The CEO Takes a Wife by Maxine Sullivan
So our marriage wouldnt be permanent then?
No.
This was beginning to sound much more favourable. And we wouldnt be sleeping together?
The corner of Alexs lip curved up, yet his eyes darkened. This isnt make-believe, Olivia. It would be a real marriage.
Her stomach flipped at the thought of them in bed together.
Making love.
I swore Id never marry again.
His eyes took on a softer look. This wouldnt be for love, Olivia. You wouldnt have to worry about me hurting you.
She wasnt so sure about that.
The Throw-Away Bride by Ann Major
Leos arm came around her possessively, and he grinned, showing off his perfect, white teeth.
Good. Youre still here, he said.
Its my bed. My house, Abby said. Where would I go?
Soare you going to marry me?
There are a million logical reasons why thats a very bad idea.
Youre pregnant. If were unhappy, well get a divorce. Big deal.
Big deal? To Abby, it was a very big deal.
Available in November 2009 from Mills & Boon® Desire
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The CEO Takes a Wife by Maxine Sullivan
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The Throw-Away Bride by Ann Major
THE CEO TAKES A WIFE
BY MAXINE SULLIVAN
THE THROW-AWAY BRIDE
BY ANN MAJOR
www.millsandboon.co.uk
THE CEO TAKES A WIFEMaxine Sullivan credits her mother for her lifelong love of romance novels, so it was a natural extension for Maxine to want to write her own romances. She thinks theres nothing better than being a writer and is thrilled to be one of the few Australians to write for the Desire line.
Maxine lives in Melbourne, Australia, but over the years has travelled to New Zealand, the UK and the USA. In her own backyard, her husbands job ensured they saw the diversity of the countryside, from the tropics to the outback, country towns to the cities. She is married to Geoff, who has proven his hero status many times over the years. They have two handsome sons and an assortment of much-loved, previously abandoned animals.
Maxine would love to hear from you and can be contacted through her website at http://www.maxinesullivan.com.
Dear Reader,
I must admit that when I read about those high-profile couples who marry, I sometimes wonder if its for love or convenience. And if its for convenience, what goes on behind the scenes? Why do you marry someone you dont know or dont love? How do you? Youd surely have to feel some sort of attraction for the other person to make it a real marriage.
This is the case between Olivia Cannington and Alex Valente, the heroine and hero in my book. Born with silver spoons in their mouths, they have the responsibility of having to marry for a year for reasons other than themselves. Neither has any intention of getting emotionally involved, but in the end its their attraction for each other that sabotages them, and they eventually find their sacrifice hasnt been the sacrifice they thought it was. They fall in love.
Sometimes it takes a while for some people to realise it, but whether rich or poor, if you have true love you have it all.
Happy reading!
Maxine
To all my workmates at my day job. Thanks for all your support and enthusiasm.
Chapter One
I presume you asked me in here for a reason, Dad? Alex Valente said, his tone cool and collected as he sat in front of his fathers desk in the opulent tenth-floor office overlooking Sydney Harbour.
There was a moments pause. Yes, theres a reason, Cesare Valente replied, leaning back in his leather chair.
Alex ignored the mixture of pride and regret in his fathers eyes. Theyd never been close, despite working together all these years. Cesare Valente had come to Australia as a child and was the founder of the House of Valente. Alex was its CEO. The two of them had taken the Australian perfume dynasty and turned it into a national success.
But it wasnt enough. It had never been enoughfor either of them. There were more successes out there, more opportunities to seize, including their upcoming launch in the States of their newest and finest perfume yetValentes Woman. Alex knew his father admired that same drive to conquer in himself. It was part of the reason hed been tasked with the USA launch.
And that is Alex prompted, leaving the sentence hanging.
Ive come to a decision Cesares pause was surely for effect. Youre thirty-five years old. Its time you married and produced an heir.
Alex felt a brief moment of shock, then his eyes narrowed and his lips twisted. Ill take your wishes into consideration if I ever decide to marry.
Youre not taking me seriously, figlio mio, Cesare said, lapsing into Italian to say son of mine.
Alex made a sound of derision. Theres a reason for that. He was a Valente, and Valentes didnt like being ordered about. His father knew that.
Im very serious about this, Cesare said quietly and firmly. Im getting older and Ive recently had ahealth scare.
Something jolted inside Alexs chest. You didnt tell me about that.
No, I didnt. Just for a moment Cesares eyes clouded over, then cleared. I was having chest pains. They thought it was a heart attack, but Im thankful it wasnt. This time. Its stress. I have to slow down, but Im not going to hand over the reins of the business to you until I see you married with an heir on the way.
Alex shot him a withering look. Youre not asking much.
Im not asking, Alex. Im telling. Youve got six months in which to find yourself a wife and start a family or
Alexs brow winged upward in challenge. Or?
I sell the House of Valente to one of our competitors and give the money to charity. And I promise neither you nor your two brothers will see a cent.
Alexs jaw clenched. I could always declare you insane.
Cesare gave a small smile. You could try but I dont think any judge will give you power of attorney. Im as sane as you are and I intend to do what I like with my own company.
Alex swore then pushed to his feet. I dont need your money, Dad, nor do I need to be CEO. Ill survive without you.
But will your brothers?
Alexs shoulders stiffened. He took his status as eldest brother seriously. His own mother had died when he was three years old and Cesare had married again soon afterward. That marriage had lasted all of a year, just enough time for Nick to be born. Then his father had married Isabel, and had stayed married ever since. Matt at least had both his parents around.
