Page 43 of A Caribbean Heiress in Paris
“I could return later,” Luz suggested and moved to hand the binder to Evan. Perhaps it was best just to leave the contract and have him read it first. She was much too enamored with this new side of Evan to be in the right state of mind for a negotiation.
“That will not be necessary,” Evan announced with the voice she assumed he learned at earl-in-training school. “Theywill leave, andyouwill stay.” That pronouncement was followed by a withering glance at his relations, who, while uncowed by his display of temper, did at least initiate some movement.
“Oh, all right. We will be properly introduced on the train home, then,” Beatrice said as she picked up her bonnet from an armchair.
The train home?
“Next time I see you, I’d love to hear about your cordials idea. It sounds marvelous.” Adalyn beamed at Luz as her brother gently but firmly pushed her out of the room. The two men in the group had stayed behind, stopping to greet Luz before exiting after the sisters.
“Miss Heith-Benzan.” Raghav kissed her gloved hand and winked. “Go easy on my business partner.”
“There’s no chance of that,” Luz retorted, making the man laugh. She liked Raghav and, what was more, respected the way she’d seen him conduct himself at the different events they’d been at together for the exposition. It spoke well of Evan that he associated with men like Mr. Kapadia.
Next was Evan’s cousin, who she’d also seen at a distance at the soirée.
“Murdoch Buchanan. Very pleased to finally make your acquaintance, Miss Heith-Benzan.”
“Mr. Buchanan.” She greeted him with a bow, and he waved the formality off.
“Murdoch, please.” The man was aggressively handsome. Dark brown skin and high cheekbones that gave him an imperial air. Tall and powerful. Maybe it was a trait that came from Evan’s maternal family. “I’ve heard a lot about you from my cousin.”
“All good things, I hope.”
“Nothing but the most fervent praises.” The man’s smile was devastating, and he wielded that weapon freely and effectively. A rogue, to be sure. Luz could only imagine the mischief the cousins got up to together.
“I thought you had business at the exposition, Murdoch,” Evan said tightly, as he clasped his cousin by the shoulders.
Murdoch laughed but obligingly stepped out of the room.
“I will see you later, Miss Heith-Benzan,” he called as Evan shut the door soundly in his face.
Luz’s mouth twitched as Evan leaned heavily against the door and turned his eyes heavenward as though seeking serenity.
“My apologies,” he finally said, and again Luz found herself bewildered by all the emotions Evan Sinclair could churn in her in a matter of minutes.
“No need,” she said frankly, then because she had to confirm, she asked, “Did your sister name her dog Éclair?”
Poor Evan only shook his head from side to side.
“The other two are Aubergine and Sauerkraut.”
Luz lost her battle with a fit of giggles, then stopped when she realized there was a pet-naming discrepancy.
“Sauerkraut?”
He finally lowered those amber eyes to her, and for a moment she could not catch her breath.
“We suggested Frankfurter, but she thought it was a mite morbid.”
They both laughed at that until an easy silence fell between them.
“It’s nice that you’re close with your family.” She sounded forlorn, but she could not help it.
“They’re a nuisance,” he told her, voice redolent with affection.
“I liked them,” she admitted, and she had. They reminded her of the Leonas. Of the relentless ribbing and fierce loyalty of her friends. She was glad to know Evan had that. He pushed off the double doors, his gaze on her as if he was detecting something he’d missed before. He took a few steps until he was only a foot away, then pointed at the binder still in her hands.
“Are you prepared to negotiate the terms of our agreement?”
