The Marriage Deal by Helen Bianchin

Author:Helen Bianchin [Bianchin, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction
ISBN: 9781460311288
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-12-17T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

SANDRINE breathed a sigh of relief. Seven takes wasn’t bad. The scene had come together, no one had fluffed their lines, and the electric intensity had been achieved at a level even Tony could applaud.

She was tired, hot, and the boned corselet pulling her waist into an impossibly small measurement was killing her. The heavy make-up felt as if it was a mask of greasepaint about to slide off her face, and if she didn’t get rid of the elaborately coiffed wig soon, she’d scream.

Added to which, it was late, and she was impossibly thirsty and hungry. The instant she discarded the heavy period costume, she intended to drink half a litre of water, follow it with a powdered protein drink, then sink her teeth into a fresh, crisp apple.

‘You look fragile, darling,’ Gregor murmured. ‘Too many late nights catching up on time lost between the sheets?’

‘Yes.’ She was in no mood to participate in his game of verbal thrust and parry.

‘Lucky you.’

She offered him a stunning smile. ‘Aren’t I just?’

‘Our esteemed investor looks immensely physical. Tires you out, does he?’

‘Wrong, Gregor,’ she responded sweetly.

His eyes gleamed. ‘Mmm, hidden talents, darling?’

She merely smiled and crossed to join the wardrobe assistant.

Twenty minutes later she felt considerably better, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, her feet encased in heeled sandals, her hair twisted into a careless knot at her nape. All she had to do was check what time she had to report on the set the next day, then she was free to go home.

Seven was an improvement on the early hour of five, and she turned towards the exit, caught sight of Michel deep in conversation with a man whose tall frame seemed familiar.

Both men glanced up at the same time, and Sandrine’s eyes widened in surprise at his identity. What on earth was Michel’s elder brother doing here? She’d last seen Raoul Lanier three months ago in Paris. Then, he’d regarded her with warmth and affection.

Sandrine was aware of his veiled scrutiny as she crossed to where they stood.

‘Finished for the day?’ Michel queried.

‘I was just checking tomorrow’s filming schedule.’ She turned towards the man at his side. ‘Raoul,’ she greeted evenly. ‘How are you?’

‘Well. And you?’ he returned smoothly.

‘Fine.’ Such polite formality. Her smile was overbright. ‘When did you arrive?’

‘This morning.’

Ask a direct question and she might get a direct answer. ‘A social visit?’

‘Not entirely.’

‘Raoul is joining me in meetings with marketing,’ Michel informed her in a voice that held a faint sardonic edge. ‘Then he’s due in Sydney to initiate negotiations on another matter.’

‘Taking care of business,’ Sandrine mocked lightly, aware of Raoul’s level scrutiny.

‘Yes.’

‘I didn’t ask Michel to inject finance to rescue the film.’

‘I’m aware of that.’

‘You mean to ensure he’s not making a foolish investment.’ It was a statement, not a query.

‘Michel makes his own decisions.’

‘Obviously.’

Raoul’s gaze didn’t falter. ‘I understand you’ve reconciled?’

‘We’re working on it,’ Michel drawled.

‘And you, Sandrine,’ Raoul posed. ‘Are you working on your marriage to my brother?’

‘Michel is sharing my villa, and my bed.

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