Forever Together: Medical Billionaire Romance (A Chance at Forever Series Book 3)
Page 22
Allyson pulled away to look up at him. “We should tell her the truth.”
He frowned. “We will. Just not yet.”
She turned to start walking down the beach. He fell in step beside her. They’d covered quite a distance before Allyson sighed and began talking. “I don’t like lying to your parents.”
“I like it even less than you do,” he said flatly.
Even in the semi-darkness he could see how taken aback she looked. “Of course,” she said. “This must be much harder for you than it is for me. But I hate lying like this. I hate scheming. And all this for what? To get my contract renewed?”
“That’s why we’re doing this. You’re a good person, Allyson. You’ve spent a lot of time being my attack dog and fighting for me.”
She laughed softly. “Is that how you see me?” She snorted. “I kind of thought of your mother being your father’s attack dog.”
“You’re my beautiful attack dog. What more could a boss ask for?” He gave her a lopsided grin. “But it’s time someone fought for you. I’ve accomplished a hell of a lot with you by my side. Let me do this one thing for you.”
“So, what you’re really saying is that Prescott Global would fall apart without me,” she teased.
“What I’m saying is that I would fall apart without you.” Damn it, where had that come from? He was supposed to be pretending. Not confessing long-suppressed feelings to her. After all this madness blew over, they’d have to go back to being the professionals that they were. How he was going to let her go he didn’t know.
And if they didn’t pull this off—which was also a possibility—he’d lose her. Not just as an assistant either. He’d lose everything.
The thought terrified him more than anything else.
Chapter 12
His words were like a drug. They sent a thrill through her. Intoxicated her. Numbed her to good reason.
Allyson knew she should tell him. Let him know that his mother wanted to bribe her to dump him. When Liliana had offered to pay her millions to divorce Dane, she’d never been more shocked in her entire life. Liliana was willing to protect the Prescott’s multi-billion-dollar empire at an exorbitant cost. When Allyson heard the amount Dane’s mother offered, she nearly fainted. It was the kind of sum someone like her could retire on. If she was the kind of unscrupulous gold-digger Liliana believed she was she’d have taken the money and run, even if that divorce Liliana wanted would end up being a total fake.
But she’d never do such a thing. She didn’t come from a family of blue bloods, but she had pride and morals. Taking advantage of Dane and his family was unthinkable. Which was why she wanted to end this now. Keeping up this sham marriage for a contract negotiation seemed so wrong.
“You won’t fall apart without me,” she said finally. “You were fine before I started working for you.”
“Hardly.” Dane snorted. “I had only just become Prescott’s CEO when you first came aboard. The assistant I had before you was lousy, and it affected my work. My work, in turn, affected everyone else’s. But you and I make a good team—a great team.”
They did work well together, and the thought of never working with him again made her heart ache. Prescott Global was also a great company to work for. It might not have been impressive to her parents, but she enjoyed working there.
However, this weekend had complicated things in a way she’d never seen coming.
“Honesty is always the best policy,” she pointed out.
“And we’ll tell them,” he said. “After next week’s gala.”
She gasped. “Are you serious? We can’t keep this up for another week.”
“Why not?”
“Your mother isn’t going to like it.” She stopped walking to look at him.
He stopped in his tracks and stared back. “She isn’t going to like that I’ve lied. But I’ll get your contract renewed this week and we’ll keep up the charade for Mother’s benefit. The Handels will be at the gala, and if you and I charm them we can secure a deal next week. My mother will be so over the moon she won’t care about the lie. Hell, she might think the whole scheme was a stroke of genius.”
She mulled that over. It might end up being the best solution for everyone involved, considering the circumstances. “What if the press discovers the truth before then? Then what do we do?”
“It’s a risk we’ll have to take,” he replied. “Do you think your family can keep quiet for another week?”
She nodded. “I think so. They were really excited about all those frequent flyer miles and holiday packages you promised to get them. Plus, you promised them all that stuff only if the story stayed a secret. They’ll stay quiet until they get their reward.”
“And the staff at the Lodge and the Barn have been promised future business from me. Based on experience, the staff at the Greenville Lodge is incredibly discreet. We might be able to keep this going for another week.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, lost in thought. “I’ve been keeping an eye on the press. A few tabloid reporters have messaged me, asking about wedding details, but so far they don’t seem to have caught on to the truth yet.”
Allyson sighed. “Things have gotten so complicated so fast.”
“I know. But this’ll soon all be over, and I’ll have negotiated a better contract for you. Think of all the perks you’ll get after this blows over.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to have a bigger salary.” She laughed “And a few days a month to work from home might be good.”
“Can I come, too?” He grinned. “Okay. Point taken. More money. More free time. We can go over the details once we’re back in the house.”
“Thank you,” she breathed, “for everything you’ve done for me.”
“No problem. You deserve it.” He began walking again and when she followed, he asked, “So, what else did my mother say to you?”
