Possessive: At Her Masters Side (Kingswood Saga Book 5) Completed

1. Geneva

Congratulations were coming from all around me and I felt a sense of pride in what I had accomplished, the little boutique hotel was fresh and current and the opening event full of influential potential customers.

I eyed the crowd over my glass of champagne and watched as the rich and powerful smooze each other with a jaded eye. These were people I had grown up around, but recently I was frustrated with those who saw my surname rather than me. I knew I had got this job under my own merits, submitting all my designs under my working name Geneva Loxley, something Grandad Duncan had suggested when I had complained to him about favouritism.

My glass empty I turned to place it on the bar, hopefully I could escape now. But I found my way blocked by a tall body, my eyes travelling up till they locked with deep chocolate ones. I tried to step back but the bar was tight behind me and I had nowhere to go.

"Sorry" I whispered looking down, feeling delicately feminine next to this man.

His finger lifted my chin and he searched my expression before speaking. "It was my fault, but I am afraid I cannot apologise for bumping into such a beautiful lady"

His voice was like rich chocolate and I shivered in response, feeling the loss of his contact when he took a step back. "I'm Henry. Please will you join me for a drink" he asked politely.

I shook my head, "I was just leaving" I whisper, drawn to him but nervous by it.

He held out his hand and took mine "Please" he asked softly and I felt myself nod.

"Only one, then I must go" I countered and he nodded, lifting two glasses of champagne and handing me one, before guiding me towards a pair of chairs.

I sip the drink and watch him, watching me. "Its a beautiful hotel" he says and I smile.

"It is, these older buildings are wonderful, the period detailing and use of materials make them so interesting" I reply and I see a small quirk of his lips, as if he wants to smile.

"You like architecture?" he asked and I shake my head.

"I like beautiful buildings, and the opportunity to create beautiful spaces" I tell him and he laughs, the smile transforming his face. "You should smile more" I tell him transfixed.

"You are quite a mystery, will you tell me your name?" he replies and I shake my head, I like this game, the air of mystery, after tonight I doubt I will see him again, but I don't want to risk the family name causing any unnecessary interest.

"You won't tell me?" he questions with a small smile.

"No, I don't think I will" I tease with a grin.

"Will you allow me three questions?" he asks and I pause before nodding.

"Do you work here?"

"Not anymore" I reply, knowing that could be taken in a number of ways.

"Intriguing. Are you single?"

I laugh, "Yes, I've been too busy and not found the right man to dally with"

"Curious. Would you spend tonight with me?"

My eyes widen as I look at him in shock, "You are very forward and I appreciate that but no, I will not spend tonight with you" I reply sounding a lot calmer that I feel.

"Is there anything I can do to change your mind?" he questions but I shake my head.

"You have used your three questions, but no, nothing you say would change my mind"

"Then I am truly disappointed, you are by far the most interesting female I have ever met" he laughs, easing a little of the tension between us.

I finish the champagne and set down the empty glass. "Thank you Henry and now, I need to go" I tell him rising from the chair. He mirrors my move and steps close.

"May I kiss you?" he asks towering over me and I weigh up the risk to my equilibrium in letting him.

"Yes" I whisper and his lips claim mine, it's not a gentle kiss, his mouth devours mine and I almost change my mind about spending the night with him, but my sanity remains. I pull back breathing heavily as his forehead rests lightly on mine.

"I will find you again" he promises and my heart races as I shake my head and step back.

"Goodbye Henry" I tell him and walk away.