Emily's phone conversation didn't seem to be going well when Natalie returned to the room forty minutes later, wearing a fluffy white robe and a matching towel wrapped around her head.From the way she frowned, pouted and gestured wildly with her hands as she launched into a lengthy explanation of why she had to drop the gala at the last minute, Natalie figured she was chatting with Paul, and he was giving her a hell of a time.She pulled away from the conversation long enough to fangirl over Natalie's colourful unicorn slippers."Aw, unicorns! They're so pretty. I want them!" she gushed, blowing kisses at her feet as she left the room to continue her chat in the lounge.Natalie laughed and turned to her closet. The slippers were a farewell gift from her brother. They were supposed to bring magic into her life. She was still waiting.She sighed with despair as she scanned the row of inexpensive clothes hung in a neat line. Half of the outfits were corporate wear, and the other, a bunch

After working through the night to catch up on three months' worth of reports, Levi was too tired to return to his place, so he passed out in his office.He slipped into a long dreamless sleep for twelve hours straight. It would have been longer if Mark hadn't pitched up.His partner let himself in and nudged him awake, his voice unnecessarily cheerful for the time of day, "Van Holt, wake up! Time to suit up!""God, no!" Levi groaned, pulling his Chassis hoodie over his head to block out Mark's voice."God, yes! We have a thing in two hours!" Mark held up a black and gold invitation card in one hand and a suit bag and shoebox in the other. He placed everything on the coffee table and drew the remote-controlled blinds, instantly flooding the room with sunlight."What thing?" Levi asked, narrowing his eyes to block out the glaring light as he sat up."The charity gala. Your father couldn't get a hold of you.""Oh, shoot!" Levi reached for his phone on the coffee table. He remembered hear

Levi finally figured out what was different about Mark halfway through the main course.It was his hair.Three months ago, his friend had a faux hawk. But he'd cut all his hair now, and his bald head glistened under the shimmering chandelier.Mark's new look reminded Levi of a younger Samuel L Jackson. He had the foul vocabulary to match, too, but their table of hoteliers didn't mind. They were all enraptured by him and his stories, hanging on to his every word as he recounted his glory days as Rock Union University's fly half and Chassis' early struggles before it became a powerhouse. By the time the waiters wheeled in their dessert, they were all eating out of his palm. But, Mr Rice was still on the fence about jumping into bed with Van Holt Industries, and Levi suspected it was all his fault. Mark had given him one job today: to keep the young Mrs Stephanie Rice happy.He was failing miserably at the task.He didn't shower Stephanie with as many compliments as she had clearly expect

The man carried on with his banter, "let me guess, you are a doctor, lawyer or CEO of some Stock-Exchange listed company, and you bought yourself a shiny award by making a large donation to The Foundation?""God, no!" Natalie pretended to shudder, and there was that laugh again. Rich and warm, like coffee on a cold winter's morning."What's wrong with doctors, lawyers and CEOs?" he asked, a perplexed look in his eye."Other than being self-absorbed, pompous jackasses, absolutely nothing!" Natalie smiled."So you are?""Passing through town," she said, embracing her role as Noelle for the moment. "Monday, I'll be back in my hermit's cabin, living out my reclusive life away from all the doctors, lawyers and CEOs of this world.""What a shame!" he said, disappointment etched on his face. But as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone, leaving Natalie wondering if she'd imagined it."I'm Levi Van Holt, and it's an honour to share this balcony with you, Noelle," he added.The name sounded f

Paul didn't give Natalie any room to object. He grabbed her hand and led her out of the Blue Room."This isn't necessary, you know! I can walk on my own. Let me go!" she tried to shake off his hand, but he held on tightly and twisted her wrist as he dragged her out of the hotel, her shoes sliding on the gleaming floor.When Paul's driver pulled up in a sleek Lexus, Natalie kicked up a fuss, refusing to get in the car. She felt it deep in her gut that if she got in, she might never come out. Not alive, at least.She was so damn relieved when the security guard came over to check on the commotion. But her hope quickly vanished when the thick wad of crisp one hundred Rand notes from Paul's wallet proved to be enough to buy his silence.He helped Paul shove her into the back seat and closed the door, ignoring her pleas for help as she slammed her palms on the window, her eyes wide with horror and panic.As soon as the car slid away from the entrance, Paul slipped on a pair of brass knuckle