He moved slightly, his attention centring on his nephew. ‘There’s a call for you, Daniel. Take it in my office.’ Dark eyes seemed to settle on the spot where Daniel’s shoulder touched Keira’s, for Daniel had moved instinctively closer to her before his uncle spoke.

Keira felt the tension in the younger man and knew his gaze was warring with his uncle’s.

‘Who is it?’ he asked, his voice, only faintly higher than normal, betraying his discomposure.

Eden glanced pointedly at Keira and then shrugged one broad shoulder. ‘Does the name Cat mean anything to you?’

Out of the corner of her eye Keira saw a slight flush colour Daniel’s cheeks, and he darted a quick look sideways at her before replying, ‘Oh. Yes. An old friend from school.’ He turned to Keira then. ‘Please excuse me for a moment, Keira. I won’t be long.’ Yet still he paused slightly before eventually crossing to the door.

And leaving Keira to face his formidable uncle.

The silence stretched between them until Keira was convinced it was echoing screamingly into the exquisite mouldings of the high ceiling of the library. Her throat had contracted and she craved a soothing glass of water.

Eden Cassidy remained silent.

He was doing it on purpose, Keira told herself, using one of his high-powered tactics on her. Well, he’d picked the wrong victim. She swallowed resolutely and forced her vocal cords to work.

‘How do you do, Mr Cassidy? I’m Keira Strong.’ Her voice sounded a little thin in her ears.

‘I know.’ He inclined his dark head. ‘I’m pleased to meet you at last.’

Like hell he was. Keira’s chin rose unconsciously. Well, she could also play this social game.

‘Daniel was just showing me the family portraits,’ she began, indicating the artificially lit paintings on the walls about them.

‘Was he?’ There was no mistaking the obvious cynicism in his tone and Keira swallowed, determined he wasn’t going to disconcert her.