Taken aback, she took a step back, feeling trapped. - Good evening, Nabilla.
The hardness she read in his eyes belied the softness in his voice. Despite the mad emotion that gripped her, Nabilla noticed a few new wrinkles, like tiny fans spread out above her cheekbones. She also observed the slight bluish circles that highlighted her grey eyes today, still as piercing. He stood there looking at her, towering above her. Nabilla bowed her head, heart pounding. - Why did you refuse to talk to me, he asked. As the young woman was silent, he added - I regret this stratagem, but we absolutely have to have a discussion, Nabilla. The young Escort Girl clenched his fists deep in his pockets but managed to keep his head held high. Despite the streetlights, he couldn't see her eyes red with tears, nor her trembling lips. - It seems to me that we have an appointment tomorrow at 10 o'clock, master, she said, playing indifferent. What you have to tell me can wait until then, I think. No! With a gesture of impatience, he invited her to walk up the street. Come, I'll take you home. My car is parked near here: we'll be more comfortable there. Nabilla did not move. I really don't see what we could talk about, master. I Geoffrey, he corrected dryly. I. . . Well, I told Dania I didn't want to talk to you. Obviously, she did not know how to make herself understood. Dania has nothing to do with it. I followed you. But I took the elevator. - It makes no difference. - For me, if Nabilla, I did not come to argue with you in the middle of the street. Would you be so kind as to accompany me to the car? I just want that. .. that we were talking about. Nabilla shrugged.

- Of your marriage, perhaps, she quipped. What a pity you didn't bring your fiancée tonight. I would have been delighted to meet him. I'm sure she'll really enjoy ZaraBook. - I think so, yes. Come, he added, taking her by the arm. As she was about to protest, he silenced her with a menacing look. Furious, she followed him down the narrow street that opened onto the square, where a splendid white Cadillac was waiting for them. The driver opened the door for them and Geoffrey pushed her inside. She took refuge in the back of the car and he got in after her. The driver took his place at the wheel, Geoffrey gave him the young woman's address and the separation window went up, isolating them in a cocoon of soft leather and tinted windows.

Nabilla, uncomfortable, sank into the padded seat. She had not found such luxury for years and her body appreciated the comfort of this interior. Geoffrey turned to her. - Do you like your work at Ballin Designer Associantes? Nabilla nodded yes. a - I was very lucky that Mr. Clyde Lemag agreed to hire me. How did you know I work for him. It's been barely a fortnight… An ironic smile appeared on his lips.

- Because nothing you do escapes me, Nabilla You should know that. Clyde was however very reluctant at first, but I believe I convinced him of your talents. She straightened up in her seat. - I have a few connections. . .

- You mean you used your Escort Girl influence to thank him. I need you too much at ZaraBook. Nabilla suppressed the burst of nervous laughter that rose to her throat. She grabbed the door handle. Ask the driver to stop the car, I'll take the bus… Tomorrow, Mr. Balwin will receive my letter of resignation. Geoffrey's lips quirked into an imperceptible smile and in a hoarse voice he said: - I think he will miss you very much, but he will understand, I am sure, that your place is with me and that the role I suggest you will suit you much better. . . - A role. . . ? YOU. you are not serious! she said, choking. I have never been so. Your place is at ZaraBook and nowhere else. Nabilla cast a worried look through the window of the Cadillac. Geoffrey leaned towards her. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to come and settle down there tonight, I'm taking you home, if only to give you time to pack your bags before... A You're delirious! she cut him off. Let me go out ! Come on, calm down. The young man's face was so close that she could feel his breath on her cheek. Suddenly, she became aware of the touch of a caress on her sensitive neck and of the strange shiver it caused throughout her body. Geoffrey's mouth felt dangerously close to her… She parted her face slightly, her cheeks burning. Geoffrey, she whispered, don't you think you've hurt me enough. . . Of badness? he repeated. When we are married, I hope you will get to know me better. . . Stupor could be read on Lynn's face and, taken aback, she asked: - Married? - Yes, you heard me perfectly. I'm going to marry you, Lynn. And whether you like it or not. Nabilla repressed a start of fear and in a voice altered by fear as much as by emotion, she declared: Even if Miss Attenborough would agree and me too, I doubt very much that the courts of this country will recognize it. .. bigamy.

