She caught his angry dark eyes and wandered what the heck she'd done. She looked away, not wanting him to read anything in her eyes. She could not deny how swauve he looked, in his dark blue suit, rippling muscles evident beneath the cream silk shirt. She clenched her fingers into a fist. The familiar scent of his cologne painfully taunted her senses.

His eyes studied her, taking note of her sitting on the opposite side of her table. Too many files and documents to look at, she opted for the area providing more space on the other side. His eyes narrowed as he took in her cream Hermes suit perfectly fitted on her as if it was designed on her hourglass figure. His gaze weakly dropped to the cleavage slightly visible from her apple green shirt.

Caitlin was not even going to bother to establish exactly how he knew where her office was. She knew Nicholas could be a resourceful man, it was just part of his make-up. She slowly exhaled the breath she had unconsciously being holding, best she establish the nature of his visit.

She looked into Katie's eyes, there was some confusion plainly evident on her concerned face. Caitlin's face did not reveal anything, her tone was polite as she responded, 'It's okay Katie.' Caitlin resigned herself to his forced visit, glancing at her wristwatch. Whatever the nature of his call, she hoped to get rid of him as quickly as possible. After the embarrassing argument in his holiday apartment, she wanted to keep a safe distance between them.

A very far distance.

'Shall I bring in a tray of coffee?' Katie ventured, fear and uncertainty in her voice.

He could have that intimidating effect on people. Caitlin smiled inwardly at Katie's fear, but she was born with a spirit that refused to be bridled by fear or intimidation of the male species. Five years in the boardroom, and she had mastered the technique of expertly dealing with testosterone. She was able to stand her ground, no matter what the circumstances, though somehow this particular male, seemed to challenge her resolve. Caitlin looked at Nicholas with a questioning glance.

'Yes please.' He smiled at Katie, his manner doing a hundred and eighty degree turn, compared to the way he barged in.

Katie visibly breathed a sigh of relief for the change in Nicholas, she smiled and left to bring him coffee.

Now that's the charmer you need to be careful of Katie!

'To what do I owe the dubious honour of your visit Nicholas?' she questioned, not offering him a seat.

He studied her for another minute. She looked pale, and rather serious. He looked into her eyes, noting the slightly dark shadows underneath.

She'd lost about four kilograms in the last month or so, thanks to her thoughts and dreams constantly consumed and overtaken by Nicholas. Unable to get him out of her system, the weight loss though, only accentuated her figure beautifully.

She had no idea how he crept into her heart, considering what an egotistical brute he was, but scar her heart he did, in an agonizingly painful manner. Caitlin waited patiently, her composure showing evidence of strain. She wondered if he was able to read in her eyes exactly how she felt about him.

So just how did she feel about him?

Caitlin did not want to answer that question right now. Nicholas had seemed to be able to easily read her thoughts when they were in Kenton. 'Are you sleeping with the enemy, Caitlin?' He demanded, interrupting her reverie.

She wanted to slap his face, but thought better, remembering his previous warning. She had had a fling with him at her parent's home, but does he now have to question whom she was or was not intimately involved with? Enraged she demanded, 'who is the enemy and what the bloody hell are you on about?' her patience deserting her completely.

Now this is the fiery and spirited Caitlin he liked. She tried unsuccessfully to rack her brain at the line of his questioning.

'My rival competitor who out-bid me in the Rail Tek project, fingers you as the accomplice,' he threw at her.

She stood up, with practiced discipline calming the raging anger that wanted to get the better of her. It was a secret weapon that always worked to her advantage in boardrooms when she battled with unreasonable colleagues and competitors.

'You know this, how?' she demanded patiently, as Katie walked in with a coffee tray, biscuits, and chilled, bottled water for Caitlin. The tension in the room and their silence spoke volumes, as they waited for Katie to leave again.

'Tony Banks, my competitor,' he growled, gave me graphic details of how his personal friend, he threw your name in, "Senior Business Analyst of Telstar," advised him!'

So that's the enemy I'm sleeping with! Tony Banks did call her a few nights ago, he did not give her any specifics about the nature of the business deal, and all he asked was for her to offer an expert opinion on a few scenarios he tossed around. He wanted her advice on a plausible negotiable position to adopt, and that was that. She had fielded numerous calls like that from various sectors in the industry. The aroma of the coffee touched her nostrils. Her good manners compelled Caitlin to walk over to the tray and pour him his coffee, helping herself to a glass of water.

'Well?' he demanded 'Do you have the courage of your convictions, to at least admit to your espionage?'
He just knew how to provoke her.

'I don't know whether to fling this coffee at you, or slap your face!' she hissed.

'And you know just how I would exact my revenge,' he reminded her. 'It's been a while, I will gladly delight in reacquainting myself with your beautiful body. And we both know how you will respond in my arms, don't we Caitlin.'

'Shut up!' she flared angrily not wanting any reminder, of how her body betrayed her in his arms.

'How dare you barge in here making unsubstantiated accusations?' she lowered her voice, looking to ensure her door was shut.

He ignored her diatribe. 'Answer my question, Miss Sinclair!' he demanded. She was not going to get rid of him as quickly as she'd hoped.

'Nicholas, firstly are you under some misguided conception, that I was aware of the content of your tender application?' she started.

'Weren't you?' he demanded, eyes narrowing. 'Stuart and I worked on this together,' he informed her.

'How was I to have had access, to your strategic position? Stuart and I have not discussed any business related matters in the last two months.'

She glanced at her watch, And I have not seen you for two months and three days and fifteen hours!

He studied her with those narrowed eyes again. Caitlin drank from her glass, avoiding his eyes.

Gosh, he looks so gorgeous!

She remembered the feel of those strong arms around her. Her body longed for the pleasure of being in those arms right now. Two long months had gone by, and they had not spoken since. He had not contacted her telephonically, or otherwise. He could easily have gotten her number from Stuart, her dad, or her mom. The very same way, he established where her offices were. Obviously he was not interested in pursuing her, whatever happened at Kenton, was not worth pursuing, probably because she had refused to go to bed with him. She was just as guilty, she could have gotten his number if she wanted to pursue something with him. But then she knew, she would have had to sacrifice her virtue, if she made the first move. It was not in her nature to chase men, she'd never done that in the past. She was not going to start now with this arrogant excuse for a human, who invaded her thoughts and had tormented her emotionally for the last two months. She turned her back to him now.

He studied her stunning figure, his eyes admiring her well toned calf muscles, the sexy Channel high heel sandals that covered her dainty feet. Caitlin tiredly moved her head backwards, trying to ease the muscles around her neck and shoulders.

'Tony Banks did not provide me with any specific details of the project he was bidding for,' she murmured. 'He threw some hypothetical scenarios at me, and asked my assistance on how best to address them. Tony could have asked the same questions, if it were related to a motor manufacturing business, or building an airport in the middle of the ocean, or building a sky scraper to rival those of New York or Hong Kong or Singapore,' she finished quietly. She was guttered at his total lack of trust in her. Caitlin did not hear his footsteps close the distance between them. She felt his fingers on the sides of her neck gently soothing the knots there. His fingers burned on her flesh as if electricity was passing through her body. How she had longed for his touch these last two months. Her body had cried out for him night after night. She could not imagine, if they had had sex, what she would have had to endure.

'You look tired,' he whispered. Caitlin guessed that was as close to an apology she would probably get to his accusation of "sleeping with the enemy."

'Caitlin are you overworking yourself? You have dark shadows under your eyes and you seem to have lost weight since I last saw you,' he whispered, his lips setting her pulses on fire, close to her earlobe.

She shut her eyes tightly, longing to lean back and feel the strength of his arms around her; she wanted desperately to just feel the pleasure of his body touching hers.

'No doubt, sleeping with the enemy has certain side effects Nicholas,' she threw at him, increasing the distance between them by going around to her side of the desk, her heart still pounding and throwing a tantrum.

'How can you be so contemptible as to think that I would be unethical and divulge privileged information to another source?' she challenged. 'Why would I sabotage my own brother?' she whispered, the hurt and pain evident in her eyes. She turned away feeling sick in her stomach. She could see that he was not enjoying this. At least he had the grace to look remorseful, even if he refused to apologize. He lifted his hand in midair, opened his mouth as if to say something, and then just closed it again. Had the tables been turned, Caitlin would never have suspected him or accused him of betraying any confidence, but here he was, able to do so with guns blazing.

'Have dinner with me tonight Caitlin,' he spoke softly.

The gall of the man!
She remembered the consequences of accepting an invitation previously. There was something in his eyes, not the anger or the arrogance of earlier, but it was as if there was a need there.
A need for me, dare she beg to assume.

'I can't', she informed him, looking at her wristwatch again, 'I'm due in a meeting this afternoon, and I have no idea of how long it will be, before we are done. I am still going over a few issues before I can get there. She was hoping to go through the entire presentation at least once beforehand, but it looked like she will just have to make do with the notes she'd familiarized herself with.

