The Determined Husband

The Determined Husband
Lee Wilkinson

Sera had been devastated when Keir Sutherlands became more interested in his career than in their wedding plans. Convinced he didn't love her any more, Sera knew she had to let Keir go…. Sera tried to make a new life for herself, but was thrown into turmoil when Keir returned and seemed determined to marry her after all.But did Keir love her, or was he simply driven by revenge?

“What is it you want?”

His smile wolfish, Keir replied, “You know quite well what I want, Sera.”

“Revenge, presumably.”

“Revenge, certainly. But there’s something I want a great deal more. You in my bed,” Keir told her.

“There are plenty of other women,” Sera insisted.

“It happens to be you I want.”

“I’ve already told you I’m not for sale to any man.”

“Then if money won’t do the trick, I’ll have to think of some other way to get you….”

There are times in a man’s life…

When only seduction will settle old scores!

Pick up our exciting new series of revenge-filled romances—they’re recommended and red-hot!

Coming soon:

The Marriage Demand

by Penny Jordan

Harlequin Presents

#2211

The Determined Husband

Lee Wilkinson

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ONE

THE elevator descended smoothly and sighed to a halt. As the doors slid open, like a prisoner scenting freedom Sera stepped out and, her rubber-soled trainers squeaking a little on the marble floor, hurried across the Warburton Building’s impressive, chandelier-hung foyer.

At this very early hour it was deserted, but as she approached the smoked-glass doors, the blue-uniformed night-security guard appeared.

His seamed face breaking into a welcoming beam, he said, ‘Morning, Miss Reynolds,’ and decided, with fatherly concern, that she was still looking a mite thin and pale.

‘Morning, Bill. How’s your lumbago?’

‘Not as bad as it might be.’

He surveyed her navy and white track suit, her shiny nose, and the long, silky black hair caught up in a pony-tail. She looked no older than fifteen in that get-up, though he knew from a previous conversation that she was twenty four, the same age as his own Nancy.

‘Off for your usual run round the Park?’ he asked.

Sera, who was by no means an athlete, only walked or jogged gently according to her mood, but she answered pleasantly, ‘That’s right.’

‘Well, you’ve sure got a nice day for it.’

Bill was a creature of habit, and the same conversation took place each morning, the only difference being his last comment, which changed according to the weather.

He held open the side door for her, and she thanked him with a smile. She was a pretty little thing, he thought for the umpteenth time, and, unlike a lot of the tenants, she always managed a pleasant word and a cheerful smile, in spite of an ever-present air of sadness.

Outside it was cool and fresh, the sky a pale, innocent blue. Fifth Avenue lay as quiet as a sleeping babe in the after-dawn lull, undisturbed as yet by the bustle of the day.

In Central Park the green leafy trees looked newly washed, the flowers heavy with dew. Swirls of early morning mist hung over the grass like translucent ghosts lingering on after some spooky midnight gathering.

Taking her usual route, Sera began to walk at a good pace, enjoying the coolness of the air with its promise of a scorching day to come.

Other than a solitary jogger in the distance, she seemed to have the Park to herself. She liked the sensation of being alone. This was the only hour of the day when, free from the stifling atmosphere of Martin’s luxurious apartment, she felt truly at ease, unpressured, able to be herself.

That, apart from the much-needed exercise, was the reason she treasured these early morning outings. It was also the reason she kept them a secret from Martin.

Kathleen, his attractive, black-haired Irish nurse knew, but was sympathetic and said nothing.

Sera was truly grateful.