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He then sprang his second surprise. 'Go and get changed, both of you. I’ve booked seats at the opera.’

Liz frowned, then smiled. ‘Wonderful! I’ve had enough of stopping in.’

Quite clearly her pleasure was somewhat dimmed by the thought of Debra accompanying them, but it could not be helped. She was not going to turn down Vane’s offer simply because she did not want Debra with them.

It had been a long time since Debra had been out herself. It would make a pleasant change. Thank you, Vane,’ she said demurely, ‘I shall enjoy that.’

As with all Chinese operas, the costumes and make-up were more dramatic than the acting itself, which was accompanied by incessant banging of cymbals and gongs.

‘Do you find inspiration in these costumes?’ Debra asked at one stage, after she had feasted her eyes on the gleaming, brilliantly-coloured silks, finely embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, and waves and clouds.

He turned and smiled, taking her small hand in his. ‘You are my inspiration, Debra,’ and for a moment it was as though time stood still, as though they were alone in the theatre.

Her love welled over and stretching up she kissed his cheek. ‘You’re very kind, Vane.’

‘I could be more than kind if you’d let me.’ His voice was deep and emotive and his eyes speared through her.

Had Debra not caught a glimpse of Liz’s frozen face she might have forgotten herself and asked what he meant. She knew what it sounded like— and the thought was tantalising—if he had been a free man!

Her cheeks burned and she took defence in saying, ‘I think you’re forgetting that you are still my employer.’

His fingers tightened and she winced, but, managed to wrench her hand free. She had angered him by her remark, which was what she intended.

She despised him for splitting his loyalties so easily. It was a pity Liz was so blinded by love that she could not see what type of man he was.

On the journey home Liz insisted on sitting in the back of the car, which was unusual, and Debra guessed she had been really hurt by his attention to herself.

During the days that followed Liz became quiet and subdued and would speak to no one, including Vane. When Debra tackled her about it she refused to talk, and there was something in her manner that prevented Debra from questioning her too closely.

It was obvious she and Vane had fallen out, and that it stemmed from the night of the opera, but exactly what had happened between them she had no idea, and she was hesitant to question Vane himself.

One evening, when Liz had gone to bed extra early, and Vane took Debra into his arms, kissing her with frightening passion, she said angrily, ‘I don’t think you’re being very fair towards Liz,’ and attempted to pull free.

‘In what way?’ he queried, taking no notice of her struggles.

‘Well, you’re hardly being a gentleman.’

He laughed harshly. ‘I don’t feel like a gentleman where you’re concerned. You bring out the animal in me.’

Debra fought even more strongly. 'If Liz finds out it will be the end of your friendship.’ Surely now he would tell her?

Thick brows rose caustically. ‘I see no reason why what you and I do should have anything to do with Liz.’

Debra was amazed, and blazing angry. ‘I wish I understood you, Vane Oliver, but I don’t think I ever will. Don’t you realise that you’re hurting people’s feelings, or is your conceit so great that you don’t give a damn? You snatch what you can when you can and to hell with everyone else!’

‘You’re talking in riddles,’ he snapped, letting her go abruptly. ‘It’s not often the two of us are alone, I thought you might have appreciated this opportunity to ’

‘Not at my friend’s expense,’ she cut in. ‘I’m going to see her.’

‘To tell tales,’ he sneered derisively. ‘If that’s the way you feel, pardon me for intruding. You certainly gave the impression that you found me more than a little attractive.’

‘That doesn’t give you the right to paw me each time we’re alone,’ snapped Debra. ‘There are some things a woman can’t help, and feeling sexually attracted to you is one of them, but being attracted is as far as it goes. I have no intention of losing my head.’

‘We don’t always have control of ourselves,’ he said softly, menacingly, ‘and it never hurt anyone to let go occasionally. What are you afraid of, Debra, me—or yourself?’

She chose not to answer, but swung round and left the room, rushing along the corridors as though all the hounds in hell were after her.

Pausing outside Liz’s door to regain her composure, Debra realised that she had done the wrong thing in tearing out like that. It would give Vane the impression that she was not as immune to him as she made out.

But it was too late to worry about that now. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door, only to stop abruptly when she observed that her friend was asleep.

