to hell with tomorrow! charlotte lamb
DESCRIPTION
yhjuTRANSCRIPT
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CHAPTER 1
- I think you let yourself be led by your selfishness above!
Mike's voice resounded with unusual hardness, and Natasha looked at
him sadly.
A chasm is widening between them, she feared an abyss of never fill.
Instead
sitting close to her, he had abruptly dismissed, as if proximity repugnant
all
suddenly, and he considered stiffly outstretched traits.
- It's not selfish, she protested. Your idea just seems inconceivable.
Everything would be different if your mother loved me.
- But she loves you!
The young man's face was inflamed. His eyes, usually so warm, so
sparkling with life, now evoked coldness, the hardness of the stone.
- And it is you who do not love, I understand now! he went on. Last
night, precisely,
she told me believing guess your hostility towards him, and I was
foolish enough to disabuse!
Distraught, she put on her blue eyes incredulously, shaking his head.
- It never succeeded in a young couple to live with her in-laws, she said.
-
- Do not seek excuses! if he won.
They never had a fight before, and she had the painful impression of
face to a stranger.
They knew each other for four months. To their amazement, they had
quickly
realized they were in love with each other. The days passed, each
brighter
than others.
Some of the depth of their commitment, Natasha was not surprised at
his request
in marriage.
- Why wait? he said. We are sure of each other, is not it?
- Yes, we are, she replied jumping to her neck, happy to see if
hastened.
- When my mother will return from Australia, we will take care of the
formalities, he decided.
Not for a moment Natasha had doubted she would like Mike's mother.
He had him
described with such love that she felt ready to give her tenderness.
Mrs. Porter had just spent six months at Kenneth, his other son, who
had married the daughter
a farmer from Queensland. The old lady showed such eagerness to
enjoy some
-
his grandchildren that they eventually invite.
When Natasha went to Mrs. Porter for the first time, not the least
afterthought did touched. But from the moment she entered the living
room of her stepmother, she
realized she had an enemy. Certainly, his hostess proved very
courteous and smiling;
Yet as soon as his son's back was turned, she glared her future daughter
an ice look, leaving
clear that it was not welcome.
Shocked and incredulous, Natasha was looking in the eyes of Mike the
same surprise that the
knocked herself. But obviously, the young man noticed nothing.
When they left, he asked him innocently in the world:
- So what do you think of her? It's great, is not it? You know, my
father died
when I was four, and she raised us alone, my brother and I, working
tirelessly
that we lacked nothing. She never complained about his lot, and I only
understood
growing up how she was devoted to us. She sacrificed herself for her
son ...
Is not exceptional?
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- Exceptional indeed mechanically Natasha nodded with a forced smile.
- I knew you would. It is essential that the two women in my life
agree!
The girl winced.
- You ... you think I liked it? she ventured after a hesitation.
It was hard to conceive such blindness from Mike, but it seemed
really sincere.
- Of course! if he cried.
And he kissed her with an enthusiasm that nothing could begin. This
first interview
the forward-knows ... Natasha renounced let him see the truth. She
even came to doubt
itself.
The hope of having deceived the reinvigorated. Perhaps Ms. Porter was
she just tired
a hard day? Perhaps the news of this unexpected marriage had she
taken aback
?
Alas, in short the following weeks, his first impression was verified.
Not only
Ms. Porter did not like him, but she deliberately showed hostile. All the
efforts of the young
-
daughter ended in failure. She brought her chocolates: Mrs. Porter
disliked
chocolates, they were fattening. She offered her flowers: Mrs Porter did
not like flowers,
she was allergi-that pollen ...
If Natasha proposed a date for their wedding, her stepmother interrupted
systematically and changed the conversation. If they were to talk about
Kenneth's wife, she
not dried up more criticism on his stepdaughter on his way of raising
her children or to take her home.
Natasha never understood then that Mike's mother would not accept any
woman between her and her son.
Ms. Porter was immod-rately possessive and jealous.
On the one hand, this excessive attitude was pitiful, but she was
beginning to cast a shadow
on the relationship between young people. Natasha felt unable to
enlighten her fiance that evoked
naively their future life in the house of his mother, was it not his duty to
watch over
it? ...
- She has done so much for me, honey.
Sitting each at the end of a park bench, they were not looking.
- I owe him so much, you understand? he continued.
-
You decided to continue to work for now, but suppose we wanted a
baby right away. Having my mother at home would be ideal, right?
- Do not see it that way, Mike!
- You do not like him, he accused.
Natasha gave him a bewildered look.
- It's not that ...
- She suspected it, and I thought she was wrong, she was carried away
by his
imagination. Still, she was right: you do not love.
- It was she who does not love me! exploded the girl, trembling
because she hated
disputes.
Unlike Mike, it was neither expansive nor confident but shy, sweet and
cleared.
This quarrel plunged into the deepest distress.
- She hates me, she uttered an almost inaudible voice.
This reality terrified; she hoped to convince even her fianc.
- What nonsense! he shouted. Do proffers more such nonsense! My
mother hate you! ...
- She hates me, she does not want this marriage.
- Why would she offered us to live with her if she did not want? he
retorted,
furious.
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Natasha opened her mouth to answer, but the words died on his lips.
How
could she tell him: "Your mother is jealous, it does not intend to lose
you, she thinks I'm going
tear you from her and she tries to stop me?
- Then he pressed. Listen, he went without being moved by the
desperate look
his fiance.
Forget all that, okay? I have a very high opinion mom and I will not
stand
that such relations are established between us. Say no more about this
marriage.
Natasha grew pale. She could not believe her ears.
The wedding day was planned in a few weeks, she had chosen her
dress, her parents
had dealt with everything ...
Mike stared at the road ahead, his jaw.
- It's over, he said.
- Finished? she repeated in a voice she did not recognize.
She struggled in the nets of a horrible nightmare, because it could not be
that of a
-
nightmare ...
- I should congratulate myself for having taken this decision before it's
too late! said he.
The girl shuddered. She took off her engagement ring with trembling
fingers. They had
chosen together, and she gazed every day, drunk with happiness ...
- Well, she whispered, handing him the ring.
- I beg you, he said.
He pushed his hand and rolled the jewel in the grass.
The wind tousled brown hair Natasha remained motionless, his eyes
fixed on a
not lost in the distance of the park when the young man left and did not
return. All
Suddenly she stood up and began to run. Tears streamed down her
cheeks.
Why adversity she was bent against her when she discovered a
happiness so valuable?
She no longer thought of nothing but this painful rupture that had
annihilated. When
she realized that passersby looked back on it, it slows the pace. Then
she tried
to swallow her tears. She worked two minutes from the park, so she
borrowed a path more
-
Long to take time to calm down.
Natasha then regained the modern building that housed the agency. She
stopped where the toilet
it refreshes his face, restored order in his headdress and remaquilla.
Besides her pallor,
dark circles under his eyes, nothing was reflected in his inner distress.
Nigel Herries, his boss, was too preoccupied with himself to notice a
change
of this nature to his secretary. Handsome, pleased with himself, he
attached great importance to its
own person he neglected no detail. Her salary barely managed to cover
its
vestimentai-res expenditures and maintenance of its beautiful red sports
car.
When Natasha entered the office a bit later, he took care to aim
nonchalantly
the basket where he threw crumpled paper balls.
- Did you eat breakfast? he asked, smiling at the girl.
Without waiting for a reply, he lingered to contemplate. As his car,
young
women he surrounded himself had to "go it well," he thought, that is to
say, be pretty, elegant,
attract the attention of other men.
-
- You are very smart, he said, detailing the raw dress that gracefully
floated around
Natasha long legs.
- Thank you, 'she said, putting a pile of leaflets in front of her.
Accustomed to his compliments, she did not give them more
importance than they
deserved. Nigel collected the adventures. His connections in general
lasted a little more
week. He loved the variety.
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- What are you doing tonight? himself he asked.
It was not his first invitation, but she had always declined. This time
Yet, to the surprise of the young man, she replied:
- I do not know why?
- I'm invited to a party at customers, charming people, Fortt, you
remember? Those who loved dogs so much. Why accom-gneriez you
not me? Us
dcrocherons perhaps a new contract?
Natasha vaguely recalled Dave Fortt.
