r before that. He could have been a part-time father to her throughout her childhood. The couple who had looked after her h

her father was busy elsewhere. She couldn't remember exactly when she had learnt that he had another family. The sense of being an outcast went back

r with all the pent-up resentment o

And I won't!' she had cried. 'Do

ere. She didn't belong anywhere. And while he had fulfilled a limited father role ove

. 'It's a bit late for tha

,' he answered easily, rem

e stunning-looking women, dressed and groomed in the height of fashion-probably models, Vivienne thought-and all laughing at something th

ir Gabriel muttered i

tic flutter. Even at this distance in time Adrian Blackwood had an effect on her that no o

nterest or curiosity. Not after what had happened before. That one time so long ago

ould not allow the feelings he aroused in her to show in any way... to be

hoped that it would not stop short of where she and her father were seate

facade of indifference as the

come, Ad

, darli

u couldn't

enne thought savagely. The other men in the party obviously didn't count. The women

the cards and the roses was utter madness. His whole attitude

riel

ord of memory and vibrated along it, mak

ons in his smooth, charming manner. 'Please take my guests on to our

r father said in reluctant acknowled

or intruding

e hadn't noticed. Vivienne clamped her fingers together, nails pressing tightly into her flesh under cover of the tablecloth. T

g up the tall, lean physique of the man-elegantly clothed in a dinner-suit. Her gaze lingered briefly on the darkly tanned throat-she knew now that he would be just as she remembered hi

had their power to draw and hold her, probing into her soul,