CHAPTER EIGHTY SEVEN – VANESSA FREAKS OUT

"If you'll both allow me the pleasure of a far preferable counter-suggestion," he said in a low, smooth baritone that brooked no disobedience. "I was rather hoping we could begin the day with an array of decadent body treatments. Nothing too...strenuous on the feminine physique." Twin looks of outrage immediately lashed across both Charlotte and Vanessa's features at Julian's carefully veiled implication of fragility. Though loathe to be aligned in any sense, it was clear both strong, capable women were equally affronted at the intimation of daintiness. Sensing he'd get precisely nowhere by pushing further, Julian wisely extracted himself from the minefield with a graceful sweep of his arm toward the adjoining treatment rooms. "After you both, ladies. I'm sure the exquisite spa artistes await your arrival with deeply relaxing remedies tailored to each of your individual needs." Still shooting Vanessa daggers from beneath her narrowed lashes, Charlotte dutifully swept after Julian to