A Jewel in the Sun Read Free Page B

ey es signal that he had recomposed his features by the time she returned to the room carrying a tall glass of some delicious concoction.
    “ Here you are”. He rose to accept the drink and took a long, appreciative sip.
    “Thank you, its really bet ter in The Bahamas”, he said wry ly. “Tell me about Ane Marie , what do you mean she has passed? ” he demanded.
    “Who’s asking?” She was equally blunt. She faced him squarely, lifting her chin, her eyes flashing to a fiery golden hue . A tigress , defensive with those she loves.
    He handed her a card, which was embossed with his name as CEO of Sabienne’s Publishing . Azolee was familiar with this firm. Anyone who was anyone in the literary or publishing world was linked with this dynastic publishing firm that housed offices in various parts of the easter n and the western hemisphere. Azolee was well versed because this was the firm through whic h she was publishing her book, b ut her consternation rested with his questions referring to Nana.
    Nana had taught her poker and she knew well how to keep her face expressionless. “What do you want with her?” she asked nonchalantly.
    Unused to being stalled, Gastron replied impatiently, “I need to see her on a very private matter. Now tell me I need to know”.
    Azolee sighed in a heavy, painful resignation. “She passed away last week.” At Gastron’s incomprehensive look, “She is dead”. His shock was not so profound that he did not again see the fl ood of pain in her eyes.
    “How are you involved with her? She was French was she not? Who is her next of kin?” Business demanded that he look beyo nd any pitiful look and get to the bottom of this dilemma.
    “ She had no offspring.” Azolee offered little information.  The reading of the will was to occur on Thur sday. Mr. Saunders, Nan a’s lawyer sai d that it was mandatory that Azolee be present at the reading. He had asked her to come in an ho ur earlier to consult with her o n a few queries that were raised.
    “ I appreciate your hospitality at such short notice. I ’ m sure you ’ re very busy, so I will leave you to it.” He made move to stand.
    “ I had just completed the task. You’re welcome” she said stiltedly.
    “In that case, have dinner with me at the Poinciana Club this evening,” he said in heavily accented English. He was a businessman and he had learnt to Carpe diem quam minimum credula poster o . Tomorrow no one knows, so he learnt to seize the day. knowing that she was grieving, but he also need ed information. It was the only reason that he extended the invitation. Almost.
    “No!” she said dispassionately . “I – I mean, I have a d- date already” she stammered. Mama was expecting her to show her some mixtures.
    A date? Who? He had no reason for jealousy, it was unreasonable. “How about Tuesday night?” he asked silkily
    “ I have a committee meeting for the annual environmental ball”. She smiled, confident that she had it wrapped. She walked to the door, opening it to allow him passage.
    “Ok good, then I will wait for you.” He didn’t expand Etienne’s Publishing by being without opposition.
    Struggling to keep her poker face, she said brightly , “ Im not sure when the meeting will close, sometimes we run for hours on end.
    “ We’ll see how it works out”.
    She walked to the door , impatient for Mr. Arrogant to be gone. He strolled  to the door, took its handle from her , looked at her with a pregnant pause and said, “See you then.”
    Azolee closed the door. And sighed. He was easily the most attractive man she had ever seen. Not only was he classically handsome, but he carried himself with a sexy swag that was stirring something in her. She was aware that he found her attractive and had seen the intense flare of interest when their fingers had touched. His eyes! God! They were intense and penetrating as if seeing beyond her façade. She resented his arrogance. He thought that she would melt at