Free Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods Page A

rumpled and sexy.”
    “Perhaps one day I’ll put myself in a painting and give it to you.”
    He stroked her belly, starting a fire that couldn’t be ignored.
    “It won’t be the same,” he said. “You don’t see yourself as I do. You still think of yourself as the American runaway, a shy girl escaping the demands of her family. I see you as a woman with so many facets, I’ll never know them all.”
    At his touch, his words, Destiny gave up all thoughts of painting. “Will you try?”
    “Always,” he said, scooping her into his strong arms and carrying her back to the house, to the bed they’d been sharing for almost a year now. “When I found you, I truly found my destiny.”
    Destiny fit her body to his, reveled in his touch, and wondered if it was true, if they would be like this always.
     
    But, of course, they hadn’t been, Destiny reminded herself sadly, shivering in the chill of the London night. Their magical time together had been cut short by the tragic deaths of her brother and his wife. Andeven though she’d felt an instantaneous connection to William tonight, he wasn’t the same person he’d been back then. Neither of them were. Sentiment and nostalgia had no place in their relationship now. They were business enemies. It would be wise to remember that and keep her defenses solidly in place.
    It was also important to remember the reason she’d thrown this party in the first place, then added William to the group. It hadn’t been merely to catch a glimpse of him while surrounded by other people. She’d wanted to see if there was anyone here tonight who seemed especially friendly to him or, possibly, someone he was careful to avoid. She couldn’t detect any of that from her safe spot on the balcony, and it was time she got to work.
    When she opened the door, the sounds of a successful party spilled out. The faint strains of music were overshadowed by laughter and conversation. Sometimes all it took to make a success of an evening was the right mix of champagne, good food and people with something in common. Over the years, she’d also learned it was good to throw a little something extra into the mix, someone to create a bit of controversy and keep the conversation lively.
    Whatever whispers had been stirred by William’s arrival into the midst of this Carlton event, he’d clearly overcome the initial suspicion and distrust. He was chatting with two couples now, her director of finance and her marketing expert, and their wives, as Chester stood grimly by, his expression still registering his disapproval. If he kept it up, he was going to put a real damper on things.
    Destiny plucked two glasses of champagne from atray and went to join them, handing one to Chester. She tapped her crystal glass to his. “To a successful partnership,” she said quietly.
    Chester stared at her in surprise. “Yes, of course,” he said, then took a polite sip of the champagne.
    “Could I see you for a moment?” Destiny asked, coaxing him away from the others. David Perkins and Edward Wildemon would have to fend for themselves with William. And if one of them happened to be William’s spy, it was unlikely he would reveal himself in front of the other. At the moment, though, the conversation seemed focused on the current season of London theater.
    “Is there a problem?” Chester asked at once.
    “You need to cheer up,” she chided. “You’re giving everyone the impression that William needs to be watched like a hawk.”
    “And well he does. Have you forgotten what he’s been up to?” Chester demanded. “It was a mistake inviting him. I don’t intend to let it turn into a disaster.”
    “Then perhaps you should spend your time appeasing some of our neglected business associates,” she suggested.
    His gaze narrowed. “You wanted Harcourt here for a specific reason, didn’t you?”
    “Of course.”
    He studied her intently. “Surely you don’t think he’ll give himself away. He’s too