Unknown by Unknown Page B

when you’re ready.’
    It took a full two minutes for Taryn to summon up the courage to talk about Mark. She had once vowed to herself never to bring up the past again. It still had the power to hurt. .
    ‘It all began when I went to work as a fabric designer for Vandyke Fashions in Naples. It was my first job after leaving college and I didn’t care that it was in a strange country or that I wouldn’t know anyone. It was the culmination of all my dreams. I was so excited that it was only after a few weeks I realised the job was not all I had imagined it to be. I worked long hours and I was treated as a junior most of the time, which I suppose is what I was, although I was too full of my own importance to realise it.’
    Luke smiled as though agreeing, but he said nothing and waited for her to continue.
    ‘One night when I’d been working later than usual I felt so sorry for myself that I began to cry. I couldn’t help it, and once I’d started I couldn’t stop. Then I became aware of someone watching me, and through my tears I saw Mark Vandyke. I was so ashamed. It was the first time I’d met the great man himself, and that he should see me like that—I blabbered an apology, expecting him to demand to know what was going on. Instead he passed me a handkerchief and came down on his knees beside me. The next thing I knew I was telling him how lonely I was and he had invited me out to dinner.’ She paused, pulling the corners of her lips down wryly as she recalled the occasion. That was the first of many invitations. Things snowballed quickly from there. I was no longer a nobody, I was the envy of everyone, and a few weeks later we were engaged.’
    ‘Quite an achievement,’ remarked Luke. ‘So what happened to spoil your rhapsody?’
    ‘He began to make excuses not to see me, and innocent fool that I was, I believed him, though I must admit that sometimes when he said he was meeting a buyer or someone like that I wondered why he couldn’t take me along too. My job was quite important by then. My work was gaining recognition and I was earning a name in my own right. When once or twice my friends—I had some by then—tried to warn me what was happening I wouldn't listen. Mark would never two-time me, I thought. He loves me. I would look at my ring and imagine a gold band at its side. I was quite sure that one day we would be married.’ Her voice broke. ‘I shall never forget the day he told me about Maria. He asked me to release him from our engagement. I couldn’t believe him at first, and then I was so angry. I’ve never been so mad in my whole life. Goodness knows what I called him—but I vowed that I’d never speak to him again as long as I live. I’d rather die first.’
    Luke was silent for a few moments. ‘Thank you,' he said at last. ‘I think I understand a little more clearly now why you feel as you do about me. I’ve no idea why we should look alike, but I can assure you that I am not Mark.’ He paused and leaned closer towards her, his eyes searching her face. ‘You’re still not convinced? There’s one way we could find out.’ His shoulder brushed hers. She could feel his breath warm against her cheek.
    She began to tremble and closed her eyes to try and shut out the vision. He was Mark. He must be. He’d got to be!
    Luke took her action as a sign of assent. Suddenly his lips were on hers, tenderly, experimentally— with none of the passion she had experienced under Mark’s embraces. Luke was feeling his way, afraid to hurry, yet anxious for her reaction. For one long second she remained submissive beneath his touch, even though every fibre of her being called out in response, then with a shuddering sigh she pushed him away. ‘How dare you!’ she snapped, more angry with herself than with Luke, but determined not to let him know this. ‘How dare you take advantage! ’ He was unperturbed. ‘I’m only trying to prove something.’ His eyes were as light as amber and the