The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride (9 page)

Is that why Alex married her? To gain control of King Royale? Why? Laura frowned. She’d hoped, since the first day of their honeymoon, that Alex had married her because he’d
wanted
her on some level. But what if it was all a ruse so he could take possession of her parents’ business?

She relaxed her shoulders as she thought of the pre-nup she’d signed. The ownership of King Royale wasn’t affected by their marriage, or divorce. Alex knew the company belonged to her parents. It made no sense at all that he would marry her for control of the company. He just wanted to help her get to the bottom of the problems the business had been experiencing lately.

But he didn’t have to marry you to do so.

Tony pulled up outside the building and Laura entered the lobby, pressing the button for the elevator as if on autopilot. She needed to talk to Alex - about everything. About Crawson, why he would want her parent’s catering business - and the big question - why Alex had married her.

The golden doors slid open at the top floor. She stepped out and entered the penthouse. Alex stood in front of her, looking amazing in an elegant dark suit, but concern and annoyance warred for supremacy on his face.

“
Where the hell were you?” He grasped her hands, holding her arms out to the side, checking for bodily damage. “Are you okay?”

“
I’m fine.” Laura wished she could just wrap her arms around him and relax in his embrace, but she made herself stand up straight.

“
Then why are you so late? Did Tony bring you home?”

“
Yes.” Answering the easiest question first, Laura wondered how to tell him the rest. She looked up at him, managing a wobbly
smile. “Do you think we could sit down?”

“
What’s wrong?” Clasping her hand, Alex led her over to the plush leather sofa, sitting down next to her.

“
Crawson came to see me.”

Alex swore under his breath. “Is that why you’re late?” He tilted her chin up, his expression intense as he waited for her answer. “Did he do anything?”

“No,” she hastened to reassure him. “I’m fine.” On the way home, all she could think about was telling Alex what had happened, but now it was rather unnerving being the sole focus of his attention like this.

Succinctly telling Alex about the Crawson’s threats, she finished with, “But why would he want King Royale? Especially with all the problems it’s been having lately?”

“If I know Crawson, the two are probably connected in some way,” Alex replied, rubbing his chin. His fingers caught a strand of her hair. “Tony should have been there, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”

“
It’s okay,” she reassured him, butterflies dancing in her stomach at his tender expression. “It wasn’t his fault.”

Her husband scowled. “Tony knows what’s expected of him. The point of you having a driver is to keep you safe.”

“But I’m okay,” she repeated, tentatively placing her hand on top of his. The shakiness she’d felt at the encounter with Crawson had vanished, but now a new kind of trembling had taken hold of her limbs. All she wanted was for Alex to envelop her in his arms, kiss her, and tell her everything would be okay, with King Royale
and
their marriage.

Alex’s eyes darkened at her touch, but he remained still, his fingers still touching her hair. Laura waited three heartbeats, but when her husband didn’t say or do anything, she shifted back slightly. “I guess I better get changed for dinner.”

“Forget about dinner,” he growled, leaning in. She pressed back against the soft leather of the lounge. Alex’s body caged hers, and her pulse thrummed in her throat. “We’re staying in tonight.”

His mouth slanted over hers, his lips commanding and caressing, demanding a response. A soft sigh escaped her as she gladly gave her husband what he sought, and curled her arms around his neck.

Laura returned his kisses with a rising passion of her own. She wanted - no, she
needed Alex tonight. She didn’t know how she would bear it if he didn’t come to bed with her. But if he did sleep with her tonight, and wrapped her in his embrace all night long as chastely as he had on their honeymoon, she didn’t know how she would handle that either.

Suddenly realizing she craved Alex’s touch, his lips -
craved him
- Laura tugged his head down, kissing him with fervor.

“
I can’t get enough of you,” he finally rasped against her lips. “Do you want me?”

“
Yes,” she breathed, her heart thudding with anticipation. She looked into his eyes. “I want you.”

With a muttered exclamation, he gathered her in his strong arms, striding down the hall to the master bedroom. Laura clutched his shoulders, nestling her head against his broad shoulder. Desire swirled through her. They were finally going to consummate their marriage.

