He’s waited patiently for payback.

It arrives on his wedding day.

Gage Campbell has Fallon Stewart right where he wants her. Ever since his mother was fired for Fallon’s teen antics, Gage has held a grudge. Now the roles are reversed. Gage got rich, and Fallon is desperate to save her family’s company. He’ll gladly step up. But Fallon must become his bride. The danger? Losing himself in the woman...and forgetting the revenge!

YAHRAH ST. JOHN is the author of thirty books. When she’s not at home crafting one of her spicy romances featuring compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, she is gourmet cooking or travelling the globe seeking out her next adventure. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America. Visit www.yahrahstjohn.com for more info.

Also by Yahrah St. John

Mills & Boon DesireThe Stewart Heirs

At the CEO’s Pleasure

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His Marriage Demand

Yahrah St. John

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09257-9

HIS MARRIAGE DEMAND

© 2019 Yahrah Yisrael

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

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To my best friend and sister,

Dimitra Astwood, who passed away

while I wrote this, but will live on in my heart.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Dedication

Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Epilogue

About the Publisher

Prologue

Fallon’s hands trembled with anger as she placed the phone receiver in its cradle. Rising from her chair, she strode across her stylishly appointed corner office and stared out the window overlooking downtown Austin. Although she understood why her older brother, Ayden, wasn’t returning her calls, she was still annoyed he’d gone to Jamaica while she was in such a desperate state.

Stewart Technologies was on the brink of bankruptcy. As CEO, Fallon had done her best to keep the company afloat, working sixty-and eighty-hour work weeks, but she was bailing water from a sinking ship. The last few weeks she’d been unsuccessful in her attempts to secure a bank loan.

She’d gone to Ayden, the black sheep in the Stewart family, for assistance nearly a month ago. Ayden had rejected her assertion that he help the “family business.” The more Fallon thought about it, why should Ayden rescue the company started by a father who would never claim him as his son? Ayden owed no allegiance to her or any other Stewart for that matter.

Was it any wonder he’d ignored her calls?

Although she’d acquired personal wealth of her own through sound investments, Fallon wasn’t in a position to bail out the company. Her baby brother, Dane, certainly wasn’t about to, either. He, like Ayden, wanted nothing to do with Stewart Technologies. Dane was happiest in front of a camera being someone else, and it served him well. He was an A-list actor and got paid millions of dollars. Fallon doubted he’d put up his hard-won earnings to save a company he’d never wanted any part of in the first place.

What was she going to do?

* * *

“Perhaps you should let it fail,” Shana said when they met up for drinks at their favorite martini bar across town an hour later. Shana Wilson was one of Fallon’s favorite cousins on her mother’s side. Nora hated them spending time together because she tried to disassociate herself from her back-country roots. But Fallon didn’t care. Shana was loud and opinionated but down-to-earth.

Fallon stared at Shana incredulously. After all the hard work she’d put into Stewart Technologies, interning in the summer while home from Texas A&M University, learning the business from the ground up and climbing the ladder to finally sit in the CEO chair, she was supposed to give it all up? “Have you lost your mind?”

Shana chuckled. “Don’t have a coronary. It was just a suggestion. I hate seeing you stressed out.”

An audible sigh escaped Fallon’s lips. “I’m sorry, Shana. I know I haven’t been a joy to hang with lately.”

Shana had come dressed for the evening. She was wearing a glittery sleeveless top, miniskirt, strappy heels and large gold-hoop earrings. Her curly weave hung in ringlets to her shoulders. Shana was on the prowl for more than a martini and usually Fallon didn’t mind playing wing woman, but she was in a sour mood.

“No, you haven’t been,” Shana said, sipping her drink, “but that’s why I asked you to come out tonight. All you do is work and go home to that mausoleum. You are too uptight.” Shana looked around the room at the host of men milling around. “Maybe if you met a man and got some good loving, you’d loosen up a bit. I bet I know who could loosen you up while supplying you with the cash influx you need.”

Fallon sat forward in her seat. Although she loved her cousin, she doubted Shana, who worked as a hair stylist at a trendy salon, knew much about finance. “Oh, yeah? And who might that be?”

“Gage Campbell ring a bell?”

