Free Alejandro's Revenge by Anne Mather Page A

theelegantly appointed restaurant. They were seated overlooking a pretty inner courtyard where a fountain played into an ornamental basin. Flowers grew in profusion about the rim, their colours muted by the tinted glass of the windows. But the courtyard was open to the air and birds came to drink from the pool.
    It was obviously a favoured spot, and Abby was aware of several pairs of eyes turning in their direction when Alejandro joined her. And, although she told herself that he was completely without shame, she couldn’t help but be grateful that he hadn’t abandoned her. It would have been rather daunting to wait alone.
    â€˜ Que le apetece, señora? What can I offer you?’ de Brazos asked, obviously intending to serve them himself, and Abby drew her upper lip between her teeth as she considered.
    â€˜Um—just iced tea for me, please,’ she said at last, not trusting herself to drink anything alcoholic in Alejandro’s presence. The maître d’ tutted and pulled a long face.
    â€˜Are you sure I cannot tempt you with a margarita, señora ?’ he protested. ‘They are the house speciality. I can recommend them.’
    Abby shook her head. ‘I don’t think so, thank you.’
    The man arched his eyebrows and turned to her companion. ‘And you, señor ,’ he said. ‘Will you indulge me?’
    â€˜No lo creo, Miguel,’ Alejandro responded. ‘I have work to do this afternoon. I will have iced tea also, por favor .’
    Miguel spread his hands expressively, but he didn’t attempt to try and change Alejandro’s mind. He merely inclined his head politely and bustled away, issuing orders to other members of his staff as he went.
    There was silence for a few moments after he’d gone, but then, feeling obliged to say something, Abby murmured quietly, ‘This is a beautiful restaurant. And this must be the best table in the house.’
    Alejandro shrugged. ‘I am glad you like it.’
    â€˜Who wouldn’t?’ Abby was feeling a little light-headed now, but she assured herself it was only jet lag, or tiredness,or a combination of both. She studied her jacket uncertainly. ‘Do you think I should put this on?’
    â€˜ Por que? Why?’ Alejandro regarded her intently. ‘Are you cold?’
    â€˜No.’ Abby glanced expressively around the room, observing the expensively clad patrons with an uneasy eye. Then, speaking almost absently, she added, ‘I’m surprised Dolores wanted to bring me here.’
    Alejandro’s eyebrows ascended. ‘And that would be because…?’
    â€˜Oh, come on.’ Abby forgot who she was speaking to for a moment. ‘Haven’t you noticed all the diamond bracelets, the strings of pearls, the ruby rings? I’m wearing one ring, one gold chain, and some hoop earrings. I bet your friend Miguel knows their value down to the last cent!’
    Alejandro shook his head. ‘Perhaps he realises that you do not need diamond bracelets and pearl chokers to accent your beauty,’ he responded softly. ‘And I do not need to be reminded that you are wearing another man’s ring. What do you want me to say, Abigail? That you are still the most attractive woman I have ever known?’
    â€˜No!’ Abby’s face flamed. ‘You know I didn’t mean anything like that.’ Then, aware that her voice had risen and people were looking at them again, she whispered hotly, ‘Don’t say things like that to me. We both know how insincere your compliments are.’
    â€˜Are they?’ Alejandro rested his elbows on the table and leaned towards her. ‘Would it not please Edward to believe I am still attracted to you? You are very good to look at, cara. When Miguel speaks of indulgence, I think of only one thing.’
    Abby caught her breath. ‘You don’t know what Edward wants,’ she told him fiercely, choosing the least