Page 71 of The Rancher's Wedding Deception

Terrified?

Ruined?

And then his hand was at her chin.

Tipping her face up.

Forcing her to look at him.

She blinked at him through the haze, still trying to remember how to breathe.

And the expression on his face—

It stole what was left of her breath.

He was looking at her like he wanted to kill her.

Or worship her.

Like she had ruined something inside him, and he hadn’t decided yet whether to thank her or destroy her for it.

“Whatever Joyce promised you.”

His voice was rough.

Stripped raw in a way she’d never heard from him.

Like she wasn’t the only one who had been undone.

“I’ll pay ten times more.”

She stared at him, uncomprehending. Her brain was still floating somewhere outside her body, and the words didn’t make sense.

“But in return—”

His thumb brushed her lower lip.

Still swollen from his kisses.

Still trembling.

Through the window, she could see iron gates beginning to open. A mansion beyond them, sprawling and magnificent, nothing like any home she’d ever known.

The gates parted, and the limo rolled forward.

“For as long as she’s away—”

He was bringing her to his home.

“I want you to be with me like you’re in love with me.”

Chapter Four

NINE FIFTEEN.

Paul stared at the contract on his desk without seeing a single word.

She should be here by now.