Fallon’s heart plummeted at the sound of his name. “G-Gage?”

“Yeah, you remember him? The guy you had the hots for, for over a decade?”

How could Fallon forget? She’d thrown herself at him and inadvertently set in motion a course of events even she, at her tender age of sixteen, couldn’t have predicted. “Of course I remember. What about him?”

“Word in the salon is he’s back in town,” Shana responded. “A couple of clients have come in talking about dating him. He owns a successful mutual fund business and has become quite the catch. Not to mention, he’s still as sexy as when we first saw him when we were eight years old.”

Fallon would never forget that day. She’d been prancing around on her pony when Gage and his mother Grace toured the estate with Nora. Fallon had been showing off and the pony had become agitated and thrown her. If it hadn’t been for Gage’s quick reaction and his catching her before she landed, Fallon would surely have broken something. When he’d looked at her with his dazzling brandy-colored eyes, Fallon had fallen head-over-heels in love with the twelve-year-old boy.

Fallon blinked and realized her cousin was still talking. “According to his current lady loves, he knows his way around the bedroom, if you catch my drift.”

There was no mistaking Shana’s meaning and Fallon blushed.

“Oh, lord.” Shana rolled her eyes upward. “We really do need to get you out if a little girl talk makes you blush. Perhaps Gage could help with Stewart Technologies? I hear he’s quite the financial wizard.”

“That might be so, but Gage would never lift a hand to help me,” Fallon replied. Why would he? She’d ruined his life and she only had herself to blame.

One

Two weeks later

“Stewart Technologies is in dire straits,” Fallon told her parents over Sunday dinner.

Thinking about the past and what she’d done to Gage Campbell had weighed heavily on her mind ever since she’d had drinks with Shana a couple of weeks ago.

Fallon had never been able to forget the hateful stare Gage had given her moments before her father had closed the cottage door all those years ago. She’d never learned what had happened to Gage and his mother after they’d left Stewart Manor. She hadn’t wanted to know because she’d been the cause of his mother losing her livelihood and the guilt had eaten her up. She’d felt so bad that she hadn’t balked when her parents had sent her to a finishing school her final year of high school to avoid her spending time with the “wrong crowd.”

“Must you be so dramatic?” Nora Stewart said, glancing at her daughter from the opposite end of the table. Even though it was just the three of them at dinner, her mother had insisted on eating in the formal dining room when Fallon would rather be in the kitchen.

Her mother was the epitome of sophistication, wearing cream slacks and a matching cardigan set. Her smooth chestnut-brown hair was stylishly cut in a chin-length bob while her makeup was perfection. Nora was well-preserved thanks to personal trainers and weekly visits to the salon and spa for massages and facials. Since marrying Henry Stewart and becoming pregnant with Fallon, Nora hadn’t worked. Why should she when she was lady of the manor?

“I’m not being dramatic,” Fallon responded. “We’re bleeding money and it has to stop.”

“And whose fault is that?” Henry inquired. “You’ve been CEO for two years now.”

When she’d turned thirty Fallon thought she’d finally achieved the height of her career only to find out it had been built on quicksand. Stewart Technologies was leveraged to the hilt all because of her father’s poor judgment and her mother’s notorious spending habits. Every few years she was constantly redecorating Stewart manor to keep up with the latest fads and, as for fashion, there wasn’t a bag, shoe or piece of clothing in her mother’s closet that didn’t have a designer label.

“Not mine,” Fallon said hotly. “Stewart Technologies was in trouble well before I became CEO.”

“You’re the leader now and it’s up to you to fix things. It’s what you said you wanted, Fallon,” her father replied. “It’s time you show what you’re made of instead of running to me.”

Fallon bristled at that. She’d come to level with her parents, but clearly they were beyond reason. They wanted to stick their heads in the sand and refuse to accept the inevitable: that they were running out of funds and wouldn’t be able to live in the style to which they were accustomed. “I have shown my commitment to the company over the last decade. But since it’s clear I don’t have your support, I’ll take my leave.” She rose from her seat and made for the door.

“Sit down, Fallon.” Her father trained his hazel-gray eyes on her, causing Fallon to pause and retrace her steps.

