Page 6 of Impulse (Infinitus Billionaire #1)

Jillian adjusted her helmet and glanced over her shoulder at her brothers and cousins. She’d spent the past two hours with them, getting ready for their performance, and not once did they bring up their father’s financial problems. She wanted to yell at them, demand answers, but her father had zero tolerance for drama before a performance. Even though he was at home and not the Master of Ceremony tonight, they didn’t deviate from his rules.

It was Friday and the Honda Center in Anaheim was packed, the crowd appreciative. The clowns were done warming up the crowd for them. Jillian’s heart threatened to burst from her chest and her stomach churned, but she wouldn’t trade the moment for anything.

Uncle Rowan stopped by her side and pressed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Keep your cool, kiddo,” he said.

She nodded. The MC finished announcing them and Uncle Rowan gave the signal. Jillian started the dirt bike and shot forward, leading the pack.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Fearless Finnega-aaans,”

the MC yelled as they did laps around the arena.

Jillian led the way into the Globe of Death. They’d done the act often and knew exactly what to do, from maintaining a constant speed and the distance from each other to keeping an eye on the bottom center as they did loop-de-loops.

Jillian led as they started going around and around, then adjusted the wheel for elliptical loops and finally up and down. The hydraulics lifted the globe until they were five feet off the ground.

She brought her bike to a stop at the bottom, her cousins following her while her brothers adjusted their trajectory for circular motion at the top half of the globe. Once again, she led the three of them, staying at the bottom half. The hydraulics tip separated the top from the bottom as they continued to make their loops.

The crowd was silent, the only sounds were the high-pitched buzz of the dirt bikes and her pounding heart. Jillian angled her bike so she left her cousins behind and moved closer to the open end on her right. Slowly, the mid-section split from the bottom, leaving her riding alone, above her cousins and below her brothers. One false move and she could go flying through the air and crashing into the audience.

The crowd went wild. She could hear them above the blood roaring past her ears. When she rode out of the Globe, the crowd was screaming.

She stopped, waited for the others, and bowed. While the others rode around and performed minor tricks, she went and traded the dirt bike for her Triumph, the queen of wheelies. If Leeds could come up with a bike similar to the Triumph, they could make a killing. It was a favorite with a three-cylinder, tunable engine and predicable throttle response.

For the next ten minutes, she did twenty different wheelies—sitting, standing, over the handlebars, sidesaddle, one hand, two hands, rodeo-style, and handstands. The crowd loved it.

They were chantin.

“The Phantom”

when Jillian left the arena. Elena was already waiting for their aerial wire act and eyed Jillian with a glint in her eyes. She never liked Jillian, even before Cian married her. Jillian tolerated her ass because she was now family.

“Ready?”

She gave Jillian a stiff smile and nodded. Elena was nervous, and Jillian didn’t blame her. She was about to dangle below the bike on a trapeze and execute aerial acrobatics while Jillian rode up and down the wire. Until the finale, Elena would be the focus of the show.

Jillian traded her bike for Suzuki 250. The crowd went quiet as Uncle Rowan, taking over for the MC, explained the act. Jillian took off, gunning the engine of the bike as they started the climb to fifty feet above the ground. The crowd craned their necks to watch Elena spin and twist, at times hanging by her hands, knees, or feet. The crowd oohed and aahed. But the grand finale brought them to their feet. Jillian toggled side-to-side until she tilted and swung Elena up while she hung upside-down still on the bike.

She removed her helmet, but kept her mask as she took the last lap around the arena with Elena standing behind her.

As soon as they went back stage, Elena stepped off and snapped.

“You didn’t give me enough time to finish my act.”

“Please. I gave you plenty of time.”

“I like it better when Cian rides the bike. He knows I’m star of that act.”

She stomped away.

Jillian stared after her and shook her head. She refused to let Elena spoil the moment for her.

“Don’t mind her,”

Ricky said, coming from behind her.