'What are your plans for tomorrow?' he persisted.

Full marks for his stubborn persistence.

'Aren't you afraid, that I may gain access to confidential information, and leak it to your enemies?' she spat at him, incensed that her integrity had no value in his eyes. His eyes softened, almost pleadingly, which she ignored. 'I cannot believe that you storm in here, insult my integrity and in the same breath expect me to have dinner with you!'

'Caitlin__'

'Nicholas, the last time I accepted your dinner invitation, you threw some pretty unsavory comments at me. Why the hell would I risk having dinner with you, again, when you translate my acceptance to dinner to mean I want to go to bed with you?'
She heard him groan softly.

'Can we start afresh, Caitlin?'

She shook her head disbelievingly. 'You crudely accuse me of turning you on, then make insinuations of the type of woman I am! And if that is not enough, you walk in here accusing me of unethical business practices. And now you want to start afresh! You have some nerve,' she finished quietly, only her eyes reflecting her controlled fury.

'Caitlin, I know I've behaved in a despicable manner, I'd like to make amends.'

Another substitute for an apology!

'I'm not convinced that you have any respect for me as an individual, so I have no desire to give you the time of day,' she tossed, angrily.

'Will you please give me one opportunity to redeem myself?' he pleaded.

'I don't trust you, and seeing the feeling is mutual, I have nothing further to say to you. Stay away from me Nicholas.'

'Caitlin, __'

'Goodbye Nicholas!' she terminated their meeting pressing the intercom, 'Katie, please see Mr. Brenthurst out,' she politely requested from her personal assistant, turning her back on him, stuffing all her documents into her briefcase and placing her laptop into its case. When she looked up a few lengthy seconds later, he was gone.

Katie stood halfway in the room, uncertain how to react. 'Are you okay?' She whispered hesitantly to Caitlin.

Katie and Caitlin had an excellent working relationship. Katie was professional, and there was a lot of mutual respect and a strong bond between them. Yet, there were some things that Caitlin found too personal to reveal to anybody.

'Yes, I'll be fine.' Caitlin assured her, wishing she could feel as okay as she lied.

'Who is he, Caitlin?' she ventured curiously, 'Underneath all the anger is one handsome and very sexy male species,' she teased.

'A gremlin from the not so distant past,' Caitlin offered. 'One that I was hoping would not resurface,' she lied again.

'Are you sure you don't want it to resurface?' Katie asked her boss, 'Judging by the reaction between the two of you when he walked in, there was enough energy to feed the city's electricity grid for a whole month! she exclaimed.

'Yeah, I noticed the electricity had you scurrying around like a trapped mouse.'
Caitlin remarked hoping she would shut up now. Katie gave her a wounded look.

'Wish me luck I have not had the chance to go through my presentation.' Caitlin remarked. 'I do not feel as prepared, as I would like to be.'

'Oh you'll be able to wing it,' she dismissed, 'you always do,' Katie accused.
'Goodbye.' Caitlin threatened lightly, 'If I don't do well tonight, you are out of a job!'

With that she headed to the boardroom to face the dreaded firing squad. Caitlin walked into the boardroom of Telstar Enterprises, on the same floor that the executive staff occupied. Armed with the evidence of the strategic position, she would present to the board. She expected some resistance from certain quarters, but she took comfort that her CEO had agreed to support her. She'd pitched her presentation to him twenty four hours ago, ran the numbers by him and after painfully lengthy arguments and deliberations, eventually he agreed to support her proposal.

She looked around, the boardroom was beginning to fill up. Simon Barnett her CEO and the Chairman, Giles Preston were standing at the window, their heads bent in conversation. The Johannesburg skyline visible behind them, offering a picturesque view of the economic hub of Southern Africa. Caitlin set up her laptop, stacked her documents neatly on the table and went to join Simon and the Chairman.

'Hey Kid you ready?' Simon smiled encouragingly in greeting, casually placing a hand on her shoulder. Caitlin smiled back and nodded in response.

'Mr. Preston.' She smiled at the chairman, offering her hand in greeting. Giles Preston was not an easy man to read. His poker face offered no clue as to the thoughts that ran through his mind. A chartered accountant by discipline, it was not true what they said about them being cold hearted, in his case. Giles Preston was about sixty two years of age. In his defense, he was a fairly objective man, with more than forty years of experience in the corporate world, he had tremendous insight and was articulate and persuasive in his arguments. He never made hasty decisions. If he did not agree with a certain position, he would make allowances for constructive arguments to persuade him otherwise, and then if convinced, change his line of thinking. On two occasions previously he challenged Caitlin, arguing that her analysis was skewed, based on data that did not accurately support her position. Caitlin had calmly used the flipcharts, illustrated through her calculations that her final analysis was accurate. With a glint in his eyes, he had nodded his approval, accepting the proposal, and the Board subsequently unanimously adopting her recommendation. She'd earned his respect after that.

Simon Barnett on the other hand was a loving, gentleman, who was a father figure to the entire company. Simon and his wife Claudia were married for eighteen years. They had three adorable teenage boys. Simon reminded Caitlin very much of her own father. She connected to Simon the very first day they were introduced. He had a gentle spirit, always encouraging and supportive. He was an economist like herself, the only advantage he had over Caitlin, was his years of experience. She had a high regard for Simon, and he was the barometer she used, to gauge her efficacy.

Giles Preston called the meeting to order. He ran through the agenda. There were some lengthy discussions and arguments on previous matters. Then he offered the floor to Caitlin. She took her time, sipping from her glass of water. On the outside she was confident and was fully persuaded of the position she had adopted, however there were butterflies in her stomach as everybody's eyes watched in anticipation. She stood up. Her eyes scanned the room, and sought out Simon, his nod almost imperceptible. Only he was already familiar with the content of her presentation, and she knew even the chairman waited in anticipation for her to begin.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' she greeted them politely, starting her executive summary introducing a proposal to open a manufacturing plant in China. She presented arguments for and against the proposal. She noted some nodding in certain quarters, when she cited that human capital was cheap in China, an element that will ensure that the top line figures looked impressive. Caitlin highlighted the challenges of the language barriers, citing that most international concerns investing in the People's Republic of China had to invest in language interpreters to communicate with staff. The cultural divide also weighed heavily. Caitlin quoted a study that revealed that miscommunication and a lack of cross-cultural understanding posed a threat to realizing global sourcing's full potential. She warned that productivity could be hampered by as high a figure as twenty four percent. The World Trade Organization has raised concerns on the integrity and safety of China's agri-food sector. Chinese policy makers are lax at enforcing stringent food safety measures. Without looking in his direction, she could tell the Key Account Executive, was not receptive to this part of her presentation. Simon listened attentively, but Giles Preston made notes occasionally, which no doubt he would cross question her about, when she was done.

Caitlin continued for another twenty minutes or so offering a balanced scored card illustrating in meticulous details the pros and cons of her presentation. 'While China has a somewhat more competitive economy, however trade barriers are still a deterrent to investors. China does not trade genuinely on equal terms. Import barriers limit market access. Chinese policies have still to dismantle protectionist practices for domestic markets.
In conclusion,' Caitlin breathed deeply, taking a sip from her glass, 'it will take too long to achieve critical mass and maximize revenue potential. The risks are rather unfavorable right now, and will not attract the level of investor confidence required to be sustainable.' She paused for a second.

And now for the kill.

'My recommendation to the board is to exercise its veto rights.' Amid gasps and a barrage of expletives, that Caitlin was very well expecting, pandemonium broke out.
'Ladies and gentleman, I still have the floor!' she asserted pointedly in the direction of Key Account Executive and Marketing Executive who were most vocal in their dissent.
'Ladies and gentleman,' she began again, 'In your presentation packs, there is a proposal recommending more competitive alternatives, namely Tanzania in East Africa and Dubai in the Middle East. I have thoroughly assessed those market forces, the political and economic environment and in terms of the demographics of the proposal we just looked at, both of my recommendations are a natural fit. I will take your questions now.'
She concluded, taking her seat again. She had barely taken possession of her seat again, when the barrage of questions and accusations, from Sales and Marketing affronted her like a formation of fighter jets ready for the kill. Giles Preston called them to order, asserting his authority as Chair. He mediated all the questions and allowed her the privilege to rebut them at her leisure. He himself asked her a few questions, which she responded to skillfully.

Some two hours later, the Board carried her motion, with the recommendation to identify one of her two alternate proposals to go ahead with. Giles Preston came to her, smiled down into her eyes.

'Well done!' he complimented, 'excellent execution,' he nodded. 'Thank you, Mr. Preston.' Caitlin received his compliments respectfully.

'Good work Kid.' Simon hugged her, I feel relieved at the outcome, he agreed with her, now I must get home to my wife, before she divorces me,' he smirked.

'I want a word with you Caitlin.' Ron Stamford, demanded.

This was certainly one of the quarters, who did not support her final analysis. It was late. Her body cried of exhaustion. All she wanted was a chilled glass of wine, and a luxurious bath.

