Maces wraith, p.12
Mace's Wraith, page 12
His gorgeous eyes locked onto me in a way that made my insides quiver. “I like to think I have a head for business.”
“And the rest?” I grinned, awaiting his reply.
“The women I entertain know the score, but that might be changing. I could fund your research if you agree to my terms.”
“Mr. Radford…”
“Call me Radford.”
I sighed. I was sure his terms involved me on my knees, and that just wasn’t happening. Not that he wasn’t knee worthy. He absolutely was, but I wouldn’t sell myself for money.
“Radford, I don’t know what your terms are but…”
He leaned ever so slightly closer. “I want you to pretend we are involved.”
“Excuse me?” I straightened in my chair.
“If you want funding, I need something in return.”
That answer took me by surprise. Why would a man as powerful and gorgeous as Radford need a fake girlfriend? “May I ask why?”
“You said yourself, I’m known as a womanizer, but I have a new venture in mind, which will require me to appear to be in a serious, committed relationship.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. “It will be pretend? I won’t sell myself for funding.”
“Of course not!” His smile was wicked. “I would never expect a professional woman such as yourself to barter your, uh, goods.”
His voice had dropped a level and I shifted uncomfortably. That tone alone made my blood zip through my veins. Once again I had to wonder why he would need any help finding an appropriate woman. “I don’t understand. I’m sure you are acquainted with women who would be willing to play the role of girlfriend. After all, you’re attractive in a non-feminine, non-dad bod way.” I smirked. “Plus, you’re a billionaire.”
“Is my money what you first noticed about me?” He watched me through a hooded gaze.
I remembered feeling his presence before I’d seen him, then being robbed of my breath by his sheer physical authority. “Initially, in the lobby, I didn’t know you had money. I noticed your…” I licked my lips slowly. “Smile.”
He lowered his eyes to my assets. “The first thing I noticed about you was the mischief that sparkled in your eyes.” One eyebrow rose, as if he dared me to question his words. “But to answer your question, the women I know might want to make the position permanent. After all, as you mentioned, I am a billionaire.”
“You don’t think I’ll want the position permanently? I mean, there is all that money!”
“I think you are dedicated to your profession and have little time for a relationship.”
He had me there. I cleared my throat and delved into the details of his proposal. “What would be involved in this deal, and for how long would you need my services, so to speak?”
“Dinner engagements, social functions, I’m sure you know the drill. I’m thinking a few months should be sufficient.”
“I wouldn’t want this to look like a quid pro quo, like I sold myself for funding.”
“Of course not! We will convince everyone that we met and fell madly in love.”
“Madly in love?”
“I will be totally smitten with you and you will be with me as well. Can you do it?” There was challenge in his eyes.
I swallowed hard and nodded. “I’m sure I could appear smitten.” I was positive it wouldn’t be hard to act smitten. The trick would be not to fall for the man.
“Of course, we will have to project an intimate relationship.”
“How intimate?”
“Hand holding, hugs, kisses the type of touching lovers do in public.”
“If I consider this there can’t be other women. I won’t be made to look like a fool.” Was I really considering this?
“Agreed.”
I furrowed my brow as I looked at him. Was he sober? “You’re going to go months without sex?”
His eyes twinkled. “We’ll see.”
“What does that mean?”
He shrugged. “I could decide to end the deal sooner, but of course you would still get the funding.”
“Will that be in the contract?”
“Of course, but you might decide to enjoy the rewards of being my girlfriend.”
“I already said I wouldn’t sell myself.”
“Understood. Any sexual relationship arising from our agreement wouldn’t be part of the agreement and would have to be initiated by you.”
Under his scrutiny, I squirmed in my chair. He had a way of getting under my skin with those penetrating eyes and that sexy voice. “That won’t happen.”
He leaned back and shrugged. “Then you have nothing to worry about.”
“This whole thing is crazy.” I jumped to my feet.
Slowly, he rose from his chair. “You need funding. I need a fake relationship. We both get what we want.”
Seated he was hot as hell, but standing he projected confidence, dominance, and something in me reacted to him in a way I wasn’t entirely comfortable with. I let out a shaky breath. “Yes. But…?”
“Are you afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me?” A sexy smirk curved his lips and devilry blazed in his eyes.
I tugged on the bottom of my blazer. “Absolutely not! I never mix business with pleasure.” I sounded more confident than I felt.
“Are you worried I might make advances toward you?”
“Hardly! I doubt I’m your type, and let’s not forget I might then get designs on your money.”
He grinned. “I do have one question. Why did your father pull his funding?”
“How do you know he did?”
“I do my research,” he replied.
Of course, I thought. Any astute businessman would question why my funding had been canceled. “It was a family issue. He wanted too much control.”
“He wanted to dictate your research?”
“No. My life.”
“Ahh, family issues.”
“Yes.”
“Fine then.” He held out his hand and I grasped it firmly, doing my best to ignore the sizzle of awareness his touch aroused.
I considered my options. They were limited. This was a better option than humbling myself before my father. What’s the worst that could happen? He’d already jump-started my dormant libido. If I was foolish enough to encourage his advances, I’d probably get the best orgasms of my life out of a tryst with him. What if I tore my clothes off, begged him to fuck me and he said no? Unlikely, he was a womanizer. I could handle this, I thought, then I took another look at his smile and wasn’t so confident. “For the record, this is a horrible idea.”
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About the Author
L.A. Day is a multi-published author of erotic romances. Her heroes might be bikers, shifters, vampires, aliens, time-travelers, barbarians, billionaires, or CEO's but they are always strong, assertive men! Her heroines might be tough or submissive but they are always sassy, funny, and sarcastic. In real life, Laura is a wife, mother, and dog lover. She loves to collect pottery and you can often find her at antique and resale shops. Her friends are often SHOCKED that their seemingly sweet friend writes dirty books.
L.A. Day loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website details and author profile page at https://www.totallybound.com
L.A. Day, Mace's Wraith