The advertising agency had organized a cocktail in his honor six months
earlier. To this
-
occasion, Nigel had deployed his talent to put his ideas into value and
get noticed
by this man in sight. If he willingly showed fanciful and frivolous, head
of the girl had
also a brain. He worked in spurts suddenly pushed by flashes of genius
who succeeded in
long time to Oisi Vete-and this "method" was succeeding.
- Okay, she agreed. What time should we be there?
- At eight o'clock. I'll go get you home.
These evenings were displayed hypocrisy and superficial reports
generally bored
Natasha.
But tonight, after her breakup with Mike, she dreaded so much to find
his
apartment where she inevitably broierait black she would have accepted
any invitation.
She lived in a small studio in the Chelsea neighborhood. Its windows
overlooked the
roofs. Some days when the season permitted, she could see the green
foliage of a tree
pointing between two houses. But in general, she mostly saw the sky
She lived in this apartment for a year and a half, and in that time, its
neighbors
-
bearing had succeeded many times. We do not attar-Dait in this place
where there was
the total anonymity.
Natasha had felt some difficulty in accoutu overseas in London, she had
grown up in a
Dorset village where her parents still lived and sister. No doubt she
would have stayed there
if she had not fallen in love with the husband of the latter. Oh sure, it
was only
a passing attraction she took care to keep secret in the depths of his
heart. But to
the age of passions and follies, next day without feelings sometimes
take an importance
disproportionate. So she decided to leave to settle in London to forget
Jack and relieve
guilt which undermined; a deep attachment between her and Linda, his
sister.
Indeed, his dreams of teen-lescente did not resist the pulsing life of the
capital. His
work, new knowledge helped him considerably, and when she met
Mike, the
Remember his brother was banished to the depths of his memory.
-
While dressing for the evening, Natasha wondered how she would
announce her
Parents her breakup with fiance they worshiped. Only Linda had shown
more reserved ...
Much less that erased his junior, she had always been accustomed to
direct, act according to his
goodwill. Her husband, for example, generally bent to his wishes.
Maybe
be it simply guessed that Mike had too strong character to let
intimidate?
Anxious at the thought of having to face the dismay of his family,
Natasha watched his
livid face in the mirror, her eyes dark with grief.
Although her fiance regretted their quarrel, nothing would change.
How could
marry her when the mother of the young man hated? He and Mrs.
Porter were so close ... A
Such a situation would inevitably suffer. Kenneth had solved the
problem by starting
settle in around the world, but his brother would not follow his example.
He will never understand
the view of Natasha, even if it required him to look reality in the face.
-
The girl chose her favorite dress. She liked to wear it, to feel on her
skin
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smooth coral silk jersey. The neckline discovered his throat until the
birth of the chest,
the right skirt and forced to walk the narrow slowly. Without being
provocative, this outfit
showed off her feminine charms. Mike and she had chosen together;
the young man
insisted she buys it. "It makes my heart beat! "He claimed. Natasha
often subjected to his will, she liked to please him. Shy, frail, graceful
and very fine,
she inspired the men protective desires, offering a seemingly easy prey.
They
frightened her a bit and she quickly hid before their attempts at
seduction, unaware that
This attitude caused them to insist on the contrary.
- The more you get and the more they fear will hasten, Linda told him
one day. Viewing dogs ...
- Dogs? repeated the young girl, without understanding.
- Yes, the more you tremble before them, the more they pursue you ...
How can you be so
-
naive, Natasha?
- I do not know, she answered in the distressed look of its predecessor.
A resounding horn startled her and impatient.
Through the window, she saw the red sports car Nigel roof open for the
occasion. It
hastened to take his bag and pulled out slightly perfumed. A curious
presentiment touched
suddenly, just for a moment ... She found herself regretting having
agreed to go to that
evening ... But this apprehension flew when she spoke of her little
empty studio, only haunted
by shadows Mike and M Porter . And then she would be too busy to
repel the advances of
Nigel to indulge his melancholy. Despite her shyness, she felt strong
enough to keep the young
Man remotely. Not too proud to recognize when it became unwelcome,
it
never crossed certain limits.
Nevertheless, he did not give to much and always believed in
tomorrows more
promising ...
Nigel came to open the door for her.
- Um ... I like your perfume!
-
She smiled at him, settling in the car. Mike had given him the day of
this perfume
their engagement ... An expensive gift she could never afford itself.
Even his
apartment represented an excessive expense for his meager salary, but
its location in heart
London-com thought this disadvantage. Natasha liked the Thames, and
she enjoyed every day
contemplating the calm waters of the river to leave her. They evoked
for her escape,
freedom after closed and stifling horizons of city streets. His tireless
movement, its
different colors depending on the time, offered an ever-changing vision,
while
continued his silent way towards the sea.
- You are delicious, 'said Nigel Demar-rant. Your dress suits you ... I
feel delight
we will spend a memorable evening!
The car turned into the heavy traffic of the city. The wind lifted the hair
blond young man who gave him a romantic profile.
- You look very elegant you, Natasha noticed.
He gave a smile of satisfaction.
- This is a new suit, 'he told.
-
- I thought so! she joked.
- We are a beautiful couple ...
He considered in fact a pretty woman next to him put him in value; no
doubt
he believed that the pink of her dress formed with the blue of full
harmony particularly
pleasing to the eye ...
The party was in full swing when they arrived. He took the hand of
Natasha and dragged through
the crowd in search of a glass of Champagne. When they were served,
he examined the assembly to
looking for a familiar face.
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- That Sonia! he launched soon after.
Sonia Warren handled public relations for a large company, and
sometimes treated
with the advertising agency. Despite his playful air and smiles, it had
failed to attract
sympathy Natasha. Sonia soon joined them, kissed Nigel, and both
engaged
once in a conversation which excluded completely the girl.
-
After a moment, it noticed that the glass was empty and his boss offered
him
him to go get another one.
- Thank you, he said, handing him immediately imitated by Sonia.
Natasha stood for a moment in front of such prohibited casually, but she
went with the
three cuts. When he returned, his companions were still talking, and
she stood there, listening to the
absently.
A waiter passed several times with a tray, and Natasha took some cuts
Champagne, surprised to see her empty glass as fast. "The Champagne
must give thirsty"
she thought. It also found that he was a wonderful remedy against the
bitterness ...
She suddenly discovered that looked ... Everyone looked at her, she
who believed
not attract anyone's attention. Then she smiled at these strange faces,
happy to no longer feel
alone. Even Nigel suddenly appeared to remember his presence.
- Where were you hiding, charming creature, so that our paths will not
be
yet crossed? inquired the sweet voice of one of the guests, close to his
ear.
-
- Mademoiselle is with me, Nigel intervened immediately, taking her by
the waist.
Let the Rover.
- Excuse me, I'm sorry! murmured the man wobbled slightly.
Without really knowing why, Natasha laughed. A sudden and
irrepressible cheerfulness the
transpor-silent. It felt like soap bubbles fluttered in his head. If
someone
detached a group close to her; a large brown shape vaguely wavered
before her.
She realized then that gray eyes were watching, gray eyes where a smile
and danced
a certain languor perhaps due champagne ...
- We have not been presented, insisted Rover with the girl.
- And you do not be! Nigel intervened again.
Laughter greeted his repartee. There was a stampede; groups broke up,
other re-formed. Newcomers arrived.
Natasha leaned slightly against Nigel and continued to listen in silence.
- And your car, someone said. It goes fast, right? How much does it
consume?
- Twenty liters per hundred.
- What? You're kidding! How can you maintain such a device? Mine
already consumes five liters!
-
- But what do you drive? A baby carriage? Nigel laughed, causing
general hilarity.
Natasha gaze swept the circle that had formed around them, and she
recognized the man
with gray eyes.
Standing in front of her, he observed. A slight smile played on his lips
...
On joyful and carefree mood, she smiled back.
- I'm sure mine reaches a top speed to yours, affirmed
Nigel someone who shook his head in disbelief. I bet all you want!
continued
another.
- We will have to check one of these days ...
- Why not now?
- Do not be stupid! protested another.
- Just find a straight road, and we will see, insisted the paris launcher.
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- Alright! Nigel adds enthusiastically.
Laughter mingled with marks of impatience.
The girl, fascinated by the gray eyes of the unknown, and noticed his
black lashes. His
-
insolent way to fix it ran into a strange thrill. Despite the agitation
room, it was
it also remained silent, although he was often taken to task.
