthfully. What was the question?
    " W as Tabby a Weston? "
    "Yes . "
    She sat upright . An explosion in her head sent bolts of lightning heat through her as she realized the consequences of her honesty. He knew! Damn him! He had tricked her into admitting what previously he could only have suspected!
    She quickly scanned the room for her clothing, ignoring the heavy throbbing of her head. She had to leave. She had to pick up Tabby and leave