She inhaled sharply. The payoff. His mother was willing to spend millions to keep a woman away from him. Which meant Liliana was capable of doing so much worse, and maybe already had. Telling him might make an absolute mess of his plans. After seeing him defend her honor with her family, she knew what a hot-head he could be.
“I know she can be intimidating,” he continued. “But everything she does is to protect her family. She’s not a bad person. In fact, she typically means well. Once we’ve charmed the Handels, you’ll be her new favorite person.”
It was evident that Dane adored his parents. No matter how they pressured him, he still managed to have a good relationship with them. Unlike her and her family. Destroying something pure like that wasn’t fair. He was risking so much for her job. She had to protect him now, no matter the cost.
“That’s all she said,” Allyson said smoothly, the lie twisting her insides into knots. “I think she’s just surprised you didn’t choose one of your blonde heiresses.”
“Surprised or disappointed. I know my mother. She can be tough. And for the record, those heiresses are more my mother’s doing than anything else.”
She raised an eyebrow, suddenly intrigued. “What do you mean?”
“My mother sets me up with them,” he replied with a shrug.
She frowned. “But I thought you said dating them was good for business.”
“My parents seem to think so,” he said stiffly. “I may be an adult, but I’m just a pawn in their business games, too. Plus, it’s easier to date this way. It’s tough to meet anyone when I’m so busy, so I let my mother do all the choosing. That’s probably why things don’t get serious with the women I date. All we have in common is that we’re from wealthy families, but outside of that we’re almost always incompatible.”
His confession surprised her. She had always thought he went for all those gorgeous, slender, rich women because those were the types of women he was genuinely interested in. But if that was all his mother’s doing…no. She didn’t dare hope. Even if all his relationships were set up by Liliana, those women understood Dane’s world in a way she n
ever could. It was so obvious she was out of her depth, with Dane’s mother insisting she train her for the gala next week. “Well, at least that way you’ll know they’re not after you for your money.”
He chuckled. “Actually, I’m convinced rich people can be awfully obsessed with money. I mean, none of the heiresses are going to end up marrying the chauffer.”
“I see. Is money one of the things you look for when you’re dating?” She blurted the question before she had the good sense to stop herself. It was a very forward question to be asking her boss. Even more forward considering that the anticipation of his answer made her heart catch.
“No, but it’s what Mother looks for.”
“I’d ask why you didn’t try looking for a partner on your own, but I’ve been doing that since college and I’m still single.” She sighed.
“I guess finding the right person is hard no matter how you do it.”
“It is. But maybe having your mother’s input is a good thing when it comes to making a marriage deal.”
“It’s not a business transaction,” he said, aghast, but even in the dim light of the moon she saw amusement flash in his eyes.
She bit her lip. “No, but marriage is for life. It’s an institution where you live under one roof, maybe even have kids. It’s so much more important than business.”
“That sounds so mercenary.” He shook his head. “First you tell me about those cheap dates, now this…Allyson, it sounds to me like you need a little romance in your life.”
“I…” What could she say?
He reached for her hand, a mischievous smile on his face. “I know the first thing I’m going to teach you tomorrow to prepare for the gala.”
“What?”
Dane took her into his arms and began to waltz her across the sand. She laughed. Ocean water lapped at her feet. Soft sand made her feel like she was dancing on air with him. He spun her around slowly a few times until he was behind her with his arms around her waist. She was facing away from him, her eyes on the sea all silvery under the moonlight. Above them, stars glittered in the heavens. It was the most exquisite, romantic moment of her life.
“How to dance,” he whispered into her ear.
His warm breath tickled her neck. Then, the delicious pressure of his lips on her neck make her tremble. She never wanted this moment to end. Being here alone with Dane heightened her senses. Made her delirious with desire.
She closed her eyes, searching for the courage she needed to ask for what she wanted. “Dane,” she finally said breathlessly, “take me to our bedroom. Now.”
Chapter 13
With her hand in his, they raced across the beach back to the house. They slipped inside and found their way up the stairs, no doubt tracking sand across the floor. When they got to their room he shut the door behind them, unsure if his parents were still awake. Right now, it felt like they had the whole house to themselves.
He didn’t care if they heard them. Let it be more proof they were together. Fake marriage, yes, but Allyson did not fake it in the bedroom.
A breeze came in from the ocean through the door that led to the balcony. It ruffled Allyson’s sundress, the hem rising above her knees, exposing her supple thighs. Something primal and desperate coursed through him at the sight of her. He groaned. She was too beautiful for words.
He crossed the room to stand in front of her, and took her small hands in his. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Her green eyes burned like emeralds, somehow mirroring his own lust. “Hell, yes.”
She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him and he drew her close. His tongue teased her mouth open and she invited him in, her tongue colliding with his. Before he knew it, their clothes melted away and he was on top of her on the bed.
“One second.” Dane reached to open the nightstand drawer and pulled out a condom. He tore the wrapping with his teeth and rolled it on. He turned his attention back to her, his hands wandering, exploring her body. His fingertips left a trail down her neck, brushed across her full breasts, skimmed her smooth stomach, until he found the secret place between her legs.