'Shall we go to my office?' she offered.
Caitlin led the way to her office, her posture erect, exuding confidence in the designer silk suit she adorned.

Climbing into her midnight black German sports car, she felt exhausted. The rain was pelting down as she left the parking lot. She loved the rain, but not when she was driving. She had to be on high alert in the rain, oil patches on the tarred surfaces, inconsiderate motorists, all contributed to making her nervous, especially when it was an hour or so away from midnight. Caitlin loved the atmosphere of her penthouse. This was her sanctuary. This was the place where she wanted to come to after a grueling day. She switched on the stereo, Luciano Pavarotti was on cue in her compact disc player. She placed her laptop on her desk, walked to her bath filling it with hot water and a generous amount of bath salts. She treated herself to a glass of wine.

'Mmm, heavenly,' she purred to herself, stripping off her clothes and climbing into the foam bath. The deep operatic tenor of Pavarotti singing Puccini's' Nessun Dorma came to her from the stereo. She threw her head back closing her eyes and just letting her body be caressed by the foam and the water jetting about. She'd had a grueling day today, first the untimely reentry of Nicholas Brenthurst barging through her office doors, and then the marathon session in the boardroom. She let her thoughts linger back to Nicholas.

'Oh he looked so gorgeous and desirable today,' she groaned to herself. She had stood so close to him, all she had yearned for was to be wrapped in his arms, if only for just a few minutes. She felt a tingling sensation, just remembering his lips so close to her. He did not need to touch her or make love to her for her to feel aroused. Just thinking about him was torture enough to send her hormones into overdrive. She had battled to forget him these last two months. The first two weeks were like the searing of her flesh over and over again. Caitlin could not put a definition on what transpired between her and Nicholas, but whatever the sentiment was, had hit her like a ton of bricks, and she was still dealing with the painful scars. She had never been affected by a man in such a forceful way before. He left an indelible mark on her heart. By the second month, she had gradually managed to rein in control over her emotions, getting immersed in work, coming home so tired, that she collapsed into bed from sheer exhaustion and not having to think about him. But today he had with no effort reopened the emotional scars. His accusations did little to reduce the effect he had on her. Yes she was guttered that he had no trust in her. It was an insult like a cold slap on her face.

She was often accused of being ruthless, uncompromising, single minded, but her integrity was never questioned, it was highly respected. She knew she had to have nerves of steel, the determination to take on the most ruthless of males in her line of work, and she mastered that. Her confidence, her expertise in her field of work, her insight and ability to make sound calculated decisions, all stood her in good stead and she commanded an enviable salary. Yet right now, all she felt was lonely, rejected, and ravaged from an emotional assassination. It took Nicholas a matter of minutes to rip open those wounds again. Yet she was ashamed to admit she had secretly hoped for him to take her in his arms, and let his mouth possess hers. She longed to feel the strength of his arms fill around her waist, and his lips cover her with those torturous but heavenly sensations that only he had the power to draw out. She was attracted to him. There was nothing she could do about that.

Feeling a bit peckish she peeked into the refrigerator there were some slices of pineapple and kiwi fruit, and a chicken salad which she attacked. She'd hoped that the physical exhaustion her body felt would bring sleep, but mercilessly Nicholas invaded her thoughts as she slept. Her mind took her back to the last time she was in his arms; she recounted his lips on hers, the passion he ignited in her, her body responding to his. Her nipples erect and bruised from desire, every intimate part of her body aroused.

Caitlin woke up in a sweat. Her body raw with wanton desire for Nicholas, so aroused was she as if he was next to her right now.

How could a man have such a devastating effect on her, in her bloody dreams! She tried to fathom. For God's sake she had not even slept with him! What would the effects of that have been like? Would she not have had any sanity at all?' she wondered. Caitlin could tell from the emerging clouds, it was almost daybreak. She threw the sheets off her body, knowing any attempt at sleep was futile and climbed into the shower. She had too much pent up emotions of her wanting Nicholas, and he wanting her in his bed.
A vigorous session of squash would hopefully relax some of that adrenalin that was consuming her. She took the lift down to the gym, and saw many of the fitness freaks come in to do their two or three hour workouts.

The squash courts were always popular. She would easily find a sparring partner. Her luck was in, one of her mates, Jennifer Paton was looking for a partner and in they went.
Caitlin was all over the court chasing every ball and pouncing on every shot as if it was Nicholas himself that she was attacking. Only it did nothing to ease the sexual frustration she was consumed by. Yet how could she allow Nicholas to take her to bed? He did not love her. She could not give herself to him and risk being discarded like a disposable commodity. She knew the feelings, the attraction she had for him was not something that could diminish with time, so sad it was not reciprocated by Nicholas. After an hour she felt exhausted and spent.

'Wow Caitlin! Who or what were you attacking on the court?' her mate asked curiously, 'I could not get in edgewise' she added, studying her friend.

'Too much stress at the office,' Caitlin lied feeling a little human again her face all glowing from the workout. 'Listen we're all going to Duke's tonight, want to join us?' she invited Caitlin.

'Oh that sounds like fun, what time?' Caitlin enquired she was not going to spend another night with Nicholas invading her thoughts and __. She wanted to say' her body', but admitting it to herself sounded just so ridiculous. Yet there was no denying that her body had been fully aroused, when she'd awoken in the early hours of that morning.

She studied her reflection in the mirror. The image was of a strikingly attractive lady, with alluring green eyes, luscious lips, and elegant high cheekbones. She had a glow about her thanks to the grueling hour she subjected herself to on the squash court. Caitlin was not happy about the shadows under her eyes. The only make up she normally wore, was her lip gloss.

'You need some cosmetic reengineering,' she murmured to herself. Scratching in a cosmetic case she kept in her wardrobe, she lightly applied some eye shadow, reinforced her long dark lashes with some mascara, and she looked like she stepped out the glossy pages of the latest fashion magazine.

Her PA knew Caitlin was in from seeing the coffee machine on.

'Good morning Boss.' Katie smiled at Caitlin.
She wrinkled her nose at being called boss, but she did not mind the gentle teasing by Katie.

'Caitlin, you should wear make up more often, you look beautiful this morning.' Katie complimented, nodding in approval at her overall appearance.
Caitlin smiled politely in response.

'What time did you get home last night,' she continued not expecting Caitlin to respond to the compliment. 'I waited for you till six and then left,' her eyes shifted uncomfortably.

'Oh, I think we were done by about ten in the boardroom, and then I had to pacify Ron,' she responded remembering Ron's frustration and short sighted view of the decision taken.

'Oh, so you won them over,' Katie clapped her hands pleased that Caitlin succeeded with her presentation.

'Apparently so, Giles Preston himself personally congratulated me,' Caitlin reflected. 'But why were you waiting for me?'
Caitlin enquired. Katie was aware from past experience that the board meetings regularly took as long as it did last night.

'Katie?' Caitlin asked, pushing the file away that she was working with, concerned that Katie had some personal issue, she wanted to raise. 'He called while you were in the boardroom __.'

'Who called?' Caitlin asked, curious at the unfinished sentence.

'Nicholas Brenthurst,' she provided. 'He was so persistent in wanting to talk to you, I tried to let him know that there was no way you would be out before eight, but he was adamant.'
Caitlin sighed, not without some irritation.

'What's with the two of you?' Katie asked.

Caitlin kept her private and her professional life apart. Her PA was privy to information to a certain degree, but Caitlin did not make a habit of discussing with her who she was lately dating, or who was on or off her radar. Caitlin did not want to hurt Katie's feelings or seem impolite, so she reflected on Katie's question aloud.

'I cannot begin to describe to you, what's going on there Katie, when I do I'll let you know.'
Katie nodded, knowing her boss was an extremely private person and guarded her private life intensely. The telephone rang in Katie's office, ending the interrogative conversation.

That evening her thoughts pondered on what Nicholas had wanted when he had called in her absence, as she adorned a stunning low cut wine red Valentino dress for her evening out with the girls. Did he want to take her out again? No doubt the arguments would be revived about her being a tease. She honestly did not flirt or mislead men into thinking she wanted to bed them, yet when she was in Nicholas' arms, sanity went out the window, she became overwhelmed by his kisses and just being in his arms. She shamelessly enjoyed the pleasure his lips and his hands gave her wherever they touched. She did not have the willpower to stop him, not when his kisses and his tongue did those magical things to her. But how could she tell him that she was not ready to go to bed with him? She did not do casual sex.

She complimented the dress with a pair of black Manolo stilettos. When she got there, the girls were all already there, and from the laughter and gaiety, she had some catching up to do.
Heads turned, eyes followed lustfully as she was led to their table. There was a two or three second silence as the girls took in her striking appearance, teasingly scolding her for looking so stunning. They playfully told her she was too much competition, and she could not sit at their table. In their defense, they were all attractive ladies, who were equally successful career women. She bet none of her friends would turn Nicholas down. In fact she would wager a month's salary on it even though she was not the betting type. So what was wrong with her? Why could she just not give into the desire? She knew she wanted to make love to Nicholas. It was not just a nightmare any more, it was consuming her thoughts during the day as well.