“If you’re going to talk business—” Nora used her napkin to lightly tap the sides of her mouth “—I’m going to make myself scarce because it’s such a bore.”

Fallon sucked in a deep breath and reminded herself to count to ten, which was more than enough time for her mother to depart. She loved Nora, but she found her exhausting.

“Yes, Father?” Fallon turned and, for the first time, truly looked at her father. She saw more salt and pepper in his normally black hair and a few more lines were etched across his features, showing life wasn’t as easy as her mother portrayed.

“I’m sorry if I was harsh before,” Henry said. “I know you’ve been doing your best.”

“Which isn’t good enough,” Fallon stated. “Don’t you get it? We could lose everything.”

“Surely it’s not as dire as you predict?” Henry countered.

“It is. I’ve exhausted all options,” Fallon said. “I even asked Ayden for the money.”

Her father’s eyes widened. “Why on earth would you do such a thing? He isn’t a member of this family. How much did you tell him of our circumstances? What did he say?”

Fallon waited for her father to finish peppering her with questions before answering. Did he wonder if Ayden had told her about his infidelity with her mother? “I was desperate. But I didn’t get to explain because he told me he isn’t interested in bailing out our company because he’s not a part of this family.” She didn’t share that Ayden had had a change of heart and had come to her days ago.

Henry sighed. “It’s just as well. We don’t need him. You can figure this out, Fallon. There’s a reason I let you become CEO.”

“Let me?” Fallon repeated. “I worked hard to get where I am. I don’t recall Dane or even Ayden getting in line to step in your shoes.”

“Listen here, young lady—” he began.

“Don’t bother chastising me, Father,” Fallon interrupted. “I’m the only child you have who cares one iota about Stewart Technologies, so I suggest you stop fighting me and get Mother to understand we are just a few steps away from going broke.”

Fallon shot to her feet and, without another word, left the room, her stunned father sitting with his mouth open at her insolence. She walked quickly to the door and headed for her cottage. Her haven. Her safe place.

The cool night air hit her immediately when she exited. The leaves that had begun falling a few weeks ago crunched under her heels, signaling fall was in full swing. Once inside the cottage, Fallon turned on the lights and sagged against the door. Why was it she felt safe here? The one place that had once caused such misery to others.

Her mother had long since renovated the cottage after the Campbells left. It now had an open concept with a stainless-steel kitchen, sitting area, master suite with en suite bath as well as guest bedroom and powder room. It was all Fallon needed while allowing her to be close to her horse, Lady.

Kicking off her boots, Fallon plopped onto her plush leather sofa, leaned back and thought about the weekend. Once again, she’d scoured the books looking for ways to make cuts and keep the company afloat, but it was pointless. They were going under. And tonight was a complete bust. Her parents refused to accept their new reality: they were broke. The only bright spot had been on Friday evening when Ayden had shown up at her office. He’d looked drawn and tired, and there were lines under his eyes, but he’d wanted to talk. She’d been hard on him because he’d treated her like the enemy for years. She and Dane had been the chosen ones, the children Henry Stewart claimed while leaving Ayden to languish in poverty with his mother.

Fallon understood she’d had the life denied him: the houses, cars, travel, fancy clothes and schools. He’d listened when she’d explained it hadn’t been easy for her, either, with a disinterested, self-absorbed mother and a demanding father who’d pushed her to excel. She was angry that Ayden blamed her when she’d only been a child. However, Ayden had told her he was sorry for ignoring her calls and for turning down her requests for a loan. He wanted to start over, to try to be a family, a brother to her and Dane.

Fallon had been overjoyed. Then Ayden had held her hand and shockingly offered to give her—not the company—a personal loan. Fallon knew the sacrifice it had taken for him to make the offer. But, after everything he’d been through, her pride wouldn’t allow her to accept his money, knowing how their father treated him. He hadn’t supported Ayden as a child. Not to mention she’d had more advantages than Ayden had ever had. She couldn’t take his hard-earned money, money he might need one day for his future. He’d nodded and let her keep her pride. And they’d agreed to take baby steps and work on their sibling relationship. Fallon couldn’t wait to tell Dane. She hoped he would be as happy as she was to forge a bond with their big brother.