“People love you, and she knows it. Cian wants to talk to you about tomorrow.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“We’re sold out for the morning and afternoon shows, and he believes you’re the draw. Damn, sis. Those stoppies were good.”

Jillian grinned. If only her father could see her.

“I know. Bet I can kick your ass now.”

Ricky laughed.

“In your dreams. Can you do all three shows tomorrow?”

“Easily. I’d like to try this amazing switchback handstand I’ve been working on. It’s a showstopper, but I need to practice it before. I’ll be here at… Oh crap.”

Ricky stopped and frowned. “What?”

“I can only do two shows. Ten and two o’clock, not the evening show.”

“Come on, Jilly. More grown-ups come to the evening show, so the money will be good and they’re coming to see you. You can’t disappoint them.”

Jillian shook her head.

“I have a studio party to attend and can’t miss it.”

Lex would be there.

“You hate Hollywood crap. We need you.”

Damn it. She hated being caught between two forces. One she needed and the other needed her.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

*

“I’m ready to marry one of the richest men in the country.”

Jillian sighed. Saying it aloud didn’t make her feel any more confident. She’d had two days to get used to the deal she’d made with Lex Fitzgerald. Two days to second guess herself, fret, and question her sanity. Two days to prepare for the party his mother was throwing for Terra Frost crew and stars. Still, she wasn’t ready.

Working with her brothers yesterday and today had forced her not to dwell too much on the fact that tonight she would be signing the contract. Until during her last act. Cian had noticed how distracted she was and told her to go home, but not before she and Elena performed their aerial routine. Now the contract was all she thought about.

She. Was. Not. Ready.

Douglas was punctual picking her up. On their way to the Fitzgerald mansion in Palos Valdes, she learned he’d been in Lex’s employment for six years, right after he’d been discharged from the military. He had an ex somewhere and a little girl he only saw occasionally. When she noticed that talking about his daughter bothered him, Jillian switched topics to cars and engines.

“Have you seen Mr. Fitzgerald’s collection?”

Douglas asked.

“Not yet.”

She hadn’t known Lex collected cars, but then again, most rich people had hobbies, and from the Rolls Royce, the man had exquisite taste.

“But I’m looking forward to seeing them.”

Jillian kept the conversation away from Lex. She didn’t know how much the man knew about her or their deal. He seemed to be some kind of personal assistant slash driver slash whatever his boss wanted him to be. He’d dropped off the contract at her place yesterday along with a rose. Accompanying the single pink rose was a note with a single line in bold handwriting:

Looking forward to tomorrow night.

Jillian wasn’t. The closer they got to Lex’s home the more nervous she became, especially when Douglas made a call and told whoever he was talking to that they were five minutes away.

And in exactly five minutes, the driver slowed down as they approached a gate manned by several security guards and paparazzi. They trained their lenses on the Phantom, probably wondering who she was. Jillian cringed and slid lower in the seat. Then she remembered that the windows were tinted. Besides, who she was didn’t matter. Yet.

They followed a limo, the guards giving Douglas a thumbs-up as he drove through. The compound was huge, carpets of grass interrupted by beds of flowers. What looked like a helipad was to the right, but it now had limos and high-end cars. On the same side of the house were four garage doors wide enough to house two cars each. Must be where Lex kept his collection.

The courtyard was circular, a low-lying wall separating it from the majestic front entrance. Several young men and women were valet parking, and from the number of cars, they would leave the party with wads of money.

Oh God, Lex was supposed to pay her three hundred and fifty grand at the signing of their contract. In cash. She should be happy. Her family would be out of the hole. Instead, the very thought filled her with dread. Where the heck was she going to hide that kind of money? How was she going to pay off her father’s debt? The Finnegans were proud people, and her father was at the top of the pyramid. He would never accept money from one of his kids, and her brother Cian was sure to tell him even if she told him not to.

Jillian had entertained delivering the money personally to the Albanians and had even parked across the street from their club and played detective on a stakeout. The place hadn’t seemed busy, which was surprising. Hookah bars were quite popular.

