Free Temptation Island by C.C. Soltry Page A

so.  She considered herself a confident, secure woman that had made her choice without shame.
    But, now she had something to be ashamed about.  As soon as they figured out the specifics of last night she and Marek would either annul the marriage or divorce.  The idea of divorcing a man she didn’t even know didn’t sit well, but what could she do? 
    It was the rest that would hang with her a long, long time.
    Carm threw down her powder brush in disgust.  Get off it Carm!  Enough already!   You screwed up big, deal with it.  Right now you’ve got a business to save.
    Her reflection stared back at her from the mirror and Carm surveyed her handiwork.  Her makeup was perfect.  Subtle, yet sultry.  Just the way she liked it.  It brought out the blue of her eyes.
    Carm swept her hair into a smooth side part and pulled it back with a clip at the base of her head.  Satisfied with the overall look, she smacked her blush colored lips together and turned to leave.
    Carm grabbed her purse and jacket on her way out the door.  She’d ordered a cab earlier and found it waiting in the drive for her when she made her way downstairs.  Putting on her sunglasses she slid across the seat and gave the address to the driver.  Shaky with nerves, Carm placed a hand on her jittery stomach and leaned back.  Here goes nothing . 
    Going over the game plan one last time Carm looked out the window at the colorful buildings they passed as the driver made his way out of town.  For fifteen minutes they climbed around the mountainous island.  The beautiful ocean was kept in view almost the whole time, enchanting Carm. 
    It really was paradise.  If she wasn’t in her current situation she’d love to spend some quality time on the island.  Something about the place pulled at her and filled her with a deep sense of contentment when she looked around.
    The driver slowed to make a turn and Carm felt her eyes go wide.  The split in the foliage barely looked wide enough for the taxi and had come out of nowhere.  She swore she hadn’t seen it coming.  Hidden among the dense plants and trees anyone could miss the driveway. 
    Which is probably just how William Stokes wanted it, the arrogant ass.  Didn’t want anyone trespassing on his kingdom.
    Branches and leaves whispered by the taxi and occasionally brushed the side.  Try as she might Carm couldn’t help but feel awed by the lush sight.
    The road opened before them and they burst out of the thick drive.  Carm let out a low whistle at the sight before her.  She’d never seen a lawn sprawl for so long and still look almost dwarfed by the house.
    Make that mansion.  Carm felt her mouth drop open as they pulled to a stop in front of the large two story plantation home.  It looked like something out of a brochure with its wide two story porch and stately appearance.  The sunny color added a touch of charm, keeping the place from feeling pretentious.
    In fact, if Carm wasn’t so angry with the owner she’d admit to love at first sight.  The knowledge of what he was doing to her sister overrode her admiration for his home, however.
    Climbing out of the taxi Carm paid the driver and strode quickly up the walkway to the front door and knocked.  Squaring her shoulders, Carm greeted the woman that opened the door.
    “Hello.  I’m here for the two o’clock appointment with Mr. Stokes.  He’s expecting me.”
    Carm kept her eyes on the short, plump woman as she nodded.  “I’ll take you ta his office.  Come along now.”
    Following quickly on her heels, Carm ignored her posh surroundings.  If she didn’t no doubt she’d be distracted and she wanted to focus.  She’d allow an ogling session on her way out.
    She admired the stern salt and pepper bun of the woman instead.  Like a drill sergeant the short woman stood ramrod straight.
    Stopping in front of a set of French doors with bamboo shades drawn down over the glass, the woman turned.  “Here ya be now.  Mr.