Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Maverick Bargains for a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Read online

  She moved close to him and put her hand along the side of his face. “There won’t be a baby from our activities today. I take birth control pills to normalize my cycle. Once I get married, I'll stop them.”

  Watching his face, she couldn’t tell if her words reassured him or not. She ran to the back door and walked inside. Brent was right behind her.

  “Honey, we’re just getting started.” He grabbed towels from the bathroom and began to dry her. She took one towel and rubbed it across his hard muscles. He bent and kissed her.

  * * * *

  She tasted of honey and cinnamon. He ran his fingers through the strands of her hair while his tongue tasted the tender insides of her mouth. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she pushed her breasts against his chest. Desire began to build again, starting in his chest and spreading out, sending heat flowing through his veins. His cock already rising to attention.

  He took a breath and stepped back to look at her. Her sweet face was flushed. Sunlight sparkled off her hair as it fell down her back and across her full breasts, their rosy nipples pointed in his direction. He moved his gaze to her small waist and down across curvy hips to her mound covered in the same light, golden hair. She wasn’t tall, but her legs were in perfect proportion to the rest of her. Without taking his eyes off of her, he bent and pulled a condom package from his jeans pocket.

  “No sense in taking another chance. Just in case those pills don’t work. We need to get better acquainted before we become parents.”

  “Why? Our marriage will just be a legal contract to give me a child, remember.”

  He cupped her face in his hands. “We’ll still be involved. My child isn’t going to grow up not knowing his or her father. Now, where were we?”

  His teeth nipped at her earlobe. He nuzzled her neck and she laughed. Moving down, his lips tasted the white skin along her neck, and kissed the spot where her heart raced. Backing her up, he had her at the bedside. He picked her up and placed her on the cot, then straddled her body.

  “I'm more in control this time.” His hands covered her breasts. She moaned, pushing her nipples against the palm of his hands. He took his time caressing the soft mounds before he leaned down and licked first one nipple and then the other.

  Heat had built inside his body like an inferno, and his cock was hard as a rock. He pulsed with wanting to be inside her, but he wanted her to be out of control with her need for him.

  His lips trailed along her abdomen, tasting, licking, smelling her arousal as he got closer. He passed her mound and kissed the inside of her thigh, stopping for a second to rub his nose across the soft hair that covered her clit.

  “You smell musky and sweet, and make me anxious to separate your folds and find the hidden jewel. But not yet.”

  He went back to kissing the inside of her legs. Then he took one foot in his hand and began to massage her instep, along the sides, and up the back of her leg.

  Angie thrashed her head from side to side. “Take me now,” she begged.

  “In time, sweetness.” His hand ran up the back of her thighs to her buttocks and raised her hips. “Open your legs.”

  They fell apart instantly. “Use your fingers and separate your lower lips so I can see you.”

  Her trembling fingers spread her luscious pink labia wide. He kissed her clit and used his tongue to taste her sweetness. When he got to the opening to her pussy, he darted the tip of his tongue into her. She screamed, and her body bowed.

  Moving up so her buttocks rested across his arms, he buried his face in her sweetness, licking, teasing, rubbing his tongue across her nub, and the rest of her. He felt her shaking more and more, as though a strong wind shook her body. Pulling her legs up to his shoulders, he put his hot, hungry cock into position and slammed deep into her pussy. She came instantly, her inner walls pulsing and clenching around his thrusting cock as their orgasm swelled over them both at the same time. She screamed his name as a swell of heated desire burst throughout his body.

  Brent put his arms around her and rolled to his back so that she lay across his chest. He took deep breaths, his heart pounded in his chest, and he couldn’t have moved if his life depended on it.

  Her tender breasts lay against him, her breathing almost as hard as his. Her heartbeat noticeably rapid from where she was sprawled over him. Mine, now and if I have my way, forever.

  He had no intention of sticking to his bargain. He’d use every weapon in his arsenal to make her change her mind about a temporary marriage. He just didn’t plan to mention that part, yet.

  * * * *

  Angie raised her head and smiled at him. “I don’t think we have to worry about being compatible.”

  “No, but we’ll have to try this a few more times before the wedding. Just to be sure.”

  She laughed and started to sit up. His hand stopped her. “You haven’t had enough yet?”

  “Never enough with you, darlin’. Come here.”

  “I don’t think this is a good idea. We don’t have to be lovers to be parents.” Angie bit the side of her lip. Her body wanted to lay back and pull him into her arms, but her mind told her she was getting in too deep, too fast. Pulling out of his grip, Angie grabbed her clothes and went toward the bathroom.

  “Coward.”

  She heard the whisper of his word as she shut the door, and tried to block him out of her mind, at least temporarily. The cool shower water pelted across her still-sensitive skin. Small tremors raked her insides. He was not going to be an easy man to forget or to walk away from in eighteen months. She had to though. She’d made a bargain with the devil.

  Chapter Seven

  Brent helped her down from her horse at the stable. “I’ll take care of the horses. We’ll go to dinner tonight to celebrate my new acquisition. What time shall I pick you up?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Why not? The townspeople need to see us together.” He bent closer to her face. “Don’t be frightened of our lovemaking, darlin’. Lust is good and healthy between two consenting adults.”