Forget about him for this one night.

Caitlin gawked at the incredible concoctions that were placed in front of her. One resembled an artists' impression of the human brain others bordered on the obscene, but she was unable to weasel her way out of the cocktails and many hours later she was adequately inebriated, above what her system regarded as tolerable.

A throbbing headache, and a ravaging thirst awoke Caitlin, demanding to be quenched. She silently cursed her insane friends. The bedside clock told her it was six in the morning. She was thankful it was a Saturday. For once in the last two months her last thoughts before bed were not of Nicholas. Though she noted with irritation, it did not take five minutes after awakening for the devil to consume her brain. She sure threw all caution to the wind last night, drinking a combination of cocktails, the names of which she did not even know how to pronounce. She could not even tell if she had managed to get any dinner into her system before their marathon drinking binge. Now the pain that hammered in her head was merciless. Dragging herself to the bathroom, she brushed her teeth, and greedily swallowed some fruit juice. She rummaged through the medicine chest, found some pain killers, and climbed back into bed.

The incessant banging on the door awoke her some four hours later. Caitlin groaned, covering her head with the pillow, but to no avail as the knocking continued. She painfully dragged herself to the door. She wished the knocking would stop whatever the emergency it could wait till she felt human again, but to no avail.

She opened the door as a hand was suspended in mid air about to pound the door again. Dark eyes narrowed as they met hers, taking in her appearance in the charcoal grey satin night shirt and matching shorts. Her unbrushed hair just added alluring appeal.

Casting an eye on a full length mirror before she came to the door reflected a presentable face, only her eyes were rather red, but that could be attributed to a lack of sleep. He took in the tousled hair, the provocative eyes, the swollen lips and the bare feet.

'You keep turning up like a bloody dirty coin!' Caitlin was livid, a combination of the hangover, and having Nicholas invading her private space.

'What the hell is it now? Millions missing from your bank account? Or are you hoping to find your private jet hidden in my backyard?'

She did not know how she managed to get the correct pitch of voice to throw at him. Him standing there looking so adorable had her brain scurrying and had every nerve tingling all over her body.

'Neither,' he responded casually, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe unfazed by her tantrum.

'I asked you to stay away from me. I don't care what the reasons are for your presence here,' she lied, having no intention whatsoever of admitting her delight at seeing him.

'You look so gorgeous,' he murmured, infuriating her to no end. His eyes gazed into hers, instantly weakening the resolve she wanted to portray.

'What are you doing here!' She demanded.

He crossed his arms over his chest, angled his head and continued to study her. An acute pain throbbed at her temples. Turning her back on him, she raised her index fingers over her temples trying to ease the pain. He closed the door and came to stand in front of her, his eyes narrowing, trying to ascertain her state of mind.

Or was it her state of health.

'I don't recall inviting you in,' she yelled at him glad that she had showered, and brushed her teeth earlier.

'Such a fiery temper,' he teased his fingers through her hair.

'No,' she groaned to herself, she really did not have the strength to stand up to him.

Why was he constantly wreaking havoc with her emotions?

She pushed his hand away. But displaying his perfect reflexes, he had her pinned in his arms. It was futile to fight, she was no match against his strength, she consoled herself and she was, very much under the weather, so to speak.

'What the hell do you want so early on a Saturday morning?' she repeated whilst her traitorous body warmed at being in his arms, as it succumbed to the delight of his caressing. Every nerve end came alive with his face so close to hers. Off their own accord, her eyes found themselves drawn to his. The mocking eyes enjoying the response the effect of their proximity had. She looked away from his mesmerizing eyes, drawn to his inviting kissable lips. She studied his lips hers parted ever so slightly in anticipation.

'I've missed you, my little Minx,' he murmured, pulling her closer.

I didn't know I was yours!

He brought his lips down over hers, in a slow tender kiss, inviting her mouth to open. His seduction was patient and sensuous.

'I'm not going to bed with you Nicholas Brenthurst,' she mumbled against his lips so close to hers.

'I hear you.' he teased against her throat, his erotic kisses stirring her desire. She wanted those alluring lips on her starved mouth. She shamefully wanted to kiss him back. Her lips parted, her tongue submitted of its own violation lustfully in fervor seeking his. A soft groan left his throat as Caitlin responded to his passionate kiss. He pulled her closer, his mouth hungry and demanding, his tongue possessive setting her emotions on fire. Her hands made their way around his neck, her fingers raking into his hair. Nicholas slid his hand under her shirt, his fingers delighted that she had no bra on, as they moved up her spine and over her shoulder blades. Caitlin caressed the nape of his neck with her finger tips. She moved her lips away from his, allowing his newly grown stubble to caress her cheeks, her tongue running over his chin, her teeth gently nibbling as her tongue ran over the spiky stubble. She could taste the feint scent of his aftershave. Nicholas was aroused by her tongue causing havoc to his senses, demanding her mouth again. Opening his buttons her fingers slid through his shirt and found the rippling muscles. She heard his sigh of pleasure as his tongue gently entwined with hers. Nicholas brought his palm to her breast, the pad of his finger tips caressing her aroused nipple. She purred her delight at his intimate touch. His mouth left hers planting kisses on her throat, searching for her breast, until his tongue found the erect, pink nipple. Caitlin groaned with uncontrollable delight.

'Nicholas, __Nicholas,' she cried out with pleasure. He held her tightly to him, trying to gain some semblance of control.

'If I don't stop now Caitlin, I will have to carry you to your bed and make love to you,' he murmured. Caitlin inhaled deeply trying to summon some control. She extricated her hands from his shirt keeping her head down, not wanting to look him in the eye. He held her in his arms, planting a kiss on her forehead.

'Did you have breakfast?' he spoke softly, his lips doing erotic things down her throat. She raised her eyebrows at him.

'You dragged me out of bed, I hadn't woken up yet!' she complained.

'You're very much awake now!' he teased.
Heat rushed to her cheeks and ears. 'Okay, that was not fair,' he kissed her forehead again, in the form of an apology. 'I'd like to take you somewhere, how about you put on some respectable clothes for the outdoors, while I make us some breakfast,' he proposed.

'I don't want to go anywhere with you Nicholas.' She defied him wanting to avoid any potentially explosive arguments by being in his presence, remembering how things ended in his holiday apartment.

'You can be a good girl and go get dressed, or I will have the pleasure of dressing you myself. What will it be?' he said firmly. Her eyes blazed fury, she hated his conceited manner. She did not want to take dictation from Nicholas, yet somehow she knew she could not put anything past him, she suspected, he would carry out his threat.

'Are you going to seduce me again and then accuse me of teasing you?' she demanded.

'Don't worry Minx, I will not do anything you don't want me to,' he responded dangerously.

The problem is I like everything you do to me.

Her face coloured.

'I needed to see you again. You have kept me awake for too many nights,' he stated matter of fact.

Caitlin felt a great measure of satisfaction that she was not the only one affected by their attraction to each other. So underneath that stone heart was some feelings after all!

'Where are we going?' she succumbed, trying to get an indication of the dress code.

'Very casual,' he responded, perceptively.

Caitlin, stormed to the bedroom, sulking. She wondered if she should just stay in her bedroom hoping perhaps, he will tire of waiting and just leave. Somehow, she knew he would just come and get her. She resigned herself to the fact, opening her wardrobe. Caitlin pulled out the first pair of jeans her hand found, and a white designer shirt. The smell of coffee downstairs was inviting. Walking into the kitchen she saw Nicholas, a tea towel on his shoulder he had set the table for two. The smell of bacon, butter, and eggs greeted her.

'How very domesticated!' she commented sarcastically, helping herself to some coffee.

'I've made you an omlettee,' he smiled, taking in her appearance, admiring how the jeans hung beautifully on her long slender frame. He seemed to have found his way around her kitchen.

'I'm not hungry,' she returned, still trying to recover from her hangover, but it went unheard.

'Nicholas, why are you here?' she demanded again, 'You clearly do not trust me, accusing me of "sleeping with the enemy" and here you are trying to play house,'

'Let's just say, I'm prepared to take some calculated risks,' he interjected.

'I don't want to be part of your cat and mouse games,' she yelled, 'go and play your games with some female who appreciates you toying around with them, I don't!'

'Eat,' he instructed, 'unless you want to be fed.'
She looked at the knife in her hand, and mischievously her mind was devising innovative ways to use it. She wanted to kill him. Well not really. Violence was not in her nature yet he challenged all the values she so meticulously lived by.

'Perish the thought Caitlin, I am looking for an excuse to carry you up to your bed, and my self control is extremely challenged this very moment.'

