The Billionaire's Bargain Read online

  He stared at her bowed head. The dark curls and the dress made her appear younger than her twenty-three years. Duncan stared at her feeling his heart ache. She had no idea how precious she was. He wished she was older, as then he’d never have had to grow cynical about the opposite sex.

  Duncan knew she was asking a question with her words. She’d never be unfaithful, but would he? He didn’t know how to voice his thoughts. When he’d entered into this marriage he’d done so with the thought of still living his bachelor days. Instead of taking a girlfriend, he’d take a mistress.

  He was starting to doubt his original plan. The look of innocence on her face distracted him.

  ****

  Tess stared at his chest. Her lips tingled while her neck felt on fire from his kisses. How did he make her forget everything about herself? He took her over unlike anyone else.

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  The dress she wore felt tight from the arousal he’d created. All the men she’d danced with hadn’t created this kind of reaction inside her.

  She waited for him to voice his agreement about being faithful. He didn’t say a word. Taking a deep breath she went to move away from the wall he’d pinned her against. Duncan stopped her with a hand on the wall. His finger went under her chin. She lifted her gaze to his.

  “I’ll do my best to make you happy,” he said.

  He looked so sincere that she nodded her head. What else could she do? He held her future in his hands. The longer she stayed in his company the more her feelings for him were growing.

  Duncan took her hand. “May I have this dance?” he asked.

  She stared at his hand then at him. The confused glances of the guests would stay with her forever when she refused to give him the first dance. Being with him when they entered the grand hall would have been a mistake. He had a way of making her feel something

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  different. There were times she loathed him, like his reaction to Tyler. Then there were times when she was in his arms when she felt a hell of a lot more than she could put words to.

  Tess put her hand in his and followed him out onto the dance floor. All the other couples scattered as they went onto the dance floor. Duncan signalled to the live band, and a tune slowly began to filter through the room. Her eyes widened as she recognised the tune. It was one of her favourite songs. His hand went to her waist as the other cupped one of her hands against his chest. With her free hand she wrapped it around his shoulders. They were close together, the song the only sound she was able to hear.

  “How did you know?” she asked, unable to tear her gaze away from him. She felt captivated by him.

  “Out of all of you books aligning your walls I noticed the case for this song on top of your stereo. It looked like you listened to it a lot.”

  She was touched by his consideration.

  “Thank you. That means a lot to me,” she said.

  “I want you to have everything you need for this day.” Everyone faded away as she stared into his eyes. For the first time she saw something more to him. His eyes were not dark and sinister. She saw gold in his depths.

  He held her close, the song drifting over her as she kept her gaze on him.

  “No matter how long this lasts, I appreciate it.”

  They were silent as the dance continued. Neither looked away. Tess held onto him until the last chords of the last line were finished. Silence descended on the hall. Duncan held her close. The chemistry between them mounted with every passing second. She licked her lips then pulled away, their hands the last to part as she walked off the dance floor. Tess kept on moving regardless of the gossip that followed. When she rounded the corner where there was privacy, she leaned against the wall for support.

  She wrapped her arms around her body as the tears she kept at bay unleashed. They silently poured down her face. She was pleased she’d said no to mascara when the stylists had tried to fix up her face.

  Music drifted through the hall. Tess left her space searching for the ladies’ room. She closed and locked the door as she made her way to the mirror.

  “You’re not going to let him do this to you,” she said to her reflection. Duncan was worming his way into her mind and heart. She felt her feelings expanding for him. The way he held her. He captured her attention and held it. She wanted to be with him at all times. Tess knew she needed to stop any such feelings for him. Duncan would never be hers. This marriage was for another reason. She wasn’t stupid.

  “Don’t fall in love for a man who could never love you back.” She spoke the words, wiped the tears then went out to join him. Even as she fought her own body, she searched for him. He stood on the edge of the dance floor.

  Tess declined any more dances. She wanted it to be over. Her heart raced as Duncan walked towards her. She knew she was falling.

  She hoped she was strong enough to hold off her feelings. Duncan would only destroy any chance at love she had.

  Chapter Nine

  Duncan, however, couldn’t take his eyes off his new bride. After their dance when she’d walked off the stage leaving him alone, she seemed to withdraw into herself. She’d come back from the ladies’ room and stood on the edge of the dance floor watching the other couples dance to the music. She remained as still a statue, declining all other offers. When she’d been in his arms she’d melted against him. He’d felt the closeness building as they danced. For the first time he hadn’t been concerned with anything other than the woman in his arms. They were two individual people and felt like one to him. The moment she’d come back into the room her entire body language seemed indifferent to his presence. Where he searched for her in the room at every given moment she appeared not to care about him. His ego felt battered and bruised. No woman had ever left him feeling like a hindrance. His temper was close to the surface at her lack of response. He wanted any excuse to unleash it.

  He walked towards her. It was time for them to leave. Duncan wanted her alone with him.

  You want to feel that closeness again. No other person, not even your mother, has ever left you feeling like that.

