Disguised with the Millionaire (Dangerous Millionaires Series Book 2)

by Debra Andrews

  His grandfather chuckled. “Grandpa, remember? You remind me of someone...someone I used to know. Admit it, Eden. Kate is by far the loveliest woman in this room and in the city for that matter. Much prettier than Cecilia.”

  Eden’s face turned into a sour grimace.

  His grandfather patted the chair beside him. “Kate, take this seat. Trent, you on her other side, by your mother.” Once they were all seated, James turned to Kate. “Now, how are you, my dear? I hope my grandson is treating you as you deserve.” He shot a glance toward Trent.

  Kate frowned. “Y-yes, of course. Our marriage is wonderful.”

  Trent narrowed his eyes. She wasn’t too convincing. He assumed she was a better liar. Perhaps she was only a great actress when the occasion suited her. Or perhaps she was subtly undermining him to get even. That thought ground in Trent’s stomach.

  James chuckled. “I am pleased. There is no doubt I’ll have fine great-grandchildren.”

  Trent sighed at his grandfather’s words. The man was like a bull when he wanted something. Hopefully, his grandfather wouldn’t start pushing in that area, or two years would seem an eternity.

  “Leave them alone,” Eden said, pursing her lips. “They’re barely married, James.” Trent was surprised she’d stuck up for them, but then she paused. “Frank Blake is here. I’ll wave him over.”

  “Mother,” Trent said in a low voice, “can’t you see he’s using you to get to the company?”

  “Should we talk about who is being used by whom?” Eden snapped back near his ear.

  Glad that Kate was in discussion with his grandfather, Trent leaned toward Eden and said quietly, “Blake wants the company. He’d like to ruin me. If he is hanging out with you, he has an angle. He used you years ago, and he’s using you now. Wake up.”

  “Thanks for your vote of confidence in me,” Eden said through her teeth.

  “I don’t mean that as a put down. I don’t want you hurt needlessly, and we can’t trust him.”

  Eden gave Trent a wry look. “I think Blake has changed. Why not? People can change, can’t they?”

  “There’s an old saying that a snake might shed a few layers of skin, but it’s still a snake.”

  “You need to learn that lesson for yourself regarding your new bride. But no, you’re making a fool of yourself. You should have married Cecilia.”

  Trent ground his teeth together. From Eden’s point of view, she must think he was an idiot to have married Kate.

  A horrible thought occurred to him. “Just don’t make Blake my stepfather,” he grumbled. Could his life get any worse?

  His mother’s mouth curved into a wry smile as if to goad him.

  “Speak of the devil,” Trent muttered as Frank Blake strode up to their table.

  “Hello, Farringtons. One thing about being in the running for the same award is that my table is next to yours.” He leaned over and kissed Eden’s cheek. “Lovely as always, Eden.” He turned to Trent with a smile. “You did a fine job with your design and building, Trent. I think your mother has reason to be proud of you.”

  Eden smirked. “A mother should always be happy with her child’s achievements. And, Frank, you did well for yourself. If I were the judge, it would be hard for me to decide who to honor with the award.”

  Blake shot her a glance. “Why thank you, Eden. That’s a nice compliment, coming from you.”

  Trent sighed, not surprised. She had never been the devoted mother. Why should tonight be any different?

  His grandfather leaned back in his chair. “I’m surprised, Frank, you feel that way about Trent’s design, since if he wins—you lose.”

  Blake shrugged. “I might not win the State’s award, but I have other irons in the fire, so to speak.” He turned to Kate. “Don’t tell me this vision of loveliness is the new Mrs. Farrington? A quick marriage—with such haste. Will we be hearing happy news soon?”

  The insinuation was obvious—that Kate was pregnant—and by the pink coloring her cheeks, Trent’s stomach clenched with uncertainty. While Kate had told him that she wasn’t pregnant, what if she were lying? He had learned he couldn’t trust a word she said.

  Kate smiled brightly and took the man’s insult in stride and returned the barb. “We’re hopeful that will happen soon. Trent tells me everyday how much he’s looking forward to children, and a whole bunch of Farringtons to take over the company.”

