Follow a Stranger Read Online Free PDF

sorry, I was rather surprised ...”
    He smiled, a little teasingly, which surprised her again.
    She had not thought he could look so human, the dark face
    relaxed and friendly. “You do respond impulsively, don’t you?
    But will you come? Our home is on Kianthos, a small Greek
    island. I have a private plane which will fly you there and
    back. Our villa is very secluded, but we have an excellent
    private beach, tennis courts, swimming pool—all the things
    young people like for a holiday.”
    She stared at him, feeling as unreal as a dream. “It’s very
    kind of you ...” she began, but again he cut her off.
    “It will be a kindness in you to accept.”
    She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but it’s impossible. I’ve
    already planned my Easter holiday.”
    He stubbed out his cigarette. “I would, of course, be happy
    to compensate you for any expense you might incur ...”
    “Please!” she broke in angrily. “You don’t understand. I’m
    going on a dig in Sussex, with my fiancé. I couldn’t break off
    the arrangements now.”
    He leaned back, his hands lying very still on the table,
    palms down. “Your fiancé?” he repeated, his eyes narrowed.
    Kate held up her ring finger so that he could see the
    Victorian opals gleaming. She and Peter had chosen the ring
    together. He had liked the massive gold hoop, set with milky
    stones, and, although Kate had preferred a small sapphire
    ring, she had been happy to wear the one Peter liked.

    Marc Lillitos stared at the ring, face impassive. “Did you say
    you were going on a dig?” he repeated.
    “Yes, Peter is an archaeologist. We always spend our
    holidays at archaeological sites.”
    He raised a sardonic brow. “How unusual!” The smoothly
    derisive tone infuriated her once more.
    “We like it!” she shot back angrily.
    His smile doubted her, but he only said, “If your fiancé
    cares to come, too, he will be very welcome.”
    She shook her head. “That’s very kind of you, but I’m
    afraid Peter wouldn’t be interested.”
    “I’m sorry,” he said. “Pallas would have been so happy to
    have you there, but I am sure she will understand that you
    prefer to be with your real friends.”
    “That isn’t fair,” she said hotly. “I like her very much, but
    Peter is my fiancé, after all ...”
    “Don’t worry,” he said blandly, “I’ll explain it to her.”
    “I bet you will!” she seethed, “and hurt her feelings badly
    in the process.” She stood up. “Will you take me home now? I
    think we’ve said enough.”
    He did not argue. They drove home in a frozen silence.
    When he stopped the car she fumbled with the door and he
    leaned over and put his hand over hers. “I’ll do it,” he
    murmured, looking down at her with the teasing smile which
    had surprised her earlier.
    Kate angrily realised that her heart had once again
    performed that peculiar, inexplicable flip. Climbing out with
    dignity, she said good night and then shot away as though
    the devil were after her.
    Sam was waiting up for her, a flask of cocoa on the
    kitchen table at his elbow, his sketch pad open under his
    hand. She paused, looking over his shoulder, and felt a shiver
    of the nerves as she recognised the arrogant dark face he was
    drawing.
    “Is it like?” Sam asked without looking up.

    “Very,” she said, offhandedly.
    He leaned back, smiling at her so that his face was
    inverted and unfamiliar.
    “What did he want? Or was it just a cover for wolfish
    advances? Did he offer you a pad in Monte Carlo? Or a mink
    coat with diamond buttons?”'
    “Fool,” she said, flushing. “He wanted you and me to visit
    their home during the Easter holidays.”
    “Wow!” yelled Sam, throwing up his charcoal and catching
    it. “Kianthos! Sounds great.”
    “I told him I couldn’t go, of course,” she said, pouring
    herself some cocoa and sitting down at the table.
    Sam looked at her closely. “Couldn’t? Or wouldn’t?”
    “You know I’ve fixed my