She held his gaze. I met Eric when I was just starting out as a designer. I was working in Paris and he was this really handsome, debonair Englishman. Id never met anyone like him before. A derisive sound emerged from her throat. I dont want to meet anyone like him again.
He cheated on you. It was a statement, not a question.
Her expression clouded. Yes. He thought I had a personal fortune because of my mother. When he discovered that she wasnt supporting me as much as he thought, he dumped me for a woman who had more money.
Anger rippled through Alex. The bastard.
She inclined her head. Thanks. I know it sounds horrible, but by that stage I was glad to get rid of him.
No, what sounds horrible is him using you the way he did.
Thank you, she whispered. She looked hesitant, then said, Hes the main reason I have trouble trusting people these days.
Alex knew that took a lot to admit. Yet, as a stranger, you trusted me enough to marry me.
Her tight expression relaxed into a smile. Yeah, go figure.
Something warmed inside him, but before he could savor the moment, their meal arrived. The food was superb and afterward they strolled along the promenade. He couldnt wait to get her home and make love to her.
And when they finally made it to their bedroom and he pulled her into his arms, he felt her tremble from head to toe in a way that none of his other lovers ever had. It made him feel special, as though he was the only man on earth who could fulfill her needs.
And that affected him more than anything.
Chapter Six
The next morning, Olivia couldnt settle. She and Alex rose late then had breakfast together in the sunroom, but he was preoccupied and soon afterwards went to the study to work. She knew he had a lot to prepare with the launch of the perfume in a few weeks time, but she still had to fight that feeling of neglect again. So she made calls to Lianne and her mother, only to find they were still getting along just fine without her.
Everyone seemed to be busy except her.
She needed to throw herself into work.
Without warning a vision came to her for her next design and she remembered the colors of the lightblue sky blending with the dark-blue ocean spilling white froth along the golden sand. The effect was eye-catching and perfect for her next designs.
She would call it the Valente Collection, she decided. After all, she was a Valente now, if only temporarily. And Alex had said they could eventually combine her designs with Valentes Woman perfume.
She hurried to find her sketchbook and pencils, intending to sit on the balcony and draw with the full view of the ocean before her. Only, this far away the vibe wasnt quite the same. She needed to get up closer and steep herself in the colors and textures of the scene. It was important that she connect with her surroundings.
Alex need never know, she decided as she left the house. Heck, she wasnt going to be told what to do anyway. If she wanted to go down to the beach, she would. This was her work, and she wasnt going to miss out on an opportunity just to appease a husband who was busy with his own work anyway.
Of course, walking along the dirt path to the beach hadnt seemed scary when she was with Alex, but now she could hear all sorts of noises in the grass that reminded her of snakes.
She picked up a long stick just in case, and made sure her footsteps trod heavily, hoping any slithery surprises would hear her coming and disappear into the longer grass.
It was a relief when she reached the beach, but she didnt want to think about the walk back to the house so she put it out of her mind. In next to no time, shed made herself comfortable on the sand, with a small grassy dune at her back as she reached for her pencils, blocked out the world and began to let the magic take over.
She had no idea how long she stayed there, but it wasnt until a shadow fell across her that she realized it must have been a while, perhaps even a couple of hours. She looked up and angled her chin, expecting it to be Alex. Only the man standing there didnt resemble her husband at all.
In his fifties, he leaned forward and looked at the design on the paper. Is that going to be in your next collection?
A reporter.
Ignoring him, she quickly closed her sketchbook and got to her feet. In her haste, she dropped the book and gasped when he scooped it up before she could.
She held out her hand. That belongs to me. If you dont return it Ill call the police.
Little lady, I intend to return it, he said with a smirk. After you answer a few questions for me.
An interview.
Look, you obviously know who I am. You must also know that Im on my honeymoon. She wanted to snatch the book out of his hand, but she made herself stay calm.
Speaking of honeymoons, Im surprised your husband lets you out of his sight.
She knew that whatever she said could be misconstrued. If she said Alex was working, this man would make something of it and report that their marriage was already on the rocks. If she said Alex was napping, the papers would report him ill, or worse, on his deathbed.
Hell be along shortly, she said, hoping to give herself time to reason with this man.
He snorted.
And then, miracle of miracles, she saw Alex striding toward them, a thunderous expression on his face that she knew was for her. See, I told you, she told the older man and was pleased to see him blanch. Good. He was nothing but a bully.
Whats going on here? Alex demanded, stepping close, putting himself between her and the other man in a protective fashion.
She could afford to relax a little now. Alex, no need to worry. I dropped my sketchbook and this, erman was just giving it back. She held out her hand. Ill take that now, thank you.
The reporter looked at Alex then at her, then finally gave it back. Here we are, little lady.
Olivia took it, pretending she didnt want to snatch it to her breast. And if he called her little lady again shed probably hit him with it.
Alex turned to Olivia. Right. Lunch is ready, he said, then taking her by the elbow he shot the other man a hard look and led her away, a bit like a hardened criminal on the run. Any moment now, she expected him to bring out the handcuffs.
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
Prince of Midtown by Jennifer Lewis
&
Marriage, Manhattan Style by Barbara Dunlop
Dantes Contract Marriage by Day Leclaire
&
Pregnancy Proposal by Tessa Radley
The CEO Takes a Wife by Maxine Sullivan
&
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.