Everything He Risks (7 page)

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“
You...are stunning.” Rock stumbled over his words as he took my arm and led me down the staircase some time later.

“
Thank you. You're pretty amazing yourself.”

He wore a full tux with tails and sparkling gold cuff links. The length of the tux suited his height. The crisp white stood out against his closely shaven skin. I wanted to take him right then and there and forget the engagement party.

“
How's your arm feeling?”

He winced. “A bit better. The painkillers help.”

“
Good. So, what's my role tonight?” I asked as Luigi smiled and ushered me into the limo.

Rock slid in beside me. “Looking beautiful and demure, honestly.” He pursed his lips. “Defer questions to me. I don't mean to sound like the typical alpha male, but in this case, it's for the best. No interviews. They'll be trying to get them. Your cell phone will start ringing almost immediately.” He grinned.

“
Wow. Sounds intimidating, but I can handle it.” I took a deep breath, studying his strong profile in the dusk.

“
I know you can. I knew it the moment I saw you.” He leaned close to me, cupping my chin in his hand as he kissed me. His tongue met mine in an intricate and tender dance that sent fire through my veins.

He kissed me like he truly loves me, like I'm more to him than just a bookkeeper or a fiancée for hire.

When he released me from the kiss, he hugged me close, one arm around my shoulders.

I cleared my throat, emotion clogging it. “Rock, I want you to know, I don't think any differently of you because of what you told me. I only feel...so sorry you had to go through that.”

“
I don't know how you can...” He trailed off and sighed. “I just can't forget it. My whole life is like a drive to make amends.”

“
It was an accident,” I whispered, taking his hand and squeezing it.

“
Maybe, but that won't bring her back. I've never touched drugs since then.” He grimaced.

“
But you can live your life as a legacy of good. I think you are now.” My voice shook.

“
I'm trying.” He smiled, and I noticed the shadows beneath his eyes, how tired he looked.

“
Do you really think it's John?”

“
I don't know.”

A wall went up between us with his words. I felt him pull away from me emotionally, even as he shifted his hips slightly.

“
I'm sor—”

“
We're here.” He cut me off and we climbed out of the limo. “Game time. I love the thrill of the kill. Always have, and I hope this will save the company and out whoever is doing this to me so I can fix things.”

Flashbulbs popped all around us as Rock took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

I forced tears from my eyes and plastered on a small smile.

My game face is on.

“
Miss Pate! Why are you here tonight? Are you a new employee of Regal Enterprises?” Paparazzi lunged at us.

Rock held my arm tightly in his and pushed through the crowd. “No comment.”

We made it to the door of the restaurant after what seemed like ages.

“
We have our own room in the Alle Maddona. Best restaurant in Venice.” Rock smiled, but I could see that he was tense.

“
Are you feeling okay?”

“
I've been better. My shoulder aches, and I think I could sleep for a week, but when I look at you, I don't want to.” He winked, and I went hot all over.

“
Mr. Weldon!” A boisterous host approached us, wearing a tuxedo.

“
Hello, Bernardo. This is Ms. Pate.”

I smiled and nodded.

“
Let me show you to your table. A few of your guests have already arrived.”

I noticed we had the large room and that a few guests were being ushered into a smaller one. George lurked behind us as we sat down.

“
George is like a shadow.” I suppressed a laugh.

“
He is, and that's a good thing.”

“
If he keeps you safe, it is.” I rolled my eyes.

Distinguished strangers filtered in, though I recognized a few faces from the board meeting. Walter Marsh wore a glum expression. John Weldon sat at our cozy round table across from me and winked. Two strangers filled the other two chairs.

I looked away. The room buzzed for another moment, and I counted nearly a hundred people.

Rock has friends everywhere and probably just as many enemies.

Then Rock stood up, and my pulse quickened as I got a whiff of his cologne. The scent reminded me of sex—with him.

“
Thank you for being here tonight. It means a lot to me that you came on such short notice.”

Murmurs and puzzled smiles met his statement.

Some people don't seem happy about this. I wonder if they know what's coming next.
I shifted in my seat, my cheeks hurting from smiling.

“
Enjoy your dinner. Order what you will. It's on me. I have an announcement to make before dessert, so hold tight till then.”

Polite laughter trickled through the crowd, and my skin prickled with embarrassment.

“
What would you like to eat?” Rock whispered in my ear after he sat down.

“
Pasta. Anything. My stomach is heaving with nerves.”

“
Well, try to keep it settled till the big news comes out.” Rock grimaced.

“
I can hardly wait to hear the announcement. Big news for the company you've been keeping from us, Rock?” John's voice was a modulated purr as he studied me, malice in his gaze.

“
Hardly.”

“
I'm on pins and needles,” Walter Marsh said and sniffed.

With friends like these...

Rock ordered fish and pasta and fresh vegetables for me, and I pushed down what food I could as the waiters plied me with wine.

“
So, how are you liking the fair city of Venice?” John asked, gulping his wine.

“
It's gorgeous.”

“
It surely is. I don't mind taking business trips here.” He gave Rock a look, and Rock shifted beside me.

He's taunting him.

