Читать книгу Australian Bachelors: Masterful Magnates - Miranda Lee - Страница 10

THE alarm and wake-up call sounded simultaneously, and Lara deactivated her watch as Wolfe reached for the phone.

His upper body was bare to the waist. Gleaming tanned skin pulled taut over superb musculature that rippled fluidly with every move. She caught a brief glimpse of exposed buttock, and momentarily froze.

Her gaze met his, and for an unguarded moment she resembled a startled doe.

Wolfe’s eyes darkened and became thoughtful as he replaced the receiver and swung back to his side of the bed.

It was a long time since he’d shared a room with a woman where sex hadn’t featured throughout the night. A sophisticated, willing partner who knew the score … and, when the relationship concluded, accepted the appropriate gift with no hard feelings.

Yet this was different, without precedent.

Until now, marriage hadn’t formed part of his agenda.

Risk taking, following his instincts and acting on them, was part of who he was. In the cut and thrust of tough business deals, he’d surprised his competitors … and at times, himself … by winning against incredible odds. It had also made him a very wealthy man, with enviable share-and-property portfolios, and was something of a legend for his business nous.

On Monday he’d entered Darius’ lawyer’s sanctum with no intention other than learning the contents of his late father’s will. Yet within the space of a few hours he’d made a series of life-changing decisions.

Based on what?

A young woman’s air of fragility that meshed with strength, pride and resolve. The memory of a teenaged girl whose lips had melted against his own … warm, giving and innocent. His sudden and totally unexpected reaction.

Impossible.

It was a decision based on loyalty to his father. An attempt to make amends for following his own path, instead of agreeing to the one Darius had set for him.

The marriage clause was contestable and unlikely to stand up in a court of law … yet he’d chosen to concede to the written dictum.

With Lara … the daughter of Darius’ second wife, a young woman far removed from his usual intimate companions. Someone who’d won Darius’ affection and had returned it in kind, refusing, as had Suzanne, financial help in achieving her goals. Evidenced by legal proof … a fact which had surprised him and soon destroyed his previous misconceptions.

Even now, with every passing day, Lara continually battled for independence.

Unless she was a skilled actress, which he seriously doubted, she hated relying on him for anything.

Lara gathered up fresh underwear, jeans, tee-shirt and disappeared into the en suite, to emerge soon after to discover Wolfe dressed and in the process of pouring coffee into two cups.

‘There’s no need—’ for you to come with me … Except one hard look in her direction ensured she didn’t finish the sentence.

‘We did this yesterday,’ Wolfe drawled. ‘Let’s not do it again.’ He held out a cup and saucer. ‘Coffee. Black, two sugars. Drink it, then we’ll hit the road.’

There was the temptation to tell him what to do with the coffee, and only the need for a caffeine fix prevented a verbal comeback.

The fact he knew irked her, and she opted for silence during the short drive to the fish market, where she made her selections, haggled a little, smiled when she beat down the price and executed a high-five gesture with a competitor.

‘Negotiations are in place on a property at Point Piper,’ Wolfe informed her as they shared breakfast.

One of Sydney’s luxury harbour-front suburbs, she acknowledged. Expensive—make that very expensive—real estate.

‘I’ve arranged for a firm of interior decorators to quote on refurbishment. Ideally, it’ll completed by the time we return from New York.’

Why should she be surprised? Money, enough of it, could achieve almost anything.

‘I’ll collect you at two-thirty this afternoon.’

Lara opened her mouth to argue, only to close it again as Wolfe continued, ‘And have you back at the restaurant by four. Your staff assured me they’ll manage.’

‘You arranged this without first checking with me?’

‘I merely circumvented your objection.’

So he had, with sufficient finesse that left her no quarter but to concede … or sound like a petulant child.

‘DO all women of your acquaintance fall at your feet, eager to fulfil your every wish?’

The corners of his mouth curved with humour. ‘What an interesting concept.’

‘You didn’t answer the question.’

He inclined his head. ‘More often than not.’

Lara offered him a sweet smile. ‘Count me among the not.’ ‘Indeed?’

He was amused, damn him!

‘It’ll be a refreshing change,’ she assured him.

Wolfe’s husky chuckle curled round her nerve-ends and tugged a little. ‘I foresee we’ll share an … interesting marriage.’

The mere thought sent her emotions into sensual overdrive, and she consciously tamped them down. If she allowed him to see the degree of her emotional vulnerability, she’d be lost.

