CEO's Expectant Secretary by Leanne Banks Read Free Book Online Page A

glanced at the hostess again in surprise.
    The hostess smiled. “Mr. Maddox insisted. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”
    Elle looked down at the arrangement of white lilies and blood-red roses, and couldn’t help thinking of all the bad blood that had flowed between her family and Brock’s. Could their marriage sew together the jagged, bitter edges of competition?
    Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. One step at a time. The hostess opened the door and Elle stepped outside.
     
    Brock watched as the door to the cottage opened and Elle appeared. The wind lifted tendrils of her hair andthe hem of her lacy dress fluttered against her shapely upper calves. She had an ethereal look to her, almost angelic, but he knew different in every way. She’d been a sensual goddess in his bed, fulfilling his every need. At work, she had seemed like the perfect assistant, but the truth was she’d been tricking him every day, deceiving him.
    He felt a stab of bitterness in his throat and swallowed it. There were more important things, he reminded himself. The baby. His baby. If there was anything his father had taught him, it was duty to the company and duty to his family.
    His mother had been a dutiful but passionless wife and mother. Brock knew Elle would be different. He’d already experienced her passion and he knew, deep down in his bones, that she would love their child. Their child wouldn’t be regarded as an obligation. Elle would receive their child as a precious gift and responsibility. As for their relationship, they would work that out along the way.
    She met his gaze and though he couldn’t see her eyes from where he stood, he guessed they were probably turbulent with conflicting emotions. She looked like a prized princess, her head held high, walking tall, only the smallest bump showing when the wind flattened her dress against her abdomen.
    Brock couldn’t tear his gaze from her. She’d been the lover who’d both comforted him and turned him upside down. And betrayed him.
    Despite that last fact, he still craved her. He should have hated himself for it, but he knew that once she bore his name, he would be her first priority. There wouldbe no more division of loyalties. Her loyalty would be to him.
    She took the last few steps and stood next to him, searching his gaze. Just as he’d anticipated, her eyes were full of emotion. He took her hand in his and watched her inhale quickly. It gave him pleasure to know that he still got past her reserve.
    He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, all the while looking into her eyes. “We’re ready,” he said in a low voice to the officiant, and the ceremony began. He repeated the vows he’d never made before and watched as she did the same.
    “I now pronounce you man and wife,” the minister said. “You may kiss the bride.”
    The sun came out from behind a cloud and Brock pulled Elle into his arms. She felt both strong and delicate against him. He lowered his mouth to hers and gave her a kiss of promise. He felt her tremble. “It will be okay,” he whispered against her ear.
    “It will,” she whispered, but didn’t look at all convinced.
     
    Elle felt numb. The steak dinner arranged for her wedding celebration may as well have been sawdust in her mouth. Her hands were freezing, but she forced herself to nod and smile at Flynn and his wife, Renee.
    “You look beautiful,” Renee said.
    “Thank you,” Elle replied, feeling a stab of guilt for betraying the woman by using their friendship to get more secrets for her grandfather to use against Maddox. Renee had been a friend to her. She was surprised Reneewas willing to speak to her, let alone extend her good wishes.
    “I can’t tell you how glad I am to see my brother get married,” Flynn said. “He’s been married to the company for so long, I was starting to wonder…”
    “No need to wonder anymore,” Brock said, lifting his glass of wine. “Thanks for being here,” he said to Flynn. Then