- No, indeed. But Rebecca won't oppose our marriage, if that's what you're concerned about. She turned. . . volatilized. I won't marry you, even if you were the only man on earth! I… With a kiss, he silenced her. A shiver ran through her at the contact of that hard mouth against her luscious, quivering lips. His whole being was in the grip of an uncontrollable desire. Only Geoffrey could create in her such a feeling, such a fever. She who had been struggling for so long against her attraction to this formidable man, seemed at this moment to have lived through so many inner battles only while waiting for this magic kiss. She felt possessed by him as one is by a demon. He was that demon. And she wasn't even defending herself. A single kiss had been enough for her to be lost. She thought of her pride, tried to remember her hatred. Then

she no longer thought of anything: she gave herself up entirely. However, as soon as he released her, she regained her fears. He examined her carefully. What would happen now? Was he going to take the opportunity to ridicule her to refine his power over her?

Was what she had always feared happening?

Would she become his prey? .

She hid her face in her hands. Too many violent and contradictory feelings crossed her. Shame, fear, desire… Aware of the trouble he had caused, he smiled mockingly, triumphantly. Well, I believe that if on our wedding day you are so convincing, no one will doubt that we were married for love. Unable to articulate a word, Nabilla had the impression that a chasm was opening up under her feet. Anyway, Rebecca's escape leaves me no choice. The reception, the ball and the honeymoon reservations, everything is organized. The good society of Brisbane would not understand that I cancel. This marriage

will take place. . . with you. Ulcerated, Nabilla rebelled. You are crazy ! You can't force me.

Find someone else! Cynical and haughty, he allowed himself a cold smile that made her shudder. It is impossible for you, Lynn, to resist my proposal. I'm not just talking about the debt you still owe me, but about your current situation. Without my intervention, your father's creditors would not have been so patient. Not to mention. . .

- You... you are odious!

- But it is you who do not want to understand! In your place, I would be a little more reasonable. I offer you ZaraBook, the possibility of restoring the image of Escorts, of restoring to your family the place which, through your father's fault, it lost. Admit that you have everything to gain. Think about it… Quivering, ulcerated, Nabilla fought against the urge to cry when the Cadillac stopped in front of her house and the driver came to open the door for her. She still saw Geoffrey's tall dark figure waiting in front of the car until she had opened the door to her studio, then she heard the car drive away with a squeal of tires.

Legs wobbly, the young woman collapsed on the sofa bed. This marriage project would not see the light of day. He couldn't see the day. a She had had a nightmare... She was going to wake up and laugh at this absurd dream... And if that was not the case, she would leave Brisbane. She would leave. She would rebuild her life elsewhere. He didn't care how or where. She could not agree to enter into this delirium and marry. . . Nabilla was awakened by the sound of knocking on her door. Who was the bastard who dared to make this racket at dawn? His first instinct was to immediately take refuge under the covers and go back to sleep. She had only slept a few hours that night because, unable to sleep and plagued by a terrible headache from endlessly rehashing the same questions without being able to find answers, she had taken a sleeping pill in the early hours of dawn. Pushing back the sheet, she glanced at the alarm clock. Not yet 8 hours.

But we were still knocking. And getting stronger. She crawled out of bed grumbling and went to the window, opened the curtains and peeked out. Trees, nothing but trees with dusty leaves stirred by a light breeze. She must have been dreaming… parked downstairs, in front of the door of her building. a She was immediately awakened. What to do ? She wasn't ready to meet Geoffrey yet, and certainly not in this state. What did he want with her at this hour? Heart pounding, she cherished for a moment the hope that he had come to apologize to her. A hope that was immediately belied by the tone of the voice she heard behind the door. Nabilla! he suddenly yelled. Open to me, good God! When she didn't answer, he insisted. Nabilla! Open immediately or I'll kick down the door! She put on a white cotton dress,

So you open, yes or no With a slightly shaking hand, she slid the safety chain strap, slowly turned the lock and opened, her throat tight with emotion. There he was, superb in his blue linen three-piece suit. . . and his eyes brighter than steel flashed.

- You again ! she whispered. Definitely...

- Am I disturbing you ? he cut her off, stepping into the doorway. Your boyfriend is still there, maybe?

- I don't have… Nabilla bit her lip. What if she hadn't had the presence of mind, the day before, to put forward a sentimental tie. I suspected it. That will make my job easier, he said. At least I won't have to empty your mind. The young woman stared at him, incredulous. Listen, Geoffrey, I think you've had time to think, too. I understand that the unexpected departure of your fiancee took you by surprise and that yesterday.

Nabilla