1925 - Millionaire's Secret Seduction (15 page)

Tarrant waved a dismissive hand at her babbled apology. “We know, dear.” His tone contained more than a hint of sarcasm.

He tossed his unlit cigar down on the desk. “You’re all better people than I am, which I suppose is a good thing for this world. Dominic has already shown himself to be more than any man could hope for in a son. I can see he’s wild about you, and since he’s sharp as a samurai sword, I have no doubt that you are a woman worthy of his affections.”

His words jangled together in Bella’s brain. Did Dominic feel that strongly about her? It didn’t seem possible. But the way his hand still held her arm—firm, supportive, his grip filled with tender passion—Tarrant just might be right.

She looked up at Dominic again. Strong emotion washed over his handsome face.

Tarrant cleared his throat loudly. His eyes were fixed on Dominic. “I’d like to see Dominic take over as president of Hardcastle Enterprises, effective this afternoon.”

Tarrant swiveled his gaze to Bella. “I’ll let Dominic deal with you. If he wants to make you head of research and set you to weaving cloaks of invisibility down there on fifteen, more power to both of you.”

Bella felt a swell of energy from Dominic, and his hand drifted down her arm and settled around her waist. “I accept.” His gruff voice almost tickled her ear. He stood so close. “But, I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse us for a moment.”

He grabbed Bella’s hand and tugged her toward the door with such force that she stumbled and he had to halt and steady her. He shoved his arm around her waist, as if to prevent any further mishaps.

The door slammed behind them and Dominic’s mouth slammed over hers.

“God, I love you.” His words were lost in the hollow of her mouth.

What?
She gulped, a wave of emotion threatening to sweep her off her already teetering feet. His words echoed through her body, ringing inside every cell, as Dominic kissed her with searing force.

She pulled back from his kiss just long enough to rasp “I love you too.” The words fell from her lips with such feeling that they almost sounded like a sob. His hands roamed up and down her body, sliding over the fabric of her dress, possessing her. The sensation sent sheer lust ripping through her. Before she could stop herself, her hands were in his thick hair, then under his shirt collar, inside his suit jacket, tugging at his shirt.

Dominic’s broad hands roved over her backside, her waist, her breasts, his low, unsteady breaths hot on her neck.

Then she realized they were still in the corridor outside Tarrant’s office.

“We need to, we need to…” She couldn’t seem to formulate any sensible words. Anything she said would delay the one thing they both wanted so desperately.

“Get married, I know. And soon as possible.” Dominic’s rough voice grazed her skin.

Bella couldn’t stop a loud, high laugh bursting from her. “I meant, find a room,”

“Yeah, that too.” Dominic seemed to have lost his way between her breasts and her hips, his hands tugging her close as he kissed her cheeks and lips. “But I want to marry you, and now.”

His confidence and conviction awed her. And frightened her. And ticked her off a little. “What makes you think I want to marry you?”

He paused. His brows lowered and an expression of confusion filled his dark, rich eyes. “You don’t?”

I do.

“Well, I do, but how can you trust me after everything that’s happened?”

“I trust you with my life. Every damn day of it, starting right now. Whenever I’ve asked you, you told me the truth, no matter how much trouble it got you into. You’re caring and passionate and smart and you’re the woman for me. I’m a good judge of these things, trust me.”

“Is this something they taught you in business school?”

“I never went to business school, it’s something I learned in life. And I think my dad has learned a few things too lately, whether he wanted to or not.”

“I’m not sure he’ll like having me as a daughter-in-law.”

“He won’t have any choice, so he’ll just have to get used to you.” He grinned. Then he frowned. “If you’ll say yes, that is.”

He still didn’t look very doubtful. And why would he? What woman in her right mind wouldn’t want to marry Dominic?

But she was the cautious, scientific type. “Would it be okay if we went on a date first?”

“So you can study me under your microscope and make sure I don’t crack under pressure?” His eyes shone with humor.

She grinned. “Exactly.”

“I think that can be arranged. But first let’s go find a copy room.” His eyes glittered. “With a lock on the door.”