TIMELESS FIRE - CHAPTER 43

As the first rays of sunlight crossed the morning sky, Niki left the bed. She hadn't slept all night. How could she with Michael stretched out beside so close she could feel the heat from his body? He had played the part of the perfect gentleman, nevertheless, having him so close made sleep impossible.

She splashed water on her face and went back into the bedroom. He was gone. Tnank goodness. But where? Maybe he'd gone out for a morning swim. She pulled back the curtains of the floor-length windows. The beach was empty. Maybe he'd gone back to his own bed and would allow her to get some rest also.

She walkeed to the bedroom door and peeked out. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Her stomach rumbled, making her realize how hungry she was. She closed the door and dressed quickly--too famished now to even consider going back to sleep.

When she entered the den a woman was setting the corner table in the nook overlooking the beach.

"Niki, this is Dora. Dora, this is my wife. Dora will be cooking for us while we're here."

She and the young woman exchanged a greeting. She was attractive, Niki noticed. Exotic looking. She wondered if she cooked for Michael before. Something in her expression had altered when he had said the word "wife"--a sudden tightening in her face. Surprise? disappointment?

"After breakfase, I thought we'd go shopping," Michal said when they'd finished eating.

"I'd rather just stay in my room."

"Is that a proposition?"

She felt the color rush to her face. "No."

"Then, be ready to leave in fifteen minutes."

His tone was quiet, but firm. He wasn't issuing an invitation. He was giving an order. She wanted to refuse, but was unwilling to fight in front of the woman staring at Michael with the liquid eyes. On the other hand, she was his wife--not his servant. She shouldn't have to go if she didn't want to.

He must have read her mind because when she looked at him again, his look was thunderous. "Then again, maybe you don't need time to get ready. We'll go as we are." As she stood up, he took hold of her arm and pulled her up with him.

She felt like a small child. Damn him. She make him sorry he'd forced her into this. This wasn't how she had meant for things to happen. Nothing was going as she'd expected.