It surpassed other men at least a head.
Dressed elegantly, he moved with ease showing great confidence.
Natasha was not the only one to be sensitive to its charm. Sonia was
trying to get his
attention by fiery glances, and other women smiling at him at the first
opportunity. He
belonged to that category of people who do not go unnoticed in society
without
having to be particularly talkative or exuberant. It emanated from him a
virility
calm and clear, inherent sensuality to his person. His lips firm and clear
design
evoked the promise of intoxicating kisses ...
Natasha had certainly never seen before because it would not have
forgotten. When
he plunged as now his eyes in his, a gentle warmth slid down the back
the girl.
- Let's go! Nigel said suddenly, taking her spoke size, brutally tearing
at
the spell that the unknown exerted on it.
-
Pardon? she asked.
- We'll make a run, he explained by pushing the output.
Without understanding, she let herself gently but firmly carry through
the crowd
noisy.
- But what happens? she finally asked when they met outside under the
sky
Black London.
- We'll have a race! repeated the young man definitely excited for this
idea.
Natasha looked at him in bewilderment:
- Oh, Nigel, I do not think it's a good idea ...
- Do not play spoilsport! he retorted by opening the passenger door.
Get in!
- No, she decided resolutely shook his head.
The others already settled in cars, doors banging, laughter rang out, the
engine began to purr.
- Hurry! Nigel grew impatient, red with excitement at the idea of
measure to another
conductor. I can not leave without you.
- I take her in my car, intervened a cold and determined voice.
Nigel looked up at the man who stood behind Natasha and considered
without
-
amenity.
- Who are you? he asked.
Sonia suddenly brightened. His face lit up with a flirtatious smile.
- But it was Lee Farrell, my dear! You do not know? ... How are you,
Lee?
You remember me, Sonia ...
- I remember, curtly cut the newcomer before turning to Natasha. You
come with me? he asked the latter. I guess you do not want to
participate in this kind of entertainment?
- No, indeed.
- I remind you that this young woman is with me! Nigel intervened
suddenly furious.
Some cars are already moving away, much to the exasperation of the
young man who
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more contained his impatience.
- Come, Natasha, he added, grasping his arm.
- She will be safe with me, said Lee Farrell releasing it from the grip of
Nigel.
The latter was speechless for a moment, and then he let out an
expletive, climbed into his car and
started with a bang.
-
Natasha sighed. She gave herself up lazily to the embrace of the
unknown that had
surrounded by her arms as if to protect it. Sonia on it darted a piercing
look.
- Have fun! she launched with an evil smile before walking away.
- What are we doing? Lee Farrell then inquired with great gentleness.
- What you want, she replied in a slightly sleepy voice.
A sly gleam sparkled in the gray eyes of man.
- You rely on me, is not it?
- Apparently! she confessed, carefree. We could for example take a
walk in
Car in the countryside? You got inside all night ...
- This is not exactly how I was planning to spend the night ... he said,
amused.
- But I love the country! The birds, the trees, the rivers ... I love it!
And
particularly by such a peaceful night that it ...
- Okay for the campaign. I even know a place that meets your
wishes.
- Wonderful! exclaimed Natasha.
She sank lead to a big black car, and he helped take place. Where
moved to his side and started the engine, she leaned her head against the
comfortable seat and smiled to
-
angels.
- Where are we going? she asked when they had started.
- We just decided to go to the countryside.
- Well, she sighed softly.
Natasha was vaguely aware of behaving like a brainless, but this time
almost magic where time no longer existed delighted her.
A rural and quiet landscape soon replaced the outskirts of London. The
circulation
is Apau-truth gradually. The girl had no idea where they were, but she
did not care.
It would admi-blue sky where the blinking thousands ETOI them. Lee
Farrell turned on the radio, and
Soft jazz music arose. Charmed by the melody of the clarinet, Natasha
began to sing.
- You husky voice, he said, laughing.
- Excuse me ...
- But I love your voice! Besides, I like everything about you Natasha,
especially your
eyes. Your first name pleases me too, it is not common.
- At the time I was born, my mother was devouring Russian literature.
She called Natasha
in memory of the heroine in War and Peace.
- It is a wise choice, that you very well.
-
- Thank you, 'she murmured, smiling.
His head was still resting against the backrest. The wind rushed
through the open window,
raised her silky hair in a dancing halo around her face.
- You remind me of a mermaid ... a creature half-human, half-magical,
almost ...
almost unreal.
- I do have the impression of swimming in a dream.
Actually, I'm not here ... but I fly in a bubble, there ... she replied,
Page 10
pointing to the sky.
He laughed and then frowned.
- Attention, the bubbles burst!
- Not mine, not this night. And to hell with tomorrow!
Lee held the steering wheel with one hand and stroked the other cheek
and satin rose suddenly
the girl.
- To hell with tomorrow! he repeated.
Page 11
CHAPTER 2
-
Gradually the moon made his way behind dark clouds, and the
distinguished Natasha
moving surface of a rough sea. Surprised, she sat up.
- The sea! if she exclaimed, much to the amusement of his companion.
- Yes, the sea, he nodded.
- But where are we?
- In Kent.
Hills with rounded curves harbored mysterious and dark wood.
Through
short grass meadows, chalky white floor and offered a cameo of strange
lights.
- Wonderful ... whispered the girl snuggling back into his seat.
- Do not you cold? inquired Farrell.
Under the warm caress of the wind of this very sweet night, his
passenger slipped into a languorous
delicious.
- I'm good, really good, she said.
He smiles.
- I hope the champagne is not solely responsible for your welfare.
- Do not blame the champagne, it is a divine drink.
The car turned onto a steep road to the assault of a steep hill. Woodland
thick formed around them a leafy canopy where the moonlight crept
with difficulty,
-
like water from a brook whose course would require it to be hampered
trickle.
- Where do we go now? he asked, peering elie darkness.
- Towards an unknown and mysterious destination ...
The road curves describing growing. She eventually shrink to the point
just allow the passage of a car. They passed a few houses sleeping, a
dog
barked somewhere.
- It seems that we are the only ones awake, Natasha noticed.
That night, for her, arose out of time. Lee looked at her, then reached
out to
push a lock of long hair girl fluttering over his face.
- Happy?
- Yes, she whispered.
She was floating languidly in a joy that enveloped him like a golden
cloud.
Carefree, she did not know who she was or where she was going,
Natasha Blairy whose life was
broken that morning in the park of London, this shy young girl who
cleared and never had
dared to commit any folly no longer existed. The one who was now
sitting alongside
-
Lee Farrell was sailing to his fancy, felt able to say whatever came to
mind.
Never before had she savored the sweet taste of freedom ...
- It's amazing, 'she whispered.
- Yes, is not it? he nodded as if he understood exactly what she wanted
express.
It slows reaching the top of the hill. The car turned cautiously on a
narrow road then stopped. Natasha then discovered a small white
cottage.
- We arrived, he announced leaving him to open the door.
She followed him to the entrance. There, he slid his hand along the lintel
overlooking the
door and pulled out a key. The hinges creaked when opened.
- This is a haunted house ... whispered the girl.
Page 12
- Of course, he replied, standing aside to let her pass.
He turned and led Natasha in a small room on the right. She was
comfortably
furnished, yet he gave off this inherent coldness in uninhabited places.
She shuddered
slightly.
- Cold? is he worried immediately taking the waist.
-
Without any fear, she bowed her head against the man's shoulder and let
him touch
his hair with his hand.
- Hmmm ... that's nice, 'she confessed.
- It's strange, but I also ... Hungry?
- Yes, she admitted, surprised.
- I was sure ... You see, we feel the same things.
- But ... there has he anything to eat here?
He lowered his head and kissed just behind the ear.
- Of course, he replied.
- Of course, she repeated.
Cpnment could she doubt it otherwise, since that night saw them achieve
least of his desires?
- Come, you will help me.
They went to a small kitchen where they prepared fried eggs, ham and
coffee.
When they were restored Natasha yawned, and his companion watched a
moment. His
gray eyes had darkened almost imperceptibly ...
- In bed, he said softly.
Natasha smiled and dropped passively lead to the first floor. The warmth
of her arms
-
around her filled with joy. She was struggling to keep his eyes open as
his eyelids
grew heavy. It ushered in a room with exposed beams, lined with paper
ornate, where stood a large bed covered with rose.
