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islanders love him. You’ll be treated with great respect as a friend of Pieter van Heerden. It’s just that had it been my house I would have had it built on the other side of the island. More private, because of the reefs no one approaches from that side. But you must judge for yourself. I don’t want to spoil your pleasure.”
    “I’m sure I shall like it, wherever it is,” said Lorna. “I expect you will,” replied Ashley gravely. “Pieter will make sure of that. He’s a gentleman if nothing else.”
    “You sound as though you dislike him?”
    “Let’s say we don’t always see eye to eye. But enough about Pieter. We don’t want to let him spoil our evening.” Putting down his glass, he crossed to the stereo unit and lifted off the record which had long since finished. Lorna sipped her drink, leaning back, her eyes closed. Ashley’s nearness was disturbing in spite of her knowledge that he was a Romeo. She ought really to leave. She couldn’t think why she had let him persuade her to come here in the first place. It was madness. He would certainly get the wrong impression. Perhaps he already had, and had issued the invitation to his villa as a result.
    She wondered briefly what his house would be like. He had gone on about Pieter’s extravagance, yet she could imagine him with just such a home himself. Nothing but the best would be good enough for him. Take the room she was in now... She opened her eyes to look again at the magnificent splendour of her surroundings, only to find Ashley standing before her, a half smile on his lips. “The bedroom’s through there if you’re tired.”
    Instantly Lorna sat up, shaking her head emphatically. “I’m not at all sleepy.”
    “Then shall we dance?” He carefully took the glass from her hands and almost before she realised it she was in his arms, their bodies moving in perfect unison to the lilting strains of the Midnight Waltz.
    She felt the hardness of his thigh against her own and his touch, although gentle, felt like a burning iron.
    She was vibrantly aware of the male nearness of him and held herself stiffly, afraid.
    “Relax,” he murmured. “You’re quite safe.” And gradually the tension eased out of her. Without thinking her head rested against his shoulder and she felt his lips in her hair.
    She did not resist—she couldn’t. Instinctively aware of his desires, Lorna suddenly knew that she felt the same, and the realisation caused her breath to tighten in her throat. She gasped and struggled to free herself just as his lips came down on hers—and it was as though something exploded inside. Involuntarily her arms curled round his neck. Ashley groaned and pulled her closer. Silence fell, then abruptly he pushed her away.
    “I’m sorry,” he said, running his fingers through his hair and straightening his tie. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. Forgive me.” He crossed the room and with hands that were not quite steady poured himself a Scotch which he drank in one long swallow, before refilling his glass. His face was pale and taut.
    Lorna moved to his side, gently resting a hand on his arm. “It wasn’t your fault. I’m as much to blame as you: I—” she ran her tongue over dry lips. “I— wanted you to kiss me, if it’s any help.”
    “You say that,” he said bitterly, brushing her away, “but you don’t really mean it. I’m a Casanova—don’t forget. I love ’em and leave ’em.”
    Lorna blanched. He had every right to be angry. But in that moment in his arms she had decided it didn’t matter what he had done. All that was in the past. This was now—and she loved him. And she could have sworn that he loved her. She must reassure him.
    “Perhaps I was wrong,” she pleaded. “You’ve given me no reason to confirm my beliefs. I—I’m willing to forget—if you are?” She swallowed, twisting her fingers together nervously.
    He took another mouthful of liquor from his glass before setting it down. Then