“If I asked you to do a U-turn and get me out of here, would you get in trouble?”

Jillian asked.

Douglas chuckled.

“No, but Mr. Fitzgerald would be very disappointed. He’s looking forward to seeing you.”

“And we don’t want to disappoint him, do we?”

“No, miss. In his case, it’s always better to go along with what he wants.”

Once again, Jillian wondered how much the man knew about their arrangement. Whether he was judging her or not. Not that his opinion mattered. She’d hate for him to think she was a gold digger.

As though he’d been waiting, Lex stepped out of the house and started for the Rolls. Jillian’s stomach dipped with excitement and panic, the two emotions that often accompanied her whenever he was around.

He was dressed in a button-down shirt, except it was unbuttoned near his throat and showed his powerful neck. Everything about him was neat. Shirt tucked in, pants crisp, blazer fitting his broad shoulders to perfection. It made her want to untuck his shirt, ruffle his hair, and get him all dirty.

Before one of the valets could open the door for her, he said something that caused the young man to step aside. Lex opened the door, offered Jillian his hand, and helped her out of the car.

“Finally,”

he said, not bothering to hide the fact that he’d been awaiting her arrival. A smile tugged his sculptured lips, his eyes shooting from warm to hot as he studied her.

The look in his eyes said he liked what she was wearing, which was great. She’d dressed specifically to impress him. She might not wear couture, but she knew what flattered her figure without making her look skanky. The shawl over her shoulders did more than complement her outfit. It hid bruises on her arm from this morning.

“I was tempted to beg Douglas to get me out of here,”

Jillian said.

“You hate parties or you’re chickening out?”

“Hate parties, and I don’t chicken out.”

“I’m happy you don’t.”

One hand came to rest on her elbow; the other cupped her cheek.

“We have an audience. Don’t look,”

he added quickly when she shifted as though to see behind him. “Kiss me,”

he whispered, but it still came out as an order.

She wasn’t kissing him.

“Who is it?”

“My mother and friends. They’re dying to meet you.”

He lowered his head, eyes staring into hers. If all this wasn’t staged, she could easily get lost in his gorgeous grays. He had ridiculously long lashes and amazing cheekbones. When she didn’t move, his eyebrows shot up in challenge.

That look did it. She wasn’t scared of him. It was just a kiss, and she was in control. Despite her pep talk, her heart started beating in a staccato as she placed her hands on his chest for balance, reached up, and pressed her lips to his.

His lips were soft and warm, and she could feel his heart pound steadily under her palm. His chest was hard and warm even through his shirt. A crazy urge to sweep her tongue along the moist interior of his lips and taste him blindsided her. She broke the contact and gave him a tiny smile.

Lex sighed.

“You call that a kiss? We’re supposed to be crazy about each other.”

Okay, her attempt was pathetic, but he didn’t have to sound so disappointed by her performance. Maybe she just didn’t turn him on.

“I told you I’m not good at performing on cue.”

“Then I’ll lead from now on while you follow.”

He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles.

The warmth of his breath on her skin sent a shiver through her. There was no way she was letting him lead. He already had all the advantage. All he had to do was look at her and heat pooled low in her belly. Controlling her actions was all she had.

She tugged her hand from his.

“I don’t think so, pal. This is my show.”

His expression was skeptical, his chuckle—when it came—infuriating.

“The problem with you, Alexander,”

Jillian said.

“is you’re looking for an excuse to take charge. It’s not going to happen.”

She reached up, cupped his strong jaw, and ran her thumb across his lips with feather light touches.

“I’m just warming up.”

She felt the change in his breathing and hid a grin. She caressed the corner of his mouth and then moved to his dimpled chin.

“What are you doing?”

he asked in a low and velvety voice.

“Removing the lipstick stain I left behind.”

Her lipstick didn’t smudge, but it was nice to turn tables on him.

“Do I really have lipstick on me?”

he asked suspiciously.

She grinned without answering.

