Page 28 of Her Forbidden Bargain

Rene waited for them under the portico at the side entrance of his parents’ mansion. Tristan took one look at his older brother’s face and knew that he was facing a long afternoon. And he also knew it was nothing that Sheri needed to be a part of.

His family was overbearing at the best of times. Today, with his face once again splashed on the pages of every gossip magazine, it would be even worse.

“You have two choices,” he said, turning to Sheri as the car came to a stop. To the driver he called, “We need a minute, Tollerman, before we’ll be getting out.”

“Yes, sir.”

Tristan curved his arm around Sheri’s shoulders and drew her close to him.

“What are my choices?”

“I can have Tollerman take you to the Ritz and you can use the suite I keep there, but there is a chance that the paparazzi will be there.”

“For me?”

“No. They wait there for a chance photo of anyone of interest. And I can call and ensure that you have security and can go in the back entrance.”

“What’s my other choice?” she asked.

“Come inside with me and sit by the pool while I deal with my family.”

She sighed. “I’ll stay with you.”

“Good.” He smiled at that. “We’re ready now, Tollerman.”

“Very well, sir.”

The driver got out and opened Sheri’s door first. As she slid out of the car, he noticed the way the fabric of her trousers pulled tight across the curves of her butt. The image of her across his lap flashed through his mind again. Dammit, he wasn’t into anything kinky as a matter of routine, but he couldn’t get the idea of spanking Sheri out of his head.

She glanced back at him just before the door closed and he realized she’d caught him staring. He rubbed his hand against his thigh and she giggled a little. He knew her thoughts were along the same line as his. That she’d found humor now made him feel good.

He climbed out of the car as Sheri came around to his side.

Rene pounced. “It’s about time. We need to talk before you go inside.”

“Blanche already delivered the news.”

“Tristan—”

“Not now. Sheri, this is my brother, Rene.”

She held out her right hand and wrapped her left arm around her own waist, something he noticed she did when she felt insecure. He didn’t have to be a mind reader to tell that she felt vulnerable now.

It compounded his desire to make her safe. To take care of her. He was good at taking care of people, he thought. He didn’t have to love her, but he could make love to her and take care of her until this storm blew over.

“Enchanté, Mademoiselle Donnelly. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”

“For me, too, Monsieur Sabina. Please call me Sheri.”

“And I am Rene.”

Tristan led her up the stairs away from his brother. He sensed she regretted saying she’d stay with him. He didn’t give her a chance to change her mind, just ushered her into the house and found one of the downstairs maids.

“Nathalie, please escort Mademoiselle Donnelly to the pool area,” he said in French.

“Oui, monsieur.”

“There’s a cabana stocked with leisure clothing. I’ll be a while, so you should eat lunch. Just tell Nathalie what you would like.”