The Billioniare's Bought Bride (Contemporary Romance) by Michele Dunaway Read Free Book Online

marry you is one more step in a plan I put into motion years ago. Oh, and to erase any doubts, I definitely want you. While I won’t ever again tell you I love you like I did that summer, for that emotion has died, I’ll make certain you stay pleasured and satisfied. I’ll be faithful, unlike your fiancé.”
    “How dare you bring that up?"
    “I will dare. He didn’t deserve you.”
    “And you do?”
    “I know what you need. That kiss made you putty.”
    Her body quivered. “It’s chemistry. Pheromones or whatever.”
    “Who cares? All lead to pleasure in bed. I can take you to heights you’ve never experienced, do things to you I wanted so badly that summer but didn’t because you were underage. I’ve waited ten years for you.”
    She said nothing and he continued. “You can spend my money and laugh all the way to the tax office. Better yet, think of Summerhaven restored to all its former glory. You can fix up your home. You will have access to my bank accounts. After all, married couples share everything.”
    “But not love.”
    His eyes narrowed. “No. That is not part of the equation.” He ran a finger up and down her arm, and his touch tickled. She shivered. “This is a business deal with benefits that suit both of us. But be warned, this is a forever deal. At some point, you will give me children. I am an only child. My mother desperately wants to be a grandmother. She’d be pleased to know we’d found each other again. For her, we pretend our marriage is a love match. That we’ve rediscovered ourselves and rekindled the flame.”
    Maddy faltered. The entire idea of marrying Dylan boggled her mind. Michael had been all about professing his love, yet he’d been sleeping around to satisfy his sex drive.
    At least Dylan wasn’t promising love. Yet how could she be seriously considering his proposition?  This was Dylan, her grandfather’s nemesis. When had she lost her mind? Probably the very day she’d learned she was going to lose Summerhaven.
    Dylan inched closer, his lips moving into kissing range. “Why don’t you take time today and think things over? How about we continue this discussion over dinner tonight?” 
    He toyed with her fingertips, his gentle touch short-circuiting her body. She yanked her hand away and put it in her lap. He was enjoying this, the bastard.
    “Go home and contemplate my offer. You can give answer me tonight. After all, the clock is ticking.”
    “I know that. It’s the only think I’m sure of.
    Her answer garnered an amused smile, like that of a man taming a hissing kitten. “Marry me and I’ll save Summerhaven. They don’t make houses like her anymore. I can save her from being replaced with condos. I can give you everything you want.”
    But to keep her home, she’d have to trade away her chance at love. At finding her soul mate. Once again she’d have to choose between her land and true love.
    Underneath the table, Maddy clenched her hands and dug her fingernails into her palms. Ten years ago she’d have given her eyeteeth for any type of future with Dylan. She’d adored him. But no matter how many dreams they’d shared or how many vows they’d made, no matter how many declarations of love or passionate kisses, he’d never lost control.
    “I had many cold showers that summer because of you, many long swims in the lake,” Dylan said, as if reading her mind. “Chemistry can be a very powerful thing. When we make love, it’ll be unlike anything you’ve ever known.”
    “Now isn’t the time,” Maddy replied, her face turning a mortified shade of pink.
    He nodded, all back to business. “Of course not. I’ll pick you up at five. We’ll supper at the country club.”
    “Please not by boat.” The words slipped forth automatically. When she’d been a child, her grandfather had loved to boat over to the club, and often the family had gotten drenched in a late thundershower that had rolled in after dusk. Stephen had thought the adventure