Chapter 3

Bryan Smith was thirty-seven now, to Helena's almost twenty-four, and the crush Helena had once had on the arrogant English had—as Emma so rightly pointed out—developed into antagonism on both sides. Out of dislike and disapproval on Bryan’s side—especially after Helena's brief marriage and divorce—and out of pure self-defence on hers.

She gave a dismissive shrug. ‘We just don’t like each other.’

‘But why don’t you?’ Emma pressed, frustrated. ‘I know I’m his sister, but you have to admit that Bryan is the epitome of “tall, dark, and handsome”, and he has such a dangerous sexual aura about him that he should come with a public health warning. And you’re absolutely gorgeous—’

‘So you already said,’ Helena teased. ‘None of which alters the fact that your brother makes me break out in a rash every time I see him, and that I seem to have the same effect on him.’

‘It’s a total mystery to me,’ Emma continued. ‘Bryan is usually so stiffly correct, so—so English, that I simply don’t understand