Read Wanted: Love in London Series 1 for Free Online Page B

the start, no strings. Yes, we had fun together, but I’m sorry, it meant nothing to me.”
    Outside the door, Elizabeth visibly paled at his tone.
    She heard the woman gasp before she shrieked on the other end. “You’re an absolute pig, Theo Steele. Do you know how many men would kill to be in your position for a night with me? Why, I—”
    “Victoria, I said enough.” Theo’s voice silenced what promised to be a tirade. He spoke very quietly and with such contained menace that Elizabeth felt sorry for the poor woman, whoever she was. “I told you to stop calling me. I never promised you anything. Do not contact me again.” He hung up the phone before she could protest any further.
    The spurge of courage that had her rooted to the spot, eavesdropping on their conversation, had now evaporated and she was just about to turn back around when she heard his voice.
    “Elizabeth, do come in.”
    Her face burning with embarrassment, she quietly walked into his office, shutting the door. She slid into the chair opposite him, unable to look at him in the eye.
    “I’m, er, really sorry,” she faltered over her words, fiddling with her shirt sleeve. “I didn’t mean to overhear your conversation.” She winced at her feeble words. He swooped round his desk to perch on the edge so that he was looming over her, crossing his arms.
    “How are you?” he asked, ignoring her discomfort.
    She glanced at his thigh, the pull of fine fabric over his muscular leg distracting her. Dragging her eyes to meet his, his close proximity was having an effect on her as she remembered the strong muscles of his arms wrapped around her. The intensity of his eyes, darker than usual, was unnerving as he studied her. She wondered if he could hear the loud thumping of her heart or see the rush of blood to her ears.
    She subtly pressed herself into the back of the chair and smiled shyly at him. “I’m okay. Thank you, Theo.” He continued to stare at her, his gaze unfaltering. “Thank you for sending Edward this morning too. I appreciate it, but really, it’s not necessary as I’m fine now.”
    “That’s not up for discussion,” he dryly responded, walking back round to his side of the desk and perusing some paperwork, seemingly ignoring her protest.
    “I’m sorry, pardon?” Irritated at his response, she sat up straighter in her chair, her voice more forceful than before. She was not one of his many women that he could dictate to. “I can look after myself, Theo. I don’t need a baby-sitter.”
    He put down his papers, giving her his full attention, glaring at her. “I’m not in the mood for any more arguments today.”
    “I didn’t realize I was arguing,” she said warily.
    “You don’t have to. I can see what’s going on in that head of yours.” He sighed. “Look, Elizabeth. The safety of my staff is paramount. Until we know that bastard is put away, while you work under my care, I owe a duty of care to protect my staff. That’s all.”
    Stung by his words, her mouth went dry whilst her brain seemed to seize up completely. Sucking in some air, she had to force herself to breathe evenly.
    “I understand,” she said tightly, gritting her teeth as she stood up. “Thank you for the company’s generosity. I hope this mess will be soon resolved so that I don’t have to impinge on the company expenses any further than necessary.” She held her head high and walked out his office, her eyes stinging with tears which she refused to let spill over. How could she have been so stupid to even consider that perhaps he may have been attracted to her? Clearly the man she witnessed from Friday night was long gone, replaced once again by the ruthless machine that was Theo Steele.

6
    O n Wednesday , Theo was lunching with an important client in the city, who was also part of the new investment. Elizabeth was invited along to take some notes following their lunch, so she had taken extra care of her appearance that morning, wanting to