Chapter 1
“Linkcourt  Enterprises”. my second home, I spend most of my time there working, although I work in the lower levels of the building as a secretary to Mr. James an executive, well I love my work. And I was happy there. Just an ordinary girl in the workforce, well maybe not my life outside the office was normal, in fact I wouldn’t really call it a life, I spent most of my free time at the library reading the works of Nora Roberts.
Well today is just another day in the workplace, meeting deadlines and attending meeting after meeting. So I was surprised when at one of these meetings that the owner of Linkcourt Enterprises, William de Linkcourt came into the room making everyone shut up at once, the boss had never come to any of these meetings, I looked up  to see him scanning the room then finally his eyes came to rest on my face. His eyes seemed to bore into mine as if he was searching for something. This seemed to unnerve me a little but I surprised my self by smiling warmly at him all of a sudden I had no idea what came over me, his eyes widened in surprise then they darken with something I didn’t want to think about so I turned back to my notes and tired to pay attention to the meeting although I could still feel his watchful gaze on my throughout the meeting, I did not here the chair next to me move and know that he sat next to me I was trying so hard to concentrate on what Mr. James was saying. I looked up and found his gaze on me and that eh was quiet close to me I could feel the heat radiate from him, I turned back quickly avoiding his gaze colour sweeping into my cheeks at my embarrassment. What had I done? I had only smiled at him and he had looked at me like I was….no I wouldn’t think about it.
I looked up again through my lashes and he seemed tom be still staring at me, i caught his eyes and for a brief moment they held with his he seemed to be forever searching for something deep held within my eyes and I knew he was trying to understand my behaviour as much as what I was. Good luck. I thought to myself turning away again, no-one understood me. I almost smiled at that.
I had baffled my parents with my warm nature yet I had never being a socialiser or had many friends. The reason: - I was an outcast.
My hobbies always the same since I was a child revolved around reading, music and dancing, even my work became a hobby. I preferred my own company to that of other people. I would rather be in a library amongst a pile of books than go to a party or the movies, my friends were few and when I did spend time with them I was happy because I was welcomed and loved for who I am. The friends I had were like me- all outcasts so we understood each other.
“Now everyone I want those reports on my desk on Monday morning no exceptions,” Mr. James interrupted my thoughts, I looked up and grinned at him, he was the one who had offered me my job here as his secretary, I waited for the room to empty before I got up. I noticed that William de linkcourt was still sat next to me obviously waiting for me to leave… I looked at Mr. James to see him staring at William de linkcourt.
“mr. james ill just go file away the meetings notes for you and call Mr. Lawrence,” I spoke to end the silence, I could certainly tell they wanted privacy about something important needed to be discussed, so I collected my things and stood, both men stood when I did.
“thank you, Isabella,” Mr. James spoke friendly but I could see in his eyes he wished he wasn’t going to be alone with the boss, this puzzled me as I passed him and took the file from his hands and  walked out the door closing it with a click. I had never seen that kind of fear in Mr. James eyes like that. Why would he fear Mr. Linkcourt?
I couldn’t understand. So I left the room and headed fro my desk to file away the notes and call Mr. Lawrence to organise for a meeting with hi.
It was whilst on the phone that Mr. James came to my desk and sat down next to me, he looked slightly pale but otherwise relieved. I finished the call and looked at him.
He was forty-three years old, showing grey now in his hair that was still midnight black, his eyes still remained an icy blue yet they were now filled with worry. He was still built well yet there were lines around his eyes and mouth. Although he seemed like a cold man he was often warm and understanding towards people.
I could tell there was something he wanted to tell me and that it worried him as well as unset him to tell me.
“I’m sorry Bella,” his voice was regretful. I couldn’t understand what he was apologising for. “I have some bad news…but well…I need your help”
Ok this was new. I looked at him to see if he was serious and he looked right back at me. He was. “My help?”. I spoke slowly just to make sure I hadn’t heard wrong.
“Well...” he seemed to be suffering from embarrassment his cheeks had gone red. “You see Mr. linkcourt wishes me to attend his dinner party tonight and he asked me to bring you…” He stopped seeing my expression turn to horror. I could feel my face paling. I hated parties and especially social events. But I could never refuse to help someone in need and it looked like I was needed but…
“Why does Mr. linkcourt wish for me to come?” my voice was shocked but controlled. My first instinct was to run for my life.
“He… well he asked that I bring a date and well you know how things are at the moment…” I did he was in the middle of a divorce. “And you see,” he continued “I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing a date id rather bring someone I trust and is a friend and well as a work colleague” he stopped and looked at me with puppy eyes.
He knew me so well. i took a deep breath to calm myself, so he had just won me over and he new it.
“I’ll come, although just to let you know I will hate every minute of it but I’m doing this for you ok?”
   He looked relieved, “thank you Bella I owe you,” he smiled, stood, kissed my forehead and headed into his office he stopped at the door and turned back grinning. “Oh one more thing ill pick you up at six and wear something to make people be envious of me at my old age,” he didn’t wait just grinned showing a boyish charm and closed the door.
  I took a breath, “oh hell!”
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