The Billioniare's Bought Bride (Contemporary Romance) (7 page)

“But now it’s different, Maddy. No older brother to interfere. No grandfather to threaten to disown you. You’re all grown up and free to touch. We can enjoy each other
completely.”

He fingered her earlobe, sending wantonness down to her toes as he rubbed his fingers over the small diamond studs Maddy’s mother had left her. The earrings had sentimental value and were the only pieces of jewelry she hadn’t sold.

Dylan leaned over, his breath a hot whisper. “Don’t worry, we’ll be wonderful together. I’ll bring you more pleasure than you’ve ever known. I know exactly how to touch a woman.”

She had no doubt of his mastery, but the thought of him with another female made her stiffen. The past could not be undone. She twisted her head away.

“Don’t flatter yourself. What we had ten years ago was pure and innocent. This is sordid. I’m selling myself, period. It’s an exchange and no matter how much desire or chemistry,” she practically spit out that word, “either of us has. It’s a business deal. Let’s leave it at that. I’m enduring your touch. While my body may want yours, know that my mind hates every moment.”

His lips thinned. “Just let your mind dream about Summerhaven. Although, no one is to know the truth behind our marriage, that you’re only marrying me for convenience.”

She gave a defiant shrug. “Fine. I’d hate for anyone’s illusions and overrated emotions to suffer.” The words tasted bitter on her tongue, and no amount of water could wash them away.

Dylan straightened and pressed his back against the chair. “Bitterness does not become you, Maddy. But while we’re on the subject of our marriage, I’ll expect you to remain faithful, as I will be to you. I’m very possessive of what is mine, and when you marry me, you will be mine. Mine and mine only. Those are my terms. My word is my vow, Maddy. It’s all or nothing.”

His ultimatum leveled, Madison seethed while he relaxed. The Dylan she’d known ten years ago had been so caring, so different from the cold, calculating man in front of her.

How had she thought she was ready for this? “You only think you want me. In fact, as soon as you have me, I’m betting you’ll be bored. Half the fun of the hunt is the chase, isn’t it? That’s why you warred with my grandfather and you sell companies after you revive them. The thrill is gone. You’ve always wanted me, and now you finally have a way to get me. If only…”

“If only your brother hadn’t mismanaged your money,” Dylan finished, suddenly angry. “But he did, Maddy. He used you, your naivety, and your misguided sense of justice, to his own financial advantage. He’s rich and you’re poor. You got scammed by the one you love. At least I’m being upfront about what I want.”

“Your Dom Perignon, sir,” a voice intruded. Maddy sat back. The waiter stood next to the table, carrying a champagne bottle wrapped in a white towel. Behind him, a busboy held a silver ice bucket and two crystal flutes.

“Excellent.” Dylan nodded at the welcome interruption, and the waiter popped the cork.
Madison stared transfixed as expensive golden bubbly swirled into the flute.

The champagne was Dylan’s version of blood on paper. As soon as they drank it, their deal was irrevocably sealed. All or nothing.

Each moment moved Maddy closer to July thirty-first.

Would a prenuptial agreement at this point even matter? As mercenary as it sounded, she’d probably do better without one, thus not giving up her right to half his millions. She could ask the family lawyers, but they’d been zero help with her trust fund or Ted. She doubted the lawyers would do any better against Dylan. Probably time to find
new attorneys.

“Maddy, will you do the honor of approving our bottle?” Dylan handed her a glass.

“Fine,” Madison agreed, taking the barely-filled flute he offered. She twirled the stem, caring nothing about the contents. What did it matter at this point if she tasted the champagne first? She would play the game only because she refused to lose Summerhaven. She lifted the glass up to her nose, inhaling a few of the bubbles and the fruity aroma.  Then she brought the glass to her lips and sipped.

A metallic object hit her teeth with a click, and she held out the flute.  A very large diamond engagement ring rested at the bottom.

“Allow me.” Dylan took the flute from her hand and poured the champagne into an empty glass the waiter held. When Dylan wiped off the retrieved ring on a moistened towel, it occurred to Madison that he’d been extremely prepared for the inevitable. Once again, she’d underestimated him.

“Let me have your hand, darling,” Dylan said, his loose use of the endearment done for the benefit of rapt onlookers.

He took her left hand into his own. How many times had she dreamed of this moment at sixteen? How many times had she fantasized about her wedding as she grew up and then discovered that no man could meet the Dylan standard? But, as he slid the ring onto her finger, she knew his tender touch was only for momentary show, and missing the essential promise of happy-ever-after and true love.

