Chapter 16

Miranda dropped onto the long sofa in her living room as soon as she entered her condo. She was pleasurably exhausted, still a little buzzed from all the wine she'd drunk but more than anything else she was disappointed.

Luc had given her a wonderful afternoon of incredible sex and treated her with delicate care. But to say he was the perfect lover would be stretching things a little. And worst of all, the pearl he had showed her was not hers. She'd wanted to cry when he lifted it from the safe to put into her hand. It was a gorgeous pearl, set almost identically to the one Raoul had taken but it wasn't hers. The size and color were just that little bit off.

The message light on her answering machine was blinking. Pushing herself off the couch with great effort, she depressed the button to hear what was recorded.

Leslie. "How about calling me with news of your great adventure? Was he the one? Was the pearl yours?"

Her broker. "We need to discuss your investment strategy, Miranda. I