- I'm so tired, he she confided.
He then went down the zipper of coral dress and gently stroked the back
of the
girl.
- Mmmm ... she murmured, closing his eyes.
He bent a little, and his lips came to pick a kiss on those of Natasha.
- You are wonderful, 'he whispered.
- You, too, she said gravely.
- Thank you, 'he said, taking up the task he had begun, still kissing him.
Soon, the dress slipped at their feet. He looked for a moment the
graceful curves and
Women then let out a long sigh. All this was new to Natasha; she never
Mike was allowed to take such liberties. But his shyness and inhibitions
tonight
were gone.
She shuddered with pleasure ... Lee then said:
- You're cold, put yourself to bed
She slipped between the cool sheets. His eyes closed intermittently, but
she saw
-
vaguely undress. Just as he unbuttoned his shirt, he contemplated her
with a
fun.
- I would offer you an unusual sight by chance?
- Yes, she confessed frankly.
Never, in fact, no man had undressed in front of her. A week earlier, she
would run away without wasting time, but freedom had exquisite taste,
she thought now. It
Page 13
was exactly as his desire of the moment, without worrying about the
consequences.
Lee was muscular and slightly tanned. Fascinated by the manhood that
emanated from its
every move, she looked at the tall figure approaching the bed, slipping
his side and off
the light. Dry throat, she trembled with desire when she felt his body
against Lee
Farrell and her hot mouth on her shoulder.
- When I saw you tonight, for the first time, he murmured, as if it was a
...
electric current had covered me. I felt something uncontrollable ... In he
was
-
even for you?
Mesmerized by pleasure in those powerful arms, Natasha, absorbed the
delights she felt
caress the man's chest, said nothing.
He took possession again of her lips, and this time she put her arms
around her
neck, returning his kiss with fervor. This warmth that spread throughout
her being was
threatened a moment ... A little voice - the reason, no doubt -
tried to warn her, but she silenced. Nothing was to begin his
carefree happiness. She moaned weakly when Lee fingers wandered
along its
hips. Eyes closed, she swam in a dream and stubbornly refused to think,
to let the
reality penetrate this fluffy cloud when it floated in the rapture.
Soon she slipped completely into the world of oblivion. Their embrace
became more pressing,
more violent, more demanding. Natasha knew unsuspected pleasures.
Trapped in this body too
powerful, she could not discuss, but she really wanted? A wind of
madness had the
swept both ...
-
- Why did not you tell me? he asked, when the wave that had
overwhelmed the
subsided.
I would never have imagined that this was the first time ...
His voice was warm, soft; he seemed surprised and amazed. He kissed
the
face of the girl and held her against him, as if he was afraid she escapes
him. The fruits
defended had never exercised any attraction on Natasha. She previously
listened
that duty, propriety to act. She had left her hometown to avoid the risk of
shake the fundamental principles of morality. Before his fight with
Mike, she behaved
as a submissive woman.
This break was brutally revealed to him the reality.
She liked Mike, but she knew she could never marry him. If she
persisted
despite the jealousy and hostility MmePorter, his life would quickly
become hell. This evidence
had destroyed all hope of happiness with her fiance ...
"To hell with reality! "She thought suddenly, leaving his lips brush the
shoulder
Lee naked groaning with pleasure.
-
His life so far was only a perpetual flight, she continued to think ... and
Docile
conciliatory, it was mainly in the interest of others in defiance of its own
requirements. The
day before she would prudently kept away from Lee Farrell or would
have behaved
like a little girl frightened. In any case, she would not have responded to
the passion of this man
with such fever ...
- This can not be true ... he whispered a little later in a changed voice,
his face buried
Natasha's hair.
- God thank you, it is ... she replied, provoking laughter amazed at his
companion.
- I'm not sure to be very proud of me, 'he admitted.
The girl, who quietly slipped into the abyss of sleep, does not grasp the
meaning of his
words.
- What did you said? she asked.
Page 14
He stopped this time, and she fell asleep tenderly tight in protective
arms.
-
When she opened her eyes the next morning, she did not recognize
immediately where
she was. Astonished, she looked for a moment the ceiling beams before
meeting a
gray eyes that stared ...
- Oh! if she cried.
- Hello, he said in his deep voice.
Leaning on one elbow, he smiled. His body brushed against the girl.
They were his
caresses that had awakened. He continued indeed to let run his hand over
her skin.
- No! if she suddenly exclaimed in the repulsive.
She tried to sit up, but a migraine as sudden as the violent forced to
lie down again.
Lee laughed.
- The "hangover", is not it?
- Oh, my head ... she complained. It looks like it will explode.
- This is just a difficult day, he joked, stroking it again.
She blushed and pushed it again. A shudder ran through ... Images
the day before flashed through his mind, images that she would rather
forget ... Those memories
aroused in her the desire to die. What had she done? What had happened
to him? The nightmare
-
suddenly assailed relentlessly. But what devil had possessed so?
- Intimidated? he asked, frowning.
Well, I'll make coffee down, then we'll talk.
He bent over her and kissed her lightly, much as he would have kissed a
child.
- And do not begin to brood before my return, 'he said. Never in my life
I
have lived at night as beautiful as ours, you hear me? We have a number
of
things to discuss now.
Natasha kept her eyes firmly closed. Seeing persist in his silence, he
went out
of bed and dressed hurriedly. The always closed eyelids, she waited
impatiently for it to leave.
Only loneliness allow her to cope.
- Be back in five minutes, he announced before leaving.
She heard him go down the steps two at whistling. If remorse was
eating, Lee
Farrell himself was a cheerful mood!
She blinked when she tried to open them, as daylight the assaulting.
What would she say? she wondered desperately.
Natasha always knew when he returned with a tray. She met his gaze but
away immediately, but not before noticed her perplexed.
-
He sat down, put the tray on the bed and took the hand of the girl.
- Why you looking at me like that? he said softly. I know, it all happened
too fast, but
it was beautiful, right? Maybe I still drive me do you think that way ...
That night was
different for me too, very special, magical ...
Natasha swallowed hard.
- I'm engaged, she said in a small voice.
He dropped his hand and stood up. A heavy silence fell.
- In your last night mate? This wacky to the sports car that found nothing
better to do than this stupid race?
She shook her head, multiplying the pain pounded his skull. A nagging
him nausea
took away all his strength.
- I broke up with my boyfriend yesterday morning, so I went out with
Nigel. I followed
a silly impulse ... I was not mistress of my actions, I was not myself at
night
last.
Page 15
She wanted to disappear underground. Natasha the day before, which
had entered it
-
bed so eagerly no more, and she would never see the day.
Lee Farrell observed an alarming silence. She dared not look at him.
- I see, he threw last, without going further.
- I was not in my normal state and ...
- Indeed, he cut sharply.
- I never ...
- I went into account he interrupted again with the same abruptness.
She trembled, her face was burning. How could he not notice? ...
- I take you back to London, he said. Drink your coffee is hot, I will
preparing a more substantial breakfast.
- No, I could not swallow anything ...
- Well, he said, rising. The bathroom is right out, remember?
- Yes ...
She was not about to forget the disposition of this cottage nor the events
that were it
place ...
When she had finished her coffee, she jumped out of bed and went to
wash. While she
dressed she heard Lee walk outside. She discreetly approached the
window and saw,
standing in the morning sun, his dark hair slightly raised by the wind. It
emanated from
himself a sovereign tranquility, but the anger seemed to smolder in him.
-
Natasha turned away, biting her lip and went down. Lee Farrell closed
the house, handed
the key in place and they walked to the car.
- This cottage belongs to you? she asked, while the vehicle was entering
the small
way.
Concentrate on driving, he just is nodding his head. The many ruts do it
not made it easy.
- Do not be furious, she sighed.
- I'm not, 'he retorted.
But his clenched and hard features belied his words.
- I despise me, 'she whispered.
He turned his head toward her; his gray eyes were cold as steel.
- Why? he raised. To be seduced by me or for committing a
infidelity to the man you love?
He had to speak with a rage that startled ...
- For both reasons at once, she confessed in a whisper, suddenly livid.
- Thank you! It's very nice to hear that one just to spend the night with
despises you to have done! The day begins well!