Her tender flesh was hot. She gasped at his touch, her back arching.
She braced her hands against the headboard above her, her body writhing. “Please, Dane,” she begged. “Touch me again.”
He gave her a wicked grin, and obliged her. Very slowly. With his thumb on her clit, he eased a finger into her slick heat. She moaned, her body trembling. He was already hard, but her body’s reaction to him excited him even more. Her skin was flushed, her moans breathless as he stroked her faster. He slipped another finger into her and she climaxed with a loud, ragged cry of his name.
Her breathing was heavy, breathless. But she didn’t lie down to catch her breath. Instead she pressed her hands against his chest until he was on his back. Then she straddled him, wielding his cock in her hand.
Pleasure slammed through him. He had no problem with a woman taking charge. And the fact that it was this woman, his employee, made his heart pound in anticipation. It didn’t matter that their marriage was all just for show. This moment between them was more real than anything he had ever felt in his entire life. Tonight, they would lock the world out. Nothing else mattered more than the pleasure they would share together.
Allyson licked her lips and looked down at him. “Are you ready for me?”
“Hell, yes,” he ground out. “More than ready.”
He groaned as she lowered herself onto him, his cock sliding into her tight wetness. She was so incredible. Her bewitching eyes locked on his. Her lips glistened, swollen from their kissing. His eyes wandered down her perfect breasts until he focused on where they were joined. It was the most erotic moment of his life, and the amount of pleasure shooting through him nearly drove him insane.
He had seen her take charge of so many things, but never him. Handing over control to her was exhilarating. The fact that she felt free enough to take charge like this did something to his heart. She trusted him enough to let him see her like this, and he vowed to always be worthy of her trust.
Allyson started to grind her hips into him, riding him slowly. The leisurely pace was sweet torture. Each time she brought herself down on him gave him more and more ecstasy. He gripped her hips and she rocked into him faster. The punishing pace sent waves of pleasure jolting through him. Set him on fire.
She arched her back, tossing her head back as she lost control, her body trembling as she rode him faster and faster. When she clenched around him he came hard and fast with a low groan. Allyson came right after him, her breathless cries echoing in his ears.
As she slid off him, he gathered her in his arms and held her close as they both rode out the waves of their climax. Minutes went by as they held each other tightly, her flushed skin glistening with sweat. His heart rate finally slowed and he planted a kiss on her forehead.
“That was amazing,” she gasped out.
He laughed. “You’re amazing.”
She snuggled closer to him, her cheek on his chest. As he slipped down into dreamless sleep, a thought slowly settled over him. Just this morning he had thought he would have to pretend they hadn’t made love over the weekend, yet now, she was in his arms again.
* * *
“We’ve been summoned.”
His eyes snapped open at the sound of Allyson’s voice. She sat at the edge of his bed, looking down at him. He’d hoped to wake up and find her naked beside him, but she was dressed in jeans and a sleeveless cotton blouse, her black hair dark against the white of her top.
“Summoned?” he groaned, the bright sunlight streaming into their room, blinding him.
“Your mother wants to see us in ten minutes,” she replied. “Over breakfast.”
He sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. “I want to talk to her about your contract today.”
“Go take a shower and we’ll probably have literally one minute to talk about what I want in the new contract,” she said.
She bit her lip but said nothing.
He sensed her apprehension, and reached for her hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. “I know you feel bad about keeping the truth from them, but we’ll be returning the favor next week with the Handels.”
“I’m not sure the risk is worth it. But I love my job.” Allyson inhaled deeply. “Just one more week.”
After he showered and changed, Allyson rattled off a short list of the things she wanted in her contract. In his mind, Dane didn’t think she was asking for enough. Just a slightly higher pay, a few extra days to work from home, and three extra vacation days. He made a mental note to squeeze more perks out of his parents on her behalf. She deserved more.
They headed downstairs together, arm in arm. As he felt the warmth of her touch, he knew that this wasn’t for show. It wasn’t part of the charade. They were getting more and more comfortable with each other. She didn’t stiffen or jump when he touched her like she had over the weekend. Having her here at Prescott Hill made the place feel more like home than it had in years. He had no idea how he’d ever come back here without thinking of her. Nights on the beach would never be the same.
His mother was daintily eating a cantaloupe in the dining room. Every movement precise. Just so. As if she were eating for an audience. She demanded perfection from others because she demanded it of herself. On that score, he could give her credit. She might be unreasonable at times, but she was no hypocrite.
“Good morning, Mother.” He approached her and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s on the tennis court, getting his morning exercise.” She glanced at Allyson before continuing. “He’ll be taking a video conference call from some tennis players later today, so he wants to get in the right mood.”
“Great.” Dane guided Allyson to the other side of the dining table and helped her sit opposite his mother. Without prompting he took the seat at the head of the table, not wanting to choose between them.