And that would never do.

Lara refrained from offering any comment as she drained her coffee, then she stood to her feet and gathered up her shoulderbag.

‘I have to leave.’

Wolfe reached the door as she did, and she opened her mouth to protest, only to incur his dark look. ‘Give it up, Lara.’

‘Two-thirty,’ Wolfe reminded as he drew the Lexus to a halt outside the restaurant.

OK, so she’d go look at the house.

How difficult could it be?

It was the usual morning rush, with the need to check deliveries, make any last-minute menu changes, ensure outstanding bills were paid, and elevate Shontelle to the position of manager.

Lunch orders involved coordination, deft speed and, with luck, no hiccups.

Mercifully, there was only one picky customer who insisted she’d ordered a caesar salad with anchovies, not smoked salmon. Freshly assembled, it was sent back again only to meet a complaint she’d requested dressing on the side.

Sally merely executed an expressive eye-roll. ‘I’ll ask for a precise count of cos leaves, the number of croutons, anchovy fillets, with bacon bits or without, parmesan on the side or sprinkled … or perhaps the customer would like all the ingredients brought to the table separately so she can assemble the salad to her satisfaction?’ She offered a feline smile. ‘Offered with the utmost politeness, of course.’

Lara sent her an exasperated look. ‘Must you?’

‘Watch me.’

Within minutes Sally was back, a grin widening her generous mouth. ‘We have a winner.’

At two-twenty-five Lara removed her apron, tidied her hair and secured it with a large clip, applied lipgloss, collected her shoulderbag and moved through the swing-door separating the kitchen from the restaurant.

Wolfe stood at the front desk, engaged in conversation with Shontelle.

Attired in tailored black trousers and a white collarless shirt over which he wore a black butter-soft leather jacket, he stood with the ease of a man comfortable in his own skin, assured and able to deal with anything that came his way.

Steadily he was taking over her life, presenting options and choices which held validity, but in reality provided her with no choice at all.

Lara wove her way past tables and paused as she reached his side. Only to have the breath catch in her throat beneath the warmth of his smile as he lowered his head and brushed his lips to her cheek.

‘Ready?’

Oh my. The show of affection had to have been for Shontelle’s benefit … and anyone who happened to be watching.

She could do bright, friendly, even warm. However, anything resembling flirting was out.

‘Let’s go.’

He caught hold of her hand and threaded his fingers through her own. Something which elevated her nervous tension, and she waited until they reached the kerb before attempting to wrench her hand free.

‘Isn’t the hand-holding thing a bit over the top?’

Wolfe disarmed the locking mechanism and opened the passenger door. ‘It bothers you?’

Yes. The word became locked in her throat as a silent scream. ‘Of course not,’ she managed evenly as she slid into the seat.

In the confines of the car she was supremely conscious of him, the aura of power and masculine strength he exuded mingling with the unobtrusive drift of expensive cologne.

His hands on the wheel were sure, his control of the Lexus total, as he handled the traffic with ease through the city streets, soon connecting with the New South Head Road leading towards Point Piper.

It was a lovely spring day with a tinge of warmth in the sun as it bathed the harbour and encroaching suburbs.

Mansions, some gracious others modern, stood behind high walls with steel-gated frontages.

Most were worth a veritable fortune, and owned by the rich and famous who coveted their privacy.

There was a sense of curiosity as Wolfe eased the car to a halt behind a late-model Mercedes, the owner of which moved forward to provide an expansive greeting as soon as Wolfe emerged from the Lexus.

‘My fiancée, Lara Sommers,’ Wolfe introduced smoothly as he crossed to the agent’s side, and she felt the light pressure of Wolfe’s hand at the back of her waist as they entered the house.

An action which suddenly made her conscious of a need to regulate her breathing.

Which was crazy.

The house … concentrate on the house, she bade silently as they passed through the large entrance with its marble-tiled floors, the beautiful neutral colours enhanced by individual features and exquisite lighting.

Built on three levels, the interior provided a guest suite, master suite, plus five bedrooms, each with an en suite, a formal and informal lounge and dining room, media room, office and library, together with utilities. There was garaging for three vehicles and a self-contained flat for live-in staff.

It was the kitchen which held her interest, for she’d worked in several over the years, and design layout and appliance placement were essential for maximum ease of use.

When it came to stove tops she preferred gas. For aesthetic purposes, the long, sweeping marble bench-tops provided a clean, simple look.

