Billionaire's Defiant Mistress (3 page)

Wow, this is something. How beautiful.

Sarah gasped inwardly and gazed with amazement at the imposing Edwardian manor house. She had guessed that Carlos was rich, but this rich? As the car drove along the gravel she noted the stunning garden, which looked great even for winter, and the tree lined drive-way which seemed to be guiding her into a new, interesting world she could only ever have imagined before tonight. And there, at the end of the long drive, was a house which was very square, she thought, but so full of character and history.

Sarah could hardly believe that the evening was happening to her, yet it had only just begun. She actually blinked her eyes a few times to see if she might wake up and discover she was on the bus to Newton Heath. But no, it was all too real. She was in a chauffeur driven limo and was being taken to one of the most prestigious areas in the North West.

That day at work had been predictably normal and after store closing time she had put on her favourite black dress along with a cheap pair of high-heels she had found at lunch-time. A touch of lipstick had been applied and she had allowed her hair to cascade freely, giving it a good brush not only to straighten it out but as a kind of therapy to calm her nerves. Just as she had finished brushing, in walked Clare, her supervisor. Clare was very obviously disdainful to the temporary staff and always seemed to be on Sarah's back for the slightest thing. Sarah was still looking in the mirror.

“You going out?”

“Yes. I'm going out for dinner.”

“On a date?”

“Yes it is.” Sarah had been bursting to tell someone she had a date with this rich, successful, not to mention gorgeous guy, but hadn't had the opportunity. The night before, her flatmates had got home after she had already climbed into bed. But now wasn't the time to start telling of her great news and excitement. Revealing to your supervisor that you are going on a date with a customer wouldn't do her any favours, especially when that supervisor was Clare. Sarah also noted the sour look on Clare's face as she looked her up and down as if she was being inspected.

Sarah turned her wrist to her eyes and glanced at her watch even though she knew exactly what time it was. “Look at the time. Will have to rush out. See you tomorrow, Clare.” She picked up a large carrier bag with six shiny, silver packages in it and smiled.

“What's in that bag?”

“It's just some of the gift sets. They belong to a... a friend.” Was Carlos her friend? Was she blushing? She certainly felt a warm glow fill her cheeks and she felt a little embarrassed. She should have said a customer left them behind, she thought. But, so what? “He asked me to take them over for him.”

“Did he now?” Clare's eyebrows raised as she spoke.

“Yes. Got to dash. See you, Clare. Good night.”

Sarah felt guilty as she descended the staff stairs which led to the street. She wasn't sure why as she hadn't told any lies, though she was unsure that she had told the whole truth. But her mind had dismissed her feelings by the time she reached the street and discovered a huge black limo waiting for her, along with a driver wearing a neat peak cap. She was a little disappointed that Carlos wasn't there to meet her personally, but her ego was dented only briefly as the thrill of being chauffeured in a stunning car dominated her thoughts.

Making her way up the seven steps leading to the enormous door with a giant brass knocker on it she felt like a door-to-door saleswoman as she clutched onto the bag of Christmas presents. What am I going to talk to him about, she wondered as she reached the top step. Then, just as she was placing the bag of presents down so she could rap on the door-knocker, the door opened. There was Carlos, his face beaming with a broad smile and warm, welcoming eyes which flickered as rays reflected from the electric lights.

His jet black hair was shining and slightly wavy as if he had just stepped out of the shower and run his fingers through it. His shirt was white and made of silk and he wore it casually with the top button left undone. His black trousers clung to his hips and thighs giving emphasis to his strong, muscular legs – the first time she had seen him without an overcoat, which previously had hidden his thighs. He seemed taller than before she thought, yet despite the simplicity of his attire he also looked wealthy and powerful and very masculine. Sarah's nerves began spiralling once more.

“Here you are, Sarah. I am so pleased you could make it,” he whispered softly.