  “What’s the matter?” she asked. He noted the way she wrapped her arms around herself as if to ward him off. Duncan didn’t like it. He wanted her to be open to him.

  You want to feel love.

  He shook off all of his thoughts concentrating on the now.

  “We’re leaving,” he said.

  “Isn’t it a bit early to be leaving?” He caught her arm then began to walk out of the hall.

  “I think we’ve caused enough of a scene for one day.” They walked out of the hall. Mark, his friend, followed them out. He knew his friend was concerned. Mark had spoken to him after Tess left him standing in the middle of the dance floor. Duncan helped her into the car. Guests filtered out of the hall to watch them leave.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Mark asked.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” He stopped to talk with his friend. He knew Tess wouldn’t hear the conversation.

  “She’s different from the others, Duncan. I already see a change in you.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. Duncan knew there was something going on between Tess and himself. What, he didn’t know. “She’s different, but like all the other she has her own price.”

  “You’re falling for her, Duncan. I can see this.” Mark followed him round to his side of the car.

  “I don’t do love, Mark. You know that.”

  “Don’t hurt her.”

  Duncan ignored him getting in the car and starting it up.

  He pulled away from the curb as she waved to their guests. His hands were shaking from the words Mark had spoken. He knew she was different, and he refused to believe he was falling in love with her.

  “Where are we going?” Her voice was soft within the confines of the car. Duncan wondered if he had imagined her speaking to him. He took a quick glance to make sure she’d spoken.

  “My country house,” he said when he not
iced she was waiting for him. With another quick glance he saw her nod then look out the window. Darkness was falling. He knew she’d struggle to see anything outside. He needed to talk but remained silent.

  Silence filled the drive leaving Duncan even more riled and annoyed. He needed to talk to her. The more he heard her voice the easier it was to calm down. After what Mark had said, he needed to feel calm. By the time he made it to his country house he was in a foul mood. Tess didn’t seem to notice as he snapped at anyone who crossed his path. The few drivers on the road got more of his anger than anyone else. He pulled up outside his home. She didn’t say a word as she opened the door. Duncan ground his teeth together to stop himself from snapping at her.

  Even at this late hour his two staff were up and awaiting his arrival.

  Both were attentive towards Tess. They ignored him completely. Everyone seemed to love her on sight. What was it about her that everyone loved? Even Mark thought she was a brilliant person, a perfect match for him. He knew she was different from all of his other women. Were the others really that bad?

  Her father was a thief and a criminal. How good could she be?

  Duncan knew it was his own foul mood causing him to lash out at her character.

  “Will you show Tess to her room?” He cut off his house keeper’s cheery conversation. The sooner she was settled the better he’d feel. His housekeeper glared at him but took Tess by the hand giving her a welcoming smile. The moment his housekeeper and Tess were making their way upstairs he got an approving nod out of Gerald.

  Gerald was the one who kept his house in pristine condition when he was away on business. Duncan nodded back, happy that Gerald approved of his choice of wife. He went to his study to have a very strong whisky. He finally loosened the tie that had caused him problems all day. He released the top buttons of his shirt as well. He finally owned the first part of his father’s estate. His step-mother would receive a surprise eviction notice within the week, and his mother could go and claim her rightful place. Everything was coming together. He was satisfied with the way today had gone. Except for the episode he’d had with Tess, the day had gone smoothly. Duncan sat behind his mahogany desk, booting up his computer to check for any important notices.

  Several of his emails were from business associates congratulating him on his big day. One was from his secretary informing him of his honeymoon arrangements. She informed him his honeymoon would be starting that weekend along with all the necessary arrangements he’d need. The final email came from his head of security. He’d requested two weeks ago on the day he met Tess for them to find out anything on his future wife. The information was attached in a file for him to peruse. It looked like they had finally found some information on his wife. Duncan opened the secure file attached to the email. There were a few security options for him. The moment he downloaded the file, he opened it straight away. He didn’t want to lose any more time finding out about his wife.

  Some stuff he already knew like her being a librarian. It hadn’t taken long for the press to find her and make work impossible for her.

  If it hadn’t been for his desperation to have her as well as his father’s will, he’d have waited until she’d been fully investigated before putting his ring on her finger.

  She’d signed all necessary prenuptial agreements without any concern to what she got out of the arrangement.

  When she’d signed the forms relinquishing all rights to his fortune it had surprised him. Other women would have bargained for more out of it whereas Tess appeared to look forward to her freedom more than a credit card. Duncan was starting to see a whole other side to her. Her father had painted a very negative picture about her family. She was smashing all of his preconceived opinions about her.

  Or are you hoping she’s different from all the others?

  Duncan cut off all thought about his own feelings. He was tired of feeling in deep waters when it came to Tess. He didn’t need any more reminders of their time together.