He groaned.

“You’re going to make me pay for complaining about your kiss, aren’t you?”

“I’m not that petty,”

she protested.

“except this time.”

He threw his head back and laughed. The valets turned to look at them and nudged each other. She’d forgotten their presence and even Douglas’. The driver was gone, and the car wasn’t among those parked nearby.

“Come on,”

Lex said, placing his hand on the small of her back. She could feel the heat from his hand warming its way through the clothes to her skin. Her bones turned fluid. She needed serious distance between her and this man.

The door opened before they could reach it, and a young lady welcomed them with a smile. Lex took Jillian’s hand and tucked it in his firm grip. She expected him to lead her to his mother, but she didn’t see a woman old enough to be Lex’s mother.

Had he challenged her to a kiss for nothing.

“Was your mother really watching us?”

He angled his head.

“What do you think?”

“I think you’re shameless and self-serving.”

When he chuckled, she leaned closer and whispered.

“If you pull that again, you might not like the consequences.”

“Maybe I’ll surprise you by loving every moment of it.”

Jillian shook her head. As far as men went, Lex was proving to be unpredictable. It was rather unsettling. Most men were easy to read, their responses easy to anticipate. Jillian forced herself to focus on her surroundings, which wasn’t easy since Lex tended to command all her attention.

The foyer was packed, but Jillian managed to see past the people—most of whom she knew or had seen around the studio—to the accented pillars around the room, a grand staircase curving to the second floor to her right, and to their left a den with stuffed chairs and shelves of books. By the den, a broad hallway with paintings and portraits on its wall slanted upward to another wing. She recognized a few paintings and vases behind glass-covered niches that should be in a museum, yet the room had that lived-in feeling. Maybe it was the laughter or the ambience the paneling gave the two-story room.

“You have a beautiful home,” she said.

“Thank you. It was the first house I remodeled after I finished college.”

“It’s both majestic and welcoming.”

She was so busy trying not to gawk it took her a moment to realize they were the center of attention.

As Lex led her toward the back of the house, which seemed to be the center of the party, eyes followed them. Most were people she worked with. They whispered to their plus-ones, confirming they knew who Lex was. And from the way he held her arm, he left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he wanted her by his side.

Flushing, Jillian tried to wiggle her hand from his, but he tightened his grip.

“What is it?”

“I want to say hi to my coworkers,”

she whispered back.

“Why?”

“What kind of a question is that?”

she asked and smiled at an assistant camera guy and his companion, a stunning red-head.

“It’s the polite thing to do.”

“You don’t strike me as someone who always does the right thing,”

he shot back.

She wasn’t.

“That’s not true. You’re reading me wrong again.”

He chuckled as though he knew she was lying.

“Will you introduce me as your boyfriend?”

She’d never consider him a boyfriend. The word was too juvenile to describe him. And she didn’t particularly care what her coworkers thought, except Chris. Greg didn’t approve of her new gig, insisting she was nuts. The fact that Chris hadn’t called her to talk about it meant they’d discussed it and he was on Greg’s side.

“I haven’t signed the contract,”

she shot back.

Lex stopped right by the back entrance through which Jillian could see a pool and what looked like a tennis court to the far right.

“This way,”

he said, turned to face the hallway they’d come from, and groaned. “Mother.”

“Darling,”

a woman said.

“I was sure you’d decided to leave us when I saw you take off a few minutes ago.”

“And miss your party?”

Jillian turned to see a middle-aged, exotic-looking woman in a designer outfit glide gracefully toward them. If she’d met her without Lex, Jillian would never have guessed she was old enough to be his mother. Her thick, black luxurious hair had not a single gray strand, her skin had a natural tan, and she was in great shape. From her coral pantsuit to her shoes, she had exquisite taste in everything designer. But her twinkling gray eyes said she was a woman who openly showered her children with love and didn’t care who knew it.

“You’ve done it in the past, you impossible boy.”

She stopped in front of them and turned her attention to Jillian.