“Here I am.” She was unsure of herself as she smiled and gave a small giggle. Then she automatically thrust the bag towards him.

“Here's your Christmas presents.” Sarah's entire strategy for the evening had now been played out in the first few seconds. She had delivered the forgotten gift-sets and she could easily have turned round and gone home thinking the evening had been a success. She really had no further idea of what she might do, or say, next.

Carlos nonchalantly took the bag from Sarah. He had little interest in the contents of the bag, he only had eyes and thoughts for the delightful young thing which had delivered it.

“
Gracia
. Step inside and let me have a look at you in the light.” She strode past him and he breathed in through his nose as her scent wafted in the air, raising his spirits. He swallowed when he saw her long slender legs, in killer heels, stride past him into the hallway. And as she spun round to face him once more he saw her hair swish through the air in a way that made his heart race.

As he cast his gaze over her, his intrigue grew and grew. He had seen her with her hair tied back, in a stuffy uniform and flat shoes and been entranced by her eyes. But in that short dress, those heels and with her hair flowing down her back, she looked totally irresistible. Her face was fresh and young, her body firm and tender. Carlos wanted to skip dinner and move straight on to dessert. At the very least he wished he could take her in his arms right there and start kissing her. “You look truly stunning.” His voice upbeat and positive as he placed the bag on the table near the door.

“I do?”

“Absolutely, you do. And I am sure you know you look gorgeous too.”

Sarah shrugged her shoulders in an awkward way. She was like most women and never felt truly confident in the way she looked. When she first arrived in Manchester she was shocked to discover that her Lake District clothes didn't really fit in with the city lifestyle. She had even come to think that in changing her clothes to fit in, she was doing more than just changing her clothes. It was if she had to change her whole personality to suit the clothes she had on. Create a glossy exterior to conceal the real her. But then, back home, she would never be stood in front of a man like Carlos, would she?

Feeling shy and self conscious at being appraised by his deep black eyes, Sarah looked round the entrance hall and was taken by its size. The hall was as big as a room with its high ceiling and white walls, hung with a series of paintings in a style she thought must be Chinese. There was a window of stained glass at the back and a dark red mahogany table towards the side which had a bowl of yellow roses and carnations giving off a scent she recognised. She imagined such a room being photographed for a style magazine as she took in its dimensions and airy space. Did Carlos really live here on his own?

Sarah turned back to Carlos expecting him to be putting on his jacket or coat. “Where are you taking me for dinner, Señor Rodriguez?” she asked, attempting a Spanish accent as she spoke his name.

“I don't intend to take you anywhere. We will eat right here.” He spoke softly but firmly as if he didn't expect his decision to be questioned.

“Here?” Her heart thumped at his plan which had taken her by surprise. She wasn't sure why she felt so stunned at eating in his house, but it had not been her expectation. She had imagined a dimly lit, romantic bistro with attentive waiters and soft music as the piano or guitar player quietly serenaded diners from a dark corner. A chance to observe the wealthy out at play and to feel a part of that scene, even if just for one evening.

“Are you going to object to staying in?” His eyes focused in on hers. “Are you worried the food won't be up to your usual standard?”

She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she decided he was mocking her. “I... I'm not...”

“You're not what, Sarah?” He questioned and teased her simultaneously.

His voice sounded as if he was seducing her softly. Should she even be considering having a first date alone in his house? And yet if she protested would it make her sound naïve or unworldly? Is this normal big city behaviour which as a country girl she is unfamiliar with? And anyway, eating at his place doesn't automatically mean he will be jumping all over her, does it?

“I'm not sure it is what I expected. There are so many lovely restaurants around here I imagined we would be eating locally.”

“There are many wonderful restaurants – but with all the Christmas parties and over indulgent frivolities which will be taking place – it would be so much more pleasant to eat here in peaceful surroundings.” He held his hand out towards her, offering to guide her. “Follow me.”