  She chewed on her bottom lip.

  He brushed her hand aside and licked his tongue across her mouth. “Don’t do that. You’ll make your lip sore. It’ll be all right. Wait and see. Don’t worry.”

  “Hah, a typical male response.” She started out of the barn.

  “Be ready at six.”

  She waved and kept walking. Of course she wanted to have dinner with him. He was becoming an addiction to her, and that wasn’t good.

  Their coming together had shaken her to her core. Choosing him for a temporary husband was dangerous. But she didn’t seem able to control her body or the desire that raged whenever he was near.

  Angie went home, changed into shorts, and sat on the side of her bed, wondering what to do. Brent had left the questions off today. That wouldn’t last. And she had a bad feeling. A premonition? Could she marry him without telling him about her past? If she did, what would he do?

  She went into the other bedroom that had been her mother’s.

  Climbing on a stool, she reached to the back of the overhead shelf in the closet for a small box. When her mother died, Angie had gone into her safety deposit box and found a number of financial papers and this. She lifted the metal chest forward, and then stepped down, holding it close.

  Since her mother’s death she hadn’t had the time or desire to look into the chest. It still seemed so personal. It was like she was snooping. But now she felt compelled to check the contents. Glancing around at her mother’s bed, she almost saw her lying there. Her head nodding go on.

  Whatever was in the box might be something she’d be better off not knowing. But it was important enough that her mother kept it locked away all these years. She’d never told anyone, even her, about it.

  Her mother had tried to say something a few days before her death. She’d been weak, and her words faint. Angie heard the words, papers, be careful and give. That was all she could make out. Her mo
ther sank back into her semi-conscious state.

  Taking the chest, she went into the bathroom, and locked the door. How dramatic. She was being silly. Still, she sat on the toilet lid and studied the tiny lock. It was worn. With a small push the lock gave way. Her fingers trembling, Angie opened the top.

  Her mother’s scent rose from the contents. First was a packet of letters held together by a blue ribbon. From the return address, Angie knew they were letters her father had written her mother. Underneath were her and her mother’s birth certificates with their real names. Her name, Diana Starling, and her mother’s, Beverly Weir.

  Angie had forced herself to forget the name she went by for the first ten years of her life. Her mother had drummed into her the importance of never making a mistake. She was Angelina, not Diana. It had been hard at first, but finally became like second nature. She’d forgotten Diana.

  Carefully folding the birth certificates, she moved them aside, and under a folded handkerchief found a key. It looked like another safety deposit box key, but there was no number, no way to know where the key belonged.

  Mother would not have left it without leaving a clue to where to find the matching box. A mystery. Angie picked up the letters. Maybe inside one of them was the clue she needed, and perhaps this was a sign telling her to share her secrets with Brent. To have him help her. First, though, she’d read her father’s letters to her mother.

  * * * *

  Yannell’s man Harold stood in the doorway. Yannell motioned for him to come in the office. He walked to Yannell’s desk and smiled.

  “Miss Lily is good with computers. It took me longer than I expected to get through her security, but I think I’ve found what you want. I’ve written it down. Here, boss.” He handed papers to Yannell.

  “Give me a quick rundown. I’ll read this later.”

  “Your guess was right. She was looking for her mother and sister. She did a genealogy from what information she got from you or other sources. Once she found out her mother was of Scottish descent, she went further and found her ancestors’ name was McElvaine. After that she searched the country and found several, but narrowed it down to one family in Oklahoma and one in Saddle Creek, Texas. I called our guy following Miss Lily.

  “Your daughter has left Oklahoma. My guess is she’s going to Saddle Creek next.”

  A mixture of pride and anger filled Yannell. Lily had never been secretive before. Why didn’t she tell me what she was doing? Did she think I’d try to stop her? Which I would have. Or did she suspect that I had something to do with her mother and sister’s disappearance?

  Lily had never asked many questions about what he did for a living. Now, he wondered if she’d found out about the illegal business he had under his front of being a wealthy entrepreneur?

  “Thanks, Harold. Smartest move I made was hiring a hit man that also knows computers. You and I are going on a little trip.”

  “Saddle Creek?”

  “Yes. I have to call up a man I know and call in a favor. Stay here at the house. As soon as arrangements are made, we’re leaving.”

  His contact wasn’t eager to loan his private jet. Once he was reminded of a few details, Yannell had handled for him, he acquiesced. The plane would be ready in two hours. Just time enough for him to make his plan and pack. He had two goals, capture his wife and stepdaughter, and then get his daughter and head back home. Once there, he’d take care of the loose ends that endangered his whole enterprise and his freedom.

  * * * *

  Brent had gone into town and signed the papers, paid off the mortgage and now owned a good-size ranch not far from his brother. He liked the feeling of settling down, which surprised him.

  Janice was playing on the floor with Lacy when he came back. Lacy saw him and ran in his direction, wrapping her little arms around his lower legs. He swung her up onto his shoulders. When she grabbed his hair, it smarted, but he smiled.

  “You do have a way with the ladies, Brent.” Janice stood and stretched. “Are you officially our neighbor?”