“He’d insisted he wouldn’t be available until a few days ago. I believe it’s you I need to thank for making him stay. I’m Estelle Valdez-Fitzgerald,”

she added, giving Jillian her hand.

“Jillian Finnegan. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Fitzgerald.”

Jillian expected the usual scrutiny she often got from people in her business—a glance that catalogued the value of a dress and accessories. She was guilty of doing it, too. Her dress might pass scrutiny. She’d lucked out yesterday after scouring boutiques owned by not-yet-famous designers with a few Fashion Week shows under their belts. Her red-soled shoes might be high-end, but they were two years old.

Mrs. Fitzgerald’s eyes only left Jillian’s face long enough to glance at their clasped hands and her handshake was warm.

“I’m happy you could make it too, Jillian. Mingle and enjoy yourself, but promise we will talk before you leave. I’d like to know how you got to know my reclusive son and why I’ve never heard about you.”

“We’ll be leaving soon, Mom,”

Lex said before Jillian could respond.

Estelle harrumphed.

“No, you won’t. I want a chance to sit down and get to know this young lady.”

“You will.”

Lex leaned down and pressed a kiss on his mother’s cheek.

“Just not tonight.”

“Tomorrow?”

“We already have plans for tomorrow.”

Lex glanced down at Jillian and added.

“We’ll discuss it and find the perfect time for Jillian to visit.”

Jillian nodded, but inside she was panicking. Things were moving too fast.

“I’ll check my schedule. We might be filming in Vancouver next week.”

Mrs. Fitzgerald frowned, not bothering to mask her disappointment. Jillian quickly added.

“But I’ll make sure we get to talk, Mrs. Fitzgerald. Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two about Lex. He’s been rather mysterious about his past.”

Lex’s mother laughed.

“Oh, I like her, Lex. Come find me, dear.”

She patted Jillian’s hand, then kissed Lex’s cheek and whispered something before waving and walking away.

“My past?”

“I had to say something. She looked so disappointed. Why don’t you want me to talk to her?”

Instead of answering her, Lex led Jillian back toward the foyer. This time, she was all too aware of the stares and the whispers. Lex appeared oblivious. He pushed open a door that led to a pristine kitchen with two range ovens and a large rectangular table along with several side counters and an island. It was empty. She wondered who cooked for them. Mrs. Fitzgerald didn’t look like the cooking type.

They went down another hallway, turned a corner, and entered a den or maybe a home office. Lex closed the door.

“Alone at last,”

he said, a devilish grin curling his lips.

Jillian pretended not to hear him and tried to focus on the room, which was also paneled—wall, ceiling, and floor—with wood of the same golden color as the leather sofas. As always, her eyes kept going to Lex. He shrugged off his jacket and threw it on the arm of the sofa. Muscles shifted underneath the thin fabric. He had endless broad shoulders, masculine arms, and powerful thighs his tailored trousers couldn’t hide.

He caught her eyes on him, and she said the first thing that popped in her head.

“About your mother?”

“Sit, please.”

He tilted his head to indicate the sofa, sat, and leaned back, his eyes on her.

“You’re worried over nothing,”

he added, patting the seat.

“I won’t let her grill you tonight.”

Jillian sat on the edge of the sofa, too nervous to really relax. She gripped her clutch and plucked at the fabric. It was time to sign the contract, the point of no return, and she was a hot mess. It was the only way to help her family. Or so she kept telling herself.

“My mother’s one of the smartest women I know,”

Lex said.

“She’ll want to know where we met and how long we’ve known each other, and she’ll detect a lie before it leaves your lips.”

“You make her sound like a terrible person.”

“She’s not terrible. She’s loving and selfless, but she’s also very shrewd. Stick to the truth as close as possible when you talk to her. Whatever you say, I’ll back you.”

Lex draped his arm along the back of the sofa, and Jillian was happy she hadn’t leaned against the sofa. All that masculine energy was too much at close quarters. Taking a deep breath, she cast away her insecurities, glanced at him, and found him studying her.

