Act of Betrayal Read Online Free PDF Page A

tenderness in his face when he looked at
    her, and a slight triumph as well, which she supposed was
    understandable. She'd never invited caresses in the past, and
    she'd always been the first to draw back. He said huskily, 'Well,
    I'll see you later then,' and Laura tried not flinch at the new
    possessive note in his voice. She said steadily, 'I'm looking
    forward to it,' and wished with all her heart that it could be
    true. Celia was nowhere to be seen when she got back to the
    house, her lounger in the garden unoccupied, a discarded magazine
    tossed on the grass beside it, and an empty jug which had once
    contained orange juice still reposing with its used glass on a
    wrought iron table nearby. Laura put the lounger away in the
    summerhouse, and carried the other things across the lawn towards
    the house. She was almost at the french windows which opened into
    the drawing room, when she heard Celia laughing, the low throaty
    chuckle which meant there was a man about. Her cousin was
    entertaining one of her numerous boyfriends, Laura decided
    resignedly. If it was Greg Arnold, she could only hope he would
    save his more risque stories until she was out of the room. She
    was almost tempted to retrace her steps, and go in by the kitchen
    entrance, but she told herself forcefully not to be so silly. She
    was actually inside the room, with retreat impossible, when she
    saw the man sharing the wide sofa with Celia was Jason. 'Hello,
    sweetie,' Celia flashed her a smile. She'd thrown on the shirt
    which matched her sunbathing gear, but she still managed to look
    alluringly undressed. She waved a hand at Jason. ' I gather
    introductions aren't necessary.' She giggled. 'What an amazing
    surprise for you both. I always understood Laura's ex-husband was
    a struggling artist, and now he turns up as a tycoon. You sly
    thing, Laura, keeping it all to yourself like this.' Before Laura
    could speak, Jason intervened smoothly. 'She can hardly be held
    responsible for not telling you I was the boss of Tristan
    Construction. She didn't know it herself until a few hours ago.'
    'So it was all your little secret?' Celia's eyes fastened
    limpidly on his face. 'Perhaps you should have told her. You
    might both still be living in connubial bliss.' ' I doubt that.'
    His lips smiled, but the words bit. 'In any case, I'm sure there
    are far more interesting subjects to discuss than my past
    matrimonial difficulties.' Celia pouted a little. 'Are there any
    current ones?' 'No.' He didn't look at Laura at all. 'So far,
    I've decided not to risk another dip in the troubled waters of
    marriage.' He looked at her ringless left hand. 'It seems like a
    view we share.' Celia shrugged gracefully. ' I was engaged once,
    but to be honest I find the whole concept of marriage the
    teeniest bit cramping and old-fashioned, even though the divorce
    laws have made things easier.' Laura listened with a sense of
    incredulity. Easier, she thought helplessly. Easier? Was that
    really how Celia regarded those few brief moments in court which
    tore apart flesh and sinew and emotion? She said in a small
    wooden voice, 'Well, if you'll excuse me I ' l l just take these
    things to the kitchen.' 'And while you're there, sweetie, you
    might see about some tea for us.' Celia's tone was casual, but
    the words, putting Laura in a position of subservience was quite
    deliberate. Hot outrage rose in Laura's throat. She was sorely
    tempted to yell, 'Get your own damned tea,' and brain Celia with
    the empty jug for good measure, but she exercised an almost
    superhuman restraint. She returned coolly, 'Of course.' She
    looked at Jason, lifting her brows enquiringly, 'Milk or lemon?'
    His mouth twisted. She saw a glimmer of anger deep down. 'You
    mean you don't remember?' he asked silkily. ' I think lemon on
    such a warm day—don't you?' It didn't make a particle of
    difference what she thought, Laura told herself as she left the
    room. She had no intention of sharing the tea with