* * *

“Welcome back to Austin, old friend,” Theo Robinson said to Gage Campbell when they met up for lunch at the country club. They were sitting outside on the terrace by the fire pit, drinking brandy and reminiscing about the good old days.

“It’s good to be back,” Gage said. And it was. It had been well over a decade since he’d lived in Texas. After finishing college at the University of Texas at Austin, he’d gone on to New York and then overseas to make his fortune. Now that he was a successful man in his own right, he’d come back to his hometown to settle down and take care of his mother. Though he doubted Grace Campbell felt she needed taking care of. Although she’d retired a few years ago, his mother was active and traveled the world with her circle of friends. She deserved it after all the hard work she’d endured to ensure he’d had a future.

“What’re your plans now that you’re here?” Theo inquired.

Gage sat back in his seat and regarded his friend. “Settle in, find a nice home and a good woman and have some babies.”

“Oh, really?” Theo raised an eyebrow. “Since when? I thought you were a die-hard bachelor.”

“I was. Hell, I still am,” Gage replied. “I’m still indulging until I find Mrs. Campbell.”

“Look out, women of Austin!” Theo laughed and drank his brandy.

“There’s only one woman who should ever fear me,” Gage said, a serious tone to his voice.

“Let me guess. Fallon Stewart? I would think after all this time and your success, you would have forgotten the mistakes made by a young, naïve girl.”

“She wasn’t so naïve if she had the audacity to show up to my house half naked,” Gage responded. He’d never forgotten how stunned he’d been after having a few beers at the bar only to come home to find Fallon in his bed.

“She was sixteen with a crush on you,” Theo said. “She was feeling herself, but then her parents caught her. She got scared and lied about what happened.”

“Her lies cost my mother her job. And without references from the Stewarts, Mama couldn’t find work. It took her months to recover, especially since the Stewarts were paying her minimum wage to work day and night.”

“Well, she recovered and so have you. I mean look at you.” Theo motioned to him. “You’re the wizard of Wall Street. I’d say you’ve done well.”

“No thanks to the Stewarts.”

Theo sighed. “Then you’ll probably be glad to hear this. The rumor is that Stewart Technologies is leveraged to the max. No bank will loan them money and they’ve run out of options.”

“Serves Henry right,” Gage responded. “Though I have to wonder what happened. I thought he had a good head on his shoulders. I even looked up to him once upon a time, admired him when he took me under his wing.”

“Henry Stewart isn’t running the show.”

A knot formed in Gage’s stomach. He didn’t need Theo to say his next words; he already knew. “Fallon’s in charge.”

“She’s been looking for a handout from anyone she can and has come up empty.”

“Is that so?” Gage rubbed his jaw. Fallon Stewart had been taken down a peg and was essentially on the street begging for scraps. Now, if that wasn’t karma, he didn’t know what was.

“Could be a good time to go in with a consortium and pick up the pieces,” Theo stated. “Think about it.”

The two men parted right after lunch, but Gage didn’t return home to his penthouse at the Austonian in downtown Austin until late evening. It was a temporary oasis with all the modern conveniences a bachelor required. There was a large television with a surround-sound system, an enormous master suite with a king-size bed and a luxurious master bath with room for more than one occupant in the hot tub and massive steam shower.

He went to the wet bar, opened the snifter of brandy and poured himself a glass. He swirled the alcohol around and took a generous, satisfying sip. Sliding the pocket door to his balcony aside, he opened the living room to the oversize terrace with its panoramic views. Austin’s city lights twinkled in the distance, but Gage didn’t see them. All he saw was a beautiful teenager, wearing the sexiest teddy he’d ever laid eyes on, in his bed. Gage gritted his teeth and forced himself to remember that night. He hadn’t just been angry when he’d found Fallon in his bed. He’d been intrigued.

Fallon had been everything he wasn’t. Spoiled. Rich. Entitled. She’d had more money than she’d known what to do with, ponies and cars, while he’d worked two jobs. He hadn’t wanted to want her, but he had. He’d seen the coy looks Fallon had given him when she’d thought he wasn’t looking, but she’d been sixteen. Jailbait. Gage had been determined to steer clear, but she’d poked the bear and Gage had hauled her against him and kissed her.

