Page 133 of His Christmas Temptation

He laughed. “What do you know about those things?”

“I read articles and watch documentaries.” In fact, it was a guilty pleasure. She read everything she could about the Skull and Bones, the Yale society that three US presidents belonged to. People who belonged to those types of organizations went on to become the world’s power elite. From what she knew of her boss, he definitely belonged to that class.

“I see.”

“And honestly, everyone I’ve run across who is a member of a civic group is more than happy to talk about it, as if listing off their resume. Ergo…”

He waited.

“Whatever you’re involved with has to be a secret society.”

“If the whole admin assistant gig doesn’t work out for you, you could try becoming a detective.”

Beneath the blanket, she drummed her fingers on her thigh. “Which is the confirmation I was seeking. If I was wrong, you would have said so.” And it explained so much. His connection to Bonds. The reason he’d been able to recover his financial resources so quickly. He was talented, no doubt. But it went beyond that to friendships and kinship with others. “I’m confused as to why you’re the CEO at Christoff if you have your own company.”

“A temporary position. Turnaround CEO, not one who leads in times of long-term growth.”

“Makes sense.” And also explained the other numerous management changes that had been made. All his own people, no doubt.

The next choice would be someone to focus on growth and sustainability.

Projects that Sylvia had been planning over the next three years had been accomplished in months, even weeks, under Frost’s tenure. And he’d done it all with fewer employees as well.

Her respect for him, no matter how grudging, built. But she told herself she didn’t have to like him or his tactics to recognize their success. “You were starting to tell me why you told your grandmother we’re married.”

“My grandparents had a very solid relationship. Grandfather counted on Gran. She was his closest confidante, and he credited her with all his success. Despite what happened to my mom, Gran continues to believe in strong family ties. So she found a wife for me.”

“She did…what?”That sounded positively medieval.

“It took me a few months to figure out what she was up to. But every party or event I was invited to, Milena was there. We were seated next to each other at meals, and Gran took pains to ensure we were often left alone. Since I was clueless, Milena told me she expected a proposal this year. Evidently Gran told her that’s what I was planning.”

“So instead of telling your grandmother that you weren’t interested in marriage, you came up with a wife of your own.”

“At the time, it seemed expedient.”

“If not entirely honest.”

“If I hadn’t proposed to Milena, Gran would have found someone else. Since she wants to see me settled, she wouldn’t have given up.”

“Determination runs in your family.”

“It does. And I know what kind of partner I ultimately want.”

“Do you?” She leaned forward to pick up her cup and took a final drink.

“I learned my lesson with Greta. I won’t marry for convenience sake or allow anyone to find me a bride who is regarded as suitable.”

“Oh?”

“I’m looking for a woman who is smart. Beautiful. Cares about others. Someone I have things in common with.”

“Such as?”

“An interest in business.” He waited for a moment. “BDSM.”

Her insides tangled into a knot. Though kink had never been a big part of any of her relationships, she too wanted that. Not just for the stress relief but for a sense of interconnection, one like she’d shared with him after their scene.

Too nervous to pick up the thread of his conversation, she once again asked about his grandmother. “Do you think she’ll believe we’re married?”

---