Heiress's Defiance Read online

  But this was so much better. As long as she lived, she would never forget the look on his face. The utter joy and the love for her—and their baby—shining through.

  “I love you, Lucilla. I don’t know how I made it through life without you. Until you came along, I thought I had a good life. I had no idea how wrong I was.”

  Happiness swelled inside her, fluttered in her chest like a baby bird. “I think it will only get better from here.”

  He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it reverently. “And I know it will.”

  *

  If you loved THE CHATSFIELDS, the story will continue in 2015!

  UNCOVERED!

  Read on for an exclusive interview with Lynn Raye Harris

  Creating a world as large as The Chatsfield must be very exciting—did you discuss the hotels with the other authors?

  Oh yes! We discussed what was on each floor, the layout of the rooms, the décor, the robes, a signature scent. There were many ideas we tossed back and forth!

  What was the most fun bit about creating this luxurious, scandalous world?

  For me, it’s always spending time with the characters. Christos is my first Greek hero and I had marvellous fun with him!

  Did you do any extra-special research for writing this book? A sneaky cocktail at an exclusive hotel perhaps?

  I’ve had tea at the Plaza in New York and at the Ritz in London! It wasn’t specifically research for this book, as both were a couple of years ago, but I definitely drew on the experience

  What did you most love about writing your story?

  Christos and Lucilla. They were so attracted to each other and tried so hard not to be!

  When writing your hero and heroine’s story, did they surprise you in any way?

  Oh yeah! I had no idea that Christos would drug Lucilla—or that she would slap him silly when she realised he’d kidnapped her! I also didn’t know about Christos’s mother until he took Lucilla to the ossuary. Believe it or not, I discovered it right along with Lucilla

  To your mind, who is the most scandalous Chatsfield?

  Well, it has to be Gene, because he’s the original scandal, isn’t he? And Liliana, who disappeared and has never been seen again.

  If you could have given your hero or heroine a piece of advice before they started on their journey in your story, what would it have been?

  Don’t be afraid to let go.

  Name five things on your desk when you write.

  Water

  Phone

  Various notebooks with notes

  Desk calendar

  A picture of me and a few friends in San Francisco

  Do you listen to music when you write?

  Sometimes, but not always.

  What is your worst habit when writing?

  Checking Facebook.

  Do you have a writing routine? If so, could you share a bit about it with us?

  I treat writing like a job and I work regular hours, just like anyone else who leaves the house to work. I don’t leave the house, however. And I get to wear pyjamas all day. It’s the best job in the world!

  UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

  Read on for an exclusive interview with Christos Giatrakos

  If you had to pick your most public scandalous moment, what would it be?

  I do not participate in public scandals.

  Was there an even more scandalous event that didn’t make it into the press?

  Oh, the press have surely made up many scandals about me. They are not true. The ones that are remain private. And no, I’m not sharing them with you.

  What is your biggest secret?

  You seriously think I will answer that? You do not know me if you do.

  What do you love most about Lucilla Chatsfield?

  She completes me.

  What were your first thoughts when you saw Lucilla?

  Isn’t this publication supposed to be clean?

  If your house were on fire and you could only save one thing, what would it be?

  Lucilla, of course. And if not her, then I’d save the computer—because it has all our photos on it and she is very attached to them.

  What is the naughtiest thing you did at school?

  Who knows? Got in fights? Do you not have better questions to ask me? I am a busy man and you waste my time …

  What is your guiltiest pleasure?

  I feel no guilt over pleasure.

  What is your worst habit?

  Some would say I am short with people. I prefer to think I don’t suffer foolishness.

  What is your favourite film?

  I built an empire out of nothing when I was in my twenties. And I’m still working. I don’t have time for movies.

  What present would you put beneath the Christmas tree for Lucilla?

  Whatever her heart desires.

  How will you spend your first anniversary as a couple?

  Once more, you annoy me with your impertinent questions. How do you think we’ll spend it? [Christos turns to speak with someone just out of sight of our cameras … He turns back, clears his throat …] My wife informs me I should say we will go to Greece, swim, eat and play with our new baby. And that we are blissfully happy. [Christos’s thundercloud of an expression eases.] She is certainly correct about that. [He unclips the microphone at his lapel, stands] Are we done here? I believe we are done here. Thank you and someone will see you out.

  [Christos disappears from our sight. Interview concluded.]

  ISBN: 978-1-472-09595-4

  Heiress’s Defiance

  © 2014 Lynn Raye Harris

  Published in Great Britain 2014

  by Mills & Boon, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited

  Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR

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