She glared at him with angry acid green eyes. So he was not denying, that he did not trust her, he merely accepted the risks of being intimate with her. Caitlin submissively cut up half the omlettee and forced herself to eat. On any other day, she would have complimented Nicholas on his culinary skills, but this morning her stomach was not receptive to any food. Tucking into his food heartily he tried engaging her in conversation, keeping the atmosphere relaxed, while they ate. She ignored his attempts.

'I think I've had enough,' she pleaded not divulging her hangover.

'Okay Minx, I'll let up this time'. He stacked up all the dishes into the dishwasher. 'I think you deserve a hug for your good behaviour,' he offered, opening his arms. Obediently she went to him. Nicholas closed his arms around her. She secretly delighted in the strength of the strong muscular shoulders. He stood just holding her tightly in his arms for a few minutes.

'Shall we go?' he enquired.

Caitlin nodded, picking up her handbag completely taken aback by his change of tack. Nicholas assisted her out locking the door, handing her the key. He guided her under her elbow, to his bright red Italian sports car. The interior was immaculate, filled with the smell of the rich leather and his sexy cologne. She inhaled deeply, luxuriating in the smell of his tantalizing cologne. The deep black leather seats, sheer luxury.

'So how long is this journey?' she asked mildly curious, unable to ignore him completely.

'About half an hour's drive,' he provided. He tried to further tempt her in conversation, but Caitlin merely answered in monosyllables, pulling out a music iPod from her handbag, indicating, she had no interest in any conversation with him. She closed her eyes, listening to the soothing sounds of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony. Nicholas focused his attention on the road. Caitlin tried to ignore him but his magnetic presence was proving just a tad irresistible. She opened one eye and studied him from the corner of it. He was certainly arresting to look at, his beautiful hair stimulating a desire in her to reach out and touch it. She groaned silently clenching her fingers under her. His expressive eyes displayed passion and purpose. The chiseled nose and attractive square cut jaw line enhanced appeal. This morning he had not shaved, there was a slight stubble that gave him an, oh so sexy look. Nicholas Brenthurst knew he was an attractive man and without effort put his charm to good work.

'We're here,' he informed, touching her on her knee.

Caitlin lifted herself up to see a huge terra cotta coloured house and complementing the terra cotta, was shades of moss green on the tiled roof, doors, window frames and the water pipes on the sides of the huge building. There were three or four smaller cottages, with similar colour coding on either side of the main house. The lawn was beautiful and green and well manicured. There were little flowerbeds about, with a combination of beautiful dwarf sweet pea, rose bushes and carnation plants. A gold plate on the wall of the main entrance had the name Knightsbridge House. Nicholas studied the expression on her face with interest.

'What is this place?' she whispered curiously unable to stay angry with Nicholas any longer. 'It's beautiful,' she murmured excitedly taking in all its aesthetic beauty.

'It's a home for orphaned children,' he replied helping her out off her seatbelt. He went around to her side, extending his hand to assist her out.

'What are we doing here Nicholas?' she asked, taking in the immaculate vast grounds, the various play facilities, the area brightly painted in primary colors. 'It's so beautiful,' she repeated, her cold war momentarily forgotten.

'I'm glad you like it,' he smiled into her eyes. 'There's somebody I'd like you to meet.'

'Good morning, Mr. Brenthurst,' a middle aged woman with gold framed spectacles greeted him, a polite smile of welcome on her gentle face.

'Hi there Mrs. Anderson. How are you this morning?' Nicholas greeted her back, clasping Caitlin's fingers firmly into his.

Did he have to hold her that way as if they were lovers?

'Mrs. Anderson, I'd like you to meet Miss Caitlin Sinclair. Caitlin, this is Mrs. Josephine Anderson, the principle of Knightsbridge House.'

'Hi, Miss Sinclair, How do you do?' 'How do you do?' Caitlin smiled at the polite lady.

'May I offer you some tea?' Mrs. Anderson enquired.

'That would be lovely thank you.' Caitlin accepted, although she much preferred coffee. Mrs. Anderson was giving Nicholas a report on all that was happening at the orphanage. She stole a glance at him. He was beautifully framed, so tall, sexy legs in his figure hugging jeans. Just for a minute her thoughts wondered on her lying beneath that magnificent torso. Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. She turned away as he listened attentively, and nodded with concern as she did not catch what the principle said softly.

Caitlin cast her eye appreciatively around the expensively furnished room. The wood rails on the spiral stairway shone brightly as if they were polished with expensive oil. The baby blue carpet with an elaborate gold pattern was spotlessly clean. Beautifully framed pictures adorned the walls. From Mrs. Anderson's conversation, Caitlin vaguely overheard her speak about a young boy, who seemed to be experiencing some emotional difficulty, and Mrs. Anderson seemed to have some challenge with him.

'Where is Justin now?' she heard Nicholas enquire.

'He's out at the conservatory, spends most of his time there these days. Shall I send for Justin?'

Nicholas shook his head.
'l will go to him.' Nicholas placed his hand on Caitlin's back and led her to the conservatory.

Caitlin's first impression of Justin was breath taking. He was a very young looking six year old with soft blond hair, the bluest eyes she'd ever seen and his skin was exquisite like porcelain. Caitlin was dumbstruck at how adorable young Justin looked.

'I knew she'd be calling you.' Justin said in an accusing tone, probably referring to Josephine Anderson.

'Good morning to you too tiger,' Nicholas lifted him up easily into his arms. Justin flung his arms around Nicholas' neck, burying his head in the crook of his shoulder and neck.

'Last week, I waited for you to come and see me,' the little boy spoke dejectedly.

'I'm sorry Justin I could not get to Johannesburg earlier,' Nicholas comforted him, playfully messing up his hair. Caitlin remembered that tone of voice from when he comforted her at the gorge.

'How did the game go?' Nicholas enquired.

'We won,' Justin replied matter of fact, with a smug grin.

'I knew my tiger would do me proud,' Nicholas hugged him against his chest. 'I'm sorry I missed your game.'

Caitlin swallowed, something caught at her throat. Justin nodded, evidently pleased that Nicholas was here now and then his eyes met Caitlin's.

'There's somebody I'd like you to meet Justin,' Nicholas spoke, finally turning to include Caitlin who was studying the two of them with interest from behind Nicholas' back. 'Caitlin, I'd like you to meet Justin Taylor, Justin meet Caitlin Sinclair.

'How do you do?' Caitlin extended her hand, unsure how to greet the young boy.

'How do you do ma'am,' Justin responded.
'She's beautiful,' he told Nicholas shyly, bringing the colour flooding to Caitlin's cheeks and ears. Nicholas looked into Caitlin's eyes.

'I think so too,' he agreed with Justin, without taking his eyes of Caitlin.

'Thank you Justin,' Caitlin acknowledged the indirect compliment.

'It's a pleasure ma'am', he responded holding tightly on to Nicholas' hand. Caitlin's heart went out to Justin, she did not know what the circumstances were that brought Justin to the orphanage, but it was evident that the child was desperately in need of love and the attention of a father figure.

What relation was the child to Nicholas? How did Nicholas come in to contact with Justin and this Orphanage? Could Nicholas be his biological father?

Her heart sank. There seemed to be no physical resemblance between Nicholas and Justin. Inappropriate to ask any questions right now, her curiosity was parked. Caitlin was amazed at the young boy's exceptional good looks and impeccable manners for one so young. In different surroundings, he could easily be regarded as of royal bloodline.

'Shall we take a walk?' Nicholas asked Justin, reaching his hand out to him.

'Nick I want to show you the tree house we built, Justin grabbed onto Nicholas' hand excitedly. Nicholas smiled at Caitlin, his hand reaching out for hers. Her stomach knotted, she almost fell forwarded. They walked passed some leafy trees, and a gazebo filled with tropical like plant life. They passed a beautiful fountain, adorned with two picturesque dolphins. The water escaping from the mouths of the dolphins, fell to the bottom, continuing the cycle of the fountain effect.

Caitlin felt so secure with his hand tightly clasped to hers, warm and sturdy.

'I told Jessie, I made the tree house for her' Justin was relating to Nicholas.

'Oh, does she like it?' Nicholas asked.

'No, she said the door was in the wrong place, and that I should have consulted her about the colours.' Justin complained, to Nicholas' amusement.

'Jessie also lives here,' Nicholas said to Caitlin. 'Jessie is eight going on thirty two.'

'Will we meet her?' Caitlin asked not sure what response was expected from her.

'Yes, we're going to have lunch with them all. Will that be okay with you?' Nicholas enquired politely.

How would he respond if she said no! 'Yes, that will be fine.' Caitlin smiled. She wondered how many was "them all." They stopped in front of the tree house. It was not immediately visible, except for the ladder that brought attention to it. The tree house, about half the size of a standard bathroom, was built adjoining two clover leaf trees. The wood of the tree house was painted exactly the same colour as the clover leaves. The ladder leading to the tree house was designed from railway sleepers, painted in two tones of brown resembling the colour of the tree trunks they were attached to.

'Ingenious!' Caitlin exclaimed, gasping with surprise.