  “I am.”

  “No cold feet or second guesses?” She held out her arms, and Lacy reluctantly went to her.

  “Not a one.” He checked his watch.

  “Going somewhere soon?” Janice had a teasing look in her eyes.

  “You’re full of questions today. I’m going to take Angie out for dinner at six.”

  “Then you have time for a cocktail. Drake’s showering. This lady”—she kissed her daughter’s cheek—“is going into the tub. Fix us all a drink. I shouldn’t be long.”

  Brent watched her carrying Lacy up the stairs. The baby must be asleep. He wondered how he’d feel seeing Angie with their child in her arms, or when their son or daughter ran to him for attention? A good feeling warmed his chest at the thought.

  Surprisingly, he was ready for this new, next step in his life. After he’d signed the papers, he’d driven by the ranch and then on to a town a bit larger than Saddle Creek. He’d found a jewelry shop and an old man that made his own designs. He’d shown Brent several one-of-a-kind rings.

  Brent knew when he saw the third ring it was the right one. The ring box was burning a hole in his pocket. He couldn’t wait to see Angie’s face when he gave it to her, but he had to wait. She’d say it was too soon. They had to date a few times first. Let the people see them together. Patience, when he’d made up his mind, had never been his strong suit.

  Drake came up behind him and put his hand on his shoulder. Brent jumped.

  “I haven’t been able to creep up on you since we were kids. You were in deep thought.”

  “Guess I was. Janice said to make the drinks, and here I stand.”

  “I’ll take over. Tell me about your day.”

  “Not much to tell. Took Angie for a ride, signed the papers, and rode out to look at the ranch again, then back here.”

  “I think I got the outline and not the whole thesis. But I’ll let it go for now. Have you heard anymore from Mick?”

  “No. I may call him later. Right now I only have time for this bourbon.” He held up the drink Drake had handed him. “And to change before going to Angie’s.”

  “Take it with you while you get ready. We”—he nodded to Janice as she entered the room—“don’t want to make you late.” Drake and Janice both smiled at him.

  “Damn, I feel like you’re my parents, and I’m going on my first date.” Shaking his head, he left the room. Laughter followed his steps.

  He put the ring box into his chest of drawers. After a quick shower, he pulled on a clean pair of jeans and a plaid shirt, his boots, and grabbed his cowboy hat on the way out.

  Taking the steps two at a time, he bounded downstairs. He saw Janice just going into the kitchen, waved, and kept going.

  A cool breeze blew in the truck as the sun sank into the west. He’d need to move his cars and truck here, hire help for the ranch, and scout out cattle and horses. Excitement like he hadn’t felt in a long time zipped in his veins. The topping on the cake was seeing Angie twice in one day. She was like a fever in his body, keeping him hot and bothered.

  * * * *

  Angie folded the last letter and wiped away a tear. They were wonderful expressions of love from a man to a woman. Her father had been in the military when he and her mother had first married. He’d been at sea when he wrote the letters. Right after he got home, he was discharged, and he and her mom settled together in a small town back east. She hadn’t been born for another two years.

  In the letters she’d noticed her mother had underlined certain words or letters. There were also small numbers on certain pages. Angie had written them down to study later. This had to be a code to tell her where the key belonged.

  She glanced at the clock and jumped. Six, and she wasn’t ready. She unlocked the bathroom door and started to the phone to call Brent, when she saw his truck pull into her driveway.

  She waited at the door.

  Brent raised an eyebrow. “We are going casual ton
ight, but I really don’t want every guy in the place looking at your legs. Those are short shorts.”

  “I’m sorry.” She opened the door and motioned him in. “I got involved and let the time slip away.”

  He leaned close and rubbed his finger across her cheek. “You’ve been crying.”

  “It’s nothing really. Have a seat. I’ll hurry and dress.”

  She rushed out of the room. The sympathetic look in his eyes had her ready to cry again. She threw on a pair of jeans, a yellow shirt, and her sandals. After rinsing her face, she put on a light touch of makeup. Grabbing her hair, she loped it up into a loose bun and fastened it. There, that would have to do for tonight.

  “Twenty minutes. You’re fast and beautiful.” His smile sent a surge of heat racing in her veins.

  “Where are we going?” She took his arm and forced a smile.

  “Chuck’s Barbecue. It’s halfway between here and my new ranch. I thought we might stop by on the way back and see it by moonlight.”

  “Great. Let’s go.”

  * * * *

  Brent noted the tenseness in her body and the brittle sound of her voice. She was barely holding on, and pretended to be cheerful. He’d go along with her. But after he fed her, and she had time to relax, he’d try to gently pry out the reason for her distress.

  Her scent of lilacs blew across his nose. The air coming in the window had blown a few tentacles of hair loose around her face softening the clenched jaw and slight frown. She must have noticed him looking.

  She turned, giving him that forced smile. “How exciting that you bought your own ranch. Will you mostly have cattle like Drake?”

  He slowed down for a curve before answering. “I’m going to have a mix, but more horses than cattle. I want to raise them and train them.”

  “And you don’t have buyer’s remorse yet.” Her voice had taken on a teasing note.