  “That’s nice, ma’am.” Leaning closer to her, Blake peered into Kate’s face. “Mrs. Farrington, have we met before? I wasn’t sure the other day on the yacht because you wore glasses, but now I’m sure we have. Somewhere, several years ago, was it?”

  The smile faded from Kate’s lips and a pained expression settled on her features.

  “I don’t think so, sir,” Kate replied in a demure voice that made Trent uneasy.

  Blake tipped his head and drawled. “Oh, I think it’s possible, ma’am.”

  At the way the man’s gaze slithered over Kate in an almost obscene way, Trent wanted to grab Blake by the throat.

  Was she hiding something else from him? Did she know Blake? Anger sizzled inside Trent. He would have to speak to his faux wife about the connection—tomorrow—as he didn’t trust himself alone with her tonight.

  Blake turned his attention to Eden and tapped her on the shoulder. “I hope to get the chance to dance with you this evening.”

  Eden beamed a smile. “That would be marvelous.”

  By the look on her face, Eden was enamored with Blake. Because of her unhappy relationship with Trent’s father, she needed to find some happiness in her life. Tonight, Trent noticed her face was less harsh, making her more attractive.

  Blake smiled at Eden. “Would you mind if I speak to Trent alone for just a moment?”

  Trent raised an eyebrow. Then gritting his teeth, he rose from the table and followed Bake to an alcove on the other side of the room. “What’s this about, Blake—my company or my mother?” Or my wife, he wanted to ask, but he was afraid to hear what Blake might have to say.

  “No need to take that attitude with me. Your mother is a charming woman, but this is about the company.”

  Trent sighed and couldn’t help being relieved. This wasn’t about Kate. “What my mother does is her business, but I warn you, don’t use her to get to Farrington Construction.”

  Blake placed his hand over his heart. “You think so little of me?”

  “Why shouldn’t I? You stole our clients and records when you left our company. And I must say I’m surprised you’re here. I didn’t think you’d want to witness this event that I’m going to win.”

  “Why not? My architects did a fine job or we wouldn’t be up for the award? I realize you probably think with all the praise for your building designs that I don’t stand a chance to win, but I can run a company better than you can. And what better way to become number one than to buy you out—for the right price, of course, Farrington.”

  Trent restrained himself from shoving Blake against the wall. “You resort to unsavory tactics in running your business. I’d never let you bring that to Farrington Construction.”

  “A man’s got to make a profit. Even if I don’t win tonight, you’ll be working for me one day—I promise you. I won’t mind taking over your designs.”

  Trent snorted. Blake gobbled up companies to make his empire grow and his tactics were ruthless. That was the reason his company now ranked number three in the state. He looked down his nose at Blake. “You forget we’ve dealt with your dirty tricks before. You won’t get Farrington Construction. The company’s not for sale.”

  “OSHA’s on your tail. I doubt you’re as clean as you profess, or why would there be so much trouble at your sites? You’ll need someone like me to head the company…or your building just might not come to completion.”

  Trent glared at him. “Is that a threat?” He wanted to wring Blake’s neck, but the mayor walked over, shook their hands and congratulated them on their projects.

  *
* *

  While Kate watched Trent and Blake across the ballroom, she couldn’t shake the sickening feeling that had settled in her stomach after Frank Blake’s words to her. Did she know Blake from somewhere? Her stepfather had always dealt with the most unsavory characters, and this man definitely fit that bill.

  And Blake did seem to want Farrington Construction badly, which would make him a prime suspect in anything going on at the company. If Trent failed because his job sites had too many accidents, Blake could benefit as the new buyer––Kate had heard of companies using unsavory business tactics. Also, Blake’s hungry gaze had roved over her, revealing he was not as enamored with Eden as he acted.

  Aunt Vera stood up from the table. “Excuse me. I see friends.”

  “Vera,” James said, “while you’re away, dear, why don’t you give Roland another call? Tell him I said it’s an order for him to get over here and support his cousin and the company.”

  “Roland wouldn’t come anywhere near us if he didn’t have to, to get his allowance,” Eden retorted.

