“He came back to the office on Friday. Are you going to be all right?” Darcy asked.
“Yeah, sure,” Kate replied in a low voice.
Trent strode through the door. “Of course she’s going to be all right, Darcy. And I need to talk to her…alone.”
Putting her hands on her hips, Darcy whirled on Trent, surprising Kate. “She’s not anything like what you think she is.”
“It’s okay, Darcy,” Kate said. “I don’t need anyone to stand up for me.”
Darcy marched out of the room.
Trent looked as handsome as ever in a dark suit and just as unforgiving as the last time she saw him. “I thought you would at least keep the reason for our marriage between us.”
Taking a deep breath, Kate dropped her gaze to his gray tie. There was no point in seeing the hatred she was sure she’d find there if she looked.
She picked up the file on her desk and opened it. “Darcy guessed something was wrong. I couldn’t keep this from her.”
Kate didn’t elaborate further. She had broken down in tears after the reception. How could she not tell Darcy? Darcy had been the one to help her pull herself back together. During her week in Key West, Kate had finally accepted the marriage for what it was—a marriage done because he needed a pawn for a wife.
“You’re not to tell anyone else, Kate. Is that clear?”
Still not looking at his face, she gave him a curt nod. “If that is your wish.” She had no one else she wanted to tell, and it was too humiliating anyway.
“That’s what I expect.” Trent handed her an envelope. “I’m dropping off your copy of the prenuptial agreement.”
Signing the papers had seemed a million years ago. “Thank you.”
She waited for him to leave, but when he didn’t, she raised her eyes. “Yes? Now what else can I do for you?”
“How was your honeymoon?” he asked.
“Fabulous,” she quipped. “And yours?”
“Just great. Couldn’t have been better.”
“Where did you go?” she asked. She could have bitten her tongue. “Never mind.” She turned to her computer screen. “I shouldn’t have asked. It’s none of my business.”
“It’s not like you ever really cared, Kate.” She opened her mouth to say she had, but the look on his face stopped her. He added, “I’d never believe you now.”
“If you think I’m such a liar,” she said with exasperation, “then why aren’t you leaving my office? I’ve done my part.”
“There might be a little more you have to do for me. And I’m paying you well.”
Heat flooded her cheeks. He intended to insult her—again. “I told you I don’t want your money. None of it.” Then she gasped. “That is unless you don’t plan to pay me a salary for working here…” Perhaps he’d reap his revenge in another way, by causing her to lose her house. He couldn’t. Her spirits plummeted. He just might.
She would look for a job elsewhere if he did not plan to pay her. There was nothing in their agreement saying she had to stay here and work…but it could take weeks to find something else, and she’d gone through most of her savings. It was a sure thing that he wouldn’t give her a good reference.
Tears pricked her eyes. “I do need to make enough money to cover my car payment and my mortgage. I don’t want to lose my home. I’ve worked hard to make the payments,” she said in a rush of words. “You don’t hate me enough that you’d do that to me, do you?”
“I have every reason to want revenge, Kate, but hold on. You’ll get your salary, and I’m not criticizing you over the prenuptial money either. I have something I want you to do. Your first acting job as my wife has come up. Wednesday, I’m up for an award by the state. Seven p.m.” He wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to her. “Here’s the address of the hotel. I think it’s best if you meet me there.”
Kate realized that he didn’t even want to pick her up and arrive with her. Perhaps he thought she wasn’t even worthy of that courtesy. She held back her tears and built a wall around her emotional self. After all, she’d had years of practice. She had to cut her feelings for him from her heart. Their relationship was strictly a business one as he’d reminded her time after time.
With the sting of this latest insult, she raised her chin and tried to put some lightness in her voice. “As you order. I’m your employee—I’ll be there.”
“Good, but only after you go shopping. You’re done with your disguised act and wearing those frumpy, old-maid clothes.”
She made a frustrated sound. “These are my clothes. They’re no act.”
“Right,” he scoffed. “Now go shopping and buy yourself some clothes for someone worthy of being a Farrington—even if you’re not.”
Gasping, she rose to her feet. “You’re insulting me again.”
“You work for me personally now, Kate. You’re acting as my wife. I’m not asking much, and I want to see you in a new wardrobe. Is that clear?”
She clenched her hands. “Yes, you are very clear, and I’m not happy to be told what to do at every instance.”
“I’m not happy about this arrangement either.”
She stamped her foot. “But you’re the one who made it. You could have married Cecilia and been as happy as two clams in a clamshell.”
Ignoring her statement, he handed her a credit card. “I’ll make arrangements for you to have your own account—with limitations, but I’ll be generous.”
Of course, he didn’t trust her with limitless funds. “Thanks, but no thanks. I told you I don’t want your money. I’ll buy anything I need from my salary.”
“Oh, come on, Kate, cut the crap. You signed the prenuptial agreement with just a token protest, for affect. You might fool others, however, I know you for the con artist you are.”
“Do you, Trent? I came to the company to find out who caused my brother’s death. That’s all.”
“Now, you’ve lied to me again. Matt Jackson was your stepbrother. I read it last week in one of the reports that you were related.”