Anger rose inside me, but I didn't know what to say. I bit my lip, hoping it wouldn't bleed.

“
When are you heading back to California?” Walter asked, a querulous note in his voice.

“
You'll learn that soon enough.” Rock smiled. “I think it's time for my announcement.” He rose and pinged his wine glass lightly with a fork. “Your attention please.”

The room hushed in seconds.

I drew in a breath and gazed at the wall. I couldn't believe what was happening.

“
I'm glad you joined me tonight.” Rock stopped and turned to me. He took my hand in the lightest of grips and pulled me up from the chair.

My heart thundered in my ears. I thought for a moment I might pass out as everything went blurry.

“
Hang in there,” Rock whispered.

I steadied myself with a gulp of air.

Never letting go of my hand, Rock knelt down.

I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my lips as I watched one of the world's wealthiest and sexiest men, the CEO of Regal Enterprises, kneel in front of me.

Murmurs rose in the room. I couldn't look at the sea of faces. John cleared his throat and laughed softly.

I hated John Weldon in that moment.

He knows. He knows it's all a sham.
A flare of anger washed over me at him and at the situation Rock was putting me in.

Doesn't he know I'm in love with him?

“
I'm betting everything on you, Lacey.” Rock whispered the words, so softly that I knew no one else heard.

He cleared his throat. “Lacey Pate, will you marry me?”

“
Yes, I will...with all my heart,” I said, my voice loud and strong. It hid everything I was really feeling inside.

I should win an Oscar for this.

“
You heard the lady. Let's retire to the hotel for dessert and dancing till dawn.” Rock kissed my hand and stood, taking me into his arms in the sort of hug we'd already shared many times before.

I could almost believe he meant it.

Silence reigned for a beat. Then everyone in the room broke into applause.

“
Cheers, cousin.” John held up his glass, and Rock clinked it as did I, a fake smile on my face.  Walter Marsh kept his dour expression and only nodded.

As we left the room, Nadia Nargent walked in front of us, shapely ass swaying.

I hadn't realized the lovely stewardess and Rock's ex was still in town. Why I should care, I wasn't sure. He was marrying me, after all.

I guffawed aloud.

“
What is it?” Rock led me toward a huge ballroom.

“
Oh, nothing.”

“
Good. Are you all right? I really need this to go over, Lacey.” Rock's brow furrowed, and my heart sank further.

This wasn't the same man who had had his tongue in my ass just hours before.

“
I'm fine.”

“
Good. I need to speak with a few people before the party really starts. Mingle. Don't say too much. Smile and have fun, and see what you can find out. If anyone acts strange, let me know.” Rock squeezed my arm as we entered the room. There was a look in his eyes I'd seen before.

It's the thrill of the kill. In some sick way, this is fun for him—it's just another challenge.

Before I could move, a group of men came over and introduced themselves. They were old friends of Rock's in Venice. Out of the corner of my eye, a flash of color caught my attention.

Nadia had her hand on Rock's shoulder, and he had his head thrown back laughing at something she'd said. Music started playing—Sinatra and a love song which was fitting for the night and for Venice. Nadia said something to Rock, and he took her into his arms.

“
Ms. Pate? When is the wedding?” a woman asked me as I broke away from the group of men who had gone back to talking business.

“
I'm not sure.” I gave her a vague smile when all I wanted to do was cry. No one seemed to notice anything amiss.

Because Rock's a billionaire CEO. He can do what he wants whether it's a sham engagement, dancing too close with an ex-girlfriend, or anything else.

I clenched my fists and backed up to the punch table. There was no doubt about it. I was in way too deep in my feelings for Rock.

“
Seems like Rock's otherwise...engaged,” a smooth voice said to my left.

“
Oh. He's just dancing. I wanted some punch.” I gave John Weldon the best smile I could muster.

“
So, let's join them on the dance floor.” He winked at me, and I noticed, not for the first time, that he was handsome, too. He just wasn't Rock.

But what do I care? Two can play at this game.

Throwing my caution to the wind, I took the hand he'd stretched out toward me. “Why not?” I curled my lip and moved closer to him.

If he's Lucifer, maybe I'll find out, and at least Rock will be jealous.

I leaned in to John as we stepped onto the dance floor.

“
Rock Weldon is a lucky man.” John whisked me into his arms, pulling me right up next to his body.

I sucked in my breath, feeling every inch of him.

“
I'm luckier.” I put my arms around his waist, trying to make space, but he wasn't having it. My body responded to him with the rush of emotions going through me.

The music changed to an even slower, sensuous rhythm, and John's body melted into mine. Over his shoulder, I grinned at Rock, who had come around our way with Nadia.

Anger showed in his eyes, and his mouth drew into a firm line.

Deal with it, big boy. You wanted to dance with Nadia, I'll do what I want, too.

After all, it was a sham anyway. There would never be a real marriage between working class, formerly unemployed Lacey Pate and Rock Weldon, sexy billionaire. With that thought, I fought back tears again.

“
Don't cry, Lacey. It's not real, is it? After all, fairy tales don't exist. Everybody knows that,” John Weldon crooned into my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

About the author:

Thalia Frost
writes erotic romance. Check out her website at
www.thaliafrost.com