The Billionaire's Bodyguard Bride by Lisa Weaver Read Free Book Online Page A

you want, but you know you can’t ignore this chemistry between us indefinitely. Why not give in to it? There’s no reason our agreement has to remain platonic.”
    Lauren’s fingers wrapped around his wrist, and she pulled his hand away. “A physical relationship isn’t enough for me. I want someone who loves me. I thought you were that someone, but I was wrong. I’m not about to make the same mistake twice. I’ll go along with your plan, but only on my terms. The choice is up to you. Deal or no deal?”
    “We have a deal,” he affirmed, confident she wouldn’t be able to resist him for long. “Just understand that I’m more than willing to modify the terms of our agreement anytime you want to renegotiate. Let me know when you change your mind.”
    “That’s not going to happen.”
    “If you say so,” he murmured indolently. “There is one more thing you should know. One of the men bidding for Chuck Fullerton’s magazine is Milton Payne. He and his wife will be guests at the Fullertons’ estate while we’re there.”
    “And this is important because?”
    “Milton and I were business associates once upon a time, until he made the mistake of deceiving me. Now we’re rivals.” Rafe knew he should tell her everything, but he decided it would be prudent to save the rest of the sordid details for when he was certain Lauren would hold up her end of the deal. “We’ll be leading him to believe you’re my wife, so he’ll see you as fair game. I thought it best if you knew, up front, you’ll be a target.”
    “Forewarned is forearmed? Gee. If I didn’t know better, I’d almost think you cared about me.”
    He tipped his head, pinning her with an all-business glare. “What I care about is winning. That and integrity, a trait Milton Payne has proven he doesn’t possess. And you know, better than anyone, that I don’t tolerate deceitfulness.”
    Yes. She knew. She was still living with the consequences of her supposed faux pas. And now she was about to deceive him for real. She hated the idea of having to lie to him, but sometimes deception was necessary.

Chapter Four
    Watching the taillights on Rafe’s car disappear around the bend, Lauren launched into a cerebral happy dance. Her relief at his departure was tempered by the sobering realization that he would be back all too soon. At least the brief reprieve would give her a chance to regroup before she had to deal with him again.
    And that would be at dinner . He’d only left because she’d agreed to meet with him tonight to finalize the plans for their wedding and their subsequent visit to the Fullertons’ estate.
    It was evident from the way she’d handled this morning’s encounter with him . . . or not handled it, more aptly . . . that her defenses needed work. She needed to fortify the barrier she’d erected between him and her heart before he returned.
    It shouldn’t be so difficult to remain unaffected by him, but it was. You’ll just have to try harder , she mentally chastised herself, picking up the phone to fill her brother in on the turn of events and her change in plans. He wouldn’t be happy about the new development, but he deserved a heads-up about what she was planning to do all the same.
    Luke answered on the first ring. Since it was easier to jump right in, she chose to forgo the small talk and cut to the chase. “There’s something I have to tell you.”
    “You’re too late. I heard.” Luke’s grumble of displeasure made it clear he wasn’t at all thrilled with the news. “Liz called me in to the office to brief me on my new charge, and the subject came up. I can’t believe you’re even considering this. For the record, I think it’s a terrible idea. Your plan isn’t safe. Or sane.”
    “I can’t argue the sane part, but as far as my safety goes, I’ll be as secure on this assignment as anyone else on our team would be. I may be petite, but do I have to remind you who made you cry uncle the last time we