Her face burned that Trent was still having her investigated. “Matt was my brother.”
“And you write a column in the local newspaper, which you didn’t tell me about. And one article was about rich men getting away with murder and the injustice.” Her throat went dry and he went on, “So you came to the company to set a trap for me, Kate? Great job.”
“I didn’t set a trap, Trent. I did think…at the time…that you were guilty, and I wanted evidence, but I soon realized you weren’t the one—”
“Spare me,” he said, putting up a stopping hand. “You even slept with your suspect. While I am sorry that Matt Jackson died at this company, I don’t buy that you cared about your stepbrother that much. I think you thought the company was a good place to work one of your con jobs, and once you got here and realized how hot my family was to marry me off—”
“That’s not true at all.”
“Listen, I’ve had more experience with gold-diggers than any man should have. Now, take the card. You can’t afford the kind of clothing you’ll need as my wife.”
“There’s no way I can prove to you…” She whirled away from him. “Oh, you’ll never believe me... I’m not taking your card.”
He blew out a deep breath. “Don’t make a big deal out of this. Most women would love to go shopping with a man’s credit card. Of course, you’re not like most women are you? Most women don’t have an arrest record or have to falsify documents to get hired by a company.”
She wanted to smack him, but he was right. Her shoulders sagged in defeat. “I’ll take the card.”
“Also, my mother suggested Marc drive you to certain shops on Las Olas, so you’ll know where to go.”
Kate gaped at him in disbelief. “I can’t believe your mother thought of me?”
“She’ll want you to be dressed to her standards.”
“Of course,” Kate muttered. “You’re right. With the way your mother wanted you to marry Cecil
ia, she’d more likely want the man to drive me out of town. If you give me the addresses of the stores, I can drive myself. I wouldn’t want to embarrass your mother wearing something that wouldn’t be up to her standards.”
“It’s for your safety, too. While nothing else has happened—and maybe OSHA is right that the cables were weakened from an accident with chemicals—we’re not positive someone isn’t sabotaging the company or trying to harm one of us. Now that you’re a Farrington, it might be a good idea for you to go with my mother’s driver as you’ll be in and out of the stores.”
A small part of her buoyed that he might care for her safety, which meant there might be a chance for them. She raised a hopeful face and met his rigid expression and any thoughts of reconciliation sank like a stone.
He stared down at her. “Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking I care and that I’ll fall for your schemes again, Kate. I’m only doing this show for my grandfather, because I care for him and I want him to retire.”
Kate plucked the card from his hand. “Then why try to protect me? If I die, you’d get your wish. You’d be single again. Your grandfather wouldn’t be able to complain.” Then realizing what she’d said, she flushed and frowned unhappily. “Maybe I shouldn’t give you any ideas.”
“I don’t want you hurt.”
“Are you sure? You could’ve surprised me.”
“Kate, are you pregnant?” he asked her with a pointed look. “I didn’t use protection a couple of times.” When a hot gleam flashed in his eyes, her entire body burned with desire as she remembered the intimacy and passion of their weekend together.
Her shoulders tensing, she met his gaze. “No,” she whispered. “You don’t have to worry about being permanently trapped with me. You’re safe from my grasping claws.”
“In spite of everything,” he said softly. “I would have taken care of you and the baby. Thank you for telling me.”
He walked out of her office.
At the possibility of what could have been between them, and what was now ruined, her cheeks flamed and more tears pricked at her eyes.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The hotel was one of the oldest and finest in Fort Lauderdale. Expansive glass windows overlooked a crimson sunset and the New River. Yachts paraded by, whooshing waves against the seawalls. People strolled down the brick path along the waterway, where numerous boats of all sizes were docked.
Dressed in a tuxedo, Trent proceeded up the steps and into the ballroom for the Award’s Ceremony. Soft music filled the air.
His mother had already entered and looked well in a blue evening gown. Trent’s stomach tightened in a knot. Would she be proud of him tonight if he won? He didn’t want to care, but never having pleased her, he found that he wanted some sort of gesture that she was happy with his success.
His grandfather leaned on his cane and hobbled across the floor toward Trent. Worry swept through him. He strode to the older man’s side, afraid his grandfather would overdo it tonight.
“Hello, Trent. I might seem weak and feeble,” his grandfather muttered, seeming to read Trent’s mind, “but I’ll make it.”
Trent took his arm. “Let me help you.”
“If you must,” his grandfather said with a sigh. “Actually, I should thank you. You’re a good grandson in my time of need.”
Eden trailed behind them. “If you’re this bad, James, we could have brought you in a wheelchair, but for your pride you’d risk a fall. We’d all be devastated if something happened to you.”
His grandfather grunted. “Would you, Eden? Trent, help me to the table and don’t make any big deal about me needing help. Just pretend I twisted my ankle,” he added sarcastically.
The last thing his proud grandfather would want was to appear weak. “Sounds dainty of you,” Trent said with a chuckle, “but I understand.” He shouldered the elderly man past the tables displaying the building models up for the award, to a reserved, white linen-covered table near the podium. Aunt Vera sat waiting.
Trent settled the man into a chair. “Hello, Aunt Vera.”