'I beg your pardon?' Justin asked confused.

'This is remarkable,' she rephrased. 'Did you design all this by yourself?' Caitlin enquired.

'Yes,' he responded proudly. 'I asked Nick to buy the poles, then the gardeners helped to build it, and I chose the colours,' he said proudly, 'although Jessie said, If I made it for her, I should have painted the tree house pink,' he finished frowning distastefully.

'Word of wisdom,' Nicholas whispered to Justin, 'always consult the lady,' he ruffled his hair again.

You should practice what you preach Mr. Brenthurst!

'Would you like to see inside?' Justin enquired, extending a hand to Caitlin.

'Yes please,' Caitlin admitted, curiosity getting the better of her. Justin held her hand preceding Caitlin up the sleepers, ensuring that she carefully negotiated each step of the ladder. The floor was covered with dark laminated tile sheets. Practical and comfortable for children. The inside was spacious to accommodate at least six children. It had two tiny pigeon hole size windows for ventilation. Stands were mounted diagonally across each other that had old fashioned oil lamps on them, there was no furniture, and off course children had no need of furniture. Caitlin squatted on the floor, her wrists wrapped around her ankles. Justin joined her.

'This is very cozy.' Caitlin smiled at Justin.

'I'm pleased you like it', he emphasised. Justin was looking at her earphones, his ear trained, trying to listen to the song playing. Caitlin was so distracted by the beautiful estate when they arrived, she'd taken it off her ear, but had forgotten to turn it off. She offered him one earphone.

'I don't know if you're into my kind of music, Caitlin ventured. A high energy song by the Spice Girls was playing.

Nicholas bent his head quite low trying to get in, the tree house not able to accommodate his full length. His eyes met Caitlin's, then noting the two of them sharing the earphones and listening to a song. Caitlin dragged her eyes away from his. Justin did not look up, his head bobbing to the beat, from the earphone.

'Jessie likes Avril Lavigne,' he informed Caitlin.

'I can't wait to meet Jessie.' Caitlin laughed, her curiosity increasing, the more Jessie's name popped up.

'He likes you,' Justin commented matter of fact, nodding towards Nicholas, as if he was talking about the weather.

'I've tried to tell her the same thing,' Nicholas concurred, looking into her eyes, with a hint of laughter in his voice.

Liar, and he also does not trust me!

'Interesting observation,' she murmured, 'How would you know?' she quizzed Justin.

'He's never brought a lady here, before.' Justin replied, engaging Caitlin, as if Nicholas was not there. Caitlin looked up to search Nicholas' eyes. His mocking gaze not divulging anything.

'Shall we go to lunch?' Nicholas offered Caitlin a hand, lifting her to her feet with ease. She wanted to hear more from Justin, but Nicholas had tactfully intervened. Caitlin walked into the room, with Justin firmly clasping his hands into hers. The four girls were chatting animatedly on a lounger. A face with a curious stare glared at Caitlin, as they entered. The face was tom boyish, with freckles, red hair was neatly plaited and hung over each shoulder. Justin tugged Caitlin to where the four girls were, introducing the red head. 'Jessie, this is Caitlin, Caitlin meet Jessie.'

'How do you do?' Jessie's smile did not reach her eyes.

'How do you do?' Caitlin responded.

'Caitlin thinks the tree house is beautiful.' Justin increased the temperature in the room. 'Unfortunately, I beg to differ!' Jessie responded dramatically, crossing her legs at the knees and turning her face away from Justin, summarily dismissing him. Oh! Caitlin's heart went out to Justin.

'Shall we?' Justin held out for Caitlin's hand, aptly reading Jessie's dismissal, but not outwardly displaying any hint of the rejection his heart was hurting from. Caitlin longed to gather him in her arms and give him a great big bear hug. Caitlin was introduced to Michael, Jimmy and Seth, the rest of the boys. Lunch was certainly eventful. Nicholas held out the chair for Caitlin. He was seated at the head of the table. Josephine Anderson was at the opposite end of Nicholas. The girls all vied for Nicholas' attention. They were hugging him, clinging on to his arm, and all talking to him simultaneously. Caitlin's eyes reached across to his. His eyes danced with desire for her. She sighed deeply, raising her glass to her lips. She wished she could touch him so easily, lay claim to him as the girls did.

'Do you like him?' Kristy the girl next to Caitlin demanded to know. An eerie silence enveloped the table. Caitlin almost choked on her glass of wine.

Why were children so brutally honest and so equally forthright?'

Caitlin wondered how to best deflect the question. She took her time putting her glass back on the table buying time. She observed the principle and Nicholas anxiously anticipating her response.

'He's too bossy,' Caitlin eventually supplied hoping the matter would be put to bed.

'No he's not!' contradicted Ruth.

'I think Mrs. Anderson needs some assistance clearing the table.' Nicholas came to Caitlin's defense.

'What did I tell you?' Caitlin whispered softly in Kristy's ear, bringing out a giggle to Kristy's face. 'Thank you,' Caitlin mouthed the words to Nicholas, he winked in response.

'You are doing an outstanding job, with the kids Mrs. Anderson,' Caitlin complimented the principle.

'Thank you. Please call me Josephine,' she insisted.

'They are amazing, every one of them, Caitlin marveled. She saw that while the young men were busy with the chores of clearing the table, the girls had Nicholas wrapped around their little fingers.

'Justin is so adorable, he has such impeccable manners.' Caitlin continued.

'Yes, Justin has been here from the time he was born, his mom died giving birth to him, she seemed to be in a very poor state, and did not indicate who her next of kin was. Mr. Brenthurst's attorneys tried for a very long time to establish if there were any family that would claim Justin, but nobody came forward. So we have brought him up, with a lot of love and support from Mr. Brenthurst. Eight years ago, Mr. Brenthurst opened this place to the children. This was one of the Brenthurst Family homes, but Mr. Brenthurst converted it into the orphanage.'

'The children need lots of love. Mr. Brenthurst, interviewed lots of teachers, to identify the ideal ones that will ensure that these children grow up with the strongest foundation of love and security.

'I can see that Mrs. Anderson, __ I mean Josephine.' They both giggled. 'Well you and your team, have certainly found the right ingredients, to provide that love and security for the children, that is visibly evident.' Caitlin complimented.

'Thank you Miss Sinclair.'

'Well if I must call you Josephine, then I insist you call me Caitlin.'

'It was most enjoyable, to have you for company today Caitlin. Mr. Brenthurst has never brought anybody here before.'

'So I've been informed.' Caitlin blushed, she did not know why.

'We were pleased when he called last night to say he was bringing a guest to lunch.'

Now why am I not surprised that Nicholas Brenthurst always got his way.

Caitlin joined Nicholas and the kids. They seemed to be engrossed in a board game. She seated herself on the arm of the settee that Nicholas occupied. 'Having fun?' she smiled adoringly at him.

'They're giving me a whipping!' he complained planting a quick kiss on her lips. The kids giggled and whispered to each other as Caitlin couldn't camouflage the blush, arising from Nicholas' intimate exhibition.

'Oh no! I'm defeated,' Nicholas exclaimed with a mock wounded expression much to the delight of the children, ecstatic at beating him. 'Had enough for one day?' Nicholas smiled, placing his arm possessively around her waist.

'It's been wonderful.' She smiled her eyes locking with his, the two of them momentarily forgetting they were not alone.

'Will you come to the game?' Justin was tugging at Caitlin's arm, bringing Caitlin back to reality.

Kids sure knew how to pin you in a tight corner, she groaned to herself. 'What game is this honey?' she enquired going down on one knee to be on the same level as Justin.

'Nicholas is taking all the boys to the One Day cricket game next Saturday.' Caitlin lifted her head searching Nicholas' eyes, but she got no support there.

'What are the girls going to be doing?' Caitlin wanted to know.

'Jessie said, she will not spend an entire day watching grown men chase a leather ball, she'd much rather spend her time at the mall.'

Jessie sure has spunk. Caitlin smiled to herself.

'So will you come?' Justin pleaded, placing his arms around her neck.

Between Justin and Nicholas, her heart was in serious trouble. 'Justin honey, I haven't been asked to.' Caitlin responded, not wanting to hurt his feelings, but by the same token she just could not presume that Nicholas wanted her there. He would have to offer some indication that he wanted her there.

As if on cue, 'We'd love you to join us at the game Caitlin, will you please say yes?' Nicholas teased her, rising to the bait.

'Cricket hey, I'd love to!' she gladly accepted.

'Yeah! Yippy! Yippy!' the boys were clapping and circling around Caitlin in a victory dance. Nicholas lifted her to her feet and pulled her into his arms gently placing an erotic kiss on her lips. 'So it's a date,' he settled, whilst she tried to recover from his seduction.

'Oh, gang up on me, why don't you!' she surrendered.

'I told you he likes you.' Justin reminded her again.

'So you have young man, so you have.' Caitlin was slowing becoming entangled in a web, she seemed to have no control over, and she liked it not one bit.