Both hands on his knees, Natasha bullied nervously hem of her dress
between
his fingers.
- I'm just trying to explain ...
-
- You're welcome! Does the cut. I understood perfectly.
- No, you have not understood ... she Att miserably. I ...
- My dear, you are very eloquent, believe me.
They arrived on a wider road, and he stepped on the gas. Natasha
stiffened.
- Please, do not drive so fast ...
He did not seem to hear, he does not bother to look; however, it slows
gradually
little. The girl desperately looking for a way to apologize, but how to tell
him the
Page 16
truth without hurting him more?
If last night they had crossed person, traffic in the morning was dense.
They
took an hour to reach the center of London, one hour during which Lee
Farrell says
do not say a word.
Natasha eagerly awaiting the moment when she would be freed from his
presence, as this
horrible day finally would finish ...
- Where can I drop you? he asked at last.
- A Chelsea, please.
-
If she went to the office in the same dress as last night, Nigel would
certainly
not to draw the necessary conclusions.
- Where, in Chelsea? he insisted, annoyed.
She told him the name of his street and began to explain to him the way,
but he interrupted
curtly saying he did not need his help.
When he finally stopped in front of her, she bit her lip:
- I ... 'she began.
- If you have the misfortune to tell me you're sorry, I do not know what I
will
do! To hell thundered tomorrow I 2.
Does he- He leaned toward her, fury vibrating and continued:
- You've used me tonight, and I hate that they're used to me! I have
Never allow anyone to behave that way! You may be trying to justify
your
driving imagining that champagne or melancholy have led you to make a
fake
not ... But let me tell you, my young friend, that person never acts
without wanting a little.
He leaned more and suddenly opened the door:
- Bye, he threw.
-
Natasha slipped out of the vehicle. Hardly she found herself standing on
the sidewalk that
car started with a bang.
Once home, she donned a black pleated skirt and a white crepe blouse.
It
is watched carefully in the mirror, almost surprised that she had not
changed. TO
share a certain pallor and a slightly less proud head carriage, perhaps,
nothing revealed his
internal distress.
When she entered her office, Nigel was sitting with his head in his
hands. He winced in
pain when she closed the door.
- Do not make noise, I beg you, he said.
I spent a terrible night.
He raised his eyes and looked enfini the girl.
- And what happened to you? You have me indeed dropped ...
- I'll get coffee and aspirins.
- I especially need a nurse, he whispered.
Natasha walked to the door, but suddenly mischievous voice pierced her
boss
like a sword:
- How was it finally? he asked.
-
Despite the nausea that came over, she did not turn around. Nigel
laughed, but in this
feigned cheerfulness pierced all his resentment.
- You're thinner than I thought, he added. You fell on the right number,
it is very rich!
The door slammed behind the girl who felt bad to hear his satisfaction
boss moan:
Page 17
- Oh, my poor head ...
Page 18
CHAPTER 3
It remained to Natasha a week of vacation to take, but when she
demanded his due,
Nigel was angry:
- You take it to the last minute, it seems to me, he remarked.
- I have family problems, she explained truthfully altogether, I have to
go
promptly with my parents.
He still resented for having abandoned this evening; However, he
managed to silence
his resentment.
-
- I guess it is urgent and you do not have a choice, but how am I
manage without you, me?
- Sara replace me, I've already talked to him.
The sulky Nigel turned back to the window. He gazed complacently at
his reflection
in the window darkened by the pale glow of the setting sun, and took
care to put in place a
cowlick.
- Okay, he sighed. I just hope you tell me true, is that Lee Farrell
not the real reason for your approach ... If ever I learned that you have a
good party
time in Capri or Tahiti with him, I would look immediately another
secretary.
Natasha looked at him with a certain coldness.
- I'll leave you my phone number, so you can reach me whenever
you seem ...
- Good, very good! No need to take the fly!
if he exclaimed.
But the girl was fuming with indignation when the door closed behind
her the
office.
Every time he would be in a bad mood, Nigel would not fail to evoke
Lee
-
Farrell ... He was not about to forget his disappointment. Perceptive,
inquisitive and talkative, he would not lose
an opportunity to relate to all the winds of adventure Natasha in Kent, if
he ever came
learn it. This sort of anecdotes spiced existence, he said.
In the train that brought her home the next morning, Natasha was
desperately trying to
find how she would announce to his family that his marriage was
canceled. All he had
imagine the incredulous face and upset his mother for words and phrases
that she had
eva-nouissent be prepared in smoke.
The task is hard! She would begin by informing his mother alone
together, it would be
easier than to explain to all his relatives gathered.
The girl chooses a time when his father, Linda and Jack were busy
admiring the
roses in the garden. Ms. Blairy preparing tea in the kitchen:
- Oh, you're here, darling, 'she said, turning around. Would you take out
the cups, if you
Please?
No blue everyday, those Chinese porcelain.
Dry lips, Natasha mechanically opened the cupboard.
-
- Mom ... she began.
- Mike is not going to join you in the week?
K
Why hath he not accompanied? He has so much work? He could not
break free ... What
Page 19
shame!
We were planning precisely with your father the other day, to go to
London for the
knowledge of Ms. Porter. We could invite here. What's your opinion?
Do you think she
willing to come?
- Mom ... Natasha repeated in a hushed voice.
- And the cups? I take you there daydreaming ... You've always been a
dreamer!; even small
daughter thou vadais in your little world for a yes or a no. It was
enough for me to watch you
that you were in your secret country ... Linda instead, always kept his
feet on the ground, nothing
escaped him. You were the sweetest, but you let yourself be led by your
elder too. Never
let dictated to by anyone.
-
Ms. Blairy applied to butter toast with quick and precise movements.
Natasha, who
had the cups in saucers, looked at her mother her big blue eyes:
- I'm not going to marry Mike, Mom.
- What, dear? Hey, will you cut it into very thin slices cucumber?
- Mom ...!
Ms. Blairy finally put his knife on the table with a sudden gesture and
turned to his daughter.
- What are you saying? she asked, prohibited.
Distraught Natasha looked at her, his lips trembling.
- You're not going to marry Mike? repeated her mother, growing pale.
What is it
mean? ...
We chose the church, the town hall, the room, the meals, musicians and
...
She paused, opened his mouth again without any sound went not out by
then stared
her daughter.
- You can not change your mind now that everything is organized ...
- It's over, whispered Natasha.
- Finished?
- Forever.
Ms. Blairy pulled a chair to it and it sat down heavily.
-
- My God, how is he your father react?
Last Friday, he spent his day trying his suit, do you realize you?
- I'm sorry, Mom ...
Ms. Blairy stared at the hands of his daughter, clutching the back of a
chair.
- What happened, dear? An argument? You know, lovers' quarrels are
more
that your couran-needless to dramatize! Everything will work out, you'll
see ...
- No! Natasha cried warmly. It is impossible.
Tears flowed down her cheeks now.
- Natasha, my child! cried his mother bypassing the table to come for the
young
daughter in his arms. What's happening? What does all this mean?
Maybe your imagination
it darkens the situation?
- I would love that to be the case! But you see, Mrs. Porter hates me. It
me
considers a rival who will take away his son, Mike, blinded by his love
to him,
refuses to open his eyes. He prefers breaking because I will never accept
living with her ...
New sobs interrupted him.
-
- Oh, dear, this story does not like very much, Ms. lamented with a
Blairy
sigh so heartbreaking that her daughter smiled through her tears. Now,
now, calm down,
she added, suddenly concerned that Natasha in such a state.
Indeed, she did not know if she was laughing or if she was crying now ...
Page 20
- Listen, 'she said, you're going to rest up a bit with a nice cup of tea and
two
aspirins. I undertake to prevent your father, Linda and Jack.
- Mom, you're so nice ...
Ms. Blairy helped him up the stairs, and then she pulled the curtains in
the room that Natasha
immediately crawled under the quilt.
- I'm sorry for all the trouble I cause you, Dad, and you ...
- Do not worry about it. Take your tea and your pills, then you will sleep
a little.
Since last night with Lee Farrell, the girl was very little and slept badly.
The anguish of having to entrust the terrible news to her mother had
been right about her. Exhausted, she
fell asleep without even realizing it.
When she awoke, a gray dawn began to break. She stood on tip
-
feet, drew the curtains and looked at the first light that adorned the
horizon of a veil
pink and light.
