Wed on His Terms: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger. Charlene Sands

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      But before Tony could respond to that, Joe and Nick walked up. Nick smiled. “You did it, you two. Finally.”

      Joe cleared his throat. “Let’s leave them alone, Nick.”

      â€œJust wishing them well,” he said. “I guess we’ll see you at the house later.”

      Tony shook his head. “I’m not going back to the house tonight.”

      â€œYou’re not?” Rena’s nerves jumped. She hadn’t discussed with him what they’d do after they married. She’d only assumed that since the marriage was secret, he’d stay at his house and she’d stay at hers.

      â€œNo.” He turned to her. “I’ve booked a suite at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco.”

      Joe grabbed Nick’s shoulder and gave a little shove. “Let’s go.”

      â€œI guess I’m going,” Nick said with a cocky smile. “Congrats again, Rena. Big brother.”

      Rena watched them both get in the car and leave. She turned to Tony, dumbfounded. “Why did you get us a room at a hotel?”

      â€œIt’s our wedding night.”

      She closed her eyes, praying for strength. “Surely, you don’t expect—”

      â€œYou’re my wife now, Rena. Did you expect me to remain celibate the rest of my life?”

       Five

      Rena sat stonily silent in the car all the way to the hotel, her expression grim and her pretty mouth deep in a frown. She said nothing as he checked in or on the ride in the elevator to the Presidential Suite.

      A private servant opened the door and showed them inside. In awe, Rena gasped when she entered the suite.

      Rich furnishings, stately artwork and a Steinway grand piano filled the living room. Tony put a hand to her back and guided her inside. The servant showed them around the suite, walking them through French doors to the master bedroom with an amazing view of San Francisco Bay, the master bathroom highlighted by a sunken whirlpool bath filled with scented flower petals, a second bedroom and an elegant dining room with seating for eight.

      Once back in the living room, Tony dismissed him. “We won’t need your services for the rest of the evening.”

      â€œYes, sir,” he said, and once he left the suite, Tony opened the French doors to the terrace.

      â€œIt’s massive,” Rena said, stepping outside and taking a deep breath of air. The sun began a slow descent on the horizon. “You could fit two of my gift shops in the terrace alone.” Then she turned to him. “Why did you do this?”

      â€œYou deserve it, Rena.”

      Before she could respond, he turned her shoulders and pointed out toward the ocean. “Look, there’s Alcatraz.”

      Rena focused on the island that had once been a notorious prison. “The view is amazing. All of this is amazing.”

      Tony kept his hands on her shoulders for a few seconds, caressing her lightly. The air fresh and clear, he breathed in and caught the subtle scent of her exotic perfume. She’d put her hair up for the wedding ceremony, giving him access to her throat. He took in another breath before he felt her stiffen. He backed away, giving her space and time to adjust to the situation and pulled out a white iron patio chair. “Sit down and enjoy the fresh air.”

      She did and he sat facing her. “I’m not the big bad wolf, Rena. I know this is difficult for you.”

      â€œDifficult doesn’t begin to describe it. I never thought I’d see this day.” Her eyes appeared strained. Her body slumped with fatigue.

      â€œWhat day?” he asked.

      â€œThe day that I’d be your wife.”

      â€œI’m not the villain here. I’m trying to do right by you and David. I’m going to save your business, take care of you and raise … our child.”

      Rena flinched, and regret filled her eyes. “You’re trying to ease your conscience and fulfill an obligation.”

      Tony shook his head. “You won’t cut me any slack, will you?”

      â€œI’m sorry I’m not the doting wife you’d imagined. I can’t be … this is all so unfair.”

      â€œI wish to hell David was alive, too. He was my best friend, damn it.” Tony rose and paced the terrace. He hadn’t planned on any of this. But he was trying to make the best out of a bad situation. He’d been patient with Rena, though she still blamed him for David’s death. He’d tried to please her. He’d tried being the nice guy, yet she wanted no part of it.

      Okay, the gloves were coming off.

      â€œYou’re exhausted. Why don’t you take a bath? It’s waiting for you. Then get into bed.”

      Rena hoisted her chin. “I’m not sleeping with you tonight, Tony.”

      â€œWrong,” he said pointing a finger at her. “I’m not sleeping with you, but I’m your husband whether you like it or not.”

      â€œWhat does that mean?” She asked with real fear in her voice.

      Tony was too annoyed with her to care. “It means that I don’t plan to tiptoe around you anymore, Rena.”

      He left her on the terrace and strode over to the wet bar, pouring himself three fingers of scotch. He hated that Rena had it right this time. He had married her out of obligation and a sense of duty to David. But he hadn’t expected her resentment to irk him so much.

      Hell, he’d never had to beg a woman for sex in his life. And he wasn’t about to start now.

      Rena had never stayed in a hotel as extravagant as this one and decided to take advantage of her surroundings. True to Tony’s word, the bathtub was steaming and waiting for her. Her body craved the warmth and tranquility a nice hot soak in a tub would provide. She closed the bathroom door and lit the candles that were strategically placed around the tub, sink and dressing area. The Ritz-Carlton knew how to pamper and she wasn’t going to deny herself this pleasure. She kicked off her shoes, then stripped out of her clothes folding them neatly and setting them on the marble counter. She turned on the large LCD screen on the wall, finding a music station that played soulful jazz. All lights were turned down but for the flashing abstract images on the flat screen and the candles that burned with a vanilla scent.

      Naked and relishing СКАЧАТЬ