AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘You don’t look wrong. You look fantastic.’ A small smile tipped his lips. ‘I promise. This will work. We’ve got this.’
His voice deep, full of promise of a different type, and there it was again, that desire to close the gap and kiss him. But that way lay a road she would not walk—she could not be an interlude, a temporary rung on his ladder to getting over Claudia.
Claudia. The reminder was stark—and needed.
‘Thank you. Now, we’d better go.’
* * *
We’ve got this... We’ve got this... We’ve got this.
As Zander drove with easy competence through the London streets Gabby concentrated on the role she would play. This was no different from her careful preparations before each social worker’s visit, her daily preparations when she’d first moved in with her grandparents. She’d moulded herself a persona back then and she would use those skills to pull this off.
But once they’d parked, left the car and made their way to their destination, doubts began to slip into her conviction. And as she saw the looming yacht docked in the river she could feel her confidence seep away, escape into the night air and be blown away by the cool breeze.
This was not her milieu—the vessel was too enormous, too redolent of wealth as it glittered and illuminated the water of the Thames and the surrounding London landscape. But this was the world Zander inhabited and was comfortable in.
A glance sideways at him and there it was: the palpable shiver of desire. Suddenly the zing of attraction seemed stark in its utter stupidity, and a swell of panic washed over her at the enormity of the deception they had embarked upon. But it was too late now to turn and run, so somehow she’d have to tough it out.
This time tomorrow it will all be over. Think of the money.
Side by side they boarded the yacht and she braced herself, feeling the warmth of his hand on the small of her back. The heat of his touch through the thin material of her dress sent a message to her whole body, almost like a brand, as she gazed round in wonder.
The enormous wood-decked function room was bathed in light. Chandeliers and fairy lights combined to cast a magical glow of illumination. Glass-topped tables were strategically placed and suited waiters and elegant waitresses were ready to be deployed, standing next to a long table that sparkled with champagne glasses and carried silver trays of canapés.
Then the surroundings faded into irrelevance as a group of people approached them.
The Grosvenor family.
Smile. Remember your role. Play the part.
‘Mum, Dad, Julia, Gemma... This is Gabby. Gabby, this is my mum, Laura, my dad, Frank, and my two sisters, Julia and Gemma.’
Gabby looked at each of them in turn, saw the appraisal in their eyes, homed in on each and every nuance. She knew she would need to read them effectively. ‘It’s lovely to meet you.’
Keep it cool. Talk, but not too much. Listen carefully and say what they want to hear.
All the old rules were still in play.
‘And you, Gabby. We’ve been looking forward to it.’
Zander stepped forward. ‘OK. As we discussed, there’ll be plenty of time to talk later. But now it’s all men and women to the pumps. I’ll greet the guests as they arrive—the rest of you mingle and make sure everyone’s happy. Any glitches, come and find me. Also, do your best to promote the auction items—subtly.’ As they had prearranged, he glanced at Gabby. ‘Will you be all right?’
‘Of course, darling.’
The word was said as naturally as if she used it every day. Damn, she still had it. She could still play a part even if it made her nerves sizzle with anxiety. Even if this was a part that went against every particle of her character.
‘You go—and if there’s anything I can do to help just shout. Don’t worry about me.’
A brief nod and he disappeared. Gabby took a deep breath and turned to face the Grosvenors.
‘Have you had a chance to look at the auction details?’ Frank asked.
She heard the kindness in his voice and knew he was trying to set her at ease. ‘Yes, and I think the list is incredible.’
Items included a luxury weekend break in Portugal, a painting by a famous artist, a share in a yacht, a designer necklace from one of London’s most prestigious jewellers and an afternoon driving a racing car with Alessio Bravanti himself. Each item was another reminder of the wealth of the guest list.
‘I’ll definitely do my best to promote it, but I think it will speak for itself.’
