Secrets of the Tycoon's Bride by Emilie Rose Read Free Book Online

important.”
    â€œAnd that is?”
    â€œPersonal.” He glanced at his watch. “If we leave now we have time to swing by the club and pick up the agreements.”
    Personal.
    Secrets weren’t the best way to start a marriage—temporary or otherwise. But she’d let him get away with this one because she had a few of her own.
    Some things were too shameful to share.

    â€œYou didn’t have to drive me home,” Lauryn said as Adam turned his BMW into her apartment complex.
    â€œI told you I’m not letting you take the bus at this time of night.”
    â€œI always use the bus.”
    â€œNot anymore. My fiancée would never use public transportation.”
    Fiancée. She gulped down her rising panic. Her last marriage had been a horrific mistake. Would this one be better or worse since love wasn’t involved?
    â€œYour fiancée can’t afford valet parking or dollar-an-hour parking meters.”
    â€œWith the money you’re about to receive that’s going to change.”
    As bad luck would have it, one of the few visitors’ parking spaces opened up as he turned into the lot. He pulled between the white lines, killed the engine and unlocked the doors.
    She needed to get away from Adam, needed to rethink this crazy scheme and make sure there wasn’t another way to accomplish her goal.
    Admit it. There is no other way. You’ve pursued every other avenue. This is your best chance to uncover the truth.
    Clutching her purse and the file containing the prenuptial agreement and marriage contract, she sprang from the car before he could circle to her side. “You don’t need to walk me to the door. The area is well-lit and safe.”
    He grasped her elbow in a warm, firm grip. Even though he’d touched her dozens of times tonight her breath still caught on contact. “Which way to the elevators?”
    He obviously planned to ignore what she’d said.
    â€œThere are no elevators. I’m on the third floor.”
    He swept his free hand toward the stairwell.
    Reluctantly, Lauryn led the way, but even with her “leading” he was right beside her, matching his steps to hers. She didn’t want him in her apartment. Not that there was anything wrong with the tiny, tidy space, but after seeing the luxury to which he was accustomed, her place felt dinky and inadequate. The Art Deco building had been renovated, but with white-collar instead of wealthy tenants in mind.
    She hiked the stairs with him by her side, unlocked the door and entered. A quick glance revealed she hadn’t left anything lying around that she didn’t want him to see—like the thick folder she’d compiled on her mother. Or the thinner one on Adam and his business clearly marked with his name on the tab.
    She faced him with the marriage file clutched to her chest. “I’m in. Safe and sound. Thanks for taking me to the Ainsleys’ tonight and for showing me your house.”
    He stepped forward, forcing her to shuffle hastily out of the way. With his eyes sweeping her space, the tiny kitchenette to the left, the sitting room in front of him, the doors leading to the small bedroom and minuscule bathroom, he shrugged off his suit jacket and hung it over the back of a kitchen chair.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œMaking myself comfortable.”
    â€œYou don’t have to stay. I’ll look these over and bring them to work with me in the morning.” She remained by the open door, hoping he’d take the hint, get his coat and leave.
    Instead, he unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up one shirt-sleeve and then the other, revealing hair-dusted forearms. “I’ll go over the documents with you.”
    â€œNo need. If I have questions I’ll write them down.”
    He prowled toward her, his blue gaze intent and unwavering, and palmed the door shut. “Trying to get rid of me, Lauryn?”
    Her mouth dried and her