If her parents had found them any later, the result might have been him being led off in handcuffs. Instead he and his mother had been shown the door. But now things had changed. He held all the cards and Fallon was on the bottom. He was no longer at the mercy of the Stewarts and whatever scraps they doled out to him. Gage relished how the tables had turned.

* * *

Fallon arrived at the Stewart Technologies’ offices the next morning feeling out of sorts. She hadn’t slept well the night before. She’d been thinking about her lack of a love life. It had been ages since she’d been on a proper date, let alone had a steady boyfriend.

She tried to focus on the day ahead. There were several meetings scheduled, including a negotiation to sell off one of the company’s long-held nanotech patents. Fallon didn’t want to do it—it was one of her father’s significant achievements—but she was running out of options. The cash influx would stave off the bank and ensure thousands of employees kept their jobs.

The morning flew by quickly with Fallon only stopping long enough to eat a quick salad her assistant, Chelsea, had fetched from the deli downstairs.

Fallon was poring over financials when a knock sounded on the door. “Not now, Chelsea, I’m in the middle of something,” she said without looking up.

“You don’t have time for an old friend?”

Fallon’s heart slowed at first and she closed her eyes, leaning back in her leather executive chair. Surely, it couldn’t be. Perhaps she was imagining things, conjuring up the past. Because she hadn’t heard that deep masculine voice in over sixteen years. Inhaling deeply, she snuck a glance at the man standing in the doorway of her office and was bowled over.

It was none other than Gage Campbell.

How? Why was he here at her office? A morass of feelings engulfed her and she tingled from head to toe. The last time she’d seen Gage there had been nothing but hatred in his eyes, not the amused expression he now wore. Fallon reminded herself to breathe in then breathe out.

Calm yourself. Don’t let him see he’s affected you.

So instead she took the offensive. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Two

“Hello to you, too, Fallon.” Gage closed the door behind him and strode toward her desk.

Fallon regarded him from where she sat. Her blood pumped faster as she took in the sight of him. Time had been very good to Gage Campbell. Immaculate and imposingly masculine, he was utterly breathtaking. With his neatly cropped hair, warm caramel-toned skin, thick, juicy lips, bushy eyebrows and those brandy-colored eyes framed by black lashes that always drew her to them, he was impossible to ignore.

He was even sexier than the last time she’d seen him especially with those broodingly intense eyes. He reeked of money and looked as if he was born to wear the bespoke three-piece designer suit, cream shirt with striped tie and polished designer shoes. Fallon knew he hadn’t always been this way. The Gage of yesteryear was happier in faded jeans and a wife-beater mucking out stables. The man in front of her was far removed from those days. He stood confident and self-assured.

“I hope I pass the mustard,” Gage said after her long perusal.

Fallon blushed at having been caught openly staring and glanced up to find Gage’s eyes trained on her. She blinked to refocus. “My apologies. I’m just surprised to see you after all this time.”

“I’m sure,” Gage responded as he unbuttoned several buttons on his jacket before sitting across from her. Fallon remembered how impossible it had always been to resist those dangerous gleaming eyes of his and today was no different. He looked intriguing, like a total enigma. “It’s been what—sixteen years since we last saw each other? You’re all grown up.” He dropped his gaze and used the opportunity to give her a searing once-over.

Fallon was in her usual work mode. Her naturally wavy hair had been tamed with a flat iron until it lay in straight layers down her back while her makeup was simple: coal eyeliner, mascara, blush and lipstick. Having been blessed with her mother’s smooth café-au-lait skin, she required little makeup. And although she was no clothesmonger like Nora, Fallon always managed to be fashionable. She was sporting linen trousers with a sleeveless silk top. She’d abandoned the matching jacket earlier in the day. She wondered what Gage thought of her.

“Oh, yes, you’ve definitely matured since I last saw you.”

Fallon noticed his eyes creased at the corners when he spoke. The sly devil was actually staring right at her breasts and she felt her nipples pucker to attention in her blouse. Immediately she rose. “What can I do for you, Gage? I’m sure you didn’t come here for a walk down memory lane.”

His eyes narrowed and she could see she’d touched a nerve. “Now that wouldn’t be pleasant for either of us, would it?”

