Chapter 23

Nicholas Connelly was such a forceful presence, even in a room full of equally powerful men and Caroline had been aware of him the moment he’d arrived at the party. When he had looked at her a few minutes ago she had felt a shiver down the length of her spine as she’d seen the admiration in his heated dark gaze.

“I will leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening,” Caroline finally replied derisively. “I’m sure all the other ladies present will be only too happy to entertain you.”

Nicholas looked down at her piercingly and forced the tension from his shoulders. “You—”

“Ah, there you are, Caroline baby.” A tall, blond-haired man in his late thirties moved in beside Caroline. His blue gaze was curious as he turned to smile at Nicholas, his teeth very white and straight against his slight tan. “Great party, isn’t it?”

“Great,” Nicholas echoed, as he inwardly acknowledged that he wasn’t pleased at seeing the other man’s arm draped possessively about Caroline’s wa