Going down into the kitchen, she heard the clatter of cups clashed,
wheezing
the kettle ... It was his father, only in pajamas and robe, her hair in
disorder.
Natasha looked at him anxious eyes, but he smiled.
- Come in, come on! if he cried. And do not look so devastated air, it
looks like you
committed a crime!
- I'm so sorry you create so much anxiety ... You had everything
organized and ...
- Forget it. It is better to take time to engage in a doomed union
to failure.
- But I wanted this marriage with all my heart ... But when Mike was so
insisted that we lived with his mother, I realized that we were running to
disaster.
- Undoubtedly, his father nodded. But he must have known she was so
possessive
?
Natasha shrugged.
-
- He accused me of letting myself be carried away by my dreams. He
even dared to say that
it was I who hated her!
Mr. Blairy carefully watched the pale face of his daughter.
- ... And to be frank, my dear, you had no reason to hate, a priori, is not
right?
- But no! Instead, I was quite willing to accept it, but how can we
love someone who looks at you with such hatred? And you know, she is
not possessive
only in respect Mike, if you had heard of Kenneth's wife! The poor girl
all the faults of the Earth! Besides, it is not by chance that they went to
live in Australia ...
- Poor Mike ... If he really does not realize anything, it should be really
unhappy,
this moment ...
The girl looked at him, frowning.
- Yes, but I'm not the least ... Worst of all is that it will never accept any
beautiful girl.
- Except when he meets a woman more stubborn as her mother ... I do
not see Linda
abandon a marriage that she would truly desired, for example!
Natasha sighed.
- Me neither, but I'm no match for Mrs. Porter.
-
At the bottom of herself, Natasha thought that if that night she had acted
with more common sense,
courage and determination, she would not have embarked on this path
without return. Instead of listening
the voice of recklessness, she should go back to Mike, tell him exactly
what she thought of
Ms. Porter, ask him the ultimatum to choose between his fiance and her
mother.
However, after that brief moment of rebellion, would she have the
strength to endure
Page 21
persistent malice of this woman, the war that would inevitably have led
him? How
his marriage could he survive such a hostile climate?
Mr. Blairy patted the cheek of the girl:
- No, that's not your style, indeed, he said. You took the wisest decision.
Later, Natasha realized that the whole family did not share this opinion.
The
perspective of his sister was much less conciliatory
- You should have to get rid of that woman!
if she cried angrily. That's what I would have done in any case. How can
you confess
-
defeated so quickly, without even fight, Natty?
- Do not call me Natty!
- If you loved Mike, you would not give up so quickly, Linda continued,
imperturbable. This selfish dirty ...
- Linda! interjected his father.
But she faced him.
- Well, have I not right? If the poor fellow only had one ounce
intelligence, he would have seen for a long time what was going on
under his nose, and he would have sent his
mother to hell!
- It is not so simple: she sacrificed herself for him, Natasha explained.
- And she wants to make sure he will never forget! Linda punctuated
dryly. It is
not crazy, she will not be alone! You see, if his son marries, she will be
forced to
start a new life ...
This subject was beginning to tire the girl.
- I do not want to hear about it, I decided to forget, she said.
- You're right, dear, Mrs. Blairy slipped, it is a wise resolution. I for my
part
the feeling that you got fired narrowly a bad step.
Linda would speak again when his mother reduced her to silence with a
stern look.
-
- Enough, now! Needless to chat for hours!
Ms. Blairy not easily out of joint, as its chips they wearing more
when this was happening.
The week went by too quickly to suit Natasha; return to London only
smiled
hardly.
Jack accompanied her to the station. Before leaving, he looked with
some anxiety.
- You are very pale, he remarked. Are you sure want to go?
- Of course, she lied.
She had no choice now.
- Take care of yourself ...
The girl noticed with a sinking heart that the temples of his brother
already beginning to turn gray ... She remembered the brief and painful
period in which it
had thought herself in love with him.
Life, emotions are like the sand that is held in the hand. From which is
removed the
fingers, it irretrievably vanished to the last grain ... As she was correct
away from Jack, and as she had been wrong not to flee Lee Farrell in the
same way ... The
remorse does not rongeraient currently.
-
When she entered her apartment, she noticed that one had slipped a note
under the
door.
She immediately recognized the handwriting of Mike ...
His first reaction was not to open the envelope, but curiosity was quickly
due to its
Page 22
resistance.
He said to have called many times, coming home, to no avail. Its
obligations
Professional sent him to Manchester for a quin-fortnight of days, but he
would see his
back: he was keen to talk to him.
Natasha crumpled the paper and threw it into the trash. Whatever he may
say, the situation
remain unchanged.
A week passed, routinely and morose. Moreover, a secret anxiety
became gradually
companion of the girl. Unable to concentrate on his work, she came to
lose your appetite,
then sleep Natasha was afraid of being pregnant ...
- Whether he arrives? Nigel impatiently a day. You are in love? Do you
-
give me a few minutes of attention?
She kept smiling as she wanted to scream. What other stance to take?
She dared neither to trust nor ask anyone's advice. In the office, she had
no pretty close friend. She ended up buying a test. His fears were
confirmed: she was waiting
a child ...
She had not considered the possibility. The pain of his broken
engagement, the
shame, contempt of itself after that night spent with a stranger had so
filled his
spirit she had not thought about the consequences of his folly.
After this sudden revelation, she found herself in her quiet apartment as
a
trapped animal.
What would she do now? He had to face the situation; it could
indefinitely shut up.
It should be resolved sooner or later to tell his parents, his boss ...
The girl took her head in her hands trembling. Mr. and Mrs. Blairy
granted a
great importance to morality, respectability. They would be outraged by
learning such
... If the new baby was Mike, maybe they would have forgiven since
young people
-
were to be married.
But the idea of their reaction when they announce that she knew nothing
of the father,
only his name, she had never met before that fateful evening, she wanted
disappear into a black hole.
She spent the whole night sitting in his chair, looking for a way out. His
future
loomed as well auspices dark and she could only blame herself. No
Atte-nuante circumstance, no excuse could soften his sentence.
Pale, with sunken eyes, she saw the day getting up on this dreary
Sunday. A noise
bottles in the street pointed his way slag. He was late.
His neighbor lit his radio: he listened to pop music all day. The shouting
an argument somewhere in the building also reached him. Natasha
stopped his ears.
Lack of sleep added to his distress even louder dismay. The space of a
moment she saw him walking toward the river and plunge without
hesitation, without looking back More ...
that vision will not appeased; she would not escape his fate in this way,
she knew.
How would she get through the coming months? The contemplation of
London brought him roofs
not the answer to this question.
-
She started violently when someone knocked at the door. She jumped up
then
hesitated ...
But the blows redoubled against the door, as if she resigned herself to go
and open. The heart
Natasha was torn when she came face to Mike ... Like her, he was pale,
his eyes
were identified.
- Hello ... he said in an uncertain tone.
Page 23
The girl held the door instead of opening wide.
- It is useless, Mike, she replied wearily.
- I want to talk to you.
- It's not worth it.
Although he announced he was giving up his mother for her, it would be
useless now.
His foolish behavior had irretrievably ruined their future.
- My darling ... began the young man.
Tears shone in Natasha's eyes.
When he took her in his arms, she laid her head against his shoulder,
trying vainly
stop crying.
-
He gently stroked her hair and whispered her name against her ear.
- Do not cry, do not cry like that, honey ... I'm sorry ... Natasha, I'm in
Please ...
She managed to swallow her sobs and push him away.
- The regrets are useless, Mike, it's all over ...
- I love you, 'he replied gravely. Perhaps we will require a little more
time? You do not
not know my mother, if only you tried ...
Natasha tried to muster all his courage to tell him the awful truth. The
price of a
huge effort, because the words refused to cross the barrier of her lips,
she managed to say:
- I am pregnant.
A long silence followed.
- What did you just say? Mike inquired, suddenly the traits defeated by a
deadly pallor.
- The night you broke our engagement, I went to a party, I drank too
much and I spent
night with someone, she said with a stroke, as if reciting a text repeated
a thousand times.
During his long hours of reflection, she decided not to coat its history
useless excuses. His parents would be entitled to the same direct
confession.
-
Forbidden, Mike gazed with parted lips. A deep crimson flushed
suddenly
his face.