Fallon flushed. She’d never forgiven herself for the horrible action she’d taken that had caused his mother to lose her job. She wanted—no, she needed to apologize. “Gage, I’m—”

He interrupted her. “I’m here because Stewart Technologies is in financial trouble and I thought I could help.”

Her brow furrowed. “And why would you want to do that?”

Gage laughed without humor. “Is that any way to treat a potential investor? Or don’t you need an influx of capital to save your father’s company?”

“My company now.”

“I stand corrected.” He inclined his head. “I thought perhaps we could discuss the matter over dinner. My afternoon is rather full and I barely managed to squeeze in this reunion.”

“Dinner?” she choked out as she looked at him in bewilderment. Why would he want to break bread with her after their checkered past?

He tilted his head to one side and watched her, waiting for her to speak. “It’s the meal commonly eaten after lunch. Or do you have a problem being seen with the former maid’s son?”

Fallon looked him directly in his eyes and replied coolly, “Of course not. I’m not a snob.”

“Really?”

“You sound surprised.”

“If I recall, back in the day you wouldn’t be caught dead with me except in the stables or when we were alone.”

“That’s not true.” She felt the flush rise to her cheeks at the memory. “I didn’t want us to be disturbed. If my mother found out, she would have forbidden it because...”

“Because I wasn’t good enough for you.” Gage finished the sentence.

Fallon lowered her head. He was right. It’s what Nora had thought. But never Fallon. She’d been too much in love with Gage to see his class or station in life. Agreeing to dinner would show him he was wrong about her and that they were equals. It would also enlighten her as to his true motives.

Several seconds passed and she glanced up to find he’d leaned closer toward her. “Shall I pick you up?”

Fallon shook her head. “No, that’s not necessary. I can meet you wherever you like.”

“Still not wanting to be seen with me, eh?” Gage uncoiled his tall length, stood and rebuttoned his jacket. A deep chuckle escaped his lips as he made his way to the door. “I’ll meet you at the Driskill Grill at seven.”

And then he was gone, leaving Fallon to stare at the door. What was his real agenda?

* * *

Irritation fueled Gage as he headed for the elevator. He was offering Fallon a lifeline and she refused to even allow him to pick her up for dinner! Her arrogance irked him, but so did her beauty. He’d hoped to find a spoiled, selfish shell of a woman, but instead he’d found a stunning and fierce ice princess. Fallon Stewart wasn’t the young teenager he remembered. She was a woman. And it angered him that he still found her so...so damned attractive.

When he’d walked through the door and seen her, blood had stirred in his veins and his belly had clenched instantly. He’d wanted to touch her. To refamiliarize himself with her exquisitely soft skin. To crush those sinfully pink-tinted lips underneath his and lose himself. But Fallon had cast her eyes down and acted as if she was unaffected by him.

But the willful sexy teenager who’d come to his bed in the middle of the night wearing nothing but a teddy was still there. Gage was certain he’d seen a spark flare when her eyes traveled the length of him. Now they were both grown and consenting adults, and it was time they finished what they’d started sixteen years ago.

Resolve formed deep in the pit of his stomach. A twist of circumstances had turned the tables and the Stewarts were no longer on top and in a position of power. Gage was. Fallon was exposed, vulnerable and his for the taking. Last night he’d come up with a plan for revenge to finally get back at Fallon and the Stewarts for their treatment of him and his mother.

Stewart Technologies needed cash and Gage was the money man. He not only had loads of it himself, he knew how and where to acquire more. He would convince Fallon bygones were bygones and help the company with an influx of cash. Meanwhile he’d secretly purchase stocks until eventually he owned the lion’s share and could take it away from them. The best part in this entire scenario was the chance to bed Fallon, the overindulged princess.

Today when he’d seen her, something indefinable had happened. It was as if the years had melted away. Gage had been hit in the gut with the incredible need to possess her. He didn’t want any other man to have her, at least not until he’d had his fill.

When he exited the building and slid into the Bugatti waiting for him at the curb, a new idea began to form in Gage’s mind.