“So why did you tell her we’d be leaving soon?”

He tilted closer, grinning.

“We just did. We’re no longer in the wing where they’re holding the party. They can’t hear us, and we can’t hear them. But if you want to go back, just say the word.”

She couldn’t lie just to run away from his tempting presence.

“Not yet. I do hope to see Chris tonight. He and Greg are not too pleased with my decision. Chris is also my uncle,”

she explained.

Lex’s expression became serious.

“And their approval is vital to our agreement?”

“Not really. Actually, I prefer if few people know the terms of our agreement.”

Her voice rose in agitation. Even though she was agreeing to this, she wasn’t sure she could pull it off. The uncertainty scared her. Then there was Greg’s reaction.

“Greg didn’t approve after he read it. He didn’t want to, uh, how had he put it? Enable me. But I’m happy with the wording.”

“That’s because I drafted it without my lawyers. Like you, I’d like the terms of the contract kept private. Did you add any more changes?”

*

Lex watched as Jillian nervously opened her purse and pulled out the single sheet. He wondered if she was getting cold feet.

“Everything will be okay,”

he reassured her.

“Yeah, right,”

she murmured.

“I know for a fact that you will win over my mother, and the rest of my family will fall in line,”

he said confidently.

Her eyes flashed as she cut him a look.

“You do know things don’t just fall into place because you will them to.”

Now she was annoyed with him.

“They usually do.”

She let out an endearing snort and rolled her eyes.

“That’s arrogance talking.”

“No, that’s my ability to choose winners, and I chose you.”

“Gee, lucky me,”

she murmured.

He laughed, loving her spunkiness. She was going to need it to deal with his family. But he’d be there to make things easy for her. Unable to help himself, Lex stole a lock of her hair. Silky and soft. He rubbed it between his fingers. Wariness entered her eyes, but she didn’t jerk away. He let her hair go and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

“I know you will win over my family because you like a challenge, and pulling this off is a big one. I believe in you, Jillian.”

She sighed, frowning.

“You said we should stick as close to the truth as possible.”

“Yes. We met a few days ago and I”—a boyish grin curled his lips—“swept you off your feet.”

She laughed.

“You’re not that charming.”

“Ouch. I admit I’m a bit rusty. It’s been a year since I’ve taken a woman out, but—”

“A year?”

she asked.

“Business is a selfish mistress, but I’m cutting back. Slowly.”

Her eyes were wide as she studied him, and he couldn’t help wondering if she was thinking what he was thinking—a year without dating meant a year with no sex. She fidgeted in her seat, and a tinge of pink touched her cheeks. That their thoughts might be in sync sent unbridled hunger, sharp and unfamiliar, through him. He had a lot of making up to do, and he planned to do it with her.

“I don’t believe you. You are rich and good-looking,”

she said with a naughty gleam in her eyes.

“Two things that have nothing to do with my choices. Just because women choose to chase me doesn’t mean I have to accept their overtures.”

He grinned and leaned toward her, letting her scent wrap around his senses.

“I’ll let you in on a secret,”

he whispered.

Her pupils dilated slightly, and she swallowed. Her “yes”

came out breathless.

“I’m very picky about the women I sleep with.”

His eyes dropped to her lips. When she bit her lower lip, he smothered a groan and met her gaze. She wanted him as much he wanted her.

He reached out and touched the corner of her mouth. When she let go of her lower lip with a soft gasp, Lex wanted to taste the moisture she’d left behind.

He wasn’t sure whether she was ready for him. He was relentless and unstoppable when he wanted something, and he wanted Jillian Finnegan with an urgency that surprised him. But he knew if he tasted her, he wouldn’t stop himself. He’d want to make her his. Not just once. No, when he made love to Jillian, it was going to be a.

“all-night and into the next day” fest.

It was time to put some space between them.

“Are you ready to sign the contract?”

he asked, standing.