Alex sat her gently down on the bed. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this,” he said hoarsely, taking in her flushed cheeks and eyes glittering with arousal.

“
How long?” she asked recklessly, feeling alluring and wanted, a far cry from the usual state of her love life - before she’d married Alex.

“
Ever since I saw you catering my party.”

Her eyes widened at the admission, as well as at the sight of him shrugging out of his finely tailored shirt. Laura couldn’t take her eyes off his bare chest. Although she’d seen his muscular torso before, desire skidded down her spine and pooled in her lower body.

Yanking off his slacks, her husband stood before her, nude except for the boxer briefs that couldn’t hide his arousal.

“
Your turn,” he said hoarsely, plundering her mouth for one long, delicious moment before she felt his fingers tug at the buttons of her cotton blouse.

Her panties felt so damp.
Laura tried to control her shredded breathing. Nipples puckering under his silent, sensual scrutiny, she slid the cotton garment off her shoulders, shyly offering herself to his gaze. Would she be enough for him?

“
You’re so beautiful.” He traced the lace edge of her bra with his finger, and she shivered with pent-up need.

“
Alex,” she whispered, still finding it a little hard to believe that this sexy, virile man wanted
her.
Had
married
her.
And now wanted to make love with
her.

Her eyes were huge in the soft light spilling from the bedside lamp.

“Laura.” His tone was urgent. He drew her to her feet, pressing her body flush against his. “The honeymoon almost killed me.”

She shivered at the intensity of his statement. Her fingers stroked his shoulders, then daringly, she traced the contours of his tightly muscled chest. He groaned. “My turn.”

Alex unsnapped her bra, his eyes smoldering with need when he gazed upon her generous bare breasts. “Exquisite.” He cupped her breasts, rubbing his thumb across each nipple.

Laura drew in a sharp breath, excitement spiraling through her. He slipped his muscular leg in between her soft thighs. “Feel how much I want you,” he rasped.

Liquid heat radiated through her when she felt his hard manhood straining through the fabric of his underwear. Alex bent his head, taking her nipple into his mouth. Her lower body quivered with need as pleasure spiked through her. Gasping, she gripped his shoulders to maintain her balance.

Alex continued the sensual onslaught, transferring his attention to her other taut nipple. “Alex,” she moaned, glad he was holding her upright. His leg moved teasingly between her thighs and she squirmed, trying to get even closer to him and the incredible pleasure he promised.

“Oh!” Alex scooped her up in his arms, reaching the bed in one stride. Laying her down
,
he loomed over her, his expression hungry with passion.

“
I need you, Laura.”

She gazed up at him, noticing a faint vulnerability in his eyes. Holding her breath for a second, she reached out a hand to him.

Alex laced his fingers through hers, and joined her on the bed. Bringing her hand to his lips, he brushed a soft kiss across it. “My wife.”

Laura’s pulse pounded. She’d never wanted any man as badly as she wanted Alex, right here, right now. In fact, she’d never been attracted to a man as much as she’d been attracted to Alex, from the very first moment she’d met him. And now … she was falling hard for him.

A soft smile touched her lips. “My husband.”

He held her gaze for countless seconds, then his hands trailed down her body, teasing her until she writhed with need. “Please,” she whispered, not sure if she pleaded for the deliciousness to continue, or for him to make her his in the most intimate way possible.

“Patience,” he murmured, his fingers, brushing against the silk of her panties. “I want this to be unforgettable.”

“
It will be.” Arching under his skilled hands, Laura eyes fluttered closed for a split-second. The sensations her husband invoked were almost too much.

She opened her eyes to find Alex sliding her panties down her leg. Squirming, she realized the dampness between her thighs would be evident to him.

His fingers explored her hot, wet folds. Bucking, Laura silently begged for more. Grazing her secret nub with his fingertip, Alex looked into her eyes. “You’re gorgeous.”

Her senses seared at his hoarse, desire-laden words. Her toes curling with pleasure at his intimate touch, Laura moistened her lips. “I want you.”

Alex’s lips swooped on hers. Caressing, claiming, commanding - part of her hoped the kiss would never end. When he finally lifted his mouth from hers, he confessed, “I can’t wait any longer.”