  Vera blushed. “Eden, please...”

  “Call him, dear,” James Farrington said. “I want my family united tonight. Tell him I said that this is important.”

  Kate felt sorry for Trent’s aunt who was mild mannered and seemed embarrassed by her son’s behavior.

  After Vera walked away, James turned toward Eden and lowered his voice. “After what Frank Blake did to us years ago, quitting and taking our best clients, using our company plans and undercutting us—tell me, just why are you seeing him?”

  Eden’s mouth curved into a wry smile. “You invited him on the yacht. I was sure you’d forgiven Blake when you considered selling the company to him.”

  “Eden, I knew Blake was hungry to buy the company, and I had to somehow convince Trent that he needed to settle down—or else. I want you to break it off with Blake. I don’t trust him.”

  “Don’t interfere in my life. You’ve done it before.” Eden lifted her glass of wine. “Besides, I find Frank charming. Why shouldn’t I enjoy myself?”

  “Can I trust you to keep the company’s business private from him?”

  “Of course. Haven’t I always done what you wanted?”

  “Eden… Can I trust you in this matter?” he repeated, raising a gray brow.

  Trent’s mother folded her arms across her chest. “I wouldn’t do anything to hurt your precious company or our dear Trent. He is my son and Farrington Construction is his legacy, after all.”

  Mrs. Farrington’s gaze held ire, puzzling Kate, but at least the woman must have some love for her son, as most mothers do.

  Mr. Farrington let out a deep sigh. “All right, Eden, I believe you.” He smiled at Kate. “I’m sorry, dear, we’re having this discussion as if you’re not here. It’s important Frank Blake doesn’t know our company’s private business.”

  Kate nodded in agreement. She had distrusted Blake from the first moment she’d met him on the yacht. However, since Blake’s question earlier, it was impossible to get rid of this gnawing feeling in her stomach that perhaps she had met Blake somewhere before that event. And that couldn’t be a good thing.

  James patted Kate’s hand. “You’re going to think we’re a dysfunctional family.”

  She gave him a weak smile. “I suppose all families have issues.”

  Her perception of the Farrington family had changed. In the beginning, she’d thought Trent had everything—family and fortune, but she now knew his family had as many issues as any other. Well, no family could ever be more dysfunctional than hers had been, but now she saw that the Farringtons were far from perfect.

  “Everyone has a few skeletons in the closet,” Mrs. Farrington said with dry sarcasm, her gaze landing on Kate. “Don’t they, Kate? And some more than others?”

  Kate’s face heated. She nodded and sipped her wine to cover her blush. She supposed she should be grateful Eden hadn’t told James that Kate had falsified her employment records or that her stepfather was a career criminal. She didn’t want to see disgust for her in his eyes, too.

  When Trent rejoined the table, Kate sighed with relief, hoping that this conversation would come to an end. However, when he sat down, his expression was stony.

  “What did Blake say?” James asked Trent.

  Trent blew out a deep breath. “He mentioned wanting to buy the company again. Nothing I want you to worry about. He knows we won’t sell.”

  Kate was relieved that Trent’s face softened slightly when he looked at her for an unguarded second. Whatever Blake had said had not been about her.

  Eden rose from the table. “Excuse me. I’m going to mingle.”

  Trent’s mother strolled to a woman at a nearby table. She spoke a few words, and then she walked directly to Frank Blake on the other side of the room. Placing a hand on Blake’s arm, Eden threw back her head and laughed at something he said.

  “Now that I have you two alone, tell me how my honeymooners are?” James asked. “Am I going to hear the pitter patter of little Farrington footsteps soon?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  “Please, don’t rush us,” Trent muttered.

  Kate’s cheeks heated. “I’d love to have children one day,” she said honestly, even though she would never have babies with Trent. And she had to remember that Trent’s future plan was to lie to his grandfather and say that she’d had a secret hysterectomy before they married—Trent’s perfect excuse to get rid of her.

