Page 49 of Owned By a Billionaire

Turning away from my searching gaze as though my eyes were harsh sunlight, she stared down at her hands. “Isn’t that something we all do? It’s what keeps the world civilized. Imagine if everyone shared what really went on inside their complicated heads to all and sundry.”

“That’s not what I meant, Carol.”

Her gaze pierced me. “Don’t call me that.”

I winced. “Apologies.”

A faint, conciliatory smile chased away her scowl. “Getting back to earlier, I’d like to be married. To you.”

I crossed my legs for the umpteenth time and nodded as if I’d forgotten all about her proposal.

“Is it the prenuptial? Or is it because you’re uncertain about us as a couple?” Her gentle tone released some of the unease tensing my muscles.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look when you smile?”

“Well, yes.” Her eyes softened into a honey brown.

I had her sit on my lap, and she giggled.

“Mm…” Her eyelids grew heavy with lust. “I can feel you.” She slid off my lap and straightened her dress. “I can’t, unfortunately. I’m waiting for Drake.”

“He’s doing some digging?” I knew about the bones and the detectives and how preoccupied Caroline was, but unsurprisingly, she wouldn’t elaborate when I asked. “Why don’t you take me into your confidence? I feel like an outsider.”

She puffed. “I have a complicated past, darling.”

“Don’t we all.” I walked over to the coffee table and picked up a magazine. “If anything, I know nothing about you, but yet here we are, about to marry.”

“Are we? Is that your roundabout way of accepting?” Her face tilted slightly.

“I want to know you, Caroline. I mean, even me using your diminutive generated a barbed response.”

“Now you’re exaggerating. I just prefer my name spoken in long form.”

I blew out a frustrated breath. “Enough of the bullshit, Caroline. If we’re to marry, I need to understand you, especially our strange encounters in shoddy places.”

“You seem just as aroused,” she challenged.

I sighed. “That’s because it’s you. I’d meet you in hell if you’d ask me.”

Her eyebrows rose sharply.

Sadly, it was true, and I hated how weak I suddenly sounded. I approached her and took her into my arms, kissing her warm, soft neck. “I’ve never felt so aroused. You’re a seductress, Caroline.”

“Then marry me.”

I searched for a hint of irony, but she remained earnest. “Isn’t marriage about two souls dancing as one?”

She sniffed dismissively. “That’s the poet’s version, darling. Most marriages are a business arrangement.”

“Like your marriage with Harry?”

She gave a slightly sad nod. “He was my best friend, too.”

“And gay.”

She shrugged. “I didn’t go without.”

“No. You ended up with his partner.”

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