The Temptress by Sarah Sheridan

Author:Sarah Sheridan [Sheridan, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloodhound Books

CHAPTER NINE

Josh was already standing by Kew Garden’s entrance when I got there, leaning up against a stone pillar and staring down at his phone. I studied him as I walked closer. Yes, he was a good-looking guy and no mistake. Tall with golden skin, short brown hair and wearing a very trendy jacket and jeans. Should I break things off with him today, for both our sakes? I wondered.

He looked up and saw me.

‘Annabel.’ His mouth broke into a big smile. ‘Lovely to see you again. Shall we go in?’

I linked arms with him, and a few minutes later we were wandering slowly down Camellia Walk, staring at the map I was holding.

‘That must be the Temple of Bellona.’ Josh pointed to a smallish white building. ‘And if we keep going, we’ll come to a ruined arch. Oh look, what are these?’ He stepped towards a bed full of orange and yellow flowers, pulling me with him. ‘Aren’t they amazing?’

‘Yes, they’re absolutely gorgeous.’ I stooped to read the label. ‘They’re Mexican sunflowers.’

‘My mum loves sunflowers,’ Josh said, as we started walking again. ‘They’re her favourite.’

‘I’ve always loved flowers too,’ I replied, then mentally berated myself. Really, Zoe? Giving away personal information so soon? You’re supposed to be Annabel the artist now, not Zoe the flower lover. Jesus, get a grip and stop being yourself, woman.

‘I’d love to paint at Kew one day,’ I said, getting back into character. ‘Bring my easel and set up for a few hours. I wonder if you’re allowed to do that here?’

‘Ooh, good idea. I could come too and bring a picnic for us. Then I’d get to see the amazing artist in action.’

Half an hour later, when we’d made our way down Holly Walk and were admiring the azalea garden, I realised that I wasn’t feeling as relaxed as I had during the boat ride. In fact, I was finding the whole experience at Kew rather stressful. Admittedly, this was probably entirely my own fault; if I hadn’t let another personal detail slip out to Josh then I would most likely be feeling much better. Safer. Protected by my assumed identity of Annabel. Instead, I was feeling like a hybrid made from Zoe and Annabel, and it was confusing me. I was starting to feel out of control, and that was always a bad state for me to be in.

A noise behind me made me turn, just in time to see two tourists – cameras hanging around their necks – career into me. The bag I was holding went flying, all my personal items from it ending up on the grass.

‘Oh for fuck’s sake,’ I muttered, feeling anger rise within me. Stay calm, Zoe, I told myself. Now is really not the time to show Josh how furious you can get.

I got down on my knees and started gathering my bits together, stuffing my purse, keys, phone, pocket mirror, lipstick and hairbrush back into the bag. But I was feeling too flustered now. I knew I needed to get home to regain my composure.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.