Chapter 8

‘Not just gambling.’ The riposte came quickly and Elena tried to read that crisp tone. There was something adamantine in his voice, something new that sent anxiety skidding down her backbone. Instinct twanged in warning. She took another long sip of iced water, grounding herself.‘Your father has had diverse interests.’ Elena thought she saw his lip curl. Then the impression was gone. He looked back blandly.‘Felicity has another reason for being in Queensland.’ She needed to make it clear her father’s scheme was impractical. ‘She’s living with her partner. They’re working together.’‘A permanent relationship, then?’‘Absolutely.’ More permanent, at least, than any of her sister’s previous relationships. ‘I know my father suggested you get to know Felicity better.’ She couldn’t bring herself to use the word marry. ‘But in the circumstances that’s not possible.’‘I understand completely.’ Christian’s lips curved in a smile that did the strangest things to her internal organs.The man was devastating. Totally mind-blowingly gorgeous. He looked like some lethally enthralling anti-hero bent on breaking every rule, perhaps even ravishing a few virgins along the way.