  However, Trent didn’t seem perturbed by her answer. He took her hand in his. Of course, the gesture was for his grandfather, but his touch sent warmth curling low within her. Kate glanced at him from beneath her lashes. He was so handsome and virile…his sensual mouth so kissable. She loved his lips. She couldn’t forget what had been between them, Trent’s tenderness when they’d made love. Did he ever think of those nights?

  When the waiters served the salads, Trent released her hand. She sighed.

  With a florid face, Roland staggered up to the table and dipped his head toward his grandfather. “Sorry.” He turned to Trent. “I hope I’m not too late for this happy celebration.” Roland’s words dripped with sarcasm.

  Kate inhaled a whiff of strong drink from the man.

  “Roland, nice of you to support your family and the company for such an important event,” James said dryly.

  “You did insist,” Roland said as he pulled out a chair at the table and sat. “I’m here to witness Trent in all his glory. That’s if he can pull off a win.”

  Trent didn’t say a word. Aunt Vera, and Mrs. Farrington with Blake in tow, returned to the table. Eden bestowed a smile of adoration on Blake before he returned to his table.

  Kate lifted her fork to eat her salad and watched Eden out of the corner of her eye. She hoped for Trent’s sake his mother wasn’t being used. If it became serious, Blake would have easy access to the company to do his dirty deeds.

  Perhaps he already did.

  * * *

  Even though they weren’t on good terms, Trent exhaled a relieved breath when Roland and the others settled at the table, interrupting his grandfather’s chance to probe about the conception of his first great-grandchild. The question had put too many thoughts in Trent’s head about sex with Kate.

  Dinner was a meal of stuffed Cornish hens and prime rib. Trent noticed Kate didn’t eat much, but only picked at her food with her fork.

  She looked stunning tonight, and he was aware of that, too much for his own good. He couldn’t forget the intimacy they shared, even if she had been using him. He wanted to hear her whimper with pleasure and to hear her cry out his name. That part had been real, unless she was the best actress in the world. He was very aware of her sitting so close to him. He watched her mouth as she took a bite of chocolate cake and had to force his gaze to his own plate.

  He was relieved when the dessert plates were cleared away. Soon, couples packed the dance floor.

  Roland stood and said dryly, “Excuse me, dear family. I’m
going outside for a smoke.”

  “Does he do anything good for himself, Vera?” his grandfather grumbled after Roland had walked away. “Didn’t you raise him to have any sense at all?”

  Aunt Vera’s face reddened. “Father, he makes his own choices. Please excuse me while I go powder my nose.”

  Trent made a mental note to speak to his grandfather about his treatment of his aunt whenever the conversation turned to Roland. Aunt Vera wasn’t to blame for the way Roland had turned out.

  Blake sauntered up to Eden. “Care for a dance?”

  She rose and took his hand.

  And he realized then that his mother needed someone to make her happy. He just hoped it was not Blake. Trent shook his head in disgust when she walked away with him toward the dance floor. However, he had to give Blake credit for one thing—he’d managed to make the woman crack a rare smile.

  Trent glanced at Kate. If she had been his wife in reality, he would have asked her to dance, too, and hell yes, he would have been planning to take her to bed tonight.

  If he hadn’t found out about her treachery, he would still be making a fool of himself, drowning in her beautiful misty-gray eyes. He’d probably be professing his love by now and blabbering like a damned idiot. He clenched his hand on his wine glass.

  His grandfather glanced toward him. “Have you two had a disagreement?”

  “No,” Trent said.

  “Not at all,” Kate added.

  Trent peered over his wine glass at his grandfather. “Why do you ask?” he asked as innocently as he could.

  “You’re not dancing with your wife. Need I remind you that I wasn’t born yesterday? I can tell when something is wrong. Have you two been arguing?”

  “We aren’t arguing,” Trent said gruffly.

  “No? Then to appease an old, sick, dying dog, kiss each other, or you’ll have me worrying unduly.” His grandfather placed his hand to his heart. “I don’t think my old ticker can take it.”

  Trent rolled his eyes at Kate. He gave her a faint smile. “You know, he’s milking this sickness to the hilt. Do you mind?” He leaned toward her and gave her a peck on her silky cheek. He inhaled her fragrance and scent.