His grandfather turned to his daughter. “Where’s, Roland?”
Trent’s timid aunt blushed and her blue eyes paused on Trent. “Sorry, father…Trent. Roland said he might not be able to make it here tonight.”
“Ah hah, Roland, can’t make it for his cousin’s big night.” His grandfather threw Trent a glance. “There was a time when being in this family meant something.”
“I’m not bothered if he’s not here, Aunt Vera,” Trent replied, kissing her cheek. Matter of fact, he preferred that his cousin wasn’t here. Roland had always been a pain in the ass and jealous—even more so now that Trent was officially president of the company.
His grandfather pointed to the two chairs next to his. “Trent, you sit there, and then save this seat between us for your lovely wife. By the way, where is Kate? In the powder room?”
“No. She wanted to drive separately. She should be here soon.” He hated to lie to his grandfather, but he had to follow through with this farce.
When he’d last seen Kate in her office, after their separate honeymoons, he found himself far too attracted to her, in spite of the ridiculously baggy and unattractive suit she’d worn—because he knew exactly what she hid under the outfit. He’d thought it best to avoid being alone with her as much as possible.
He’d been angered, too, for she’d had a rosy glow on her face as if she’d spent time outdoors, while at his honeymoon destination he had worked hard on business—and on forgetting her. Her radiance was obvious proof he alone had suffered for her deceit.
His grandfather gave Trent a shrewd glance. “In my day, we escorted our wives to such events.”
Trent glanced at his watch. “Kate had some errands and was running late,” he lied. “She insisted I drive on ahead of her.” He wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t show up after his dictatorial demand about how she should dress.
Disobeying his first order? Hell, he probably deserved it after his treatment of her that day. He’d never treat a real wife as he had her, but he had wanted…to do what? Hurt her? For the way she tore him up on the inside?
Mayor Smith ambled into the ballroom with a few guests.
Behind him, Kate stepped through the doors. Trent sucked in his breath. She gave the true meaning to the term “drop-dead gorgeous.” As she stepped down the stairs, she dazzled the eye in a shimmering red gown. Her blond hair was partially swept up. Nothing about her beauty simulated the hardened criminal she truly was.
Her gaze met his from across the room. Even though he knew she was good at disguises, and this was but another one that hid the negative, something like electricity still sizzled between them.
He strode to meet her and took her hand. She looked entirely too beautiful and sexy with a fair amount of her breasts plumped up for his view.
Though he hadn’t wanted to flatter her, he couldn’t stop himself. “You look lovely.”
She smiled hesitantly. “Sorry, I’m late. The transformation took some time.”
With everyone looking on, Trent leaned in and kissed her cheek. He instantly regretted the move because when he inhaled her floral scent, desire rushed to his groin.
He took a step back. “I assure you the result was well worth the time.”
She gave him a weak smile. “Thank you. You look handsome tonight, yourself.”
“I tried to call you this afternoon, but you didn’t pick up.”
“Oh? I must have been busy getting ready and missed your call. Sorry.”
As he escorted her across the floor to their table, every man in the room stared at her. Jealousy rippled through him––the power of it shocking him. He had to get a grip. She was his temporary wife, by his own fault. He slid his gaze over the large diamond earrings dangling from her earlobes. “I see you didn’t have any problems spending my money,” he said dryly.
Her eyes widened. “But you told me to.”
He sighed. “You
’re right. I did.”
She blew out a deep breath that sounded like relief. “By the way, the jewelry is imitation. You always think the worst of me.”
“I have good reason.”
“I’m not a gold-digger. I told you why I came to the company. I wanted to find out who was responsible for Matt’s fall and have justice served.”
“I’m not convinced, Kate. He was your stepbrother.”
“Matt was my brother, and I loved him. I wanted whoever caused his death to be caught. I still want that.”
“Kate, how many times was your stepfather sent to prison for fraud?”
A frown etched her forehead. “He has nothing to do with this...or me.”
He shrugged. “Why should I believe you? Like father like daughter. You were prosecuted. Let’s just hope you can play the devoted wife as well as you can take an order to spend money.”
Her face paled.
Trent blew out a deep breath. “I apologize. You don’t deserve that either. You’ve done everything that I’ve asked.” He held out his hand and guided her toward their table.
Eden flicked her discriminating gaze over Kate. “At least you had the sense to dress for the occasion.”
Kate’s hand tightened in Trent’s.
His mother thought he’d foolishly fallen for Kate, in spite of what the two of them knew about her. He didn’t have any guilt for not telling Eden the truth now. She shouldn’t have interfered in his life. He’d have words with her later and tell her that she was to treat Kate with respect.
He realized then, and was astounded that in spite of what she’d done to him, he wasn’t going to let anyone, including his mother be unkind to Kate. It seemed only he could be the one to cut her down…
His grandfather snorted and held out his arms to his new granddaughter-in-law. “She looks more than nice, Eden. I thought you were a movie star come to grace our table, Kate. So elegant tonight. Sorry, I can’t get up. Give me a kiss.”
She bent over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Farrington.”
Disguised with the Millionaire (Dangerous Millionaires Series Book 2) Page 27