She looked pale and shadowed, and Debra felt concerned. Didn’t Vane realise what he had done to her?

Reluctant to risk bumping into him again, she went to her room and picking up a magazine settled in a chair near the window. She had scarcely begun reading when Vane entered. ‘Liz is asleep,’ he stated abruptly. ‘Why are you here—hiding from me?’

Debra shrugged. ‘You wouldn’t believe me if I said no.’

‘You’re damn right I wouldn’t,’ he said savagely. ‘I insist that you join me.’

‘And if I refuse?’ she dared.

‘I shall use force. There’s absolutely no point in the two of us remaining in separate rooms. It’s foolish.’

Debra glared. ‘It would also be foolish of me to come when it’s quite clear that you’re after only one thing. Don’t you ever give up?’

‘Not when a pretty woman’s involved.’ Unexpectedly he smiled. ‘Don’t worry, Debra, you’ll be quite safe. I’ve taken the hint.’

Other than call him a liar there was nothing she could do but agree, although it was with reluctance that she followed.

‘As it’s such a beautiful evening,’ he said, ‘how about a walk in the garden?’

She nodded. ‘Anything you like.’

He looked at her sharply, suspiciously, but she was already moving towards the door.

The fountain in the centre of the courtyard spouted water through the mouth of a black marble dragon. Urns of flowering shrubs spilt their fragrance into the night. It was peaceful and beautiful, and Debra could not be angry with Vane for long.

Hong Kong had always bound her in its spell, but here, half way up the Peak, early evening lights glistening in the harbour below, the magic deepened and quite involuntarily she turned to Vane.

‘Isn’t this the most beautiful place on the face of the earth?’

His smile was warm and encompassing. ‘When seen through your eyes, yes, when I’m on my own I guess I don’t really notice.’

‘Then you should,’ she scolded.

‘There are other things I’d rather look at,’ he replied softly.

She was not facing him as he spoke, but when she turned his eyes were upon her. She went hot and weak, but managed to keep her voice steady. ‘Vane, you promised!’

‘I know,’ he said, ‘it must be this intoxicating air you’re raving about. I want you, I want you desperately.’

Debra moved quickly through the gate and across the sloping lawns at the back of the villa. It was very still and very quiet and Vane was close on her heels, and she wanted him as much as he wanted her—but she mustn’t, she mustn’t!

She swung round desperately. ‘Vane ’

She got no farther. His mouth was on hers, hungry, demanding, and with a faint cry she gave up. What point was there in fighting? It was what they both wanted, why deny herself the pleasure?

It was not until a vision of her friend lying pale and still in bed floated before her mind’s eye that Debra fought to free herself.

‘Liz!’ she cried. ‘We can’t do this to her, it’s not fair, it’s disloyal.’

‘Liz won’t know,’ he said softly in her ear.

‘You’re despicable!’ she exclaimed. How could he two-time her friend like this? Even more disturbing, what sort of life would it be for Liz after they were married? He would never remain true, that was for sure.

‘You shouldn’t be so irresistible,’ he mouthed, completely unconcerned by her protest. ‘Forget Liz for a while, enjoy yourself. Life is for living, don’t shut yourself in a shell.’

His lips clamped on hers yet again so that there was no way that she could answer, and after a while all thoughts of fighting fled.

Uppermost in her mind was the fact that she loved him. Why reject a few minutes’ happiness? All too soon they would be nothing more than memories.

It was not until she lay in bed that night that Debra was overcome with guilt. How could she do this to Liz? she asked herself angrily. How could Vane do it?

It certainly proved what type of man he was, and she was disgusted with herself for loving him, except that love did strange things to her. When she was with him she could not help herself; it was only when she was alone that she felt remorse.

The fact that she and Liz both loved the same man saddened her, and the worst part was that Liz had won. Whatever had gone on between them could be no more than a lovers’ tiff. All too soon they would make it up and then she, Debra, would be left out in the cold once again.

Sleep, when it came, was a blessing, and she woke the next morning determined to push all thoughts of Vane from her mind.

Unfortunately when he joined her at breakfast he said he intended accompanying her on her rounds.

‘I think Liz would appreciate it if you stayed with her for once,’ said Debra quickly.

