Read Online And the Bride Wore Red by Lucy Gordon - Free Book Online Page B

different place.
    She tried to smile with careless unconcern, but her heart was thumping, and there was no way she could seem indifferent. To hide her confusion she looked down, but when she raised her head again everything was more confusing, because now she could see that Lang was startled too.
    â€˜That should be about right,’ she managed to say.
    She was lying. It wasn’t about right, it wasn’t nearly enough. One whispering touch and something inside her had sprung to life, making her tingle with frustration. She wanted more, and so did he. His expression had told her that. Yet here they were, two well-behaved dolls, bound and gagged by the constraints that they had set themselves. Only a moment ago it had seemed amusing.
    â€˜So what can I tell the family?’ he asked, and she wondered if she only imagined that his voice was shaking.
    â€˜I’d be delighted to accept their kind invitation when I return from my travels.’
    â€˜You’re going away? When? Where?’
    â€˜I’m taking a cruise down the Yangtze.’
    â€˜But not tomorrow?’
    â€˜No, in three days but—’
    â€˜Fine, that gives us plenty of time.’ He whipped out his mobile phone and dialled hurriedly. ‘Better do this before you can change your mind. You’re a very confusing person. I never know where I am with you.’
    After the days she’d spent longing to hear from him—which she now admitted to herself she had—this left her speechless with indignation. While she was still trying to think of something bad enough to call him, he began talking into the phone.
    â€˜Hallo, Aunt Biyu? Olivia says she’d be delighted. Yes, yes.’ He looked back at Olivia. ‘Do you like dumplings?’
    â€˜I love them,’ she said promptly.
    â€˜She loves them, Aunt Biyu—What’s that? All right, I’ll ask her. Do you prefer meat or vegetables?’
    â€˜I’m happy with either.’
    â€˜She’s happy with either. Oh, yes, that sounds nice.’ To Olivia he said, ‘Shrimp and bamboo, OK?’
    â€˜Yes, splendid,’ she said, slightly confused.
    Lang turned back to the phone. ‘Olivia is thrilled with shrimp and bamboo. Tomorrow evening?’ He raised an eyebrow and Olivia nodded. ‘Tomorrow’s fine. Goodnight.’
    He hung up. ‘Aunt Biyu is married to Uncle Hai. She’s preparing you the best shrimp and bamboo you ever tasted, and the whole family is helping. You’re a very important guest.’
    She knew enough about Chinese culture to recognise that this was true. In the old days of poverty, dumplings had been the staple food, and had subsequently acquired a place of honour. To lay out a banquet of dumplings for a guest was to pay a compliment.
    She began to wonder exactly what Lang had told them. As he drove her home later, he was smiling.
    At her apartment block he saw her to the main front door, but didn’t try to come any further.
    â€˜I’ll collect you at six o’clock tomorrow evening,’ he said.
    â€˜Yes. Goodnight.’
    â€˜Goodnight.’
    He hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward suddenly and gave her the briefest possible kiss before hurrying away.
    Olivia was thoughtful as she entered her apartment. Nothing in the world seemed clear or simple, and it was because of Lang, a man she’d met only three times.
    Reaching into her bag, she felt something soft and silky, and realised that she’d forgotten all about Ming Zhi. The little panda regarded her severely, reminding her that she was a sensible woman who had renounced love in favour of logic.
    â€˜Oh, shut up!’ Olivia said, tossing her onto the bed. ‘I don’t care if he did give you to me. You’re a pain in the whatsit. And so is he.’
    That night she slept with Ming Zhi in the crook of her arm.

CHAPTER FIVE
    N EXT morning she went online to Norah and was rewarded by the sight of