It Happened in Sydney: In the Australian Billionaire's Arms / Three Times A Bridesmaid... / Expecting Miracle Twins

Her emerald eyes flashed like jewels in the sunlight. “Is that so strange? Women have had to fight long and hard for independence, recognition. And the fight isn’t over.”

“And you’ve had to fight very hard to be strong?” It could explain so much about her.

“What woman doesn’t?” she said scornfully, clearly on the defensive.

“Why so hostile, Sonya?” he asked. “Has some man really hurt you?” He found he badly wanted to know. She had presented her lovely profile so he couldn’t look into her eyes. He had to face the fact he had an ever-growing need to discover all there was to know about this young woman.

For Marcus, or for yourself?

He felt shamed by the thought. For God’s sake, she was here with Marcus.

“I have met threatening, difficult and a few terrifying men,” she said, almost tonelessly. “Does that answer your question? I dare say there would be many women who could say the same. Battered, abused women who never saw it coming. I feel truly secure with Marcus.”

His brows knotted in a frown. “And the feeling of security needs to be locked into your relationships?”

“Exactly.” She stood motionless, her head turned away from him.

“So in a different situation where you could fall madly in love you would regard yourself as being under threat?”

She was startled by how he had hit on a problematic area. Her lack of trust in men. “Falling in love is a kind of madness, surely?” she parried. “Who can say being madly in love is essential to a good marriage? There are other very worthwhile things. So why don’t you let Marcus worry about himself, David? He’s a grown man. Or is it the money? Are you his heir?”

“Careful, Sonya,” he warned.

“Touched a raw nerve, have I?” She turned back to him then, her beautiful eyes frankly mocking.

“If you’re looking for raw nerves, you haven’t found it,” he said curtly. He was in fact the main beneficiary of Marcus’s will.

“But then you’re a man who doesn’t get frazzled easily,” she said. “But it’s not nonsense entirely. It’s often said, no one can have too much money.”

“It’s also said money can’t guarantee happiness.” He cut her off tersely.

“Maybe not, but it can guarantee wonderful houses to live in, superb views.” She waved an elegant hand. “The best cars, yachts.” Wonderful yachts with billowing sails were out on the sparkling blue water. “I’m told you’re a fine yachtsman. Then there are clothes, jewels. You name it. Everything pretty well comes down to money.”

“And you want it?”

“What I want is a pleasant day,” she retorted, ultra cool.

“Of course you do,” he said suavely. “I apologise. You must be pleased your fame with flowers has spread far and wide. Liz over there with Marcus has been into your shop. Two of Rowena’s friends now present. Rowena, of course. She told me you provided all the very beautiful flowers for today?”

It was too much not to look at him. She felt compelled. He was wearing a dark blue and white striped casual shirt of best quality cotton, beautifully cut white linen trousers, navy loafers on his feet. His polished skin was tanned to bronze, against which his fine teeth showed very white. He could have posed for a Ralph Lauren shoot, she thought wryly. “I’ve worked hard to secure the best sources,” she said, with a touch of pride.

“I expect Paula will be next to pay you a visit.” It was a taunt really. Unworthy of him.

“Please God, no!” she said with a charming little gesture of her hands.

“Hello? Does this mean you don’t like her?”

“Do you?” She shot him a glance as cool and clear as crystal.

His expression turned sardonic. “I’ve adored her since childhood.”

“Then clearly I’ve overestimated you.”

He couldn’t help it. He laughed aloud.

It was such an engaging laugh it caused the guests to look in their direction to smile. David Wainwright was a great favourite.

“That’s very naughty of you, Sonya. And you the Ice Princess.”

“I never said I was a nice person,” she countered, not lightly, but with a hint of warning.

“Maybe I bring out the worst in you?” he asked. Her skin in the bright sunlight was as flawless as a baby’s. One could become enslaved by a woman like this. He would do well to heed the warning.

“Well, you do give it your best shot.” She paused, her tone changing. “Your girlfriend is on the way over.”

He didn’t turn his head. “I don’t remember saying Paula was my girlfriend.”

“I don’t remember saying Marcus was my man friend,” she returned sharply.

Paula Rowlands was not so much strolling as striding up to them. No doubt she was fuelled by the feline need to protect her territory, Sonya thought. “Here she comes. Hostility writ large upon her face. It must have been triggered by your laughing. It sounded too much like you were enjoying yourself.”

He let his eyes run over her. “Actually, Sonya, I was.”

Throughout the leisurely meal Rowena asked them to shift to different tables so everyone got an opportunity to speak to all the other guests. Sonya found herself having a delightful time. She had come prepared for undercover distrust; instead she might have been among friends. Of course she wasn’t obviously paired with Marcus. On the contrary she was treated as a free spirit. That was exactly what she wanted. Every time she sat at table with David Wainwright every nerve in her body flared into life. It was as if she were made of highly flammable tissue paper and his nearness set her alight.

A very pretty, chic young woman called Camilla Carstairs was especially friendly. They arranged to meet up for coffee midweek. Camilla promised to come into the shop. “I’ve heard so much about it, Sonya. The flowers today are amazingly beautiful.” Sonya found herself warming to such friendliness. She found out later, Camilla was the only daughter of “Mack” Carstairs, the trucking king.

After lunch the older couples retired to the house, while the younger guests remained outside or took strolls around the landscaped garden, an oasis of beauty and peace. A few ventured down to the turquoise swimming pool at the harbour’s edge. Though Sonya had been seated at times with Paula Rowlands, Paula had had very little to say to her. Now Paula intended to change all that. She detached herself from a small group that did not include David Wainwright. He appeared to have gone inside. Meanwhile Paula made a beeline for Sonya, calling out her name.

“Yoo-hoo, Sonya, wait for me.” She waved enthusiastically.

Here comes trouble, said the voice in Sonya’s head.

And it wasn’t wrong.

Paula, the very picture of friendliness, linked her arm through Sonya’s as though they were bosom pals. Immediately it put Sonya back on guard.

“When did this happen?” she asked lightly, resisting the urge to pull away.

“What happen?” Paula widened her eyes.

“A big turnaround comes to mind.” Sonya smiled.

Paula gave a laugh that was not reflected in her eyes. “Walk on with me,” she said. “I need to talk to you.”

“Sounds a bit like you need something to calm you more,” Sonya offered wryly. She was well aware of Paula’s seething jealousy.

“Ah, the little witticisms! “ Paula tried to pull Sonya along.