chapter 3

Chapter 3.

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'Not for long, he tossed back over his shoulders, leading the way to the rear end of the house . And don't consider going for squatters ' rights either.

She'd been about to ask what computer system he used, attempt to establish that she had a life and a career ,and wasn't just some helpless hopeful. Now all she hoped was that the whole thing would crash spectacularly at some crucial moment.

He stood back, allowing her to precede him. 'You can wait in here. Please don't make yourself too comfortable. I'm just going to make a phone call.

'And put some clothes on as we ?, Marta gave rgr dressing an acid glance.

This, he said softly, is my Sunday morning. I will dress... And do as I like. ' Just remember lady, you came Knocking on my door, not the other way round.

Bitting her lips, Marta walked past him . She found herself in a long trianglar room with one was that seemed to be made entirely of glass . The main item of furniture was a long table supplied with high dark oak chairs. On the table, besides a magazine,was a used plate and knife,an empty nug, and a dish of dark red jam .

Despite her best effort,Marta felt her nose twitching longly . It had been a long time since the chicken pie and a carton of milk which she'd consumed at the train station.

But something warned her that it would take the grace of God before the owner offered her a cup of water .

Selfish pig, she thought, Greedy. To take her mind off her empty stomach, Marta wandered over the to the windows. Beyond them, she was amazed of greenery . No walls or fence, she noted , puzzled. Just a riot of tall and huge tree , already heavy with approaching Sumner . There were late flowering hibiscus, roses and a great banks of fuchsias . Behind the leafy barrier she caught a glimpse of the more strident green of a lawn . And a sunlit dazzle of water.

It was the last thing she'd expected to find, here in the middle of the city . This wonderful secret wilderness.

It was like the garden behind her parents' home. The one she , Hermes and others used to play in, she thought, although on a vastly larger scale , and for a moment she was assailed by a pang of homesick so strong that she could have cried out.

'Is something wrong?, The owner had joined her, tapping out numbers on a cordless phone. Clearly he didn't miss much.

I ..... I was just looking at the garden. Marta bit her lips. ' It looks great. Who... Who does it belong to?

' Everyone whose house backs on to it , he returned laconically. ' It's a communal venture.

Then, into the phone, Melissa sorry to annoy you at the weekend, but do you have any place available in that doss house of yours? . 'Yes just just one stray female wandering in off the street . He laughed. No, not feline, although I 'd say she has claws. He listened for a minute, grinning. Not a chance, sweetheart. She's definitely not my type, and claims to be spoken for anyway. You can?, He asked sounding Please. You're a saint. I'll send her round right away.

He switched off the phone. ' Well that's you fixed up.

She glared at him, 'It never occurred to you that I'd like to make my own arrangements, I suppose?

'Frankly, No. His grin deepened . 'So , what was your major plan? Camping on my doorstep, looking hopeless, helpless and homeless, until Hermes comes back?' He shook his head . 'You'd lower the tone of the neighborhood.

'No, you'll be all right with Melissa, he went on, ignoring her furious gasp. And she's got a kind heart,so I would take it personal if she was made a fool of in any way . By someone doing a runner, for instance, without paying the rent.

' She'll be paid? Marta asked trying to figure out where she could possibly have seen him before,and reverted effortlessly to simply loathing him again . ' Although I don't expect to be staying there for long.

'Of course not. You'll be waiting for Hermes to provide a suitable love nest , no doubt. And maybe he might. Only it won't be under my roof.

' And what the hell had it to do with you?

' As I mentioned, he's married. Maybe I have more scruples.

And, as if on cue , a lady's voice called, Royal.. Royal , honey, where are you?

Marta glance towards the hall , could see long bare legs descending the stairs.

The redhead appeared and stood, posing like a model in that doorway was using a bright orange coloured towel as a sarong.

'Darling, she said, pouting. I woke up and couldn't find you. She glanced towards Marta. But I didn't realize you were.. entertaining. She looked at Marta from head to toe , 'If this is your latest, then your taste must be slipping, she said laughing, her laughter was slightly metallic..

'What did you say?, Marta asked, ready to drag her ..

'That's enough ladies , Royal said. 'Wrong on all counts, Jessy , my love . Ms Wellman is just a passing acquaintance. He sent Marta an edged look . ' And hopefully, passing out of my life for good very soon. Now go back to bed, and I'll see you presently.

The girl sent him a radiant smile,the top of her pink tongue caressing her upper lip. ' Is that a promise?, she asked.

' Trust me . His low was low pitched, intimate. The air in the room seemed suddenly electric.

For a shocked minute, Marta was aware of a slight frisson a tingle down get spine.

Royal was undeniably sexy if you liked that sort of things .

' Bye little miss freak ,Jessy said. Turing and trailing obediently back upstairs..

FREAK?, Royal chuckled...

TBC.