Laura’s heart thudded as she watched him shuck off his briefs and yank open the nightstand drawer. He shook out a small packet, the tearing of the foil echoing in the bedroom. Alex efficiently rolled the condom on his large, hard shaft.

“This is going to be good, sweetheart,” he vowed.

Running his hand up her smooth leg, Laura stifled a gasp when his fingers once again found her secret place. Alex bent his head, drawing each nipple in his mouth in turn, laving her stiff peaks until she thought she was going to spontaneously combust.

“Please,” she begged once more, parting her soft, welcoming thighs a little more.

“
I can’t resist you,” he husked, settling between her legs. He cupped her face as he slowly thrust into her, their gazes meeting and holding as they made love for the first time.

Laura held her breath as Alex surged into her. Slowly at first, and then, as she adjusted to his size, his strokes became faster - and harder. Clinging to him, she wrapped her legs around his waist, gasping at the delicious
friction against her secret nub.

She clutched his shoulders as he continued to plunge into her. Her body tightened, ecstasy hovering just above her reach.

“I’ve got you, Laura.” His voice was rough with passion.

Tightening her fingers on his bare flesh, she closed her eyes. Trusting him, she gave herself up to the rhythm of his thrusts, her body convulsing with bliss moments later.

Alex continued to surge into her, the depth of his strokes increasing until he gave a muffled shout of satisfaction.

Laura quivered from the aftermath of her climax. Her husband
was
just as good in bed as he was at kissing, she thought hazily.

Slowly rolling off her, Alex wrapped an arm around her, bringing her close to his side. Nestling her head on his shoulder, she draped an arm across his impressive torso, smiling when he kissed her hair.
This must be heaven.

Laura stirred awake to the sound of the shower running in the master bathroom. Her eyes fluttered opened as the memory of last night came flooding back.

A sleepy smile touched her mouth as she remembered their night of passion. She’d
never
had sex like that before. The way Alex made her feel, as if she were the most desirable woman in the world. The way he touched and kissed her, setting her nerve endings on fire. And the way he’d woken her in the middle of the night, murmuring that he needed her again, before making such sweet and slow love to her, that she
never
wanted it to end.

When she shifted her thighs, a twinge ran through her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had sex before last night, but it had been a long time.
Thank goodness I married Alex.
Not just for the amazing sex, or his promise to help solve King Royale’s problems, or the fact that he was a billionaire. No, it was something more, something she felt deep down, that she couldn’t quite articulate yet. All she knew was, she was falling for him - fast.

“
Hey, sleepyhead.” Alex came out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his lean  hips.

“
Hey.”  She smiled shyly, realizing she was naked under the covers.

“
Sandra’s coming in this morning.” He crossed to the walk-in wardrobe and started getting dressed.

Laura couldn’t take her eyes off his muscular, firm body, especially when he dropped the towel. She cleared her throat. “Really?”

“Yes.” Swiftly pulling on black slacks and a finely tailored white shirt, he came back to the bed. “She’ll be here in half an hour.”

Frowning, she asked, “What time is it?” Turning her head to look at the digital alarm clock, she gasped. “Nine o’clock!”

Alex grinned with satisfaction. “We were busy last night.” He bent down and kissed her.

Laura automatically wrapped her arms around his neck, too caught up in his kiss to notice the covers slipping down her chest. She gasped when he brushed his thumb across her nipple.
“Alex.”

“
If Sandra wasn’t working today, we’d spend the morning in bed,” he growled playfully.

Regret flickered through her. A whole morning in bed with her husband …

“But I’ll make up for it tonight,” he promised, his kiss a vow of intent.

Laura flopped back against the pillow when Alex departed. A quick shower, and she’d join him for breakfast before Sandra arrived. She wondered what the housekeeper would be like.

###

Enjoying a cup of coffee with her husband, Laura heard the front door open.

“Hello?” An attractive female voice called out.

“
In the kitchen, Sandra,” Alex replied, setting down his cup.

