The Chilling Deception by Jayne Castle Page A

glittered in the darkness. “Hardly what I’d call convenient. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times you’ve let me get that close. I can’t figure out why you’re always moving just out of range. I know by now that I can make you want me. I know I can satisfy you. What’s wrong, Gwen? Why the shadow dancing? Come to think of it, I’d like a little clarification in this relationship too. I’d like to know if I’m going to have to worry about every fast-talking executive you have for a client. I’d like to know if you expect a relationship in which you can feel free to flirt with every joker who comes along in a leather flight jacket. And I’d like to know what the hell you think you’re doing leading me on here on your bed and then throwing cold water on everything by announcing it’s discussion time!”
    Guinevere winced at that, but then she brightened. “I think this is very healthy, Zac. I think this is exactly the sort of talk we need to have.” She was about to continue when her eye was caught by a shadowy movement outside the window.
    “Healthy!” Zac said, outraged. “You call this
healthy
? Christ, lady, you’ve got a strange sense
    of—” He broke off, seeing her stare past him. “What’s wrong?”
    She gestured uncertainly. “I’m not sure. I could have sworn I just saw Vandyke walk through the gardens. He was heading toward the cliffs.” Guinevere slid off the bed and went to the window.
    “In that weather? It’s blowing up for a storm out there.”
    “I know. And it’s very cold. I wonder why he would be taking a walk now?” Guinevere tried to make out Vandyke’s disappearing form. Zac was standing behind her, watching the man’s movements as he left the garden and vanished in the direction of the cliffs.
    “That sea will be really kicking up out there by now,” Zac mused.
    “Oh my God, Zac. What if he’s had a few too many drinks and decided to do something stupid?”
    “You’re thinking about that gold-plated pistol you found in the executive washroom, aren’t you?”
    She nodded, feeling his hands close reassuringly on her shoulders. “I can’t quite see Vandyke as suicidal, but there’s been so much bothering him lately. Zac, if he fell into that sea in this stormy weather he might not be able to get back out in time. He’d die in that cold water, even if he could keep himself afloat.”
    “You mean if he jumps into that sea, don’t you?”
    “I’ve never known anyone who might be suicidal, Zac. I’m not sure of the signs. Carla went through a severe depression after her affair with Starr, but she never got to the point of threatening to kill herself.”
    “Vandyke hasn’t threatened it either. But maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe he’d just go ahead and do it, if things got bad enough.” Zac released her. “I guess I’d better go bring in the sheep.”
    She spun around to see him pick up his jacket and head for the door. “You’re going after him?”
    “Why not? I haven’t got anything else to do, except sit here and chat until it’s time to go back to my own room.”
    Guinevere’s mouth tightened. “There’s no need for sarcasm.”
    “It provides a modicum of relief. God knows I could use some relief. Good night, Gwen.” He slammed the door with subdued violence as he left the room.
    Zac made his way down the hall with long deliberate strides, pushing open the door at the far end to step out into the chill night. Shoving his hands into his tweed sports jacket he bent his head against the wind and wished he’d gone back to his room first to collect a real coat. It was colder than hell out here. Much warmer back in Gwen’s bed, even if she was intent on having a discussion about their relationship.
    On one level he was forced to admit that he agreed with her. He too had been frustrated by the ambiguities and uncertainties in their association. Zac knew he wanted to get some things ironed out and clarified. But he’d been sure it