Free A Devilishly Dark Deal by Maggie Cox Page A

greeting had set off a veritable firework display of reaction inside her, and she knew that any remaining reservations she had about accepting his offer were assuredly being demolished one by one. She made a discreet attempt to wipe the moisture from her eyes that had arisen when she’d mentally been transported back to Africa and her handsome companion frowned. ‘Is everything all right? You seem a little upset,’ he commented.
    ‘I’m fine.’ She made herself respond with a reassuring smile, even though the slight quaver in her voice no doubt made a liar of her.
    ‘I do not entirely believe you, but I hope you can put whatever troubles you to one side so that you can enjoy the day. It is far too beautiful to be sad, yes?’
    Marco wondered at the cause of the distress reflected in Grace’s crystal-clear blue eyes. He prayed it wasn’t bad news from home that would make her cut short her stay. He schooled himself to relax, studying her pleasingly curvaceous form in the very becoming red and white dress, her golden hair curling prettily down over her shoulders. The arresting sigh of her intensified the drugging sensual heat that had already invaded him at the prospect of seeing her again.
    Anticipating the long break that he intended, he’d informed all of this morning’s telephone callers that he would only be contactable if there was an emergency—at the back of his mind had been the irresistible thought that he intended to be far too preoccupied with the lovely girl he’d found himself infatuated with to think about business. The kiss he’d planted at the corner of Grace’s pretty mouth just now had been an exciting revelation. Her skin was softer than velvet and down combined. She’d smelled irresistible too. Recognising the alluring French scent, he made a mental note to send some to her villa as a gift.
    Now he would not wait a moment longer to ask her the question that had ensured he’d more or less had a sleepless night because he hadn’t been able to stop dwelling upon the outcome of it …
    ‘So, Grace … I trust you have now had plenty of time to think over my proposition? What will be your answer, I wonder?’

 

     
     

    CHAPTER FIVE
     
    GRACE didn’t answer him straight away, but appeared to be thinking deeply. He knew it was in his nature to be impatient, but the tension that gathered in the pit of Marco’s stomach as he waited for her to speak made him feel as if he was wearing an increasingly tightening iron band round his middle. No woman had ever said no to spending time with him before … was this engaging British girl going to be the first ?
    Folding her hands in her lap, she locked her brilliant blue gaze with his at last and a tentative smile gently raised the corners of her lips. ‘My answer is … Well, it’s yes . And I’m going to be honest with you … The reason I’ve said yes is that I—I …’ Gnawing at her lip her cheeks turned engagingly pink.
    ‘Go on,’ Marco encouraged.
    ‘I’ve discovered that I am attracted to you. Otherwise I wouldn’t consider it—no matter how lovely the inducements. And I was going to be on my own the entire time I was here, and now I have someone to share my holiday with … I’m grateful.’
    He’d told her once before that her honesty was refreshing, but never had it mattered more to him than right now. She knew exactly what he was asking and had accepted the offer he’d made because she was attracted to him. She hadn’t run away or taken refuge behind being coy. She had admitted that she liked him outright. Now there was no need for any tedious mind games or manipulation. All they had to do was let nature take its course. Marco had not the slightest doubt that it would …
    ‘I’m very pleased you’ve accepted my offer, Grace. Now all we have to do is get to know each other a little and enjoy ourselves.’ Rising to his feet, he took her by the hands and gently urged her up from her chair. ‘Fortunately you are