“
Hi, Alex.” A slim blond walked into the kitchen. In her mid-thirties, her hair was caught up in a bun and she wore blue jeans and a pink t-shirt. The slightest suspicion of a baby bump hinted at pregnancy.

“
Laura, this is Sandra. Sandra, this is Laura, my wife.”

His wife.
A thrill shot through her at the words.

“
Hi.” Laura held out her hand to the older woman, her spirits sinking a little at the polished attractive woman standing in front of her.
This
was Alex’s housekeeper? She glanced at her husband, her brow crinkled.

“
Hi, Laura,” Sandra responded, shaking her hand.

“
Sandra’s been looking after the apartment for a few years now,” Alex said, taking a swallow of his coffee.

“
Yes, I work Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but if you need me to come in any other time, just let me know.” She patted her stomach. “I’ve got a few more months before Dave insists on me taking it easy.”

“
Her husband,” Alex said.

Laura relaxed. Even after the amazing night she’d shared with her husband, she’d felt a little insecure for a moment when Sandra had walked into the kitchen.

“This is baby number three,” the housekeeper explained. “The other two are in grade school.”

“
Would you like a drink before you get started?” Alex inquired

“
Maybe later.”Sandra wrinkled her nose. “I’m off coffee, which is just about the only drawback to being pregnant.”

“
Alex said you made lunch for us last week.”
Was it really only last week she’d accepted Alex’s proposal?

“
That’s right.” Sandra smiled. “Did you like it?”

“
It was great. Especially the chocolate mousse.”

“
Mm. That’s one of my favorites. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“
If you two will excuse me, I’ll be in the study.” Alex rinsed his cup, pressed a kiss to Laura’s hair, then headed toward the hall, leaving the two women to talk about recipes.

###

The following morning, Alex called Laura into his study, just as she was about to leave for work. He’d followed through on his promise yesterday morning and had ravished her almost all night long. Sleeping in had never been so tempting but she had to help Edna prep the last minute dishes for the Hendersons’ fiftieth birthday party.

“
What is it?” She hovered in the doorway, stifling a yawn. He looked so good, his hair rumpled slightly, although it was barely nine o’clock in the morning, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She didn’t know whether that was because of last night, or because he was getting to the bottom of King Royale's problems.

“
I’ve discovered who’s behind the problems with your catering business.” He frowned.

Laura stepped into the study and joined him at the desk. “Who?” Whoever it was, she hoped Alex had a solution.

He pointed to the computer screen. “This is the company that undercuts you for a lot of events.”

“
You found out their name?” She held her breath.

“
It belongs to Charles Crawson.”

Her spine chilled. “What?” Blinking, she started at the screen. “But why?”

Alex turned to look at her. “It seems he wants to put you out of business.”

Biting her lip, she blurted out, “But that’s crazy! Why would he want to do that?”

“You tell me,” her husband said grimly. “Why would a successful businessman want to put a twenty year old catering company out of business? Especially when it means the jobs he's winning will barely cover his costs?”

Laura paled. Crawson’s parting words flashed through her mind. But would he really stoop so low, just because she refused to date him? Although he’d made her business life a disaster since then, she’d never been so glad that she’d turned down his advances. Her instincts had been right about him. He was a creep.

“You know I turned him down when he asked me out a while ago,” she said slowly.

“
I know.” His voice was clipped.

““
I’m tired of Alex Trask getting everything he wants.”
Those were his last words to me on Sunday night.” She crinkled her brow. “Did something happen between you two?”

“
No.” Alex stood. “I don’t like the way he does business, and I let him know it. But that was a few years ago.”

“
Then why?” She stared helplessly at Alex.

“
I guess it’s personal for him.” Seeing her distress, he gathered her into his arms. “It’ll be okay, sweetheart.”

Laura buried her head against his powerful chest, trying to take comfort in his words and embrace. But would everything be okay? She couldn’t bear it if she lost King Royale. How could she expect her parents to start over when they were in their early sixties? Their dreams of a comfortable retirement would be shattered.

Blinking back her tears, she raised her head. “How can we stop him?”

He tilted her chin up. “Leave everything to me, Laura.”

