Free The Seduction Game by Sara Craven Page B

she said curtly, knowing that he was well aware she was alone. ‘And I’d like you to go. Now.’
    He chuckled. ‘How many times have I heard that before, I wonder? And it invariably leads to me doing some nice, friendly business.’ He paused. ‘Now, why don’t you give me the guided tour, like a good girl? And I’ll give you a fair price for anything that takes my eye.’
    She realised that she was frightened, but that it was important not to let him see it if she was to have any hope of getting him outside the house again. The air seemed charged with a mixture of pungent aftershave and sweat that made her stomach churn. If one of those pink, moist hands touched her, she knew she would be sick.
    At first she didn’t realise what the low rumbling sound was, because her ears were half deafened by her own pulse-beats. Then she realised it was a dog’s soft, threatening growl, and saw, just behind the intruder, Buster with his hackles up and his lips drawn back from his teeth, his whole attitude pure menace. And beyond him, she saw with a swift surge of relief, Adam, with his hands in his pockets, his casual stance contradicted by the icy watchfulness in the blue eyes.
    He said quietly, ‘Is there a problem, darling? I was just on the boat. You should have called me.’
    The newcomer turned sharply, giving Buster an unfriendly look. ‘Is that dog safe?’
    ‘Usually,’ Adam said pleasantly. ‘Except, of course, when he feels he has to defend my wife. And as he seems to dislike you, I suggest you do as she asks, and leave.’
    ‘No need for that,’ the other blustered defensively, as he edged past Buster. ‘I just came to see if I could do some business.’
    ‘No sale,’ Adam said. ‘And I’ve taken the number of your van. If you make any attempt to return, I shall inform the police.’
    With a muttered obscenity, the dealer squeezed out of the hall and disappeared rapidly round the corner of the house. A moment later, they heard the sound of an engine being hastily revved, before the vehicle was driven off at speed.
    The enemy disposed of, Buster sat, flattened his ears, and offered Tara a beguiling paw.
    ‘Thank you,’ she said, accepting the paw and smoothing the dog’s head awkwardly with her other hand. She did not look directly at Adam. ‘How did you know?’
    ‘I’d taken Buster for a run across the fields, and saw the van parked at the end of the lane. Then I heard you both talking and thought I’d better intervene.’
    ‘I’m—grateful.’ She paused, gathering her resources. ‘But there was really no need. I—I could have managed.’
    ‘Could you?’ he said softly. ‘Now you looked to me like a lady on the run.’
    ‘But appearances are often deceptive.’ This time she did look at him, to find him leaning against the doorpost, all polite attention, apart from the cynical grin twisting his mouth.
    She raised her voice a notch. ‘I assure you the situation was under control.’
    ‘So, if he’d grabbed you, you’d have been able to get away, no danger?’
    Her hesitation was fractional. ‘Of course.’
    ‘Then show me.’ He took one stride and reached for her, jerking her off balance into his arms and holding her there imprisoned and helpless against the lean, hard length of his body.
    Tara clenched her fists, pushing unavailingly at his chest. ‘Let me go, damn you...’
    ‘I hope that’s not your only line of defence,’ he said mockingly. Still holding her effortlessly, he captured her wrists in one hand and lifted them over her head. ‘Because it doesn’t work. What are you going to do now?’
    She kicked him hard, but, although he winced slightly, the soft canvas shoes she was wearing did little damage, and he still retained his grip.
    ‘Be careful,’ he warned softly. ‘You could break a toe like that.’
    ‘I’d like to break your neck,’ she threw at him, her face flushed and furious. She felt ridiculous, and, what was worse, vulnerable.
    Because she knew,