Sarah took his hand and followed closely as he led her down a long corridor. She heard the sound of an electric whisk as they passed by a door and noticed more pictures, this time of sports people and some football memorabilia in a glass case. The door at the end of the corridor opened up into a large room with bare wooden floorboards and a range of interesting items including sculptures and antique looking chairs and curios. As she looked to her right she saw some French windows which opened into what looked to Sarah like a conservatory. And through the glass she could see a table with a large candelabra and six newly lit candles burning. The light from the candles reflecting on the glass windows because of the darkness outside.

Carlos opened the door to the conservatory, released her hand and with a flourish presented the scene to Sarah. It was lovely. There was a silver champagne bucket filled with ice and a bottle poking out of the top. The table was set and ready for two people and the smell of sweetness lightly filled the air. She was already convinced and knew this would be a perfect evening. He had made so much effort and attended to detail in a way that made her feel that he actually cared and wanted to impress her.

Not wishing to seem too keen, Sarah walked round the table and pressed her face close to the glass to look out into the garden. She could see some spotlights illuminating different sections of the grounds - a
more accurate description than garden – and noticed the leafless trees, evergreen shrubs and the frost covered lawn. It all looked like a winter film set. How stunning, she pondered, and how lucky he is to have all of this. “It's beautiful. Lucky you,” she said as she turned back to face him.

“The dinner table or the garden?” said with a hint of irritation.

“The garden. But the dinner table is wonderful too. You have made an effort for me haven't you.”

But luck had no part in Carlos's life. He walked over to be next to her, observing the curve of her dress as it stretched tightly over her firm young bottom. Her blonde hair hung as low as her waist and pulled his eyes towards her perfectly formed breasts.

He was always being informed how lucky he had been in life. That he had had it easy. But he knew luck had not featured as much as his own strong determination to be successful. He had been betrayed, and if anything, had been very unlucky. But he fought back and had become as successful in his professional and business life as anybody in his era. It had taken hard work, dedication and a single mindedness as unique and rare as anyone’s, even in a tough competitive sport.

It was his own attributes which had brought him success and enabled him to invite this stunningly beautiful young woman into his home, providing her with a dinner which would be competition for any high class restaurant.

“So, do we eat here or should I find a free table at some crowded restaurant?” He looked along the curve of her back which was emphasised due to the posture she had to hold while in high-heels. “Would you like champagne?”

Sarah's eyes widened, casually saying thanks, as if she was offered champagne every day.

“I guess we stay here. But who does the cooking, or does your food get brought in.”

Carlos laughed at the thought of getting a takeaway delivered. “I have staff.” He spoke very casually as if it was nothing to have domestics in place. “There is a cook, or house keeper and two gardeners who work part-time. And you have met my driver.”

“It all sounds very indulgent.”

He flashed Sarah a curious glance. It didn't seem at all indulgent to him, more of a necessity. He couldn't possibly do his own garden, or clean a house this size. Nor could he even think of cooking for himself, at least not every day. He had a strict regime with his food as he was a professional sportsman. He couldn't do anything other than have assistance with food preparation. And his business investments took up most of his day, so it just didn't make sense for him to spend any time doing mundane things.

But wealth was a strange partner in life he thought. It opens up a whole new world of opportunities, but – at the same time it closes off many other parts of life, forever. It can be isolating. People begin to look at you with jealousy and envy. Friends drift away and new friends appear from every nook and cranny. There was a price to pay for huge success, but there were enough benefits to compensate. “It is a necessity rather than an indulgence. I have to travel and work a lot and my time is better used with my businesses.'

“I must admit I cannot imagine you cooking a beef pie, or weeding the flowerbeds.'

“I am quite happy getting involved in the garden, I just don't have enough time to do all of it. But making pies, that is work for a woman.”

Sarah threw her head forward as she thought she was about to choke on her drink. Flashing her eyelids to clear the moisture that had formed in her eyes she looked at him. “Are you serious?”