‘I told you before, he thinks he’s always right, and he interferes in what’s none of his business.’ Hannah shifted irritably in her chair. ‘I can’t work with him at all. And it’s only because I’m involved with someone else that he’s being such a bore.’

‘Who? Come on, Hannah, tell!’

‘Viktor. God, Sarah, he is so amazing. So exciting, and exotic and romantic. And when he makes love to me, I feel beautiful. He keeps telling me he adores me and he only wants me to be happy.’

Hannah’s eyes were luminous, her face glowing, her hands clasped together tightly as she talked about him. Sarah felt a tug of fear for her. This man had awakened a powerful emotion in her, making her vulnerable.

‘Does he love you?’ she asked. ‘I know he’s wonderful and exciting and everything, but, well, you saw what happened to Camilla.’

‘Of course he does. He’s not hollow like Anthony. I suppose you don’t approve of me sleeping with him.’

‘That’s for you to decide, Han. I’d need to know that I had a commitment, and for me it’s a religious thing too. But Viktor has a bit of a reputation, you know. Not that I don’t think he’s mad about you, but—’

‘You sound just like Lars. And my brother.’ She looked at Sarah suspiciously. ‘Have they been talking to you? Persuading you to get me out of Viktor’s clutches?’

‘Of course they haven’t,’ Sarah said hastily. ‘I hope Viktor will always make you happy. But I did think you and Lars might get together. You always seemed so right for each other.’