Page 125 of In Love with a Cruel Billionaire

Stung at the thought that Vilma perhaps thought him unworthy of her niece, he murmured, “With all due respect, Attorney Tanner, but that’s not for you to decide.” His eyes flashed, the usual friendliness in them turning into the cold glittery gaze of a natural-born killer. “If I care to seduce her, I will. Perhaps you should think twice about considering me for this job.”

Vilma sighed. “Now I have offended you when I did not mean to. I only meant she isnotthe woman who will be able to love you the way you deserve. Do not ask me why or how I know it. I only do.”

He snapped, “You make her sound so irresistible.”

“To men like you, yes. Someone like my nieceisirresistible.” She opened the folder and unclipped the large print of Mairi’s photo. “This is my niece.”

Drake took the photo.

And stared.

And knew.

A heart-shaped face of almost old-fashioned beauty, the loveliest smile in the world, and oh, a voluptuous figure that begged for a dominating man’s caress. But what really had him holding his breath was the innocent hope in her eyes—-

This girl...

No matter what life would throw at her, she was the kind who believed in the pot of gold at the end of every rainbow.

She reminded him so strongly of Yanna it made Drake swallow.

“Do you understand now?” Vilma asked. “The risk isn’t to your life. It’s to your heart.” She waited tensely for Drake to speak, secretly disliking the fact that this man was one of the few individuals she had no control over.

“I accept the job.”

She started to breathe—-

“But only if it will be on my terms.”

Vilma’s eyebrows shot up. “What terms?”

Drake’s face was impassive as he said, “I will not hide your niece from Leventis. If you entrust her in my care, I will make sure that she becomes strong enough to face him alone.”

She threw her hands up in frustration. “But can’t you see? He’s hurt her too much—-”

“And he will always hurt her through their memories if you do not allow me to help her face the truth.” Drake’s gaze strayed back towards the photo he still held in his hands. “I will not fall in love with your niece, Ms. Tanner. It’s impossible for me to fall in love with anyone. But what I can promise is that I will do my damnedest to make her fall out of love with Leventis.” And in his mind, Drake added silently,and it will happen even if it means making your niece think she is slowly falling for me instead.

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