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the man you speak of. I run Bougainvilla on my own. I am the sole mistress here.”
    On her own, did she? Reinier didn’t quite believe that. On the other hand, her father had been very smart when it came to business matters. If he’d taught her enough before his unfortunate death, it was indeed possible that she had run the estate ever since, with her lover’s help, of course.
    “My apologies, madam. Then you are to be commended for taking on such heavy burdens and succeeding.” For a very small moment her mouth became slack and was in danger of dropping.
    “Yes, well, I wasn’t left with much choice.” Her tone was quite sharp and she looked down her nose at Reinier. “And as you can see, I do quite well here—alone. There really was no need for you to bother coming by.”
    At that, Reinier snickered. She didn’t know the half of it. Yes, she was rather agitated, maybe it was because he was here and she had to hide her lover or just because he’d annoyed her. Whatever the reason, it was a small victory on the path to triumph. He’d only just begun to play with her.
    She staked a piece of mango on her plate and tried to ignore the offending, low chuckle from Reinier. Did he suppose a woman couldn’t possibly be as successful as she was on her own? How insufferably arrogant could he be?
    It wasn’t like her to be easily provoked, but her initial irritation turned into white fury now. Why was he now interested in the estate? To get a share of its profits instead of the payoff money she planned to offer to be rid of him? Oh, that was just like him. The estate was none of his business! He was underestimating her if he thought her naïve.
    She refused to look at him until her emotions were under control again. When she spoke, her tone was aloof but polite. “Whatever the reason, whatever the circumstances, sir, it is very fortunate that you’ve come here. There is a very small matter I’d like to discuss with you.” She set her napkin on the table and began to rise from her seat.
    Reinier rose when she did. In one stride he was in front her, barring her escape from the room. When he inhaled, his nostrils flared. His eyes closed lazily as he tilted his head to the side.
    “How do you feel now that I’m back?” Reinier leaned subtly closer.
    Emiline halted and stared up at him unblinking, her indignation blazing through her.
    “You must feel something.” He walked around her slowly. “Are you angry with me?” He whispered against her lips, looming even closer.
    She turned her head away. “No, I’m not angry with you.” She’d given up feeling anything for him a long time ago. Stepping around him, she continued toward the door to get the papers from the study. He could sign them now and be gone. Out of sight, out of mind.
    She grasped the doorknob with both hands, but Reinier had caught up with her again and held the door closed with his arms braced against it. A shiver ran through Emiline when she felt the heat of his body, although he was careful not to touch her.
    “Or could it be that you’re glad I’m back, Emiline?” His words were low, sensual. Her name on his lips sounded like a promise, whispering over her treacherous skin that rippled with desire as her knees became dangerously weak. Closing her eyes, Emiline remembered what it was like—what he was like when he was on his most charming behavior, when he told her all the sweet things she needed to hear. She could feel his words tickling against the shell of her ear…
    Emiline willed herself to come to her senses. She’d be damned if she didn’t go through with the plans she’d made.
    Rudely, she thrust her shoulders and upper body back so that Reinier had to give her more room. His arms fell to his sides just as she turned to face him. She wasn’t the naïve girl he’d left behind anymore. She was a woman now—a strong businesswoman at that. He wanted to make this a tough business negotiation? Little did he know that she’d just