What if he married Fallon! For his help in saving the company, he would become a member of the acclaimed Stewart family and finally not only have Fallon in his bed, but have the prestige he’d always wanted. Because, try as he might, no matter how much money he made, there was a certain echelon of society that still saw him as the maid’s son. Wouldn’t it get their goat to have him rubbing elbows with the lot of them? To show them he wasn’t just the underprivileged kid-made-good? It was a brilliant strategy.

Fallon had no idea what was in store for her tonight.

As he started the engine, Gage’s cellphone rang. The display read Mom. “Hey, Mama. How are you?”

“I’d be doing a lot better if you came to see me. You’ve been back for a while and I’ve yet to see you.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been a little busy, and you were away on one of your trips. But I’ll visit this weekend.”

“Good. It’s good to have you back in Austin. It’s been much too long.”

“Yes, it has.” He hadn’t been home since he’d finished college and they both knew why. The Stewarts. Gage hadn’t thought he’d get a fair break in a town where Henry Stewart had so much power. But the tide had changed, providing Gage the opportunity to put a plan in place to give the Stewarts the comeuppance they so richly deserved.

* * *

Fallon didn’t have time to go home and change if she was going to be on time for dinner with Gage. A departmental meeting ended later than she’d anticipated, leaving her precious little time to shower in the private bathroom in her office and change into one of several dresses she kept on hand for such occasions. She chose a beaded champagne cocktail dress that accentuated her curves. Refreshing her makeup, she added a touch of blush to her cheekbones to go along with the mascara, eyeliner and pale pink lipstick.

Glancing at herself in the mirror, Fallon felt armed and ready for a night in Gage’s company. And she felt like she needed every bit of armor for this unexpected invitation.

Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, Fallon had wondered why Gage wanted to help her family. She’d come up with only one reason: comeuppance. After the way he’d been treated by the Stewarts, he wanted to be the one to come in on the white horse and save the day. Him, the man her father had thrown out of the house because he’d dared to touch his daughter. Gage wanted them to owe him.

Fallon didn’t much blame him.

Gage had every right to be angry over how he and his mother had been treated. But now the shoe was on the other foot. The Stewarts were the laughingstock of the business community, turned down by every bank in town because of her father’s poor decisions and financial mismanagement. Fallon hoped seeing how far they’d fallen from grace would be enough to salve Gage’s wounds.

She made it to the restaurant at seven o’clock on the nose.

The hostess led her to a secluded corner booth where Gage was already seated, wearing a fine, tailored suit. Had he booked this? Did he intend for it to be as romantic as it looked? A dark, quiet corner with a table for two?

He stood when she approached. “Fallon, you’re looking lovely this evening.” She was stunned when he kissed her on the cheek before she slid into the booth.

“Uh, thank you,” she returned, her pulse thumping erratically from the contact of his lips.

“I took the liberty of ordering wine,” Gage said, pinning her with his razor-sharp gaze. “A Montoya Cabernet. I hope that’s all right?”

She nodded, somewhat amazed at how at ease he was in a restaurant of such wealth and sophistication. He poured her a glass. She accepted and tipped her glass to his when he held it up for a toast.

“And what are we toasting?” she asked.

“New beginnings.”

Fallon sipped her wine. “Sounds intriguing.”

He grinned, showing off a pearly white smile, and Fallon’s stomach flip-flopped. “I’ve been away in New York and London the last decade. So, get me up to speed, Fallon. How did you end up as CEO of Stewart Technologies?”

“It’s really quite simple. My father needed an heir apparent,” Fallon said, “and I was the only one willing to step up to claim the throne.”

“You make it sound so medieval,” Gage responded, tasting his wine.

She smiled. “It isn’t that elaborate, I’m afraid. My brother Dane wanted nothing to do with the family business, much preferring his acting career to being an active member of the Stewart family.”

“Was it really so horrible growing up in the lap of luxury?” Gage inquired wryly.

Fallon detected the note of derision in his tone. “You’d have to ask him.”

The waiter interrupted them to rattle off the daily specials. They both ordered the soup to start, followed by the spinach salad and fish for their entrée. It was all very civilized and Fallon couldn’t understand Gage’s agenda. Why was he treating her like an old friend when she knew that was far from the case?

Once the waiter left, Gage prompted Fallon. “Please continue with your story, I’m fascinated.”