“But--”

He placed a finger against her lips. “I mean it. I’ll deal with him.” He kissed her hard on the lips. “Don’t you have a birthday party to cater?”

“Yes, but--”

“
Tony will drive you.” He pulled her tightly to him. “In fact, Tony is going to be by your side from now on, until this situation is resolved.”

“
Alex--”

His words were steely. “I’m asking you to trust me, Laura.”

Her eyes met his. After a moment, she nodded. “All right.”

“
Good.” This time his kiss was passionate but tender. “We’ll talk more about it tonight. Call me if you’re going to be late.”

“
Okay.” With a small sigh of regret, she left the study. It was so tempting to remain wrapped in his arms, but she had a business to run.

###

Laura found it hard to concentrate on anything except her discussion with Alex that morning. She went through the motions of organizing the food for the party and setting up at the venue, but her thoughts continued to go around in a circle.

Although she trusted him to handle Crawson, she couldn’t help worrying. Would confronting Crawson affect Alex’s business in any way? And once this whole situation was resolved, how would Alex feel about their relationship? There would no longer be a puzzle for him to solve. Would he still want her?

Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of Alex being disappointed with their marriage.
Would she ever discover why he married her in the first place?
A faint blush tinged her cheeks when she admitted to herself that he would still have gotten her into bed, if he'd heard of dating. Although casual sex wasn’t for her, she knew she would have eventually succumbed to the temptation that was Alex Trask. After all, they’d practically been strangers when they said their vows, and five nights later, she’d become his.

Tony hadn’t left her side since she’d climbed into the town car that morning. Now, he stood unobtrusively in a corner, his eyes never leaving her. It seemed that her husband’s chauffeur also had skills as a bodyguard.

Laura spent the whole day on autopilot. The job went well, the clients enthused about the food and service, and by the time she packed the last of the equipment into the catering van, she stifled a yawn.

“
I’ll see you back at the kitchen, Laura,” Edna called out, clambering into the catering van and turning on the ignition.

Laura waved a quick goodbye, shoving a bag of napkins into the trunk of the town car. Just as she was about to relax on the luxurious leather seat in the back of the vehicle, her phone rang.

“Laura,” Alex’s voice greeted her. “You shouldn’t have any more problems with Crawson undercutting you.”

“
Really?” She smiled, relief flooding
through her. Then a thought struck her. “What happened? What did you do?”

“
It’s all taken care of, sweetheart,” he replied. “You don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

Hesitating, Laura finally said, “Okay.” She would have loved to have heard all the details, but, as she glanced around the back entrance of the Hendersons’ large house, she guessed this wasn’t the time or place. Besides, she’d been on her feet all day. She couldn’t wait to go home and relax on the comfortable lounge and prop her feet up.
And see Alex.

“
How did the party go?”

“
Fine,” she said, warmth imbuing her tone at his interest.

“
I’ll see you at home soon, then. Is Tony with you?”

“
Yes. And yes.”

She tried not to roll her eyes when she put the phone back in her purse. Tony hadn’t left her side all day, and had even followed her to the bathroom, waiting outside.

It was nice to know Alex cared about her, though, she thought, sinking into the backseat of the town car. But what were his real feelings? When they made love, he made her feel so special and desirable, she practically melted at his touch. But though his seductive, whispered words in the middle of the night made her crazy with need for him, she didn’t know what he actually felt for her. She knew he desired her, but what else? Did he … love her?

Laura finally admitted to herself that she was in love with her husband. Her sexy, attractive husband who was a tycoon. But there was so much about him she didn’t know. Would he ever share more of himself with her? Since they’d come back from their brief honeymoon, he’d seemed to have relaxed a little, but was that the real Alex Trask? Or was there another side to him she had yet to discover?

By the time Tony pulled up outside King Royale, Edna had almost finished unpacking the van.

“
I’ll finish this.” Laura took out a stack of plates and carried them into the commercial kitchen.

“
Are you sure?” Edna asked, pushing back an unruly strand of gray hair.

“
Yes.” Laura smiled. “You go on home. It’s been a long day.” She glanced over her shoulder where Tony stood by the town car. “I’m sure Tony can help me.”