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    Forbidden, Book 2
    Forbidden, Book 2
    Forbidden, Book 2
    Ebook202 pages4 hours

    Forbidden, Book 2

    By Mike Wells and Devika Fernando

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    When Lady Eleanor Sotheby unexpectedly enters the life of Jayne Clark, a 23-year old waitress from Wichita, Kansas, Jayne's world is turned upside down. Not only is she welcomed into a family that she never knew, but she is thrust headlong into the highest strata of European society. Nothing is too grand in the fairy tale lives of the uber-rich--the spectacular seaside villas, the sleek, chauffeured limousines, the outrageously expensive designer clothes. When Jayne plays her part and learns to fit into this new world, she meets Robert Astor, the man of her dreams. But her feelings for Robert are forbidden. Jayne's heady new life begins to unravel into a dark web of deceit, domination and greed...and she ultimately finds herself confronting an evil that truly has no limits.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMike Wells
    Release dateFeb 7, 2015
    ISBN9781311686749
    Forbidden, Book 2
    Author

    Mike Wells

    Mike Wells is an author of both walking and cycling guides. He has been walking long-distance footpaths for 25 years, after a holiday in New Zealand gave him the long-distance walking bug. Within a few years, he had walked the major British trails, enjoying their range of terrain from straightforward downland tracks through to upland paths and challenging mountain routes. He then ventured into France, walking sections of the Grande Randonnee network (including the GR5 through the Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean), and Italy to explore the Dolomites Alta Via routes. Further afield, he has walked in Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Norway and Patagonia. Mike has also been a keen cyclist for over 20 years. After completing various UK Sustrans routes, such as Lon Las Cymru in Wales and the C2C route across northern England, he then moved on to cycling long-distance routes in continental Europe and beyond. These include cycling both the Camino and Ruta de la Plata to Santiago de la Compostela, a traverse of Cuba from end to end, a circumnavigation of Iceland and a trip across Lapland to the North Cape. He has written a series of cycling guides for Cicerone following the great rivers of Europe.

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      Book preview

      Forbidden, Book 2 - Mike Wells

      Forbidden

      Book 2

      Mike Wells

      Devika Fernando

      Smashwords Edition

      Copyright 2015 Mike Wells and Devika Fernando

      This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission from the author.

      Book 2

      Chapter 2.1

      Celeste!

      Jayne Clark entered the elegantly furnished drawing room at Les Fleurs, being careful to walk gracefully, like a lady, and like her twin sister.

      For a second her breath caught in her throat.

      Standing in front of the fireplace was a tall man who looked even more handsome than in the photos. He was dressed casually, in black jeans and a blue polo shirt. He looked elegant and commanding at the same time.

      Smiling, Robert Astor stepped towards her. Jayne’s face automatically stretched to mirror his smile. Despite the fact that she was nearly paralyzed with fear, she told herself one last time that she’d be fine.

      He extended both hands to her, and she walked over and placed hers in his.

      It’s been such a long time, he said, and leaned down and pecked her on both cheeks. It felt strange, not as if they were engaged to be married but rather friends or acquaintances.

      Drawing back and keeping her fingers in his soft but firm grip, he studied her unashamedly for a moment, and it was all she could do not to squirm. She willed herself not to blush.

      You look amazing, as usual.

      Thank you, Robert, she said, remembering her mother’s instructions on how to receive compliments. It was hard for her to refrain from adding so do you.

      He let go of her hands, but not before glancing at the engagement ring—he looked pleased that she was wearing it.

      He motioned towards the front door. Shall we?

      * * *

      Giles walked the two of them out to the black stretch limo. He and the chauffeur opened the two doors so that Robert and Jayne could climb inside the huge, lush vehicle.

      They sat side by side.

      Robert took her hand.

      To Café de la Paix now, Mr. Astor? the driver asked.

      Yes, please, Robert said. The partition went up and they pulled away.

      He gave Jayne’s hand a squeeze and, pulling out his phone, said, Will you forgive me if I make one business call? It’s shabby of me, I know, but we’ve had a minor emergency in China. After that, I’m all yours for the rest of my time in Paris. I promise.

      Of course I don’t mind.

      Robert made the call and spoke partly in Chinese. Jayne paid little attention, holding his warm hand and looking out the window, trying not to stare at him. This incredibly handsome man was supposed to be someone she’d known since she was ten years old, but to her, he was a total stranger. It was all she could do not to turn and drink him in. Even his musky aftershave was alluring.