He frowned. ‘Why, what’s she said?’ Quite clearly he was not going to tell her anything himself about their argument.

‘Nothing, but she’s been looking peaky lately. I’m sure there must be something wrong. Why don’t you take her out for the day? It will do her a world of good.’

‘A quick about turn,’ he mocked. ‘At one time you would have done anything to keep us apart.’

‘Things are different now,’ she snapped. ‘If you’re not going to stay then I will. Naturally I won’t expect you to pay me.’

‘Naturally,’ he said drily. ‘But I disagree with your line of reasoning. You’re going to work and that’s that.’

Debra’s brown eyes widened hostilely. ‘You can’t make me do anything.’

He inclined his head gravely. ‘True, but this is one occasion when I can and will exert my authority. Your excuse is feeble, to say the least. Liz doesn’t need you, she’ll be perfectly all right.’

What else could she say? Debra shook her head sadly. ‘Yes, boss. Anything you say, boss.’

Vane frowned in swift anger. ‘Stop that!’

‘But it’s what you are,’ she insisted. ‘You’re my employer and you think that because you pay me and because I live in your house you have a right to dictate.’

‘I have,’ he said smoothly, ‘and that’s the way it will be if you insist on being unreasonable.’

Realising that to argue further was futile, Debra turned her head savagely, staring out of the window.

‘Don’t sulk,’ he snapped.

‘What else am I supposed to do,’ she demanded, ‘when you become the heavy-handed boss?’

He did not answer. Instead he picked up the paper that was neatly folded before him and began reading. Debra might as well not have been there.

After breakfast she went in to Liz, who still looked pale and far from well. ‘Would you like me to stay with you?’ she asked, deciding that if this was what Liz wanted then she would defy Vane and accept the consequences.

But Liz shook her head adamantly. ‘What for? There’s nothing wrong with me.’

Brave words to hide a broken heart, thought Debra, wishing there was some way she could make the girl confide. But she had tried time and time again and knew that not until Liz was ready would she discover what had gone on to cause her this unhappiness.

The day was every bit as uncomfortable as Debra had expected. With Vane at her side she felt uneasy, unsure of herself, and although they encountered no problems at any of the factories they visited she was not convinced that Vane thought she was doing her job properly.

She was relieved when he called it a day.

Liz was asleep when they got home, or pretending to be, and Debra was compelled to spend yet another evening with Vane.

Afraid he might begin another attack on her defences, she fetched a dress she was altering and sat in a corner with her needle and thread, doing her best to ignore him.

For a while he seemed content, smoking a cigar, listening to his music, sometimes looking at her, at others gazing into space, to all outward appearances totally preoccupied.

An hour passed before he impatiently pushed himself up. ‘For God’s sake put that away,’ he said savagely. ‘Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, but if you think you can protect yourself from me by that piece of material you’re mistaken.’

Debra pretended to misunderstand. ‘Protect myself, Vane? What do you mean?’

‘You know damn well,’ he spat furiously. ‘Put it away before I destroy it. I want to talk over this modelling assignment of yours, and I want your full attention.’

‘If it’s business,’ returned Debra sweetly, ‘why didn’t you say?’

'I shouldn’t have to,’ he snapped.

Debra shrugged and said nothing, but folded up her sewing and placed it neatly on the table beside her.

'I'm thinking of returning to London next week,’ he said, ‘and I want you to come with me for a few try-on sessions.’ ^

‘But Liz,’ she protested immediately. ‘I can’t leave her.’

He sighed impatiently. ‘Naturally I wouldn’t expect you to. She can come with us if she likes, I have no objections.’

I should think not, thought Debra, since you’re planning to marry her. Aloud she said, ‘I expect Liz would like that. Where would we live? Don’t forget we let our house.’

Td naturally book you into a hotel,’ he said drily, ‘or you could join me in my apartment, there’s plenty of room.’

‘No, thanks,’ replied Debra quickly.

‘Afraid?’ he mocked.

‘I have enough of you here,’ she said deliberately.

A quick frown, then, ‘I'm sorry that’s how you feel. It’s a great pity.’

‘If friendship was all you wanted, there’d be no problem,’ returned Debra.