The Billionaire's Housekeeper Mistress Read Online Free Page A

denial of any familiarity between them. ‘Congratulations on your win,’ she said tersely. ‘I didn’t place a bet on your horse.As I told you before, I don’t gamble, so there’s nothing more to say, is there? We have nothing in common.’
    Ethan was not about to let his feet be cut out from under him before he’d even started to make inroads on getting to know her. He turned his smile into an ironic grimace. ‘I need some assistance.’
    She raised a disbelieving eyebrow, offering him no encouragement to spell it out.
    ‘That is your job, isn’t it? Assisting any of the guests here who have a problem?’ he pushed.
    ‘What is your problem, Mr Cartwright?’ she demanded, her eyes glinting open scepticism.
    ‘You are, Daisy Donahue.’
    She frowned, her certainty that he had no problem shifting into a flicker of fear. ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘I have the curious sensation that you’re shooting mental bullets at me all the time. I’d like you to tell me why.’
    For a moment her face went totally blank, as though a switch had been thrown and defensive shutters had instantly clicked into place. He watched her labouring to construct an apologetic expression—a sheer act of will, against her natural grain. Her eyes took on a pleading look, begging his forgiveness. Her mouth softened into an appealing little smile. She spoke in a tone that mocked herself.
    ‘I’ve just had to deal with some trouble in the catering tent and it may cause more trouble. I’m sorry if I’ve channelled my own angst onto you, Mr Cartwright. I didn’t mean to attract your attention. In fact, you’ll be doing me a great favour if you’ll walk away from me right now. My boss won’t like it if she sees you talking to me.’
    ‘Surely as a guest I’m entitled to speak to whomever I like,’ he argued.
    ‘I’m not a guest and I’m taking up your time—time Miss Twiggley would prefer you to spend with her,’ she said pointedly.
    ‘I’ve said all I intend to say to Lynda Twiggley.’
    ‘That’s not my business. If I don’t stay clear of you, my job might very well be at risk. So please excuse me, Mr Cartwright.’
    ‘Be damned if I will!’ Frustration fumed through him. His hand snaked out and grabbed her arm as she turned away to escape him again. ‘This isn’t the Dark Ages!’ he shot out before she could voice a protest.
    ‘Oh, yes, it is!’ she retorted with blistering scorn, the defence system cracking wide open at being forcibly held. Wild hostility poured into wild accusation. ‘You’re acting like a feudal lord manhandling a servant girl who can’t fight back.’
    The image was wrong. She could fight back. She was doing it with all her mental might. But for once in his life Ethan wanted to be a feudal lord, having his way with this woman. He knew he should release her yet his mind had lost all sense of civilised behaviour. Imposing this physical link with her was arousing a host of primitive feelings that demanded satisfaction.
    ‘You’re denying me the assistance I asked for,’ he argued.
    ‘With good reason,’ she hotly returned.
    ‘Nonsense! It’s totally unreasonable!’
    ‘What is the matter with you?’ she cried in exasperation. ‘Why bother with me when—?’
    ‘Because you bother me more than anyone here.’
    ‘What? Because I’m not seeking your attention? Areyou so used to women hanging on your every word, your high and mighty ego is pricked by one who doesn’t?’
    ‘You did want my attention, Daisy Donahue,’ he slung back at her in burning certainty. ‘You were looking at me.’
    She tried to explain it away, biting out the words with icy precision. ‘The model you were talking to had complained about coffee not having been served. I had intended to inform her it was on its way when I saw you with her.’ Her teeth were bared in a savagely mocking smile. ‘Mindful of my boss’s instructions and contrary to your arrogant assumption, I didn’t want to draw any more attention