Everything He Fears (5 page)

“
As always, Jim does a good job of handling this thing.” He raked her body with his gaze, making her go hot. “I really like that dress.” He loosened his tie, clearing this throat. “But I'll have to think about that later. I have a proposal for you, Lacey. You're already in my employ with a valid, signed contract.”

“
Right.” The plane rolled along.

Something is definitely going on here, and I don't like it.

Nadia appeared again and put a glass of water in the cupholder next to her.

“
Thank you.” Lacey gave her a shaky smile.

Nadia raised an eyebrow and left, perfect ass and all.

“
I'd like to amend the contract after much thought. If you say no, you will stay with me for the next year as my bookkeeper, or I'll make things very unpleasant for you.” His voice had taken on a hard edge, but his eyes smoldered with lust.

“
Oh really? Is that a threat?” She pushed the words out against her fear.

“
Not really. Just the facts. I need you, Lacey.” He growled her name, and she shivered.

“
Oh.” Once again, he'd left her speechless or nearly so.

“
Tonight, we're going to become engaged. It's a faux engagement.” His jaw set.

“
What?” Her heart plummeted.

Engaged? And even worse, a false engagement?

“
Yes. It's the only way. I have to flush out my enemy or enemies within the company.” He leaned forward and touched her knee with a warm hand. “Lacey, someone is stealing from the company and making it look as if I'm dishonest. I can't have that. I've worked too hard for what I've built, and I care for my employees. This is life or death for me and for them.” He licked his lips.

“
I...I don't know what to say.”

“
Then say yes. I've already changed the contract. It's still for a year, but I've added an addendum that you and I will understand. Engagement with no plan or promise of marriage for a period not to exceed one year. You are entitled to none of my fortune under this agreement. This contract is top secret, Lacey. I'm keeping a copy in my safe and on my person only. I'd like you to agree to something similar...perhaps keeping your copy in your private email, not one that will be associated with the company.” The words came out in a rush, and he bolted up, pacing the plane.

“
Sir, the plane is ready for disembarkment now. Welcome to Venice.” Jim's voice broke into the moment.

“
So, what's your answer?” Rock stopped, his hand on the arm of her leather chair.

She laughed, a squeaky sound. “You expect me to answer right now. A fake engagement not to exceed a year?”

He nodded. “Yes. Here's the contract. Look it over.” He drummed his fingers on her chair.

“
Stop. I'm reading.” Lacey skimmed the page, her head spinning. She had no reason to doubt the contract and found nothing wrong with it.

Other than being part of a huge deception involving a man with a lot of money...

“
I'll do it. Keep the contract. I don't need a copy for now. Get one to me later.” Her voice was all business now. Hurt welled up inside of her.

This is what he had planned for me all along. Rock just needed an unsuspecting woman with no other prospects to go for it. The sex is just an added bonus.

Then another thought hit her.
What if this is dangerous?

“
Alright. Sign here.”

She did so, frowning.

“
Lacey, please don't be angry. I didn't set out to deceive you about your job. You knew part of what was involved.” His voice was a low, seductive caress as she stood, just inches from him.

“
I don't trust you anymore, Rock. You could have been honest with me before you locked me in to a contract I can't get out of and then another one that will make me look like a fool in the end when you break off our highly public engagement.” She didn't meet his gaze, tears in her eyes. “And...won't this be dangerous for me?”

He grabbed her then, pulling her into his arms.

She struggled for a moment and then went limp.

“
Look at me, Lacey.” Rock nudged her chin up with warm fingers.

She let out a low growl.

“
I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I need you. I knew it the first moment I saw you. No other woman could pull this off, not like you can.”

Before she could throw angry words at him, he captured her lips in his. The kiss brooked no argument. His tongue parted her lips, and she answered with her own against it as her body melted against his. He nipped at her lower lip and ran his fingers along her throat, massaging the hollow there where her pulse beat like a frightened bird's wings.

“
Lacey, please. Don't be angry with me.” He ended the kiss, his voice hoarse.

“
I don't know if that's possible, but I'll do my job. At least I'm getting paid to be made a fool of.” She glared at him and moved out of his embrace.

Lacey smirked at the stunned expression on his face.
I guess most women don't ever stand up to him.

“
Lacey. Stop.”

She did, halfway down the aisle toward the exit, her breath hitching.

“
We're heading to the villa downtown—one that I own here. Tonight is going to be crazy when the press gets wind of what's happening, and the engagement party tomorrow night will be even more so. Are you ready?” His arms slid around her waist from behind and heat crackled between them.

She closed her eyes as he slid his hands down her body, hitching up the back of her dress in a rough motion. He massaged her ass with expert hands inside her panties, and she moaned.

“
Yes.”

He halted the movement of his fingers that had drifted down so near her pussy. “Then let's go. I'll have plenty of time to finish this tonight.”

She groaned softly in frustration and fixed her dress.

“
Follow me. It won't look right any other way.” He pressed against her one last time, his cock hard against her ass.

“
Right.” She struggled to breathe.

When they stepped off the plane, a watery scent assailed her nostrils. It was pleasant and yet dank—the scent of centuries gone by.

“
Welcome to Venice, Lacey.” Rock whispered the words in her ear as they descended the steps of the plane.

About the Author:
Thalia Frost writes erotic romance. Find out more at
www.thaliafrost.com
or Facebook: ThaliaFrost. Other titles in this series: Everything He Desires (Bookkeeper for theBillionaire #1). Everything He Demands is coming in October of 2012.

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