Outside, the grounds were landscaped to perfection, with beautifully clipped topiary, decorative flower beds and, situated at the rear, a gorgeous infinity-pool.

Panoramic views over the harbour were stunning by day, and undoubtedly a fairyland of light by night.

‘What do you think?’ Wolfe queried as they descended the curved stairway to the main entrance lobby.

‘It’s a beautiful home,’ Lara acknowledged. ‘Situated in a good location.’

‘I should have a general overview from the interior decorators within a few days.’

No doubt the fee he was paying ensured the work would be accorded priority.

‘What do you plan on having done?’ she ventured as he eased the Lexus towards the New South Head Road.

‘Upgrade the security system. Installation of a home gym. The interior re-painted throughout.’ He spared her a quick glance. ‘The kitchen is your territory. You’ll have carte blanche to remodel it to your specifications.’

‘It’s a home, not a restaurant. There is a difference.’

‘But you’d prefer to make some changes.’

‘And you know this because …?’

‘You have an expressive face.’

And here she was thinking she’d been particularly circumspect. ‘The kitchen is perfectly adequate.’

‘Adequate isn’t enough.’

‘You want perfection? It’ll cost.’

‘Work out a ballpark figure.’

‘Just like that?’

‘Yes. Just like that.’

His lazy drawl held amusement, and she drew in a deep breath. ‘You could regret it.’

‘Surprise me.’

Go for broke? She could do that, easily.

Wolfe deposited her outside the restaurant a few minutes before four.

‘I’ll take a cab to the hotel when I finish for the night,’ Lara indicated as she reached for the door clasp.

‘And deny me the opportunity to—’

‘Play the part?’

‘Of caring fiancé?’ His eyes gleamed with musing humour. ‘Indulge me.’

She threw him a cynical look. ‘I’d prefer to think you enjoy the food.’

In one fluid movement she stepped from the car and closed the door with a refined click. Then she offered a mock salute and crossed the pavement.

Sassy, Wolfe accorded as he watched her walk away from him.

Petite, with a smart mouth, no artifice, and no longer an innocent.

Yet he made her nervous, apparent in the accelerated pulse-beat at the base of her throat. The soft tinge of pink that crept into her cheeks.

The knowledge intrigued him.

He moved the transmission into drive and checked the rear-vision mirror before moving out into the flow of traffic.

There were a number of calls he needed to make, a late-afternoon appointment, and he planned to fit in a workout in the hotel gym. Then he’d shower, dress and spend time on his laptop.

It was after nine when Wolfe eased the Lexus into a parking slot and entered Lara’s. Shontelle greeted him warmly and showed him to a table.

‘Wolfe just walked in.’

Lara cast Sally a harried glance, and immediately returned to the task at hand. ‘Fine.’ She glimpsed Sally’s faintly lifted eyebrow and tempered it with, ‘OK, thanks.’

It wasn’t a good evening. The first of the two prospective chefs on trial wasn’t working out too well. Twice the woman had stuffed up; although the errors were minor and could be attributed to nerves, it didn’t make for an auspicious beginning.

Lara had painstakingly built up a reputation, and she refused to see it diminished in any way. Her existing staff were good workers, quick and incredibly loyal. Any newcomer had to meet with their approval as well as her own.

At ten, Lara bade the woman goodnight and promised to relay her decision within a few days.

The last patron left at eleven, the kitchen was restored to neatness, the tables cleared, and Sally retrieved the vacuum cleaner while Lara began locking up.

Wolfe lent a hand stacking chairs and they emerged into the cool night air to a light shower of rain, bade goodnight to Sally, who’d gained a lift from a fellow worker, then Wolfe eased the Lexus towards the inner city.

The almost silent swish of car tyres against wet bitumen was vaguely soothing, and she resisted the temptation to sink back against the head-rest and close her eyes.

‘How did you rate tonight’s trial with the first of the two replacement chefs?’

‘It’s better you don’t ask.’

‘That bad?’

She wanted to be fair, in spite of her reservations. ‘I don’t think she’ll fit in with the team.’

Wolfe eased the Lexus into the hotel forecourt. ‘Based on valid reason, or gut instinct?’

‘Both.’

It was almost the witching hour when Wolfe inserted the keycard and unlocked their suite.

Lara toed off her trainers, gathered nightwear and moved into the en suite. A hot shower eased some of the evening’s tension and, towelled dry, she pulled on a nightshirt, caught her hair together and emerged into the room.