- Who is it? he exploded a MECON-nizable voice.
- I can not answer you.
Considering that Lee Farrell was not wearing the responsibility of their
adventure, she would not
the impli-quer.
Mike suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders and began to shake
violently. Rabies distorted
his face.
- Who is it? Tell me! Who is it?
- I can not, 'she whispered, stunned by the brutal treatment he inflicted
him.
- I want to know! How could you do such a thing? My God, how? ...
- I'm sorry, I was not in my normal state ... Oh, do not look at me, I'm in
Please!
- Herries! if he suddenly cried. Herries! He is is not it? He always tried
to you
seduce, this is it!
- Not if she exclaimed, horrified. This is not it!
In an angry and contemptuous gesture, he pushed her away bluntly.
-
- When I will lay hands on him, I can assure you that I will undertake
her pretty little
little face ...
Terrified, she ran after him.
- Oh, no, Mike! Do not tell Nigel, I beg you!
Mike, please ...
He pushed the girl out of his way and slammed the door behind him.
Appalled, Natasha
Page 24
remained motionless, helpless. It would turn out to Nigel, and she ... She
should resign
shuddered, imagining the reaction of his boss as the rosary of
accusations that Mike would surely
no bludgeon him. She could see the amusement in his eyes, the disbelief,
the flood of questions
follow, eyebrow raising ... His pitiful adventure did not shock, relishing
in it.
Scandals exerted on him a fascinating power ... But she had not the
slightest desire to be
the object of his curiosity ...
Natasha did not dare to take refuge with his parents, afraid to inflict
embarrassment too
-
profound.
She could not return to the office, because everyone would be aware of
his
mishap. He would have to find a new apartment, a new job, a solution
for
raise her baby alone, without help from anyone. Unfortunately, she did
not see how there
reach ...
She dropped into a chair and remembered that night, his exaltation, that
sense of freedom that had transported under the effect of c .. hampagne .
The small bubble had burst,
and landing was painful ... confident, liberated, full of going, she thought
dominate
situation.
Alcohol had dissipated miraculously depression due to its rupture.
Would she be strong enough to take care of her child alone? The night of
his meeting with Lee
Farrell, his fate had turned a corner. The dice were thrown, and it
measured poorly
the magnitude of loss. She did not know how it would come out, but she
had to get out ...
Page 25
-
CHAPTER 4
Natasha decided to regroup; it would still not sit there all day,
to soften his misfortune! She put on jeans and a blue shirt, then went out
strolling
along the river. The wind lifted the small ripples on the surface of the
Thames which pursued
slowly making its inexorable course, tossed some moored barges, bent
trees whose
battered branches creaked occasionally. The girl frowned; the noise it
remembered that the door of the cottage Lee Farrell ...
Of course! "He replied when asked if he was haunted ... It was this
Remember that always haunt, now ...
When she returned to her apartment, the air had restored color to his
cheeks,
volume to her hair, and the future seemed less sinister him.
Climbing the stairs, she met her neighbor, an Irish nurse. They
exchanged
some small talk about the time when Natasha heard someone climb the
steps behind them.
She turned mechanically, and his heart stopped beating losqu'elle
recognized Lee
Farrell ... She walked hurriedly toward his door and thrust his key into
the lock. It
-
was to show off by driving the intruder to the nurse who was watching
them with interest
growing. Neither did she react when he followed her inside.
The mouth suddenly dry with apprehension, she put on her big blue eyes
anxious.
He considered with a wild air ...
- I just had a visit! he threw.
- Visit? she repeated blankly.
- No need to play the innocent, that does not mar-chera!
Puzzled, Natasha was speechless for a moment.
- But what are you talking about? Finally she managed to articulate. And
first, what are you doing here?
I do not want ...
- What you want is a bargain, he severely cut.
This time she looked at him with great amazement.
- I thought I was too old to let myself be fooled by a girl candid, he
continued,
teeth clenched. But it is a lesson ...
Natasha had the feeling of being missed out on the essential, in this
conversation. This was
as if she was trying to reconstitute a play she would have missed the first
act.
-
- Maybe that 'he would help if you resume from the beginning ... she
said slowly. That
are you doing here, Mr. Farrell?
- You do not know, of course, he quipped.
It seemed hardly contain his anger.
- I have no idea, indeed.
A bad and unpleasant laugh greeted his words.
She shuddered when the gray eyes, cold as steel, scoured the top down.
He
was furious in the morning where they had parted, but not with this
hateful resentment which she
not understand the cause.
He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets.
- All right, if you like fun, well let's have fun! You claim not
know what I mean, but you know as well as I do, is not it?
The irritation was beginning to win.
- If it is you who say it, she muttered.
Page 26
- What? he exploded in approaching her, the body laid by an
indescribable rage.
She looked up at him his face drawn features, once more pale.
- Listen, just trying to expose me the reason for your visit before you go,
-
Mr. Farrell.
Natasha wondered if she could stand long. Merely watching
filled him with great weakness. The man's voice had lost its warmth,
softness but
it evoked in her the painful memory of that fateful night.
- I received a called Porter, he declared finally.
- Oh ... is she exclaimed, appalled by impli cation of this revelation.
Mike How had he found? Nigel, of course ... Nigel had told him ... How
there had not she thought of it before? No doubt she was too
preoccupied to imagine the reaction of his
boss speech of his fianc.
- I see that we are beginning to understand us, he remarked.
Natasha blushed suddenly he knew, the baby ... At the height of
embarrassment, she
would rather go underground instead of meeting his gaze. She turned
away and walked
in the room as if to escape the grip of these ice eyes.
- I was asleep when your fianc rang. I come from the United States, and
I tried to
recover some, it is a tiring journey.
Mike How could he do that? if she asked miserably. Her delicate
usual ...
-
- When I was able to emerge from sleep, he continued, I went down and
I
opened the door.
An individual then broke into me like a cannonball. I was not very
woke up and before I had time to react ground, he killed me a good
punch.
She suddenly dropped into the nearby chair and took her face in his
burning
hands. The voice of his visitor, who continued his story, the froze like a
winter wind.
- He then overwhelmed me a rosary of insults without bothering to show
up or
even to explain what he was doing at home. I was mad, a prey to
delirium
any ...
- I'm sorry, Natasha whispered.
- I do not doubt he retorted tit for tat.
- I had not told her anything, she clarified, looking up.
Tears shone in her eyes.
- You really think I'm an idiot!
- Not at all!
- Ah ... maybe he has learned my existence in a crystal ball?
- No, but Nigel was informed ...
-
The long silky hair of the girl swept her shoulders to her every
movements.
- Nigel? he repeated, frowning. He who accompanied you to the party?
The fool in the sports car?
She just nodded.
Lee Farrell began nervously pacing the room back and forth along. She
was not looking,
but she guessed that the struggle going on within him: uncertainties,
doubts, anger attempting
Always check ...
- Look, I do not know how he found out, but he would not have tried to
blackmail me if ...
- Get sing? Does the cut, abasour-die.
He stopped before her and squinted while staring at her.
- Yes, a very nasty expression, is not it?
Page 27
he quipped with an ominous smile. And a good project also low.
- What do you mean by that? she asked in a flat voice. What are you
currently
tell me?
- This is not true! You keep playing the innocent? It is you who have
sent
-
Porter find me ...
- No! she screamed in horror.
- Yes! He did not act on his own. I have never met as talented actress
you!
You are very clever ... I do not know man abusing me to let me as a kid.
You have organized your plan, both ... But I'm not that naive. I demand
that you
might encounter a blood test I have to know if I'm the father, before
anything else.
- A ... a blood test? she stammered, overcome with amazement.
- I want proof that this baby is mine.
His mouth was an unpleasant trick.
- Although ..., 'he continued, I'm sure he is.
You would not have taken the risk to mount such machination if it were
that of another.
However, I will not pay anything until you have proof.
Natasha jumped up. A splitting headache pounding his temples suddenly
:
- But I do not want ...
- My dear, what you want does not matter to me. From now on, it is I
who
gives instructions. When it is born, you will disappear forever, and I will
keep the child.
-
- Listen! exploded the girl who believed crazy.
The whole story seemed totally implausible him. Mike, extort money,
blackmail! It was unthinkable. Perhaps they were victims of a
misunderstanding.