If you dont do as I ask, then Ill sell tomorrow. You and your brothers will be out on your own.
Alex glared down at him. Were grown men. Well survive.
Oh, I have no doubt about that. But do you think its fair for them to lose their inheritance like this?
Dont manipulate me, Alex growled.
This isnt manipulation. Its a guarantee, Cesare said with quiet emphasis. Alex, this is too important to me. Its my legacy to my sons. One day youll realize this when you have a child of your own.
Go to hell. Alex strode to the door and closed it behind him with controlled anger. He always wore his detachment like a second skin, but right now he was in danger of losing even that.
One week later
And now, a womans well-spoken voice said, here is Anastasia stepping out for an evening of glamour in a beautiful gown that is sure to make a statement. The plunging neckline
Alex heard the female voice through the microphone as he strode along the corridor toward the hotel ballroom. Her tone intrigued him even before he saw the woman, her accent Australian with an American twist, its slightly husky quality entrancing him beyond the beat of the music.
and doesnt this set a new style? The classic black is
His steps lengthened. He had to see this woman. Had to know if she looked as good as she sounded. He pushed open the door and stepped inside the room, the muted lighting allowing him full view down the well-lit center aisle to the tall, graceful blonde at the podium.
Shed been worth the rush.
Definitely.
Strikingly beautiful, with golden-blond hair pulled back in a sophisticated chignon, she carried an elegance that was as natural as breathing.
There was a round of applause as the model on the runway walked off, and he noticed his stepmother wave to him from the front row. He realized she must have been keeping an eye out for him. He hadnt exactly been enamored of attending a fashion show, but his father had cried off sick at the last minute and Isabel had been persuasive.
He was never more glad hed agreed to come, he mused, making his way around the edge of the room toward Isabeltoward this beauty on the stage who could have been one of the models herself.
For our next outfit, Crystal is wearing a jewel of a gown that
Just as he reached his stepmother, he looked up at the podium and his eyes locked with those of the blonde. It was a moment out of time.
Er She faltered just that little bit. this accents her perfect figure
Alex watched her recover and carry on with the commentary, vaguely aware of Isabels whisper chiding him for being late.
The blonde glanced at him again and he caught a flicker of disconcertion in her eyes before she angled her chin and looked away to continue talking.
But it was too late.
Hed seen her reaction. Shed definitely felt something between them, and if that was panic hed just seen on her face, then she was panicked by her own emotions.
Good. He wanted this woman, and what he wanted he usually got. Until now hed been a man who only slept with a woman after hed gotten to know her, but hed rethink that tonight. The draw of this woman was too strong.
And now, one of the highlights of the Cannington Collection is this delightful garment showcasing
Alex frowned when he heard the Cannington name but before he could think further, Isabel leaned toward him and whispered, Shes beautiful, isnt she?
He pretended not to know who she was talking about. The model?
Isabel tutted softly. No, the presenter. Shes a famous fashion designer in the States and this is her fashion show. She grew up here and now shes come back to live in Australia. Her mothers Felicia Cannington, you know. The movie star.
Alex let that sink in. Most people knew Felicia Cannington was an Australian whod made it big in Hollywood over three decades ago. She was a much-loved favorite of the big screen.
He glanced again at the beautiful blonde. And thats her daughter up there?
Isabel nodded. Yes, thats Olivia Cannington.
His business brain kicked into gear and he knew hed just been handed the perfect solution to his problems. For the last week hed been thinking about nothing but his fathers ultimatum. Hed hoped by now Cesare would admit hed been totally unreasonable because of his health scare, but the wily old bastard hadnt backed down. When Cesare Valente wanted something he usually got it.
Not that hed said anything to his father about it. At first hed been determined not to give in to Cesares demand and planned on ignoring it as long as he could.
But the guilt had been getting to him. How could he let the family business be handed over to a bunch of strangers? More importantly, how could he let Nick and Matt lose their rightful inheritance?
Now he didnt have to, he decided. Hed grant part of his fathers wish only because hed found a suitable woman.
As for producing a childCesare could whistle in the dark over that. His father would be retiring within the next couple of months anyway and wouldnt be able to maintain his control over the business. No, a child wouldnt be a part of the bargain.
It would be just him and the blonde. If she was as captivating as she looked, and if she was available, then hed found the woman to marry.
Olivia Cannington.
Good evening, Mr. Valente, Olivia replied with as much cool politeness as she could. Shed recognized Alex Valentes name as soon as her business partner had introduced them. The House of Valente was well-known throughout Australia for its excellence in perfume design and production.
Alex, he invited, his slate-gray eyes sweeping over her with a burning intensity that made her heart bump against her ribs.
Holding on to her composure, she inclined her head. Alex. She ignored the meaningful look Lianne gave her before the other woman excused herself and took off across the room to see to their other guests.
Instead, she let a moment pass as she took a sip of her champagne and tried not to show how much this handsome man affected her.
Darn him. The party after the show was usually a lighthearted affair, with everyone relaxed and ready to enjoy themselves after all the hard work theyd put in to make the collection a success.
But Alex Valente had spoiled the whole thing for her tonight. From the moment hed stepped into the ballroom hed caught her attention. It was an attention she didnt welcome or need, but hed been staring at her so hard during the show shed lost her focus. It had unnerved her, making her stumble over her words. That had never happened to her before.
So she wasnt particularly happy about meeting him now. Did you enjoy the show? For all his sophistication, she suspected he was more at home working in his office than attending a fashion show.