Chapter One

“I’m told,” said Lady Deborah, “that you like spanking young girls.”

They were standing in a corner of the art gallery. The party was in full swing, guests mingling, all talking at once as they sipped their wine. But Lady Deborah seemed to have manoeuvred Robert into the only uncrowded space. At least, Robert thought, as he nervously looked around, blushing slightly, they weren’t being overheard.

He took a sip of his drink, playing for time. “Who told you that?”

Lady Deborah smiled. “A little bird,” she said. “A pretty little bird who’s been singing.”

Robert thought for a moment. Who could it be? Unfortunately there were several candidates; any of them could have been talking. “I don’t think I care to discuss it,” he said firmly. “These things are rather private, you know?”

“Maybe, but I think you will discuss it all the same,” Lady Deborah said. She fixed him with a cool gaze, looking at him out of her clear, grey eyes.

“Really,” said Robert, turning away dismissively, “I can’t see it’s any of your business.”

“Oh,” she said, “I intend to make it my business.”

He turned back. “Is that a threat?”

Lady Deborah gave a little smile, but there was no mirth in it. “I’m afraid it is, yes. I have some evidence. If you won’t discuss it I shall have to show it to people you would rather didn’t see it. Professional colleagues of yours.”

Robert felt a sudden sense of panic. Could she possibly have some of the photos? Or even that video? He wouldn’t care for people at the bank to see them. Such prudes, the lot of them.

“What do you want, money?” he said.

“Goodness me, no.” Lady Deborah laughed. “Do I look as if I am in need of money?”

Robert knew that her husband, Sir Desmond, was an immensely rich financier. It did seem unlikely that she would be trying to blackmail him.

“Then what?”

“That’s what you will find out when we discuss it.”

Robert was silent. Was she some kind of a crazy woman? Or perhaps, he thought, his sp