Chapter 3

Typically, while there was plenty of alcohol flowing, food had yet to make an appearance.‘Ah, the weather.’ Christian’s tone was unreadable, his eyes serious, yet she detected a flicker of superior amusement at one corner of his mouth. ‘A polite and predictable conversation starter. Will you tell me how much better it is here than in wet, windy Melbourne?’‘It hadn’t occurred to me.’ Elena feigned surprise to hide her annoyance. She’d had her fill of being a source of amusement for her father’s sophisticated friends. Years as the ugly duckling made her prickly when patronised. ‘Are Melbournians really so touchy about their weather? I thought they were more robust.’ She ignored her father’s glowering frown. ‘But do, please, feel free to choose another conversation starter, polite for preference.’Something glinted in Christian’s appraising eyes and Elena drew herself up.‘Really, Elena—’ her father began.‘No, no. The weather it is, Elena.’ Christian said her name slowly as if tasting it. Absurdly, since his accent was as Australian as her own, she caught a hint of exotic foreignness, an unexpected sliver of something unfamiliar and alluring in her simple little name.The hairs at her nape and along her arms stood to attention.