Page 23 of How to Undo the Proud Billionaire

“Sure, but it’s expensive. And I haven’t done your transfer yet and that amount of cash will take a couple of days to clear.” He named a figure that had her eyes widening. “Do you have that sort of cash lying around?”

Brin shook her head. “No.”

He didn’t think so.

“I could hire a car…”

What the hell? Why was she so determined to get away, to leave him? And wasn’t he feeling like a complete idiot for talking to her about his parents, for opening up?

So stupid.

“Brinley, what is the problem? You obviously don’t have any commitments back in Cape Town. You’re staying in a luxurious villa at one of the world’s best safari operations. We have world-class chefs, an extensive wine list and a spa. Consider the extra few days a holiday, a bonus for doing such a fabulous job on the flowers.”

Brin pushed her curls back, pleasure at his compliment in her light, bright eyes. “You really like the flowers, don’t you?”

“I told you I did, didn’t I?” Radd snapped, confused by her lack of confidence. Why couldn’t she see how good she was and why did she seem to need assurance? This woman was a constant contradiction; he couldn’t figure her out.

And if she stayed, he’d have a couple more days to do that.

And more opportunities to get her into bed.

Because really, that’s what he wanted. He wanted to explore her long, slim body with its subtle curves, feel the weight of her breasts in his hand, pull her nipple into his mouth. Explore all those soft, secret, wonderful, feminine places he adored…

While they were both stuck in Kagiso they could indulge in a no commitment, no promises affair… Short on drama, but long on pleasure.

But Radd knew he couldn’t push her, that if he did, she’d find a way to haul her very pretty ass back to Cape Town.

“Tell me about your guests?”

It was a strange question and not one he’d expected. But, because it was a little step in the right direction, he quickly answered her. “Naledi Radebe, obviously, and her parents, Vincent and June Radebe.” He racked his brain, trying to remember who else would be attending the pre-wedding week. He mentioned a couple of names, and Brin didn’t react.

“You didn’t mention the groom,” Brin pointed out.

“Apparently he’s on a film set and the movie only wraps up on Wednesday night. He and the best man will fly in on Thursday night. It’s a sore point and the bride is not happy.”

Brin’s shoulders dropped an inch. “And do you expect me to spend a lot of time with them?”

God,no. “Hell,Idon’t expect to spend a lot of time with them,” he replied. “I might have to join them one night for dinner, maybe for a drink occasionally, but this is a family holiday. They don’t want me there all the time. And I, most definitely, do not want to spend a lot of time with them.”

“Not your type of people?” Brin asked.

Few were. He far preferred to be on his own, or with Digby. “It’s a business relationship, and I like to keep clear boundaries.”

Those boundaries were important, in business and in his personal life. Can you try and remember that, Tempest-Vane, and stop talking to her about your family?Radd looked at his watch. “So, are you staying or going, Brinley?”

Brin twisted her lips, obviously deep in thought. “I’ll stay, if I can keep a low profile. And I don’t want you telling the bride, or any of the wedding party, that I did the flowers. Tell them that you hired a designer from Cape Town and that she’s already left.”

“Why on earth would I do that?” Radd demanded. The bouquets were stunning, why wouldn’t she want to take the credit for them? “Look, the Radebes might not be my cup of tea, but they are influential and if they know that you did the flowers, they might use you again.”

Brin shook her head. “Don’t tell them, Radd. Please?”

If this was her attitude toward potential business, then she would never make it. But that, Radd reminded himself, wasn’t his problem. Brin would be out of his life soon, a lovely memory. If he ever thought about her at all.

He only wanted her in his life for the next few days. And, judging by his past encounters with the fairer sex, five days of her constant company was about three days too many. He got claustrophobic and irritated when he was in someone’s company for too long; Brin wouldn’t be any different. And, let’s be honest here—because he always was—if they didn’t end up sleeping together, it was going to be a goddamn long week.

Because,people.

As much as he wished things could be different, that he had a normal approach to relationships, the truth was that he was the product of two of the most dysfunctional people in the world. His parents not only had a wide-open marriage, but they’d had no loyalty to each other or to the rest of their family. Their pleasures and gratification—sexual, financial and emotional—always came first.

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