Nothing but Trouble by Tory Richards Read Free Book Online

something stupid. “Don’t even think about it,” Brent warned, his stare narrowing on her threateningly. “Maybe you should consider the fate of others before acting carelessly.” His brutal reminder quickly cleared the purpose in her eyes.
    In time Brent would tell her everything but right now the less she knew the better. He needed her convinced this was the real thing, instinctively knowing if she knew her kidnapping was a scheme concocted by her own father she wouldn’t remain manageable for very long, especially if she was anything like her father.
    “It takes a brave man to control someone by threatening to hurt innocent people. Your mother must be very proud of you,” she said in a voice laced with venom, her eyes snapping defiantly at him.
    “Let’s leave my mother out of this, princess.” His tone was deceptively soft.
    “And stop calling me princess,” she demanded. When Brent leaned toward her, she nervously pulled the coverlet up to her chin as though it offered protection.
    He laughed softly, putting a long finger beneath her chin and tipping it up. Her lips parted slightly; he was close enough to feel the warmth of her breath against his face. “What do you want me to call you?” In spite of her attempt to jerk away he held her firmly.
    “Miss Adams,” she replied smartly.
    Her comment produced a bark of humorless laughter from him. She was serious. “I think we’re past those formalities, don’t you?” His gaze dropped, traveling from the startled expression in her eyes to her lips. She had a sassy mouth, just begging to be tamed. The memory of what she felt like squirming beneath him surfaced, hardening his resolve to ignore her appeal. “Consider yourself our guest until Lord pays up.” His tone became as cold and sharp as a glacier. She shuddered at the mention of Jonathan’s name, a reaction that didn’t go unnoticed by Brent.
    “What makes you think Jonathan will pay any ransom to get me back?” she finally voiced.
    His brows rose with surprise. “The fact he loves you. You were supposed to become his wife tomorrow.” Brent watched her reaction carefully, his gaze narrowing. “Weren’t you?”
    Brent schooled himself not to show any interest by the transformation that came over her face. Her expression suddenly revealed precisely what she felt for her soon-to-be husband, which confirmed the senator’s suspicions. She wasn’t exactly ecstatic over the prospect of marrying the millionaire. The million-dollar question was why. So far the senator had yet to fill him in on all the details. He reached inside his pants pocket and pulled out the engagement ring he’d snatched off the table on their way out of her place.
    “Maybe wearing his ring will give you some comfort.” The ring felt heavy in his hand. He glanced down at it, seeing the many facets of color catching the varying shades of light in the room. He’d always considered diamonds were cold stones resembling a chunk of ice. He glanced back at Sophie; she made him think of fiery opals and warm pearls.
    Her gaze dropped to his palm and the truth became transparent in her lovely eyes. If he flushed it down the toilet she wouldn’t care. Only he knew she’d never admit to that. She was too well bred and private, too proud. She raised her chin, meeting his quiet gaze with the swell of tears swimming in her eyes, exposing her vulnerability. Brent forced down his protective instincts.
    “That stone is worth millions, why don’t you just keep it and let me go?” she asked, breaking the silence.
    He continued to hold the ring toward her. “Where would the fun be in that?”
    She took the ring with obvious reluctance. “Thank you.” Her low tone exposed the degree of emotion running through her. For a second Brent was sure he saw how much she detested Jonathan reflected in her eyes before she masked it. She curled her hand around the cold stone until her knuckles turned white. “What now? You gag me and tie me to the