Billionaire's Island Bride(35)

Within minutes the chauffeur was loading the bags, five in all, into the trunk and then they were off, the serpent and the little mouse eyeing each other. Erin almost laughed as the image flashed through her mind. Would there ever come a day when she didn’t feel intimidated by Robyn?

That night, and much to Erin’s relief, Dare did not make an appearance before bedtime. Robyn’s disappointment was palpable. The girl’s true colors began to show through her façade when she snapped at Francine during the evening meal.

“Why does she keep hovering around?” she complained as Francine came in to check on them for the third time. “It’s so annoying.”

“Francine’s a lovely woman,” Erin said in defense. “She’s just a little overprotective, that’s all. She’s the motherly type.”

“Well, she’d better not try to bother me. She’s only the hired help, after all.” This was followed by a toss of her head.

Erin didn’t think Robyn had to worry about more mothering. Francine had been just about to enter the room when she was stopped by Robyn’s outburst. The older woman’s face fell and she disappeared back down the hallway. Erin could only hope she didn’t think she shared Robyn’s opinion.

When she finally bid Robyn goodnight and closed the door to the guest quarters she could only sigh in exhaustion and relief. One night down, five more to go.

Another day passed without incident, with Erin taking Robyn shopping at the boutiques scattered around the town’s center, and having her walking from store to store until she was beat. By the time they got home Robyn crashed, totally exhausted.

By the third day, though, the visitor was determined that her trip to the island would not be in vain. At least that was how it seemed to Erin. Robyn got up with the rising of the sun and knocked on her door. Not waiting for an answer, she popped her head around the door.

“Wake up, sleepy head,” she said, her smile falsely bright and cheerful. “Let’s have an early breakfast.”

Erin looked at her through eyes still blurry from sleep. “Francine isn’t up yet,” she said in an attempt to protest.

“Who needs Francine? We’ll make our own breakfast.”

Erin was not fooled. Robyn hadn’t suddenly developed a love for the fresh early morning air. No, her goal was to meet Dare. This time there would be no way to keep them apart.

As per Robyn’s plan, both women were sitting at the breakfast table when Dare walked in looking breathtakingly handsome in dark business suit and maroon-colored tie.

“Good morning, ladies.” He walked over to Erin and leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek. He smelled of an ocean-breeze aftershave lotion. “How are you today?” He gave her a loving look.#p#分页标题#e#

Erin almost laughed. She’d had no idea he was such a good actor. “Just fine, honey,” she said, her voice sugary-sweet. Two could play that game. She smiled and looked across at Robyn whose face sported a bright and very false smile. “Dare, I would like you to meet my friend, Robyn.”

Dare gave a chivalrous bow and took Robyn’s proffered hand. He bent his head and kissed the back of it and she gave a girlish giggle.

Erin almost rolled her eyes. Please.

Dare released her hand then gave her an apologetic look. “You’ve been here two days and I’m just getting the chance to meet you. My apologies. My work has kept me very busy these last few days.”

“Oh, not at all,” Robyn said with a wave of her hand. “I know how it is. You have to make the money, right?” She gave a tinkly laugh. “But I hope you’ll be here for dinner this evening. After all, you can’t work all the time.” She cocked her head in her classic Robyn pose, the one where she added a slightly pouty mouth that men thought was cute.

Dare gave a slight nod. “I’ll do my best to fulfill my duties as your host.”

That got a smile of celebration from Robyn. “I look forward to getting know you.” The way she said the words, so low and seductive, left no room for doubt as to her meaning.

Erin felt a slow heat rising from her belly but Dare seemed to take things in stride.

“I’m sorry I won’t be able to join you for breakfast.” He was reaching for an apple as he spoke. “I’ll just munch this on the way. Enjoy your day.” With that he was gone, leaving the women alone in the room.

“What was that all about?” Erin hissed.

“What?” Robyn’s face was all innocence.

“You know what. You were flirting with Dare. He’s supposed to be my husband, remember?”