‘You know everything that matters,’ Nikolai told her harshly as the limousine came to a halt.

Abbey glanced out in confusion at the apartment building in one of London’s most exclusive residential areas. ‘Where are we?’

‘My home.’

‘I assumed we’d be dining out some place,’ Abbey remarked uncomfortably as the passenger door beside her opened.

‘The paparazzi give me no peace in public places.’

Abbey knew that had to be true. Press interest in his movements, most particularly his love-life, was considerable and she had no wish to see her own name in print next to his. His minders urged her protectively towards the steps and the door already opening for their entrance.

‘Will you need me again this evening, sir?’ his chauffeur enquired.

‘No. I’ll see you in the morning,’ Nikolai responded easily.

Colour flushing her cheeks and dismay and annoyance flaring within at that revealing instruction, Abbey breathed in slow and deep and smoothed down her frock before crossing the elegant foyer to board the waiting lift.

‘Could I have a word with you?’ Abbey asked Nikolai in a civil tone as she passed by the middle-aged manservant on the doorstep of his penthouse apartment.

A moment later, she was in a spectacular high-ceilinged reception room decorated in opulent shades of cream and gold and furnished with polished antiques. Nikolai closed the door and quirked a questioning black brow. ‘What’s the problem?’

‘The problem? I heard what you said to your driver when you told him you wouldn’t need him again this evening. I’m not sleeping with you tonight and how dare you assume that I will!’

Nikolai dealt her a frowning appraisal.

‘You’re not about to persuade me otherwise, so don’t waste your time trying!’ Abbey continued furiously, her temper rising at the uneasy suspicion that her conduct in the limo had given him every reason to hope that she might well share his bed without any further ado…