  He scanned through the short document as quickly as possible. There were no names as to who her mother was. Erik Williams kept all details of her maternal side a secret. His security couldn’t find a single thing on the woman who’d given birth to Tess. He wondered what it would have been like growing up without a parent. His mother wasn’t the best person—or mother—in the world, but she was still his mother. Tess’s mother remained a mystery. According to the details his security team had managed to dig up, Tess had never been married or even had a long standing boyfriend. She lived in an apartment, which he’d seen, in a reasonable area. The crime rate was reasonable considering her meagre income. She was a librarian up until a week ago. From all accounts of the people they’d talked to, Tess kept to herself. No friends and nothing of any great importance. The document was in fact useless.

  Duncan leaned back in his chair staring at the photos they’d attached. Some were taken of her in her school uniform. She looked sad in most of the photos. He noticed she always stood on her own.

  Her work had to stop. The press would have a field day if he let his wife work. She’d stay at home, keep house, do her nails, or whatever a woman of leisure did.

  Her lack of boyfriend and life would have to wait until morning. The day had taken its toll on him. He needed his rest. The anger he’d felt when he’d first gotten home had disappeared. Tess didn’t deserve his anger. The more he found out about her, the more he realised she really was an innocent in all this.

  Duncan closed down his computer then took the final swig of his whisky. He stood up and stretched out all his muscles. He was pleased Gerald approved his choice of wife. It was strange considering the man hadn’t met her yet. Introductions would be taken care of in the morning.

  He turned away from his desk. There was nothing in that file to help him understand what Tess was like. He felt at a disadvantage. The only thing he knew about his wife was that she was extremely beautiful and her father had stolen money from him. Most of his women left a paper trail a mile long. Tess paid her taxes and spent most of her time alone. He didn’t get it. He had to be missing something. There was no way she was that perfect. He’d been around in the world too long to think otherwise.

  Duncan made his way up to his bedroom not even bothering to knock on the door. He expected his house keeper to put Tess in a guest bedroom. They hadn’t gotten the chance to talk about sharing a room. He walked right in to see his wife drying her naked body on his towel.

  His body went instantly alert. The blood went straight to his groin with a speed that shocked him. Within seconds he was fully erect. He winced. His arousal, quick to come, had caused him pain as his shaft tightened within the confines of his pants. Tess seemed frozen, not able to do anything. She looked fucking gorgeous. No matter what he had imagined the reality of her body was so much better. A chill must have swept across her. Her nipples were red, poking out. He noticed the large buds tighten as his gaze swept from the top of her head to her toes. She was perfection. Moments later she began to cover herself frantically. When the bath towel wouldn’t cooperate she charged into the en-suite bathroom. She slammed and locked the door behind her.

  Duncan swiped a hand across his face. His wife had run from him. She was so beautiful. He ached to possess her. All of his imagination wasn’t close to the truth of the beauty of her body, the flush in her cheeks and the weight of her breasts. He wanted his hands on her. She had a body to die for.

  He took a few deep breaths. There was no way he was letting her run from him. Tess was his wife, and he was going to make this marriage real between them. The passion they shared wasn’t something they could ignore. He walked to the bathroom door. Running his hands through his hair Duncan tried to gain his composure. The last thing he’d expected to see was his wife naked.

  Get a grip of yourself.

  You’re doing this for your mother.

  Are you really?

  Duncan knocked on the door.

  ****

  He’s seen m
e naked.

  Duncan James, multi-millionaire businessman, has seen me naked.

  Tess closed her eyes cringing at what he must think. No man had seen her naked before. She sat on the toilet shaking from her nerves. Never before had a man’s eyes caressed her naked skin. Duncan hadn’t looked away. His gaze had roamed her body like a caress. How could a woman get turned on by a look? She’d read about it in books, but they were fantasy, weren’t they? She noticed his pants where his cock thickened. Duncan hadn’t turned away from her in revulsion. She glanced down at her body and saw her nipples tighten to unbearable points. They were swollen. Her body felt like she had molten lava inside her skin instead of blood.

  Tess shouldn’t have noticed his physical response, but how could she not? Everything about the man who was now her husband forced her to take notice. Her heart skipped a beat whenever he was near.

  His cock was huge. He’d gotten hard for you. No one else. Duncan wanted you.

  She shook her head refusing to believe it. Her blush heated her cheeks. It would be too easy for her to forget about herself when he’d looked at her with so much passion.

  Tonight was her wedding night. Many years ago a man would claim his wife on this night. Her virginity marked on the sheets for him to hang from his tower. She covered her cheeks at the thought of his possession. Would this be the night she finally lost her virginity?

  Her virginity had been part of her for so long. She thought she’d die with it still intact.

  She would never be able to tell him of her lack of experience. Duncan was used to women who knew what they were doing. All she knew was the stuff she’d read in books or watched late one night in an erotic movie on the television. Her virgin state had become precious to her. She’d made a vow when she was younger while all the other girls in her class were giving it up that she’d wait for the right man to give it to. When she’d gotten older and meeting people became harder, she’d become resigned to having no one.