‘Of course. By knowing you I feel close to her.’
Lauri frowned. ‘Mr Daniels—’
‘Laurence, please.’
‘Very well—Laurence. Did you—oh damn!’ she bit her lip as the doorbell rang for the second time that morning. It could only be one person, Alex. ‘I—I’ll just see who it is.’
Laurence stood up. ‘Would you like me to leave?’
‘Don’t be silly,’ she gave a light laugh. ‘Come through to the lounge. Bring your coffee with you. I shouldn’t be long.’
She was right about the identity of her visitor. Alex stood on the doorstep, more casually dressed than she had ever seen him, the faded denims fitting low down on his hips, the black silk shirt casually unbuttoned down his chest. He took Lauri’s breath away, although she made an effort to hide her suddenly racing pulse and ragged breathing.
‘Alex.’ She gave a strained smile.
He bent to kiss her lightly on the lips. ‘Right first time,’ he taunted. ‘Can I come in, or am I to be made to stand on the doorstep all day?’
‘You’re a bit early, I’ve barely finished eating my breakfast.’
Blue eyes narrowed. ‘Do I come in or don’t I?’
‘I—’
‘I think Lauri is a little reluctant to ask you in because I’m here, Alex.’ Laurence Daniels was suddenly standing behind her.
Alex features set harshly, his gaze icy cold. ‘What are you doing here?’ he demanded angrily.
‘Alex!’ Lauri gasped. ‘This is my home, you are the visitor.’
He looked down at her with narrowed eyes, his face rigid. ‘What does that mean?’ he asked dangerously soft.
‘It means—it means that I choose who enters my home.’
‘And you wanted Laurence here,’ he snapped. ‘My God,’ he addressed the other man, ‘you didn’t waste much time! I knew you’d be around here some time. You just couldn’t stay away, could you?’
‘I came to see Lauri.’
‘Oh, I know that,’ Alex sneered. ‘I also know why. The question is, does she?’
‘No.’ Laurence’s voice sounded strangulated, his face white.
‘Are you going to tell her?’
‘Alex—’
‘Are you?’ he demanded hardly.
‘I—God, I don’t know!’ Laurence really looked ill now, as haggard as he had when he arrived here.
Lauri went to him, her arm going about his waist as he seemed to stagger. ‘Leave him alone,’ she told Alex vehemently. ‘Can’t you see he’s ill?’
‘People like him go on for ever,’ said Alex with dislike.
She felt Laurence go limp against her and she couldn’t prevent him from crumpling to the ground. ‘My God …’ it was her turn to pale now. ‘Alex!’
&
nbsp; He instantly moved forward, coming down on one knee beside his brother-in-law. He released Laurence’s tie, feeling for a pulse. ‘He’s still alive,’ he muttered.