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After all, the explosion had rattled her brain more than they’d thought at first… and she ended up with a brain degenerative disease, a fast Alzheimers.
Her hand flew to her mouth. “That’s right, your brother. I’m sorry, I meant—”
He waved her off. “That’s okay. We’re supposed to get to know each other, non?”
“Right.” She chewed her lower lip.
He opened the small build-in cabinet and produced a bottle of scotch. Then, he reached for the limo’s bar and produced two tumblers. Some alcohol would help her relax. The more he knew about her, the better. For instance, why did she agree to all this from the very beginning? Was it all about money for her or did he miss something else? The idea of dipping into her world sent a thrill of anticipation through him. “How did your parents take the news?”
She sighed. “I didn’t tell them yet.”
“At some point, you’ll have to.” They’d see leaked pictures online—a photo-op Richard had already arranged.
“I know.” She played with the pendant of her necklace. “I’ll wait until after it’s done.”
He opened the lid of the bottle and poured equal amounts into two tumblers. Then, he leaned forward and gave her one. When she took it from him, his fingers brushed hers and an electrifying surge bolted up his arm. When he sat back in his seat, he lifted his glass in a silent toast. “Remember, you can’t tell them the truth.”
She took the drink to her mouth, and he watched her, fascinated. A second later, her skin reddened, and she fanned herself. “How can I? The contract keeps me honest.”
“It will keep me honest too—you insisted on that silly clause of no touching.” He’d acted like it was no big deal, for he knew what that meant. Control. She wanted him to beg for her, and he wanted her to beg for him.
“I meant at all—you added unless I asked.”
He took a sip of his drink, and the aged scotch rolled smoothly down his throat. “Trying to be a gentleman.”
She chuckled. “From what I’ve known of you so far, you’re the opposite of a gentleman.”
“That’s why you come along. You’re supposed to be the down to earth girl who tames the bad boy in me and makes me leave bachelorhood and my wild days behind.”
She tapped her fingers on the tumbler. “I guess I’m always supposed to be something or someone else other than what I am…”
“What do you mean?”
She looked away. “Nothing.”
Was it something he’d said? “You can be yourself, machère, whoever that is.” He couldn’t let her fool him, though. She’d been smart to ask for what she wanted from this deal, which only piqued his interest. How much did she know about his father?
He stared at her pretty eyes, then regarded her kissable lips, until his gaze settled on her tits—and how they rose up and down, stretching the fabric of her shirt. When he looked her in the eyes again, a glint of desire flickered in the depths of her irises. Whether she knew it or not, she’d be begging for his touch—and if it were up to him, it’d happen soon. So very soon.
She snapped her fingers. “Eyes up here,” she said. “No wonder you’ve bedded half of Manhattan in a week. You’re like a bull before mating.”
He frowned. What was it with the animal references? “Have you seen such things happen?”
She shrugged. “I was raised in a small town in Texas. My family used to have a farm. I’ve seen a lot.”
“And I’ll show you a lot more, my bride-to-be.” Lust stirred in his groin. You can bet on it.
* * *
“Are you sure you’re going through with this?” Poppy asked, fixing her hair.
“Yeah. You can always back out,” Billie said behind her.
Kira looked at her reflection in the mirror. Luc had set her up in a suite in a posh hotel where she’d get ready for the small ceremony to take place in one of the hotel’s party rooms.
Backing out was impossible. She’d used the half of the amount she was paid to give it to Don, the loan shark, the previous day. She was supposed to get the rest of the money after the end of her marriage—and now she could breathe more easily because Don was off their backs, maybe she could save some of the money for her own business.
She’d chosen a no-frills, long champagne colored wedding gown that had an empire waste and a small opening at her ankles when she walked. Maybe the cut was modest, but the fabric was rich, silky and caressed her body with each move she made.