      He talked on the phone almost the entire way to the restaurant, and Jayne began to wonder if perhaps Celeste was right in saying that he was a workaholic and quite boring. That was good, though, if it was true, as it would make this entire task much easier.

      But as the limo approached Café de la Paix, Robert said goodbye to whoever he was talking to and held the phone up to her. Making a point to show her he was switching it off, he said, I won’t turn it on again until I’m back in London. Promise. Sometimes I wish the damn things had never been invented.

      Jayne merely smiled.

      They got out of the limo and stepped inside the café, where a waiter ushered them to their seats.

      Robert pulled Jayne’s chair out for her and waited for her to be seated before he took his place opposite her. Surely to Celeste this place would have seemed ordinary, but to her it was awe-inspiring. They were sitting on the terrace facing the boulevard and the grand building of the Opera Garnier. It was so resplendent and foreign to her, from the green-backed chairs and the polished, square stone pots with their small, neatly trimmed evergreen shrubs to the historical buildings with their many columns and embellished façades.

      Jayne tore her gaze away from the scene, sat up straighter and focused on Robert. With his dark hair, his big brown eyes and his sculpted features, he could give a movie star a run for his money. She felt a little calmer now, more centered. How lucky Celeste was, she thought. She noticed that he looked calm, too, and tentatively happy, but not really like someone overjoyed at meeting his fiancée again after such a long separation.

      Once again, she wondered why neither he nor Celeste had made any effort to meet more often, especially as both of them were always traveling.

      As if he had read her mind, Robert asked, I hope I haven’t interrupted any plans of yours by showing up here a day early?

      Jayne shook her head and reminded herself to mimic her sister’s speech and behavior. No, I was just relaxing at the summer villa, resting from having the flu.

      Worry knitted his brows for a moment. I hope you’re fine now….

      Yes, don’t worry, I’ve recovered.

      It’s so unlike you to be sick, Celeste. You must have run yourself down, too much jet-setting around to the fashion shows.

      Yes, that was probably it. Struggling to sound more like her twin, she added, Being sick that long was horrible. I missed most of the parties, and really had no chance to enjoy the Cote d’Azur.

      A waiter approached discreetly and rearranged the table, bringing tray after tray of delicious food that made her eyes widen despite herself. There were little fruit tarts and mini sandwiches and croissants. And seafood snacks, small filled crêpes and little jars with traditional marmalades, a plate laden with a dozen kinds of cheese, carved pieces of meat, and crispy, oven-fresh Viennese pastries smelling like heaven. To top it all, their glasses sparkled with rosé champagne.

      Wow, if this was the brunch, what would a whole meal look like?

      After the waiter had left, Robert asked, So, what have you been up to all this time? Didn’t you mention a fashion week in Frankfurt or somewhere in your last email?

      Glad they were on safe terrain with this question, Jayne launched into a detailed description about the Berlin Fashion Week her sister had attended. She had read about it on the Internet, so she was able to mention the names of famous designers and guests as well as the latest trends. She could almost hear her twin talking in her ear, gushing on and on about it, which made it easier to sound enthusiastic.

      You should have been there! she said, and a strange look crossed his face, vanishing before she could be sure what it had meant.

      Jayne realized she was probably boring Robert to hell, so she changed tracks. Best to let him do the talking now before he’d ask her something she wouldn’t be able to answer so easily.

      And you? Working in China non-stop, or have you found some time to relax?

      I did squeeze in time for a trip, actually. Some mates from Oxford organized a safari at Kruger National Park in South Africa, and I didn’t want to miss the chance. My father wasn’t too happy about it because it meant I was gone for ten days, but I’m so glad I went.

      Leaning back and relaxing a little for the first time in minutes, Jayne listened to him describing the safari with all the wild beasts they had seen. His face lit up and made him look almost boyish, and she could see how much he had loved being in the outdoors and having all those new experiences. For a moment, she pictured him in safari gear, among lions, giraffes, gazelles, and elephants, and although she remembered the photo of him as a swanky businessman all too well, this image seemed the real Robert.

      She wondered what look was on her face, because he stopped himself mid-sentence and grinned ruefully.

      I’m sorry, I’m rambling. I know you don’t care much about those things. You’d be pleased to hear that we did attend a rather elegant shindig in Cape Town before I headed back to London.

      There was a hint of humor to his voice, as if he were making fun of the fact that Celeste was such a party girl.

      Jayne hadn’t been bored by his vivid tale at all, but of course she couldn’t let that on. Groping for something to say, she decided to play the ace that Celeste had given her to get him talking for hours.