Wolfe was in bed, his lengthy frame stretched out beneath the covers with both hands folded beneath his head. Dimly lit bedside lamps lent an intimacy she endeavoured to ignore … and failed miserably.

Just knowing he was there. Aware, if she moved a few paces, she could reach out and touch him. The nerves in her stomach curled into a tight ball at the thought of his possible reaction.

Oh, give it up, she silently derided as she slid into bed. Tonight … Sunday … next week. What was the difference?

She must have fallen asleep, for she woke to the sound of her watch alarm and the insistent peal of the phone heralding a wake-up call.

It became a day like any other, and Lara relaxed somewhat as the male chef on trial proved himself to be deft and skilled as he handled lunch with dedicated ease. The evening went equally well, and the kitchen team’s approval cemented Lara’s decision to hire him.

Anton—otherwise known as Anthony ‘Tony’ Smith from a small town out west—had trained in Sydney and worked in Europe. What was more, due to his recent return from a sojourn in France, he was available for an immediate start.

Like … tomorrow?

His, ‘Why not? What time?’ was easy.

There was nothing like having him dive in at the deep end. ‘At the fish markets, before dawn.’

‘I’ll be there.’

He was, and together they bartered for the best supplies, secured and arranged for delivery, then settled on a time for him to report in to the restaurant.

‘Free up a few hours this afternoon.’ Wolfe inclined his head as they shared breakfast, and she spared him a wary look.

‘Why?’

‘Shopping.’ He refilled his cup with coffee and leant back in his chair.

‘I don’t need anything.’

‘Yes, you do,’ he refuted easily. ‘Unless you have a collection of clothes in storage?’

Her features paled beneath his steady gaze. ‘I sold every designer label I owned in a bid to improve my cash flow.’ Her chin lifted in silent defence. ‘Not to mention paring down my belongings to a bare minimum.’ She managed a cynical smile. ‘Boarding houses aren’t known for providing generous space for tenants’ belongings.’ Besides, given the long hours she worked, there was no time to socialize.

Pride, she possessed it in spades, together with a measure of integrity, he mused. ‘Double Bay is close. We’ll go there.’

‘The hell we will.’

‘Consider it an advance.’

‘No,’ Lara reiterated, hating the invidious position she was in.

‘You dislike shopping?’

‘I hate the thought of sinking even further into your debt.’ ‘Should I state the obvious?’

She tilted her head to one side. ‘Where you relay the “most women” thing?’ Her eyes sparked blue fire as she lifted a hand and began ticking off each finger. ‘For the record, I’m not most women.’ She took time to sweep his powerful frame from head to toe, and back again. ‘Endorse your wealth? For your information, I don’t give a fig.’ Her expression tightened and a soft bloom of colour stained each cheekbone. ‘Remind me I’ll repay you with sex?’

One look into those dark eyes was enough to raise the hairs on the back of her neck, and she stood quickly to her feet … only to see him copy her action.

Oh, what was she doing?

Just as the thought ‘play with fire and you get burnt’ occurred, he reached for her and locked her body against his hard, muscular contours, making her startlingly aware of the strength and size of his arousal.

A startled gasp escaped from her lips as he held fast her head, then his mouth captured hers in a plundering possession that took hold of her emotions and shattered them.

A despairing groan rose and died in her throat as she curled her hand into a fist and aimed it for his shoulder.

Except his strength far outmatched her own, and he held her captive, gentling his invasion to something incredibly sensual, awakening her senses until he gained her unbidden response.

She lost all thought as he led her to a place where nothing else mattered … except the man, and his witching power to render her boneless.

For a wild moment she wanted more, so much more, and her hands unclenched as she linked them together at his nape, holding his head fast as she gave herself up to the magic of his touch.

Then it was he who began to withdraw, softening the contact as he nibbled her lower lip, savouring its faintly swollen contours, and lightly brushing her mouth with his own before gently breaking contact.

For a few timeless seconds she felt strangely adrift, then realization dawned and her eyes widened with stunned disbelief as she began fighting frantically to be free of him.

Except one powerful arm held her immobile while he took hold of her chin between finger and thumb, then he tipped it slightly so she had no recourse but to look at him … or close her eyes. And she refused to allow him the slightest sign of her defeat.

‘In future you might care to consider my reaction before resorting to such a reckless turn of phrase,’ Wolfe warned with indolent ease as he released her. ‘Particularly if you want to enforce the “no sex before marriage” dictum.’