All they had was chemistry. And a business deal.

She heard clapping, and ingrained poise had her smiling at the diners who had witnessed her very public engagement. Within moments, after the waiter had poured more champagne into a new flute, Maddy was again alone with Dylan, as alone as one could be
in a crowded restaurant where people sat gossiping about her “romantic” moment.

She gawked at the large solitaire now adorning her left hand. No one would question that it was anything but an engagement ring, and a very expensive one at that. “How nice,” she remarked dryly. “Well, you’ve gotten your first public performance.”

“If that’s how you choose to see it.” He held Maddy’s left hand up to the light. Her skin again heated under his touch and the ornate diamond sparkled and danced. “I guessed correctly. It fits.”

“Yes, but isn’t it a bit much?”

He gave a harsh laugh. “You would sell yourself for less?” He shook his head vehemently. “Don’t bother to hold back. Take me for everything and every cent I’ve got. I’ll give you a huge allowance for clothes, jewels,
and furs
, whatever your little heart desires. Unlike that summer when I had to beg my parents for money to buy you ice cream, I can well afford to indulge your every whim.”

“It was never about money.”

“That’s because until this year, you’ve always had it. You have no idea what it’s like being on the outside looking in.”

He dropped her hand, her skin cooling as the contact ceased. He eased back in his chair and his face darkened, a frown crossing briefly. He reined in his emotions and the poker facade again shuttered down. 

Madison stared, failing to understand this man to whom she had committed her future, and that of Summerhaven. “You know, I’m not really hungry anymore.”

Dylan took a long sip of his champagne. “If it helps you eat, envision yourself handing the clerk in the county assessor’s office a cashier’s check for the back taxes. That should greatly cheer you up.”

Their food arrived, and so did the
well wishers
. Many of her grandfather’s friends stopped by to congratulate them. In the course of two hours, Maddy and Dylan received invitations to several dinners and parties, and Forrest Smith had even invited Dylan to play eighteen holes of golf. 

“You’ve certainly charmed them,” she said as she attacked her dessert. The kitchen had sent them complimentary homemade apple pie.

Dylan wrapped his mouth around the spoon. “I’ve been trying to meet with Forrest Smith for more than a year.”

“And because you’re marrying me, you are.”

He smiled slightly. “Yes. You and I will be quite the social success.”

“So you’re using me for my name.”

“And you for my money. Works out well.” Dylan paused as someone else came up to congratulate them.

Maddy swallowed another bite, the delicious dessert providing more calories than comfort. She was going to marry Dylan Blackwater.

Instead of all those dreams, she would possess the real deal. But the man she had loved at sixteen was a stranger, and this was a business deal. He wanted the old money in-crowd. She saw her role—she was his foot in the proverbial door.

She smiled as someone else came forward, and finally she and Dylan made their way home. Once back at Summerhaven, he escorted her to the door. Moths flickered against the dusk-to-dawn light that illuminated the driveway, and the yellow light bulb by the back door cast muted shadows.

“I…” Maddy paused, uncertain as to what to do. This wasn’t a date, and she hadn’t had a good time.

“I’ll be over tomorrow to discuss arrangements,” Dylan said.

“Arrangements?”

“Yes. For our wedding. For lodge renovations. For a host of other details that I’ll oversee personally from this point forward.”

“Your company…”

“Has a second in command who is quite capable of handling things during my absence. He’s already been briefed on the situation. You are now my number one priority.”

“Really, it’s not necessary,” she began, but he stepped into her space and his lips hovered mere inches above hers. His breath warmed her cheek, and combined with the cooler night air, made for a blatant invitation. 

“It’s very necessary. I personally want to walk through the lodge and surrounding buildings and assess everything that needs to be done. I’ll have contractors on site within the week. Starting tomorrow and until the repairs are complete, you’ll stay on North Star.”

“With you?”

His lips curved into a Rhett Butler smile. “You’re going to be my wife. But don’t worry, you won’t have to lock your door. Unlike your fiancé, I can wait until our wedding night. Although, one little taste, just as a teaser can’t hurt.”

He swooped the rest of the way down and his lips found hers. Heat flared immediately, and his mastery left her knees weak and her body hot and ready. His lips teased, pulled and pleasured, and his tongue wet her flesh before he slipped inside to explore and conquer.