Lee Farrell interrupted in turn.
- I understand Porter, thank you, he sliced. Further explanations are
unnecessary. He has
at least the quality to go straight to him. If this child is mine, I will
repay. Certainly tonight
has cost me dearly, but I can bear to know that my child is raised by a
mother
also false, as hypocritical as you! You are despicable.
She turned pale under the insult.
- From now on, we will do things legally. My lawyers will prepare a
note
when you have undergone exams. You sign, you will get the money only
after, and if
you dare try to meet again, the baby and me, you'll be in serious trouble.
Be sure
you will have no recourse, everything will be provided for this purpose.
After a long look full of all his hatred, he turned and walked out, leaving
the girl
prostrate.
-
She jumped when the door slammed violently, and, trembling, she ran
after him. But
he descended the stairs four at without looking back.
Natasha tried to catch however; once in the street, she came face to face
with Mike
coming out of his car. The young man kissed the scene of a glance; he
fell into step
Lee Farrell and strongly stood in front of him to force him to stop. They
fought for a moment
silence, like two beasts before the fight. The girl stumbled towards them
stammering words
intended to prevent the altercation. Farrell turned to her with a caustic
air, then he went up
his car and drove off in a squeal of tires.
- So he came, 'said Mike. I should have guessed ... What did he want?
- Come on, she said, heading toward the building.
Page 28
He followed her. Once on the landing, Natasha heard the door of the
nurse to close
softly. These events seemed decidedly inte-resser ...
- Why did you go home? she asked her fianc when they were immune
from
-
eavesdroppers. How could you, Mike?
- Why I went to him? he raised a scathing voice. You ask me a question
like, after what he did? But I would have been able to kill him!
Natasha shuddered.
- You have no right.
- No right? While we were going to marry?
He looked now as if he had never seen before.
- You came to break our engagement him she remembered.
- Oh, Natasha ...
The young man turned away and lowered his head like a child caught.
But he
... suffered the verge of tears, she approached him and placed a calming
hand on his shoulder.
- Mike, I beg you ...
- You can not imagine how I feel ...
How could you take you so? How to ...
She could not see her face, but she felt the pain in his voice.
- You have never allowed to venture beyond a few kisses me, I accepted
of atten-dre ... and suddenly you give yourself to a stranger?
- You're still not believe that I acted on purpose? I had too much to
drink, I've told you ...
A shudder ran through him.
-
- It was he, this bad guy ... He is known for his female success, as
Herries. When
a girl he likes, he does not waste his time ...
She thought he was not wrong! All he had to remember how Lee Farrell
had
distant from Nigel, that night ... His head was spinning ...
- Yet I was sure it was Herries ...
Natasha listened, ashamed and miserable. How dare look his boss in the
face,
now?
- Farrell This is only a playboy, women jostling at his door, he
continued.
Moreover, while I was talking to him, a girl came out of the bedroom
wearing only a red and ...
without embarrassment! He lives in a real palace ...
He paused and put his haggard eyes on her companion.
- Oh, you really chose your man for revenge ...
- But I ...
- Needless to deny you resented me to death because I refused to give up
my mother
you.
- You are mistaken, Mike! I have absolutely not acted deliberately. I
drank too much
-
champagne ...
He gave a mocking laugh, and Natasha felt overcome with sudden anger.
- After all, said she, what does it importe- you? We are no longer
engaged. You
blame myself because your mother can not stand me, but it does not
support the woman
Kenneth, is not it? She will never accept that anyone who comes
between her son and herself,
she wants to keep you both for itself that's the problem ...
She paused at the sight of defeated young man's face.
- This is not true! if he exclaimed.
- Really? Have you ever bothered to talk to Kenneth? she asked a
Page 29
voice suddenly softened to the distress of the young man.
- How can you emit such suppositions when you do not even know my
brother?
- Your mother told me about him and his wife in a sufficiently eloquent.
Mike, it
left me no chance. If you had not pushed so hard for her to live with us,
if you had deigned to listen to me ... but it's too late now.
- Natasha, why have you done this?
He seemed totally hopeless now also afflicted herself.
-
- I repeat ... I was unhappy, I lost my head.
- And you met this lout. I should wring his neck!
The girl hesitated a moment before asking:
- He says you wanted to extort money ...?
Taken aback, Mike opened his eyes.
- What?
- It seems you tried to exert blackmail on him.
- Such a liar! Blackmail? But why ...
It suddenly seemed to remember one important detail:
- Ah ... I ... I told him he was going to pay us, but that's it. I have never
spoken
money.
- I suspected that it was a misunderstanding, she sighed, relieved.
- That's why he came to see you? he asked, frowning.
She nodded.
- He thought you wanted to extort a sum ...
- Oh, I'd be able to kill him! muttered between his teeth.
- That's enough, Mike.
The impulsiveness of youth had caused enough damage yet.
- You never see it again, and you will not see me more.
He turned quickly to put on her a pained look.
- Natasha ..., 'he began, taking a step toward her.
- No, she said, stepping back. It's all over.
-
He seemed distraught, but he knew it as a gulf separated them forever,
now.
- How will you deal with this situation?
he asked in a faltering voice.
- One way or another, he'll have.
- If you need anything ...
She shook her head.
- Thanks anyway, she smiles.
He looked down for a moment.
- It is also the Farrell problem, he whispered.
- No, she once declared in a firm and determined voice. This is mine and
only the
mine.
- You do not realize, Natasha, it will be very hard!
- I'll come through.
- You're going back with your parents?
She would not answer, but she continued:
- Perhaps, she said.
Page 30
He seemed relieved, and she was happy.
- That would be the best solution, he estimated.
She wanted him to leave now. Some time ago, they envisioned a future
-
happy with optimistic confidence. Today, their projects were reduced to
ashes.
Only loomed before her claims tomorrow.
- You better leave me, Mike, she asked, seeing that he could not bring
himself to do it
farewell.
But he remained motionless, plagued by confused emotions.
- Natasha, I ...
- Please, there is nothing more to say now.
He closed his eyes a moment, then finally resigned himself to kiss her
briefly on the cheek.
- Good luck, 'he whispered.
She waited until he was out to let the tears stream down her cheeks.
Page 31
CHAPTER 5
That night, she listened quietly to the radio when someone knocked on
his door. Natasha
parted and carefully flushed recognizing Nigel. He held the door with
one hand as
it was expected that the girl slams in his face ...
- I want to talk, he said.
-
- Please, let me ... she stammered in a voice trembling while her
embarrassment
and distress.
- You should listen to me, however, he insisted, pushing the door
slightly.
Natasha stepped back, and the young man entered.
- You know that Mike Porter came to see me? he continued.
- Yes, she nodded, wondering why Nigel was there.
Maybe he burned to discover other piquant details about his
misadventure? She had
never felt great sympathy for him, but at that moment she hated him.
With its
unhealthy mentality, he would not fail to peddle the news of his sad
story and embellish
in its own way ...
- You have not had any luck, he remarked, apparently seriously.
She looked at him and saw, surprise, he watched with attention devoid
of
malice.
- I understand that you have no desire to talk about it, but I wanted to
make sure that
it changes nothing between us ... or regarding your employment, he
added, lingering on the
-
pale face of the girl. These are things that happen, you know, we make
errors. I suspected that you would be embarrassed, but I do not want to
lose you. You are a
excellent secretary. I wish your leave to your ... you come to work
normally.
To his amazement, Natasha noticed that Nigel was embarrassed. His
face was colored, and
unsteadily.
- Thank you, 'she muttered under his breath.
- That must have caused a terrible shock ...
She just nodded and looked away.
- I just wanted to save you an additional concern about your future
professional, he continued, already heading for the door.
You need to know more where to turn, I guess. I can not imagine facing
you
this situation without a ...
He stopped abruptly but soon resumed,
- Anyway, do not worry unnecessarily.
No one in the office will not judge you, we are all very broadminded.
You have had bad luck, but that could have happened to anyone.
Natasha reproached himself for having misjudged Nigel. Touched by
this unpredictable meekness, she
held him when he was going out. He looked hesitantly.
-
- I have not told anyone, thought it good to clarify before engaging in the
cage
stair.
The girl no longer doubted his sincerity. A slight smile played on his
lips. It
should learn not to wear too hasty judgments, and not condemn people
on
appearances ...
That night she