      So how is your work? What’s this new factory in China going to make?

      Oh, you’re not really interested in that.

      Yes I am, Rob. Of course I am!

      He eyed her skeptically but started telling her about it. It’s a joint venture with some Chinese partners, a three hundred thousand square meter facility that will make… His eyes started to light up, but he shut his mouth. No, I refuse to bore you with this, Celeste. He chuckled. But it is exciting to me, because it’s the first project I’ve ever been given at the company that’s completely mine—I’ve been in charge from day one and will be until the factory is up and running smoothly in a few more months. He paused, motioning to her. I guess you’d say this project is a test to see if I can ‘make my bones.’

      Jayne laughed. Who are your Chinese partners, the Triad?

      He chuckled. Sometimes I wonder. Anyway, I’m pretty stressed about it. I only hope I do a good job.

      Of course you will, Jayne said reassuringly.

      Thanks for your vote of confidence. It helps.

      He just sat there, looking at her expectantly, as if the subject of work was finished. This was good news for Celeste—Jayne would have to inform her that her fiancé did not blather on for hours about business, like she said he did. But it wasn’t such good news for Jayne. What else could they talk about?

      She settled on another safe option. How are your parents?

      Oh, I almost forgot, he said and frowned, My mummy told me to send her love, and to tell you not to worry the least bit, she has the grandest ‘wedding of the decade’ planned out in her head already.

      Jayne swallowed and struggled for the right reaction. You mean with white horses and carriages and all that?

      Robert laughed again, and the pleasant sound did funny things to her stomach, which was already a tight, knotted ball of nervously wriggling worms.

      Jayne had the feeling he’d never go against his mother’s wishes.

      Before she could ask him to convey her regards to his mother too, he looked past her, out the window to the sidewalk, and frowned. Oh, no….

      What’s wrong? she said uneasily. For some reason she thought Robert’s mother might have appeared.

      Paparazzi, he whispered. Don’t look now, but we’re about to have our picture taken. Robert reached over and took her hand. Smile for the cameras and make the best of it.

      Jayne did so, imitating Eleanor’s gracious smile. The next thing she knew there were two hairy-looking guys pressing big cameras up against the front window, snapping off pictures. Robert looked into Jayne’s eyes and her heart fluttered. After a few more seconds a security guard stepped up to them and shooed the two men off.

      Robert sighed and let go of Jayne’s hand. Sometimes I think I’ll never get a moment’s peace from those people.

      Yes, Jayne said, as if this was something she had to deal with on a daily basis, too.

      Robert shifted in his chair, and said, rather awkwardly, Celeste, about the wedding, there’s something I’d like to ask you.

      His voice had lost all traces of humor, and Jayne’s stomach plummeted into the cellar. What was he about to say? Surely he wasn’t going to back out….

      The worry must have shown on her face, for he held up his hands, and one corner of his mouth curved into the hint of a smile.

      Don’t look at me like that, I’m not jumping ship.

      She was too much on edge to smile. Robert grew serious again.

      Leaning forward, he said, Celeste, what I wanted to talk about was: don’t you think we should get to know each other better before we tie the knot?

      She moistened her lips anxiously, fumbling for an answer.

      Without waiting for a reply, he went on, I mean, the wedding is only months away and I have the feeling I don’t even really know you. We used to be so close, but that was years and years ago. I want us to be that close again. Don’t you, darling?

      He broke off and stared into the distance, and she wondered whether he was caught in memories, or rather imagining their future together.

      Feeling it was high time to react, Jayne said, You’re right, of course, but we’re still close, aren’t we? At least I still feel close to you. She felt strange saying this to a man she had actually only met an hour ago. We’ll have a chance to spend more time together once we’re married.

      Please don’t let him mean he wants to meet me regularly, she thought to herself in near panic. I can’t take it. Her fear escalated when she realized maybe he wanted to…how would these upper class people put it? Assess their sexual compatibility?

      Robert refocused on her, his jaw set, and with a strange determination in his voice said, "But don’t you think after we get married will be too late? I want us to…to date, if you want to call it that. Let’s have some quality time together and catch up on all those lost years."

      Jayne could feel her palms begin to sweat.

      Why did he want to be with her all of a sudden when he hadn’t cared much about it in the past? It seemed that he was having second thoughts on marrying Celeste.

      Hoping that her pulse didn’t hammer visibly in her throat, she looked away, her mind racing.

      What to say? What to do?

      Eleanor would know. She’d find a way. The best

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