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immediately she knocked, almost as though he had been expecting her. This thought renewed Lorna’s annoyance. He was obviously a man who was not used to being kept waiting and childishly she wished that she had arrived half an hour late. She didn’t want him to think that she was frightened and would come running whenever he called.
    She stepped into the luxuriously furnished room and looked around with interest. Shades of green effectively created a cool, serene, atmosphere in direct contrast to the heat and noise outside. It was like a haven after the storm, she thought, an indication of what wealth could do. It made her little cabin appear squalid by comparison.
    “Thank you for coming,” smiled Ashley. “Sit down.” He indicated the velvet settee which was a few shades lighter than the jade carpet. “A drink?” He pressed a button and a revolving door revealed a wide range of drinks. Lorna did not usually take alcohol during the afternoon but guessed he would not take kindly to a refusal. “A small dry sherry, please.”
    She watched as he poured her sherry and a Scotch for himself. His movements were deliberate and precise. She imagined he did everything with the same calculated accuracy. Even his dealings with people would be tempered with a resolute purposefulness and she wondered again why he had sent for her.
    He wore blue cotton slacks and a white short-sleeved shirt that exposed his strong suntanned arms. He looked in the peak of condition, yet Lorna noticed a quick drawing together of his brows as he sat down beside her, as though a twinge of pain had caused him discomfort.
    “I’m sorry about last night,” she said, thinking that if he was going to bring up the matter she might as well get in first. “I had no idea Wes would act like he did. Are you all right?”
    There was an unexpected twinkle in his eyes as he regarded her gravely. “Apart from a splitting headache I’m fine. I must have banged my head as I fell. You’ve certainly got a champion in that young man.”
    “You’re—not going to take the matter any further?” Lorna looked at him in disbelief. He didn’t seem unduly upset, yet if that was the case why had he sent for her? What else was there to discuss?
    “Why on earth should I?” Now he was openly laughing. “He obviously thought he was rescuing you from the hands of a maniac. I hope it wasn’t too much of a disappointment when I didn’t retaliate.”
    “I think he regretted it.” Lorna twisted her glass nervously. “Why did you want to see me?”
    “Ah yes,” as if suddenly remembering the real reason for sending for her. He drained his glass, placing it on a low table in front of them. “I have a proposition to put to you.”
    Lorna’s fine brows shot upwards. What offer could he possibly hope to make? They had nothing whatsoever in common.
    He half turned, one hand resting behind her along the back of the settee. The movement brought him so close that she was aware of the vibrant male strength of him. And now, should he choose to use violence, there was no one to take her part. She inched away, but guessing at her reaction he laughed. “I’m not going to hurt you, little one. I don’t normally attack defenceless girls—unless I’m provoked.” His eyes mocked her. “And that brings me to the reason for you being here. I realise that you’ve got one hell of a grudge against me and that nothing I can say or do will help change your mind.”
    “Right first time.” Lorna sat stiffly erect on the edge of her seat, wishing he. would move a little further away. His nearness was disturbing. A feeling she could not quite understand flowed through her limbs. She put it down to hatred of him and his kind.
    “Wait.” Ashley put a hand on her arm. “Hear me out before you get uppity.”
    Fear thrilled through her at his touch. Although she had his assurance that she was safe, remembrance of the previous evening was still vivid. She was completely at his mercy