Sarah's Child by Linda Howard

him. Did you think I was in danger of falling on my face before the party was over?
    He regarded her somberly, noting that there was no hint of the usual sadness in her eyes that night. Whether it was the small amount of alcohol shed drunk that made her laugh so gaily, or whether something had happened to make her happy, he didnt know, but it didnt matter. Since it was as much a business occasion as a social one, he hadnt brought her to the party, but he fully intended to visit her when it was over. From the way she was looking at him now, she might be relaxing those invisible restraints that had kept her from responding to him more fully.
    No, youd never do anything as disgraceful as getting drunk, he finally said in answer to her question. Youre too much the perfect secretary. You already have Max eating out of your hand.
    Max is a dear, Sarah responded warmly, looking around for his tall, graceful figure and missing the way Romes eyes darkened to a stormy black. I was fond of Mr. Graham, but Ill admit that I enjoy working with Max more. Max keeps things hopping.
    Introducing Max into the conversation had been a mistake. Rome moved instinctively, placing himself between Sarah and the rest of the room, blocking her view of Max.
    Do you mind if I come over tonight? he asked, but there was a harsh note in his voice that commanded rather than asked, and Sarah eyed him warily.
    If you like. I wasnt going to stay much longer anyway. Have you had dinner, or is this all youve had too? With a wave of her hand, she indicated the colorful but unfulfilling array of dips, snacks, and fresh vegetables that shed been raiding all evening.
    Rome had a healthy appetite. Im starving, he admitted. Do you want to go out for a late dinner?
    No, I think Id rather stay home, she said, after considering the invitation for a moment. I have some chicken left over from yesterday; how do you feel about chicken sandwiches?
    Id trade all that rabbit food for just one chicken sandwich. His mood lightening, he grinned at her, and Sarah smiled in return. He was more relaxed with her now than hed ever been before, and she was blooming under his attention. Perhaps he was beginning to think of her as something other than a friend; the hope of it made her radiant, and the glow of her face beckoned more than one glance from the other men in the room.
    Suddenly Max was at Romes elbow, his smile tender as he looked at Sarah.
    You really should be by my side, he said lightly, noting how well the apricot color of her dress suited her creamy complexion. After all, Im still totally lost without you. Without you to point me in the right direction these last few days, Id have made a perfect idiot of myself.
    Hed already stretched his hand out for Sarah when Rome forestalled him by extending his own arm, blocking the gesture. Something hard and frightening was in his dark face as he looked at Max. Ive already warned you once, he said with soft, purring menace. Sarah is off-limits to you.
    Rome! Shocked, taken completely off guard, Sarah gasped his name, dismay filling her. How could he behave like this at a business function?
    She isnt wearing your ring, Max pointed out calmly, not turning a hair. Youll have to take your chances.
    White with distress at the way a casual, lighthearted conversation had turned so abruptly into barely restrained male aggression, Sarah stepped back from both of them. Stop it! she ordered, her voice shaking so much that it was barely above a whisper. Dont either of you dare say another word!
    Romes nostrils flared and he moved swiftly, his hard arm passing around Sarahs slender waist. Im taking Sarah home, he said deliberately, his hard fingers biting into her soft flesh. His words were loud enough to be heard, and several people turned to look at them. She doesnt feel well. Make our excuses, Max; see you in the office.
    Sarah knew that she was pale enough to give credence to his lie, and he hustled her out of the suite before anyone could