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Sven laughed. “You can tell?”
“It’s just… I’m confused. You were cold when we met this morning. You didn’t seem happy to be married to me, and now you act differently. It’s like Jekyll and Hyde. I…I just don’t understand…”
“I see.” Sven sighed. She was surprisingly perceptive. Many women said he was a difficult man to approach on an emotional level, and when that woman finally got closer, he shut her down by putting a wall of thorns around him. But Annalise was different. He felt comfortable being around her even though they just had met. Sven could be himself in her presence. No more mask. No pretense. “I came to your house with my lawyer and that clerk from city hall. I have an image to maintain. I’m a businessman. People won’t take me seriously if I get too chatty or too friendly.”
“Ooh. That makes sense. You let people think you’re a badass when you’re actually a really nice guy.” Annalise nodded as if she’d just received a revelation. “Got it.”
“Badass? That’s an interesting way to put it.” Sven was very amused now. He had been dubbed plenty of unsavory names thanks to his strict and ruthless business dealings, but nobody had ever called him “badass” before. He took that as a compliment. He could already tell this new chapter of his life with her wou
ld be exciting. “Are you ready, Annalise? It’s time to see your new home.”
His staff unexpectedly greeted Annalise in the foyer. Sven had only told his butler Sebastian about the plan to marry Dune’s niece. Sebastian was one of a handful people who knew Sven’s secret, and he had worked for Sven since his company Synergy went public and made its first billion.
Sebastian had been surprised to learn Sven’s plan to marry, then overjoyed. The butler suggested a festive dinner to celebrate the occasion. Sven gave him permission, as long as Sebastian didn’t go overboard. No guests. Sven demanded absolute secrecy. The last thing he wanted was a horde of paparazzi hounding him before he made his formal announcement.
As soon as Sebastian opened the door, Sven could see that the butler had spruced up the posh Park Avenue residence as if they were holding Sven’s annual gala. The floor gleamed, and the crystal ware had been polished to shine. Redolently scented long-stemmed red roses in Baccarat vases graced the living room. The staff members—all present and accounted for—were dressed in their formal, neatly starched uniforms, ready to welcome their new mistress.
Annalise was awestruck by the reception. “Is this your apartment?”
“Yes. It’s your new home now.”
“You didn’t tell me you have a butler.”
“I have a full staff. They will tend to your every need. What’s wrong?” Sven asked. Annalise suddenly looked uncomfortable.
“I didn’t know you were this rich. I…I don’t belong here.”
“Nonsense.” He took her arm and escorted her into the dining hall. “I hope you’re hungry, because Sebastian has prepared quite a feast despite the short notice. He’s a miracle worker.”
Sven gave an order to Sebastian to have someone collect Annalise’s luggage from the car. She admired the elegantly decorated three-tiered wedding cake that was the centerpiece on the table.
“Shall we eat?” Sven asked.
“How many people are going to dine with us?”
“Just us.” Sven pulled out a chair.
She sat. “This is an awful lot of food for two people. I hope you’re not throwing out the leftovers.” Her face reddened as her words trailed away. She bowed her head. “I’m sorry. That was impolite of me. I just hate to see food going to waste.”
Sven smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Sebastian will figure out something with the leftovers. Won’t you, Sebastian?”
“Certainly, sir.” The butler uncorked a bottle of vintage champagne and filled the crystal flutes.
“I’m…uhm…not old enough to drink alcohol,” Annalise said.
“Didn’t you ever sneak a beer when you were in high school?”
“My dad actually gave me a taste one time. I didn’t like it, so I’ve never tried it again.”
“Not even when your friends were partying? Don’t worry, I won’t judge you. We were all teenagers at one point.”
She turned sheepish. “I wasn’t a popular girl, so I never hung out with a party crowd. Besides, I’m always busy with my part-time job.”
“To help pay your brother’s medical bills?”
“Yeah. Before Robby got sick, we had a mountain of Dad’s medical debts. He passed away from cancer, and we didn’t have good insurance.”
“Oh, dear.” Sven hadn’t guessed she’d lived such a hard life. Robbed of her youth to help shoulder the family financial burden. “Did you mother ever contact your uncle for assistance?”
