Thanks a lot, Yves.
Rhodes Barrington looked me up and down, hesitating. Then, as if he’d decided something, he barged toward me, wrapped his arms around me, and pressed his lips against mine.
I made some sort of noise, but it got drowned out by his powerful embrace. I’d never been kissed like that before—hell, I’d never beenkissed. Rhodes Barrington surrounded me. His lips crushed against mine. I was shocked, and something like a jolt of electricity shot through me. Rhodes Barrington was aman, strong and powerful, and he smelled like money.
When he broke our embrace, we were both breathing hard.
“Being late is absofuckinglutely unacceptable,” he said, eyes flashing. “Now follow me inside and speak to no one. But look happy. Do you understand?”
My mouth gaped open—but behind his imposing figure, I caught a glimpse of movement in the house. A flash of a curtain being closed in one of the upstairs rooms. Was someone watching us?
He leaned over me and growled, “It’s imperative that you do exactly what I say. Do. You. Understand me?”
“Yes, Sir,” I squeaked.
He rocked back on his heels, staring at me for a moment. His dark eyes bore into mine, and time seemed to stop.He’s so handsome, he’s making me disoriented!
But as soon as I thought it, the spell was broken. Rhodes Barrington moved fast. He firmly put his arm around me, then resolutely marched me up the stairs to his mansion, forcing me to cross the threshold to his billionaire world.
TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
RORY
Rhodes sweptme up the massive front steps, and the wide, double doors to Barrington Manor opened, as if by magic.
But a distinguished man dressed in a tuxedo stood, waiting at the entrance. He had a hawkish nose, piercing eyes, and salt-and-pepper hair.
“Philips, have Ms. Harris’s bags unpacked in the master suite. I’m bringing her to my study. We are not to be disturbed.”
Philips bowed. “Yes, Sir.”
When he rose, he looked me in the eye and nodded. “Welcome to Barrington Manor, Ms. Harris. I am Philips, Mr. Barrington’s butler. I am here to assist you in any way I can. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“I, um… Yes! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, too!” I stuck out my hand to shake his, and he gave me a swift, almost imperceptible head shake—the universal sign forno—and I quickly dropped my hand.
Rhodes Barrington looked disgusted as he dragged me down the hall, away from the butler. A whirl of mansion flew by. I glimpsed elegant sitting rooms, a giant library, and what looked like a ballroom with a crystal chandelier. Rhodes hauled meinside what looked like an office. A giant desk sat next to the window, and the walls were lined with leather-bound books.
He locked the door behind us and whirled on me. “Itoldyou not to speak to anyone!”
“But that was your butler,” I said, defensive. “I was just saying hi.”
“You were trying to shake his hand.” He grimaced as he paced the room. “You do notshake hands with the hired help.”
“Okay,” I said, flabbergasted at his anger. “But no one saw me.”
He stopped pacing and turned to me. “You don’t know that.”
Remembering the upstairs curtain fluttering while we kissed, I shrugged. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“Your damn right it won’t.” Shaking his head, he stalked to the large desk, then pointed to an armchair opposite. “Sit.”
I meekly followed his directions. I didn’t know what to think, but I already knew one thing: I didn’t like him very much.
We also appeared to havethatin common.
But as he sank down and we faced each other, I was forced to confront the full-on beauty of Rhodes Barrington. He was an extraordinary-looking man. Handsome but rugged, with full lips, a square chin, and a prominent nose that I found bafflingly attractive. His eyes were dark, as were the luxurious eyelashes that framed them. His hair was also dark, a deep brown, and was thick and tousled. His shoulders hulked beneath his tailored suit coat, expertly fitted to show off his physique.
But why did he look so mad? If I were that wealthy and good-looking, I would sure as hell be enjoying myself…