For one brief second, she just stared at him in utter disappointment, the kind that could shrivel a man’s balls. Instead, it made his blood boil with need.

Soon, sweetheart. Soon.

She nodded, uncertainty entering her eyes. He wasn’t sure whether the cause was the agreement they were about to enter or the fact that he could have kissed her and had chosen not to. Either way, he needed to give her space to get used to the idea of the two of them as a couple.

“I’m going to be gone most of next week, but I should be back in town by Friday.”

Lex walked to his desk. Instead of just retrieving the folder with the contract and the duffel bag with the money, he sat behind the desk and indicated the chair across from his.

Jillian stood, and he took a moment to study her as she walked toward him. She had a sense of style and looked good in whatever she wore, but he couldn’t wait to drape her in the latest fashion from the finest designers. His family didn’t care about such things, but his friends and business associates were a different breed of people. Wives and girlfriends could be catty. He didn’t want Jillian subjected to ridicule.

“We should have dinner on Friday,”

he suggested, handing her the contract and a pen.

She glanced at it then him and frowned.

“We might be in Vancouver filming.”

“Then I’ll fly in.”

Without hesitation, she scribbled her signature. He liked that she wasn’t reneging on their deal despite her doubts. It made him respect her even more.

“I have various phone numbers you could use to reach me, starting with my private cell phone number.”

He pulled out a card and scribbled his private cell number, which only his family had, the direct line to his office, the penthouse, and the mansion. The last number was Douglas’. He handed the card to her.

“Mrs. Sandoval, the housekeeper, is always here to answer the phone. My assistant, Paula, is in charge at the office, but she’ll always patch you in to me. And Douglas is at your disposal whenever you need him, starting now.”

She studied the card, removed a cell phone from her clutch, and punched the numbers in.

“Where do you live?”

“I divide my time between the penthouse at Dublin Building and here.”

She was biting her lower lip again, an action he now realized was a sign of nervousness. The need to connect with her and reassure her had him standing and walking around the desk. He lifted her chin and studied her face.

“What is it?”

“I thought I was prepared for this.”

He stroked her cheek.

“Me too, but now that it’s a done deal, it’s a bit surreal.”

She peered at him.

“You’re nervous, too?”

Not in the least. He was looking forward to knowing her. Not just who she was, but intimately. When he exchanged vows with her, they would be real. When he made love to her, he would do it with one intention, to brand her so when she left his bed she would never want another man again.

“Would it make you feel less uncertain?” he asked.

She sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Will you ever give me a straight answer?”

He chuckled.

“Always. No, sweetheart. I’m not nervous. I’m looking forward to our association. I’m also confident that once you think of all the benefits of this arrangement, you’ll be happy with your decision. Then there’s the money. You’ll be a rich woman by the end of the year.”

Her stoic expression said the money wasn’t a big deal for her. He reached down and plucked the duffel bag from the floor.

“And there’s this. As per your request”—he unzipped the bag and poured the bundled, crisp bills on the desk—“three hundred and fifty thousand upon signing the contract.”

Jillian’s eyes widened. She looked at the money, at him, and then the money again. She didn’t seem eager to count every bill and confirm it was all there. In fact, she cringed, which didn’t make sense. She’d asked for the money.

“You… I, uh, can’t take that,”

she said, her hands nervously smoothing her dress. She glanced at him and must have seen his confusion because she added.

“I mean, I can’t lug around that amount of money or keep it in my house.”

She laughed nervously.

“I’d never sleep.”

Lex frowned.

“But you asked for it.”

“I know. I just can’t have it with me.”

He hadn’t wanted to ask, but he’d been curious. If she’d asked for a check, he would have just assumed she planned to pay off her mortgage or something. But cash could mean she was into different things, none of them good.

“What is it for?”

Jillian shook her head, confidence sipping back into her and straightening her spine. Her chin went up.

“It’s personal. Can you keep it until I need it?”

“Of course. When you’re ready, just call Douglas and he’ll drop it off at your place.”

