Divine Fire Read Online Free PDF Page A

going to get it out of him or die trying.
    Karen stuck her head back in her employer’s door and said in a voice of suffering: “Well, you’ve done it now. I don’t know what you wrote to that woman, but Brice Ashton is coming to see you. This afternoon! She didn’t even give me a chance to say yes or no, just announced her imminent arrival and hung up.”
    The secretary had been annoyed and intrigued that Damien had insisted on writing that particular letter himself. He usually avoided his computer, claiming the machine didn’t like him—which it undoubtedly didn’t since it broke down on him so often. But if Karen had been curious before, now that the Ashton woman had replied she was doubly so.
    “Is she?” Damien leaned back in his chair. He smiled slightly. “Well, how wonderfully prompt of her. I thought she might put me off until after the holidays.”
    Karen pointed a finger at him. “I’m telling you now, if there’s blood spilled, you’re cleaning it up. I may be old-fashioned enough to fetch coffee, but I don’t do windows or bloodbaths.”
    “My dear Karen! How you do go on. Miss Ashton isn’t coming to spill my blood. I think you will find that she is a delightfully polite if rather inquisitive person. Besides, she wants something from me. My hide is sacrosanct at least until then.”
    “You think?” Karen looked skeptical. “So you weren’t planning on going out of town suddenly and leaving me to deal with her?”
    “Of course not.” Then Damien added, “However, it might be best if you considered taking the day off if you’re nervous. I can manage on my own.”
    Karen snorted.
    “Truly. Go home for the holidays.”
    “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” she said frankly. “Anyway, how will I be able to blackmail you if I don’t see where you put the body? Or where she puts yours. Hiding a corpse in Manhattan in winter isn’t as easy as it used to be, but I bet you are both resourceful enough to manage.”
    Damien shook his head, eyes laughing. “Go on and persevere in your lack of faith in my ability to charm scholarly spinsters. But it would perhaps be nice if you arranged for some flowers while you’re busy doubting me.”
    “Flowers?” Karen said the word like she had never heard it before. “You want flowers?”
    “Yes, irises, I think. Or orchids. See what they have in rust and gold—it will go well in this room. And make reservations for this evening at Di Serrano’s. They’re elegant but not too obviously opulent. Make it for seven, please.”
    “Seven people?”
    “No, for two people at seven o’clock. She’ll probably prefer to eat early.”
    “You’re taking the author to dinner? Alone? But you don’t like authors.” Karen stared at him like he’d grown an extra head.
    Her boss was a connoisseur of all the best things in life, from exotic tea and vintage wines to the exquisite clothes that adorned his fine physique. He was not a conspicuous consumer, but a steady one who did not stint on himself. Karen had always found it amazing that he did not strive for excellence in women. His infrequent dates were stunning enough by all physical measures of beauty, but he never allowed himself romantic liaisons with anyone who stirred his interest or emotions. He remained determinedly aloof from anyone who evoked mental attraction—including his secretary. And they were never invited to his favorite haunts, like Di Serrano’s.
    Until today.
    “Absolutely. I want flowers, and I want to take her to dinner,” he assured Karen. “This lady deserves a fine meal after coming so far to see me.”
    “Is she pretty?” Karen asked, forgetting for the moment to remain professionally distant. “I mean, insanely beautiful?”
    “I haven’t a clue,” Damien answered. Then he added with a slight smile: “But wouldn’t it be brilliant if she were?”
    “I’ve been with you for five years,” Karen said, feeling slightly stunned and unable to let