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‘No amount of money would induce me to have a conversation with you, Philip, let alone a date,’ she said with exaggerated dignity Having clarified the situation to her satisfaction, she turned to Andreas with a sht ‘Shall we go?’

Andreas wondered what could have upset her soto leave the bar with a total stranger She hadn’t even asked his na to his hand as if it were a lifeline

A totally inexplicable need to protect her slao’

He held the door open for her and she walked past hi re the volume of alcohol she appeared to have consue and he was suddenly aware of just how delicate she was compared to him Her arms and wrists were slender, her waist was io on for ever

She cli various members of the medical staff who passed But he sensed that the cheerfulness was for everyone else’s benefit and his firhtened as he contemplated the possible reasons for her distress Obviously it had soht she was only worth £10

They reached the top of the stairs and he took her arm as they walked towards the car park

‘Exactly how much alcohol have you consumed?’

‘None I don’t drink Although perhaps I should have done tonight At least alcohol e I can’t believe I ever thought it would be a good idea Thank goodness you cahtdown to remove her shoes ‘Ouch Sorry They’re really uncomfortable’

Did she think he was a fool?

It was perfectly obvious that she’d been drinking

Andreas frowned ‘If you found it hu that without her shoes she had to tilt her head to look at him

Her shoes dangled froers ‘I did it because I promised that I would and I never break promises’

‘You didn’t want to do it?’

‘I would rather have dug a hole and buriedto look cheerful was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life I almost died with relief when you rescued ht that my rotten brother had abandoned me to my fate Which reminds me, I need to write you a cheque’