She whimpered her satisfaction, her kittenish cry almost a purr as all rational thought fled and she could only live in this moment where this exquisite bliss existed. His arms snaked around her, and she pressed up against him. His manhood pulsed against her
belly, promising more delight to come. His hands found her breasts, dipped beneath her bright yellow sundress to pebble a nipple. She arched toward him.

His mouth left hers, and he pushed the dress down further and placed his lips to her straining peak. He suckled and waves swept over Maddy. Her body throbbed, the wetness between her legs intensified. She needed to be touched there—anything to reduce the needy ache.

She glanced down, seeing only black hair as he lathed her breast, and then she let her head fall backwards as the pleasure overpowered her senses.

Then suddenly, his lips were gone and fingers fumbled with covering her up. He stepped away, his face unreadable and the distance between them like an unwelcome slap. “Get inside and get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She watched as his feet crunched over the gravel. Then he was gone, leaving Maddy reeling. Her lips were puffy, tender from the passion. Her nipple was engorged and tender. She pressed between her legs once, the brief touch calming her wanton lower half.

Chemistry. Dylan could turn it on and off like a Bunsen burner. He’d kissed her senseless and left her quaking. She’d been willing putty in his expert hands.

Shameful. All he had to do was touch her.

She went inside and stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling front windows. Paint peeled on the window ledge, and outside dead blooms from seasons ago decayed in rotting window boxes. The bow and stern lights of Dylan’s motorboat became visible, and she tracked the craft all the way to North Star Island where, inside the cottage, lights soon flickered.

Maddy turned from the window. He’d once been her hero. He’d been her fantasy. All they had now was chemistry.

How far she’d fallen.

Chapter Five

“You do know you’re the luckiest woman in the world.”

Maddy gazed at herself in the tri-fold mirror. She stood on a box, and the twenty-year old seamstress’s assistant pinning the hem for her wedding gown. She didn’t feel very lucky. In five days, she’d be Mrs. Dylan Blackwater.

Not that the gown wasn’t beautiful. While Dylan had told her she could have any designer creation she wanted, Cindy, Aunt Gail’s housekeeper, had recommended a personal friend’s store, and the resulting strapless gown was stunning. Maddy had opted for simplicity, and the silky fabric hugged her figure. The dress V’d at her breasts, and a one-inch strip of tiny beads was the only adornment. No bustle. No crinoline. “You’ll be beautiful,” the girl said. She rose. “Let me get Renee.”

Maddy turned slowly, admiring the view. Then melancholy fell. She’d said yes to Dylan on July 14. Bastille Day. Only the twenty-eighth, she’d be married.

Two weeks.

Not that anyone else seemed to mind. They’d become social darlings. The Smiths had even thrown them an impromptu engagement party last night. Dylan had spent most of it huddled with Forrest, discussing business.

She sighed. She’d hardly seen Dylan alone since the night she’d said yes. She shouldn’t mind. She should be ecstatic that he was constantly gone, often off North Star
Island
before she even woke up.

They’d marry, and then on the Monday, the thirtieth, she’d deliver the check to the county. Although repairs had begun on Summerhaven, the taxes remained unpaid until she
said,
“I do.”

“Ah, that looks perfect,” Renee said entering. “You’ll be a perfect bride.”

Maddy smiled, her
Johansson
upbringing giving her much needed poise. “Thank you.”

“Anytime. You’re going to have the best life. I just know it.”

Somehow Maddy managed to not say another word.

Five days later, despite being hot, the weather was sunny and cloud-free. The wedding coordinator made certain everything was perfect, and all sixteen rows of wooden pews in the one-room church were full. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows almost a century old.

No one appeared to mind that the air conditioning and ceiling fans did little to cool the room. All were focused on what they believed was a fairy-tale ceremony unfolding in the front.

“Ready?” The coordinator asked.

“As I’ll ever be,” Maddy replied. That morning a stylist had swept her blond hair
onto the top of her head, letting ringlets curl in front of her ears. Instead of the traditional veil, small white flowers were woven into her coiffure. She’d also been buffed, polished, and made over by a professional make up artist.

“You look pale. Are you okay?” the wedding coordinator asked.

Maddy stood in the narthex. She could hear the organ playing, and as soon as the doors opened, she’d walk down the aisle.  She pressed the bridal bouquet to her stomach. “Last minute nerves. I’m fine.”

The woman looked relieved. “Good. Because he’s waiting and if I do say so myself, he’s handsome.” She reached and opened the doors.

