Deceit of Angels by Julia Bell

beautiful princess. All we need now is to find the handsome
prince,” Jason answered, smiling.
    “Don’t
be silly. I’m far from being a beautiful princess!”
    “Beauty
is in the eye of the beholder, Anna.”  He kissed her hand.  “You have a
wonderful innocence about you that I find very appealing.”  She turned her head
away to hide her embarrassment.  He lifted her face towards him with the edge
of his forefinger and murmured softly,  “Have you had a pleasant day, your
first day in the fairytale castle?”
    “Oh,
yes, except for meeting Elizabeth Harrington, who I shall hate for the rest of
my days.”
    “Why,
for goodness sake?”
    “Because
I’m not totally convinced you employed me on my own merits. I’m sure she had
something to do with it.”
    He
shook his head.  “She didn’t, I assure you,” he whispered.
    His
arms came slowly round her, pulling her nearer, his face pressed against her
hair. When he started to brush his lips gently on her cheek, Anna felt herself
melting. The thrill that ran down her spine was something she had never
experienced before, but then a terrible thought came to her that she was
behaving little better than her husband and for a few seconds she tensed.  Even
so, the emotions that were overwhelming her and making her legs go weak, had an
irresistible force which compelled her to remain still.  No, she wasn’t like
her husband.  Dave was not part of her life any more, they had separated and
she wasn’t hurting anyone by her conduct.
    Ignoring
her mind, she focused attention on her body, welcoming his caress until
gradually, his lips moved closer to hers and when they finally met, her
feelings surrendered.
    Anna
couldn’t remember how long they kissed.  She didn’t even care.  She was only
aware of her palpitating heart and the blood surging round her body and the
knowledge she wanted more.  His tongue explored her mouth tenderly, causing her
to sink against him, her arms reaching up to encircle his neck.  Dave had never
kissed her like this.  This was so different.  More sensual and demanding and
somehow, more fulfilling.
    Jason
lifted his head, his eyes shining with relief and excitement at her response.
He was certain of one thing; he wanted Anna in his bed.
    “If
you only knew how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he murmured, holding the side
of her face and stroking her lips with his thumb. “I’ve fallen in love with
you, Anna.”
    She
couldn’t believe what she was hearing.  “Jason. I don’t think I...” Her voice
faded into space.
    “I
realise you might think it too soon after Kiera, but let me assure you, it was
over long ago between my wife and me.  However, if you want more time then I
don’t mind waiting.”
    It
sounded wonderful, his soft words mesmerising her, and yet deep within her soul
was such a terrible, black secret, she thought it would surely rise up and
choke his words forever.
    She
tried to see his face, but the gloom was too intense.  “You’ve no idea what
you’ll be taking on!” she said.
    “Well,
I’ve always enjoyed a challenge,” he said and in spite of the shadows she knew he
was smiling.
    “I
need some time to think.”
    “Of
course.” His fingers caressed her cheek, before he added, “Would you like to go
to the golf club tomorrow?  I could teach you how to play golf and then we
could have a spot of lunch.”
    “That
sounds wonderful.  But what makes you think I can’t play golf?”
    “Can
you?” he said. 
    His
surprise made her grin.  “I was only captain of the ladies team for twelve
months.”
    “Well,
goodness me!  You never mentioned it,” he said.  He gave a low chuckle. 
“What’s your handicap?”
    Anna
thought for a moment.  “Shan’t tell.  I wouldn’t want to put you off your game
knowing you had such a formidable opponent.”
    He
pulled her more closely towards him.  “I think tomorrow is going to be very
interesting.  Come on. Let’s go inside.  The temperature