Not only his reaction but her own, Lara admitted wretchedly as she sought to put some distance between them.

Dear heaven … what had just happened here?

Déjà vu.

Except now it was worse, so much worse than she believed possible. She was older, wiser … and experienced. If you counted two brief liaisons and a vague disappointment in the sexual act, assigning the reason to her lack of emotional engagement for failing to achieve orgasm. Or had it been the result of selfish carelessness of the men in question?

Instinct warned it would be different when Wolfe took her to bed.

Just how different she’d discover within days … nights, she amended … aware there were only two remaining before she took his name and vowed to share his life.

Would he assume her compliance and seek to initiate sex tonight?

Even the thought that he might sent her into a wild emotional spin, and she barely controlled the myriad sensations sweeping through her body.

Right now she desperately needed to get away from him, and she took the few steps necessary to retrieve her shoulderbag.

‘I’ll take a cab.’

Wolfe merely ignored her and collected his keys as he followed her from the suite.

He waited until they were in the car and the Lexus purred almost silently through the morning traffic before querying, ‘Are you sufficiently confident in Tony’s ability?’

‘As much as I can be. Why?’

‘Enough for you to finish up tonight?’

‘Not possible. Saturday is our busiest day, not to mention the evening.’

‘Need I remind you we marry Sunday morning, and board a flight to New York mid-afternoon?’

As if she could forget. ‘Saturday stands.’

‘And if I insist?’

‘It won’t make any difference,’ Lara assured him, not willing to give so much as an inch.

The remaining short distance was achieved in silence, and Lara reached for the door-clasp the instant the car slid in against the kerb.

‘Be ready at two o’clock,’ Wolfe indicated in a voice as smooth as silk.

In your dreams, she managed silently. He could come drag her from the kitchen … if he dared.

In fact he did, if not quite literally, but with the enthused encouragement of Shontelle, Tony, and Sally … What choice did she have but to remove her apron and give in gracefully?

She even waited until they were safely in the car and out of earshot before railing at him for his high-handedness.

‘Has no one accused you of being an arrogant, overbearing control-freak?’

‘Aside from you? No.’

Her eyes darkened at the sound of amusement in his voice, and she pursed her lips in an effort to control the flood of words she felt compelled to throw at him.

Instead she concentrated on the scene beyond the windscreen, taking no pleasure in the sunshine, the almost cloudless blue skies, or the soft, budding flora unfolding with spring.

It didn’t take long to reach the exclusive boutiques in Double Bay, or for Wolfe to ease the Lexus into a convenient parking space.

‘Let’s go.’

Public mutiny wasn’t part of her scene, and she slid from the car in silence then walked the pavement at his side.

The selection of wedding rings came first, and Lara tamped down a shocked gasp as he slid a wide multi-faceted diamond band onto her finger, then chose a gold band for himself.

The rings purchased and carefully boxed and bagged, Wolfe led her from one boutique to another until he approved a suitable dress in ivory with a delicate lace overlay … which happened to be her size. Matching stilettos were added at outrageous cost.

Not to be daunted, he included a set of ivory briefs and bra, showing no embarrassment whatsoever in choosing a preferred style.

‘Have you no shame?’ Lara demanded as they emerged onto the pavement. She barely refrained from stamping a foot in sheer frustration. ‘Enough already. I don’t need anything else!’

‘You do.’ His lazy drawl curled round her nerve-ends and did strange things to her equilibrium. ‘But it can wait.’

She should thank him, and she did, with such utmost graciousness it brought an amused smile in response.

‘My pleasure.’

There was doubt what form such pleasure would take, and she fought against the quickening pulse beating at the base of her throat.

‘Are we done?’ She needed to immerse herself in the familiar and lose herself in work.

‘Soon you won’t be able to escape me so easily.’ Like she didn’t know this?

‘So I’ll walk a little on the wild side,’ Lara offered with deliberate facetiousness.

‘You sound almost afraid.’

They reached the Lexus, and she sent him a sweet smile over the roof of the car. ‘Shaking. Can’t you tell?’

His husky chuckle sent the blood fizzing through her veins, and she deliberately ignored the exigent sexual energy as Wolfe delivered her to the restaurant.

‘I’ll take a cab to the hotel when I’m done,’ Lara relayed as she released her safety-belt. ‘With Tony on board, I may finish up earlier than usual.’ She slid quickly from the car and walked towards the restaurant without a backwards glance.