Her foot wobbled on the inch heel, and then Maddy found her footing. She stepped onto the white runner unaccompanied and unattended, for there wasn’t anyone. When Maddy had called Ted to tell him about her marriage, he’d uttered some cruel things about Dylan and flat out refused to attend. Her best friend had a new baby and lived in Seattle. This was her fairytale wedding, and it was all a farce. No need to drag anyone else into it. It was bad enough Aunt Gail believed.

Maddy walked forward, the steps to her fate passing quickly. Dylan waited on the right side of the altar, and a lump formed in her throat. The tux fit him perfectly. But none of this was real. Not even his smile, which didn’t reach his eyes as she came to stand in front of him.  Maddy faced the preacher, who began, “Dearly beloved….”

The rest of the ceremony, until the words “I now pronounce you man and wife.  You may kiss the bride,” were a blur. She’d performed by rote, the
Johansson
upbringing teaching her to survive anything.

“You may kiss the bride,” the preacher repeated, and Maddy made the requisite turn to face the man who was now, officially in the eyes of the law and the world, her
husband.

Maddy braved a smile and braced herself. The kiss the night of their engagement had been earth shattering, a drugging moment when time had stood still and worries forgotten.

But today, Dylan’s lips pressed against hers for a mere millisecond, and then his feather-light kiss ended. The fire, lit inside Maddy even at that brief touch, flickered out and died quickly, remind her that, like her marriage, even chemistry they shared might only be a farce.

The wedding guests clapped their approval as the preacher introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Dylan Blackwater.  Dylan linked his arm through hers and they stepped into the aisle. In the front row, Aunt Gail wiped a tear from her eye and rose to her feet as Maddy and Dylan approached.

“I’m so glad you did this quickly,” Aunt Gail wiped away another tear. “It was beautiful. Absolutely lovely, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it. Dylan, you’ve met Jonathan, haven’t you? He’s come to take me back to St. Louis for the winter, you know.”

Dylan shook hands with Aunt Gail’s son. “It’s unfortunate you can’t stay through Labor Day this year,” Dylan told Aunt Gail. “It’s unusual for you to leave this early, isn’t it?”

Aunt Gail patted Dylan’s hand. “Oh no, I’ve left in August before. This is the first time I’ve left in July, but it works out best for everyone. Besides, you two should have space to yourselves. It’s a shame Ted couldn’t come. I would have liked to have seen my nephew.”

“Yes, it’s a shame Ted couldn’t make it,” Maddy managed with a straight face as Aunt Gail exited the pew. “But Dylan’s parents were also unable to attend. They’re on a
cruise out of the country.”

“They’ve probably just landed in New York,” he said.

It still bothered her that he hadn’t wanted to wait, but he’d wanted them married before paying the taxes. Maddy wondered also if he didn’t want them to witness the charade.

“We’re having a small reception at Summerhaven,” Dylan announced to the waiting guests. “Please join us for cake and champagne.”

Madison followed her husband to an awaiting limousine. As she entered the cool interior, she felt lightheaded. The ten-degree difference of the limo had her shivering.

“Are you all right?” Dylan asked. The seat gave under his weight.

“I’m fine. The church was a little overheated.”

It was draining, marrying without love. As the limo began to make the five-mile journey up highway 84 to Summerhaven, Maddy leaned back against the black leather and closed her eyes, deliberately shutting out the stranger who sat beside her.

“If it helps, think about taking the check in on Monday. You’ll wipe the smirk completely off the woman’s face.”

“That is one benefit,” she murmured. The limo crunched over gravel, indicating they’d reached Summerhaven, and Madison opened her eyes. A team of contractors had worked nonstop for two weeks, twenty-four hours a day. They’d accomplished miracles.

“Like it?”  His voice cut through the stillness that had settled between them.

“It’s wonderful,” she replied, for it was. She’d been on site everyday and Summerhaven had never looked better. Well-maintained and manicured lawns and gardens circled the lodge. Everything was again the way her grandfather had always insisted, right down to the red impatiens blooming in the refurbished window boxes.

Dylan helped her out of the limo as the parade of cars came to a halt behind them. Magic had occurred inside as well. Wood floors gleamed from being sanded and stained. Furniture and paneling had been refinished or repainted, and thermal replacement windows provided a crystal clear view of the lake. New ceiling fans circled overhead, creating a steady breeze that kept the cavernous space extremely comfortable.

No detail had been missed, and the floor-to-ceiling pinkish fireplace stones sported fresh grout. All around guests oohed and ahhed over the changes and complimented Maddy on how wonderful everything was.

