Coming next month
A VIRGIN TO REDEEM THE BILLIONAIRE
Dani Collins
“I went to the auction for an earring. I kissed a man who interested me. I’ve since realized what a mistake that was.”
“It was,” Kaine agreed. “A big one.” He picked up his drink again, adding in a smooth, lethal tone, “I have half a mind to accept Rohan’s latest offer just to punish you.”
“Don’t,” Gisella said through gritted teeth, telling herself she shouldn’t be shocked at how vindictive and ruthless he was. She’d already seen him in action.
He smirked. “It’s amazing how quickly that little sparkler brings you to heel. I’m starting to think it has a cold war spy transmitter in it that’s still active.”
“I’m starting to think this sounds like extortion. Why are you being so heavy-handed?”
“So that you understand all that’s at stake as we discuss terms.”
She shifted, uncomfortable, and folded her arms. “What exactly are you asking me to do, then?”
“You’re adorable. I’m not asking. I’m telling you that, starting now, you’re going to portray yourself as my latest and most smitten lover.” He savored that pronouncement with a sip of wine that he seemed to roll around on his tongue.
“Oh, so you blackmail women into your bed.”
For a moment, he didn’t move. Neither did she, fearing she’d gone too far. But did he hear himself? As the silence prolonged, she began to feel hemmed in and trapped. Far too close to him. Suffocated.
“The fact you didn’t hear the word portray says more about your desires than mine,” he mocked softly. He was full out laughing in silence at her. So overbearing.
“I won’t be blackmailed into playing pretend, either,” she stated. “Why would you even want me to?”
He sobered. “If I’m being accused of trying to cheat investors, I want it known that I wasn’t acting alone. I’m firmly in bed with the Barsi family.”
“No. We can’t let people believe we had anything to do with someone accused of fraud.” It had taken three generations of honest business to build Barsi on Fifth into its current, iconic status. Rumors of imitations and deceit could tear it down overnight.
“I can’t let my reputation deteriorate while I wait for your cousin to reappear and explain himself,” Kaine said in an uncompromising tone. “Especially if that explanation still leaves me looking like the one who orchestrated the fraud. I need to start rebuilding my name. And I want an inside track on your family while I do it, keeping an eye on every move you and your family make, especially as it pertains to my interests. If you really believe your cousin is innocent, you’ll want to limit the damage he’s caused me. Because I make a terrible enemy.”
“I’ve noticed,” she bit out.
“Then we have an agreement.”
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A VIRGIN TO REDEEM THE BILLIONAIRE
Dani Collins
Copyright ©2019 by Dani Collins