Relief flashed in her eyes.

“That would be nice.”

“You sure you don’t want to count it?”

he teased.

She winced again.

“No. I trust you. Can you put it away now?”

Again, her reaction was bizarre. Maybe she felt guilty about asking for it. He picked up several bundles when muffled sounds came from the hallway behind the door. The next second, the knob turned and his mother’s voice reached them.

“The last time I saw it was in here.”

Lex looked at Jillian, and they both dove for the money, shoving it into the bag. Jillian just grabbed the last several wads when his mother stepped inside the room. Lex went with his instinct and pulled Jillian into his arms, her back to the door. Her hands, still clutching the money, were wedged between them.

“Fuck… fuck… fuck…”

Jillian cursed softly under her lips.

Lex blinked and stared down at her. The cursing was unexpected. She chose the moment to look up, saw his expression, and cringed.

“Sorry,”

she mouthed.

Okay, so his future wife had colorful language. Interesting. Not exactly a deal-breaker. But from her expression, she was mortified she’d whispered those words. His arms tightened protectively around her as he glanced toward the door. His mother watched them with a grin.

“Mother?”

Lex asked.

“Can I help you with something?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,”

she said, not sounding sorry in the least.

“I seem to have misplaced my diamond bracelet, the one your father gave me. You don’t happen to have seen it, have you?”

The bracelet had a faulty clasp, but he’d personally taken it to a jeweler to have it fixed. His nosy mother was using it as an excuse to check on him and Jillian. He was thirty-nine for pity’s sakes.

“I thought I saw it in the basement,”

Lex said.

“You know, in the room with reinforced steel.”

The panic room was also used as a vault for family valuables.

His mother didn’t even have the decency to look embarrassed.

“Really? I must be losing my mind. I’ll leave you two alone. Jillian, I’m happy you’re still around.”

The look Douglas shot Lex as he closed the door was apologetic, but Lex didn’t react. He didn’t blame his chauffer for being dragged into one of his mother’s schemes. No one could refuse Estelle Fitzgerald anything once she set her mind on it. From the looks of things, she was determined to stick her nose in his business.

Jillian’s shoulder trembled, and Lex’s arm tightened. She was shaking. Probably the aftershock of almost getting busted by the one person they were supposed to convince that their relationship was normal. If his mother had seen the money…

“Sorry about that. My mother—”

Jillian looked up. Instead of panic, her eyes twinkled and her lips were pressed tight as though she was trying hard not to laugh. That she found the situation amusing was both cute and disconcerting.

“You thought that was funny?”

he growled.

“You should have seen your face.”

She tried to block the sounds with the back of her hand, but couldn’t contain the laughter. It burst from her lips.

Lex watched her as she stumbled back and dropped on the chair behind her. She was a total contradiction. Lady-like, charming, and polite, but she also had a dirty mouth. The mouth he wanted to capture and mold to his will. He swept the money from her arms and pulled her into his.

“Swear again,”

he whispered.

Her eyes widened, not with fear, not from the smile that tilted her lips. Somehow she knew what he was asking.

“You liked that?”

“I don’t know,”

he said. Most of the women he’d slept with were so straight-laced. So bland. Jillian was… different.

“It makes me want to do things to you. Naughty things.”

Her eyes grew wider, and Lex wondered if he’d gone too far. He had wanted to take it slow, but that had gone through the window the moment she had pressed her lush body against him and cursed under her breath.

“So it’s okay to occasionally forget I’m, uh…”

“A lady?”

he supplied.

“No, Lex. Cultured. Modest. I’d never claim to be a lady.”

He didn’t want her to.

“Say it again.”

Her smile broadened, turquoise eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Say what?”

“Fuck, Jillian. Add ‘me’ to make things interesting.”

She lowered her eyelids and whispered in a sultry voice.

“Fuck me, Lex.”

He crushed her lips with his before the words completely left her lips. The taste of her was like a punch in the gut, twisting and tightening until he was ready to explode.