***

Damien didn’t speak as he drove Elizabeth back to his home in Cheyne Walk. He had taken his cue from her silence and let his mind fast-forward to the erotic journey that the night promised.

He was feeling sanguine. The air was sweet, he had his dream woman at his side ready to ride the waves… and so the sudden need to pee surprised him.

Why didn’t you go and wee-wee before you left the party?said the Voice.Remember what Mummy said:always go to the toilet before you travel and especially before you go to bed.

Elizabeth frowned. ‘Are you okay, Damien?’

‘Why?’

‘You look in distress.’

‘No, no, I’m fine…’ he lied. They’d arrived, but his neighbour Charlie’s Harley-Davidson was parked outside his house.

Like a hunted animal, he drove round the block looking for another space.

No luck. Bugger Charlie’s Harley. He swiped the bike with his bumper and knocked it sideways onto the pavement.

‘Well, here we are.’ He leapt out of the car and potty-danced to the door.

‘Don’t worry about me,’ Elizabeth said. ‘You just go and pee.’

Chapter 28

This was the first time she’d been to his place. He’d always been on her turf, save for the weekend at his house in Antibes.

Elizabeth seemed happy for Damien to take the lead. He took her into the living room and made her China tea.

How could she not be moved by the magnificent view fromthe tall window of the white moonlight casting a mesh of silvery streaks that glittered across the river?

She admired his collection of Pre-Raphaelite masters.

‘I found the Millais at an auction in Ireland twenty years ago.Lady Eden and Her Dog. Bought it from the sale of my first book.’

He made his move.

‘Elizabeth,’ he said, devouring her with his eyes, ‘how can any man resist you?’

No, Damien, no! You were doing so well. Not with Elizabeth. Stop! Not another of your usual clichés,said the Voice.

Blake’s words tripped across his mind.

Never seek to tell thy love

Love that never told can be

For the gentle wind does move

Silently invisibly.

He pulled himself together.

Don’t rush things. Change the subject. Make her wait.

‘Would you like a game of chess?’ he said.

‘It’s a bit late for that,’ she said.