They said their goodbyes. Caitlin thanked Josephine for the lovely time she'd had.

'That went well,' Nicholas sounded pleased with himself. 'You were quiet a hit with young Justin. I've never known him to take to somebody, so quickly.

I have this charming effect on the male species.

'He's an amazing kid, though his eyes seem to look so sad at times,' Caitlin reflected.

'He's been through a lot, and had to deal with a lot by himself. I am unable to comprehend how a father can abandon his child,' Nicholas spoke angrily.

'Interesting relationship between Jessie and Justin,' Caitlin ventured, hoping to change his mood.

He threw his head back in laughter, 'Do you think those two will end up getting married? Justin is besotted, I think.'

'Childhood sweethearts tend to run their course before adulthood' Caitlin reflected on her and Tommy. Nicholas stared at Caitlin questioningly. She avoided his eyes looking out the window.

He helped Caitlin out of the car, taking the keys from her, and escorting her in. Nicholas slipped his hand into her hair caressing the golden locks. Caitlin tilted her head back enjoying the soothing touch of his hands. He pulled her closer his lips placing an erotic kiss on her neck. Caitlin sighed with pleasure at the tingling sensation from his kiss. Nicholas held her face in his hands, his warm breath gentle on her face, his lips so close to hers yet not touching hers, his eyes dark with desire. Caitlin pulled his head down kissing him, her tongue eager to find his. She locked her tongue around his, hungry wanting his kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers erotically caressing him. She became impatient wanting more of him until he expertly took over from her. His tongue, darting in and out, wrapping around hers, and causing sensations all over her body. Nicholas slipped his hand under her shirt unhooking her bra. His hand cupped her firm breast sending a squeal of delight from Caitlin's mouth. Her fingers slid under his shirt caressing the broad expanse of his shoulders, delighting in the pleasure of his taut muscles. She gloried in the devastating effect her touch had on his body. She had never before experienced such erotic pleasure, being in a man's arms. She wanted to stay in his arms forever and she wanted time to stand still. Caitlin found his erect nipple, she caressed it, moving her lips to his chest, her teeth were gently applying pressure on his nipple, sending Nicholas into frenzy.

He crushed her body close against his, his lips closed over her aroused nipple. Caitlin groaned his name, excited beyond rational thought. Nicholas cupped his arms under her knees carrying her up to her bedroom. She cried out in protest until his lips found hers again. Gently he placed her on the bed, his hands caressing her thighs, evoking a delighted cry from Caitlin.

She was unaware they'd moved from downstairs, neither did she recognize her bold move in removing his shirt, her finger tips seductively caressing the expanse of his chest. He moaned with delight, lifting her up, and helping her out of her top. He lay on his back pulling her onto his chest, his fingers undoing her bra. Her soft golden hair fell all over his face. Nicholas cupped her face, pulling her down, groaning his pleasure at the feel of her firm breasts on his naked chest. He rolled over with her, his lips sensuous and erotic over her breast. Caitlin was breathing erratically, an aching desire deep inside her causing her pelvis to arch suggestively. Nicholas let his tongue trail from her nipple down to her navel. A cry left her throat, she clutched his head, pulling him close to her. Her fingers were caressing the nape of his neck. She could feel herself losing control, as his tongue was sending erotic sensations down her body.

'Caitlin I want to make love to you,' Nicholas murmured in her ear.

Caitlin willed herself to stop. Yes she was madly attracted to Nicholas, but was there any future in this? He did not profess any feelings for her. He made no commitment to her. What happens after he sleeps with her? Will he discard her, after he had his fill of sex? Caitlin pulled away from Nicholas, turning her back on him.

'Caitlin is there a problem?' he questioned. She could not speak, just shutting her eyes tightly.

'Caitlin, I want you,' he repeated huskily.

'I don't want you,' she lied.

'You don't want me!' he repeated, spinning her around. 'Let's see about that shall we?'

She was suddenly embarrassed at her near nakedness. He brought his mouth down savagely, holding her in his arms in a vice grip. Caitlin tried to break free, to no avail. His tongue left her mouth, slid gently over her throat, the erotic gesture arousing Caitlin.

Oh yes__. No damn it.

She willed herself not to respond, her hands clenched into fists at her side. Nicholas traced his tongue to her ear, his moist lips nibbling on her lobe, destroying her will power. His hand stroked her inner thigh.

No. That was unfair.

His tongue trailed a path to her aroused nipple, leisurely stoking over the aroused peak in a circular motion. Caitlin felt raw desire and an awaking stirring in the centre of her womanhood, wanting fulfillment. Closing his mouth over her nipple, his tongue gently applied pressure over the rosy tip, causing flames of desire to explode all over her body. His hands caressed her inner thighs, her firm buttocks. She was ready to explode.

'Nicholas please __' she begged. Caitlin was unable to resist his onslaught, hard as she tried. Her body ignored her protests. She groaned loudly as her hands went around his neck, her mouth searching for his, her tongue wanting to be entwined to his. Nicholas pinned her down, his mouth, covering hers as his tongue darted in and out demanding her submission. She cried out as he set her senses on fire, his lips burning kisses all over her throat, her ear, his hands gently cupping and stroking her breasts, he was punishing her with his erotic teasing, and her body was begging for more.

'Tell me you want me, Caitlin,' he demanded his mouth closing over her nipples, his tongue sending shockwaves, that made her ache with desire, his intention cruel to punish her.

How could he be so brutal!

'Do you want me, Caitlin?'

She wished she had the discipline to say no, but her body defied her.

'Yes,' she closed her eyes whispering shamefully, 'Please __I want you.'

Nicholas tore his lips away from hers, angrily removing her hands from around his neck. She looked into his eyes that were simultaneously, smoldering with anger and desire, as he fought his desire, grabbing his shirt.

'Nicholas no! Don't leave,' she pleaded.

He ignored her plea and stormed out.

No!
How could he leave like that? She needed his loving. She wanted him. She ached for Nicholas. Tonight he had heartlessly punished her. He had taken her right to the point of no return and left her there, feeling wanton and aching. How could he leave her in that state and walk out on her? Was it her fault she caved in? He made no promises. There was no offer of a relationship. How could she sleep with him? Yet she had just begged him to do just that, but he had rejected her. She felt humiliated.

Caitlin took comfort in a glass of brandy, letting the liquid burn all the way down into her stomach. She sat on the floor in the dark, waiting until the desire in her subsided. She poured herself a second glass and some two hours later dragged herself to the shower. She tried to scrub off Nicholas' touch from her body. There were bruise marks on her breasts and her neck. She touched the bruise on her breast, remembering the exquisite pleasure his lips had provided as she had clung to him. Her lips were swollen from his demanding kisses. There was an ache deep inside of her that no man previously was able to arouse. Oh, how she wanted him to have made love to her, so she could get rid of the painful desire he evoked deep inside of her. She knew it would be many hours before her punished body will relent and allow sleep to take over.

Caitlin needed to find a way to permanently remove Nicholas out of her life.

How did he get in, in the first place? Her need for him was purely physical, over time she would be able to master that attraction, and what she felt for him. Couldn't she? Her only wish was that he would stay away from her and allow her to heal. Feelings of humiliation greeted Caitlin, when she awoke the next morning. She felt embarrassed that Nicholas had reduced her to begging for him to make love to her, she just did not seem to have the power to resist him. What had happened to the cool, calm and collected Caitlin Sinclair that she and everybody else in her life knew? When she was in his arms, she was reduced to nothing.

Caitlin's mind was wandering to thoughts of Nicholas and where he could be this moment as she walked into the foyer of the Palazzo Monte Casino Hotel. The handsome five star Tuscan style hotel, was a high end events centre. Her strikingly attractive figure always attracted attention, and today was no different. Women admired the beautiful figure she cut, and the manner in which her designer clothes adorned her beautiful shape. Men's intentions were less than honorable, when they cast their eyes in her direction.

Simon, her CEO had instructed her to attend this conference with him, he needed her technical support. She dragged her mind to pay attention to the gentleman making polite conversation with her. Caitlin was so engrossed in her conversation, she had not realized Simon, had arrived and was already seated in the front row.

'Will you excuse me a moment,' Caitlin said, making her way to Simon.

'Chatting up the men already?' he scolded, getting up as she approached him. Caitlin was unaware of the admiring stares aimed at her directly from many males and respectful attention from one or two females.

'Good morning to you too,' Caitlin responded. 'All ready?' she asked.

'Yes thankfully, I've got the session before lunch.'

Suddenly the colour drained from Caitlin's face. Her eyes caught his. She saw them momentarily become like two storm clouds then the anger dissipatedly just as quickly as he made his way to the front row accompanied by two men who seem to be part of his entourage. His face a mask, he walked purposefully, unsmiling.

Was he also presenting a paper here?

