The Heart of Deception

Chapter 1

“Last chance,” Lauren told herself, tilting her head from side to side, adjusting the weight of her helmet. “The engine’s still running, and no-one has seen your face yet, you don’t have to do this.”

The sledgehammer of reality hit her square between the eyes, and her courage fled. An underlying nervousness had been simmering while she rode and now bordered on panic as her conscience kicked in, and urged her to bolt back down the driveway.

Watching her from the veranda was a slim attractive woman in her mid-thirties, wearing a pale blue sarong.

Lauren’s heart pounded in her ears above the thrum of 600cc Kawasaki engine between her thighs. Her mouth suddenly felt dry, as she looked up at the frowning woman. From Diane’s description, this had to be Helen, Diane’s sister-in-law. Lauren watched her spin on her heel, her blonde bob twirling as she disappeared around the corner.

Without the rushing air to cool her, the midday sun felt like it would roast her in the black leather pants and jacket she wore. Beads of perspiration broke out on her forehead and upper lip. Under the gloves, Lauren’s hands were hot and clammy. Her identical twin sister’s wedding and engagement rings on her left hand, felt awkward and bulky, adding to her discomfort.

“No!” she muttered beneath her full-faced helmet. ”I can’t do it! Not this time!”

As twins, Lauren and Diane were identical in appearance, although opposites in personality. Despite this, they’d complimented each other well. Lauren had always been quiet and thoughtful, but not introverted and her sister outgoing and charismatic.

Back then, life had been fun and exciting. As adults, living apart, Lauren’s life had begun to feel almost mundane – until last week - when Diane materialised after being missing for nearly two years.

 Diane had done it again!

She’d swept Lauren up in her whirlwind of vibrancy. After a few drinks last night, her plan to swap lives for a few months sounded like fun, and almost feasible. But now Lauren was stone-cold sober, and losing her nerve. Common sense screamed at her to leave – immediately.

“We’re too old for these life-swapping stunts!”

But, before she could make a move, a tall athletic man, wearing only a pair of bathing shorts, hastily stepped out from behind the house.

His thick, blonde hair was drenched, and his broad shoulders glistened in the sunlight. Water streamed from his swimming trunks, down his muscular legs. He crossed powerful arms over his bronzed chest as he came to a halt in front of the motorcycle, blocking her escape. Cool blue eyes scrutinised her from between narrowed lids.

Lauren froze as her brain went into meltdown.

“Holy shit, Diane lied,” she murmured to herself. “Kurt isn’t 'reasonably attractive' – he’s drop-dead gorgeous.”

All thoughts of fleeing the huge pineapple farm vanished, as she fought the unfamiliar urge to run an exploratory finger across the hairless expanse of his chest.

“What are you thinking?” her conscience shrieked. “He’s Diane’s husband! He’s your brother-in-law!”

Lauren was thankful she hadn’t yet removed the helmet. Her cheeks were burning with embarrassment.

“You’re on private property. Can I help you?”

His commanding baritone brought her out of her reverie.

Watch out Lauren, this guy is not available. Besides, you’re not meant to have those sorts of feelings for a brother-in-law, surely? Her astonishing state of arousal left her horrified.