“Fantastic,” Forrest Smith said as he approached them. “Dylan, you are a man of action. I do think I’d like to take a look at that proposal. Have your people send it over next week. I’ll call and let Clayton know it’s coming.”

“I’ll do that,” Dylan said.

“Proposal?” Maddy asked after Forrest and his wife moved off.

“He’s interested in bank rolling a project I’ve got going,” Dylan replied. “I believe it’s time we should cut the cake.”

He cupped her elbow gently, guiding her to the table. The tiered white wedding cake was topped with fresh flowers and white cream frosting. Expectant faces watched as Maddy reached for the silver knife. A camera flash blinded and Maddy was struck with the surreal feel of it all—such a waste for something that was simply a business deal.

“Okay, put your hand on hers and smile for a photograph.”

Dutifully she followed the photographer’s orders. Her finger still wasn’t accustomed to the solitaire Dylan had given her at the country club, much less the massive diamond-studded ring guard serving as a very expensive wedding band. As she held the knife, Dylan’s warm palm covered hers, sending an infusion of heat coursing through her
skin. Desire flared through her, and she jerked her hand forward, slashing the knife through the cake at an odd angle. “Oops.” She forced a laugh. 

“I guess I’ll have to keep better control,” Dylan said, his voice husky. Maddy paused. Had he been as affected as she?

“Smash it,” someone jokingly called out after she’d finished cutting, but instead Maddy scooped the required piece into her fingers and placed the cake gently into Dylan’s open mouth.

His gaze locked onto hers, and suddenly his lips closed to caress her withdrawing fingers, suckling her skin. Maddy’s eyelids fluttered down and she struggled to contain her body’s reaction. Lord help her, but he could turn his sexuality on and off like a switch. Guests clapped and Madison pulled her hand away. But the moment wasn’t finished.

Her turn.

“Ready?” he asked.

At that moment Maddy knew she’d never be ready for Dylan Blackwater. He was worldly; she was naïve. He was a man who not only could defeat her grandfather, but he could also dominate her with one smoldering look.

She had to be transparent. Every conflicting emotion had to be written on her face.

“Open wide, darling,” he teased, and mutely she obeyed, conscious of the crowd. As he placed a small piece of cake in her mouth, Maddy’s emotions ran rampant. Dylan rubbed his forefinger over her quivering lip before drawing away without any further innuendo. She swallowed the now dry bite of cake and washed the remnants down with champagne. Thankfully a wedding guest claimed his immediate attention.

“I just love what you’ve done to the lodge,” someone told her seconds later, and Madison nodded, grateful for the diversion. The woman patted her on the arm. “You’re a
lucky woman, Maddy.”

She smiled through the irony.

About an hour later after cake, guests began to leave. Dylan’s arm snaked around Maddy’s waist and together they bid the last of their guests farewell. Needing to finish packing, Aunt Gail and her son had already walked home.

“I thought all our guest would never leave,” Dylan whispered huskily as the last car pulled away. The large room seemed to shrink to a fraction of its massive size.

“Me either,” she admitted, detaching herself from Dylan and moving to the leather sofa. He could not decide to turn on the magnetism now. Sitting down, she removed the white two-inch designer heels from her aching feet. “It’s been a long day.”

While she didn’t hear him approach, strong fingers began to knead her tense shoulder muscles. Pent-up stress faded under his addicting administrations, and unwanted desire took its place.

“Really, you don’t need to…”

“I like your hair like this.” Dylan interrupted, ignoring her protest. He expertly massaged a tight spot on her neck. “You look especially beautiful. Like some form of a woodland nymph. Or a princess.”

“I’m neither.” Maddy discounted that latter term, which Dylan had referenced because of their past. She tried to lift her head, but he deepened his touch, tempting her with the mastery of his fingers. Tension ebbed away and Madison bent her chin to her chest as Dylan’s fingers continued their magic. She closed her eyes, letting the false security of the blackness come. Night wouldn’t be for a few more hours, although the sun dipped toward the western horizon.

“I had the caterer leave an evening meal for us,” he said, his voice sounding distant.
“It’s designed to be served cold so we can eat whenever.”

“I’m not really hungry,” she answered without opening her eyes. “I’m just planning on going to bed.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” His breath tickled the skin under her ear, and his lips feather-touched the skin of her neck in the softest of kisses. The seductive sensation ricocheted through Maddy, and she opened her eyes and jumped up, barely avoiding hitting the coffee table in her attempt to get away.