'I think we're about to start,' Caitlin told Simon, recovering quickly, and making a getaway, not wanting to have to make any conversation with Nicholas. She got to her seat, and noted the exchange between Simon and Nicholas. Simon seemed to know Nicholas, for he greeted Nicholas placing a hand on his shoulder. Nicholas nodded, offered a response, again to something Simon had said. Caitlin was thankful to escape before she was forced into company with Nicholas. She squirmed in her seat, still embarrassed by the way he had, had her begging for his love. She had been feeling good about today until he had walked in, now she was a bundle of nerves.

Why did her emotions run riot in his presence?

When the first speaker began his presentation Caitlin had no inkling who he was, or the topic that was introduced. Her thoughts were transformed to her penthouse a few days ago, lying half naked, under Nicholas enveloped in his arms. He had totally humiliated her, and now the raw emotions of his rejection were resurfacing. She cast a glance in his direction. Thankfully he had his back to her. Head and shoulders above all the others in the row he sat in, his body looked relaxed, as he listened and occasionally made notes. He seemed to have dressed to match his mood this morning she observed. An expensive designer dark grey suit, an even darker navy shirt and a black silk tie, yet amazingly with his devastatingly handsome looks, excellent torso, and his hair falling on his collar, just the length she loved, he just oozed charisma and sex appeal. Her fingers had an urge to touch the muscular shoulders, to slide her fingers down his designer shirt, and feel the soft mat of hair on his delectable chest. Her lips ached to press soft kisses down his throat. She remembered how his breathing became haggard when she__.
No, get a grip on yourself!

She wasn't the only one eyeing Nicholas, she observed, pulling the folder open, and looking through the file notes.

The agenda had Nicholas doing the graveyard shift. There was a short biography on him, indicating his age at thirty four, giving his qualifications, recent projects he worked on, and an explanatory paragraph on the topic he will be presenting. His subject was addressing policy gaps affecting implementation and service delivery. This was no doubt the heart of the matter for government.

There was a write up about Simon and his organization, but Caitlin just scanned through it. She knew in detail all of Simon's achievements. The first speaker had completed his presentation; Caitlin hardly registered the content of his paper. She would have to concentrate on Simon's presentation now, as technical expert she may have to advise him. Simon went through his smoothly, with no hassle. He even had a dig at how his associate had cautioned him to practice what he preached, bringing some humor to his presentation. She did not blush for nobody knew that she was the associate, perhaps Nicholas may assume it was her, though seeing he was giving her the cold shoulder that was fine.

As they stopped for lunch Caitlin's eyes were drawn to Nicholas. Just holding his gaze had her senses spinning. She felt like she needed to be seated again, wanting the weight of her chair to provide some comfort. She had to look away, for his eyes did not provide any warmth, they were cold and angry.
Don't give me that killer look when you're ignoring me.
She saw some female species now clinging onto Nicholas, demanding his attention. Green envy engulfed her wounded heart, restricting her breathing. Caitlin rose, to look for a table for herself. She did not want to sit with Simon who was seated at the same table as Nicholas. She could not endure more of Nicholas' cold fury. She scanned the room and chose a table that was almost full, with one empty seat. She smiled at both ladies on either side of her, enquired if the seat was taken, and nodded when informed it was vacant. Her appetite was gone, she wished she could be anywhere else, but she had to be there for Simon. The food smelt delicious, but she had no interest in it what so ever. What's new? He destroyed her appetite right from the weekend she left her dad's party almost three months ago.

Without looking, she knew Nicholas' eyes were boring into her. She dare not look. He was seated directly to her right. She forced herself to make conversation with the person to her left, subtly shifting her body out of Nicholas' range. She applauded herself mentally that she managed to get to dessert without looking his way.

After lunch, Nicholas got straight into his presentation. Without much pomp and ceremony, he merely introduced himself, and on a flipchart wrote a website address and a toll free number he could be contacted through, unlike many keynote speakers, who could give an expansive curriculum vitae that would fill three pages.

'For my sins, I've been given the grave yard shift,' he started, but if any of you falls asleep on me, I'm going to make you sing the national anthem, backwards' he continued, to roaring laughter from the delegates. Caitlin smiled, mentally attempting the anthem backwards, not having much luck beyond the first three words. Somehow she could not imagine anybody falling asleep on Nicholas. For he was charismatic, informative, throwing in anecdotes to keep the presentation alive, and he walked around ensuring that he made eye contact with as many people as possible.

Caitlin refused to look directly at Nicholas, she looked at his power point presentation, occasionally jotting down something which she wanted to reference, or just doodled on the writing pad, although alert and attentive to every word he spoke. He was articulate, had tremendous insight on the gaps in policy that hampered trade and investment. He highlighted the lack of effective enforcement of minimum standards and guidelines that crippled many projects. His message was to government as well, to engage the private sector in shaping policy. He was not subtle in his accusation that government engaged consultants in shaping policy, but government itself was not effective in implementing the policy when it came to service delivery.

Trust him to take the bull by the horns.

He concluded his paper, to loud applause, Caitlin looked around, and she did not see one delegate who was not motivated by his presentation. She saw many of the ladies gushing at Nicholas and she wasn't surprised. You had to be as cold as the polar ice cap, not to be affected by that magnetic charm. He fielded many questions, laughing, teasing, and challenging his captive audience before he took his seat again. While seats were being rotated for the last speaker, Caitlin decided she had had enough and made her exit, the temperature was getting a bit too hot to handle. She was not sure how to handle Nicholas' rejection. She wondered if their date with the boys to the cricket was still on.

The next two days Caitlin threw herself into work till late in the night, oddly not looking forward to going home, which previously was always the sanctuary that provided comfort until the night Nicholas invaded that sanctuary. She worked until she was too tired, and every muscle cried out for sleep.

On the Friday afternoon she was in her office looking at the conference folder, automatically flipping to the page with the biography and a picture of Nicholas. He looked so arresting, his eyes smiling and alive. Caitlin remembered the feel of those lips on hers. He looked just so real in the picture, and affecting her as if he was standing there.

'Guard your heart Kid, he takes no prisoners!' Caitlin was so engrossed, fantasizing about Nicholas, she did not see Simon come in.

I think it's a bit too late for that.

Sighing deeply, she put the page down looking at Simon.

'He likes beautiful women on his arm Caitlin, but none of them lasts very long.'

Tell me about it, her mind screamed.

'You know him then?' Caitlin was intrigued.

'Nick's one of the three blue chip companies we charge a fortune to, for the wise counsel I dispense,' he grinned.

So that's how they know each other. Small world.

Caitlin knew there were a few clients that Simon consulted exclusively to. They paid a ridiculously high premium for his consul, but she concurred that Simon's expertise was without comparison. She knew of the companies, she just did not interact with its representatives.

'You do rip those companies off, don't you?' she teased.

He shrugged, 'they want my expertise, they must pay a premium,' he responded nonchalantly.
'Nick's good at his job,' Simon continued,' he works hard, is a self made multimillionaire, a great visionary and not afraid of challenges. He thinks very big, and is very seldom unsuccessful when he goes after a deal.'

Caitlin rolled back her chair, folded her arms, lapping all the praise heaped on Nicholas.

'The changing world needs more people like Nicholas Brenthurst, great insight, innovative and a master in his field.'

'Ardent fan, aren't we,' Caitlin threw at him.

'Only the facts,' Simon responded.

'I was introduced to him by Stuart, Caitlin informed Simon. 'Nicholas invited Stuart to put a proposal together for some gas pipeline project somewhere in Eastern Europe__'

'Eastern Europe,' Simon interrupted, 'now that's a market that should be on every body's watch list,' Simon mused.

Her telephone rang interrupting their conversation.

'Yes Katie,' Caitlin answered, hitting the intercom.

'You'll want to pick this one up.' Katie warned. Caitlin looked at Simon.

'I'll leave you to it,' Simon nodded, respecting her privacy, and walking out.

'Caitlin Sinclair,' she answered, picking up the handset.

'Caitlin hi.' The brisk businesslike voice responded. Caitlin sat upright, adjusted her posture, and closed the folder as if he could see her slouching through the handset.

'Caitlin, are you there?' he asked curtly when she had not responded.

'Yes hi, how are you?' she fumbled, closing here eyes, thinking how stupidly she was handling this.

'I will pick you up at nine tomorrow morning,' he advised her. 'Be ready.' Without further comment, he cut the call. Caitlin put down the phone, her heart tingling with excitement that she would be with him tomorrow.

He's just picking you up, because it was planned previously with the boys, don't read anything into it!

She heard the warning bells in her head, but her heart was singing away already. Katie walked in, her eyebrows raised. Caitlin wondered if an inquisition was forthcoming.

'Don't you have some reports, you should be typing?' Caitlin asked, reading the questioning look in her PA's eyes.

'They're finished,' she supplied, 'Do you have a date tonight with the gorgeous Nicholas Brenthurst?' she fished.

'No, I do not have a date with him tonight,' she answered honestly, 'Now go and find some filing or something to do,' she left Katie standing in her office, and escaped further interrogation.

- End- Chapter Three-