“After what happened between us all those years ago, my father was very unhappy with me.”

“Explain.”

She sighed softly but didn’t stop. “You have to understand, I was his baby girl.”

“Dressed like you were ready to take me to bed?”

Fallon didn’t rise to the bait. “Seeing me like that made him realize I was growing up too fast and he didn’t like it. And I was desperate to regain his affection.”

“Had you lost it?”

Gage was perceptive, picking up on what she hadn’t said. She didn’t answer. “He sent me to a finishing school to ensure I was exposed to the ‘right’ crowd.”

“And were you?”

Her lips thinned with irritation. “They were the snobbiest, cattiest girls I ever met. The teachers were like prison wardens. The entire experience was unpleasant.

“When I returned home, I started accompanying my father to the office and soon I wanted to learn more. My father put me in the intern program and, much to his surprise, I soaked up everything like a sponge. I was interested in learning what it took to run a multimillion-dollar company, so I majored in business. During breaks, I worked at Stewart Technologies, learning the business from the ground up while earning my MBA. Until, eventually, I proved to all the naysayers I had the chops to run the company.

“And, as it turned out, my father was ready to take a back seat. He’s now chairman of the board. Of course, I had no idea of the financial straits he was leaving me to tend to. He’d leveraged the business and owed the banks a substantial amount due to projects he’d started but failed to get across the finish line.”

“Very intriguing indeed,” Gage replied. “And here we are.”

Fallon took a generous sip of her wine. She hadn’t planned on revealing so much, but Gage was looking at her so intently, as if hanging on her every word.

“And you? Fill me in on your time abroad.”

Gage leaned back against the cushions. “I don’t think my story is quite as intriguing as yours.”

“But it clearly has a happy ending,” she replied. “I mean, look at where we are. The roles have been reversed.”

“Yes, they have,” Gage said quietly. “But I won’t sugarcoat it. After my mother and I were kicked off the Stewart estate, she had a hard time finding work, especially because your parents refused to give her a reference.”

“Gage...”

“I was young and resilient, with only a year left of college. I worked two or three jobs to keep us afloat. Once I finished school, I struck out on my own. A friend of mine worked on Wall Street and told me I could make a lot of money. The stock market had never really been my cup of tea but, lo and behold, I had a knack for it. From there I went to London, Hong Kong, making money in stocks and foreign trade. Until I settled on mutual funds and started my own business.”

“So why come back here?”

“Simply put, I missed home,” Gage replied. “I haven’t been back since I graduated other than the odd trip. Mostly, I’ve sent Mom tickets to meet me at some exotic destination. She deserved it, after all her years of menial labor.”

Although she’d never experienced the kind of hardship Gage mentioned, Fallon understood his drive to succeed because she shared it.

Over dinner they continued talking about his trading career, lifestyle and trips abroad before returning to the subject of Fallon. It surprised her how easy it was to talk to Gage, considering all that had transpired between them. It felt like a lifetime ago, but she was sure at some point Gage would be getting to the point of the evening.

“Are you having dessert?” Gage asked after they’d polished off nearly two bottles of wine with their meal.

She shook her head. “I couldn’t eat another bite.” She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “It’s been a lovely evening, Gage, but I’m sure that’s not the reason you asked me to dinner.”

“What do you think the reason is?”

“Payback. What else?” Fallon asked with a shrug of her shoulders. “And although I’m not destitute and put out of the family home, we are in a bind. Surely this must delight you?”

“Not everyone is like you and your family.”

Ouch. Fallon took that one on the chin because, after all this time, he deserved to speak his mind. “Why am I here, Gage?”

Gage leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and arresting her with his eyes. “I have a proposition for you.”

“And what might that be?”

“Marry me.”

Three

Fallon coughed profusely and reached for her water glass. Her hands trembled as she placed the glass to her lips and sipped. With all the wine they’d drunk, she must have taken leave of her faculties because Gage Campbell couldn’t possibly have asked her to marry him. Could he?

“Are you all right?” Gage asked, his voice etched with concern.

“Y-yes.” Fallon sipped her water again and placed the glass back on the table. “Can you repeat what you said?”

Gage’s mouth curved in a smile. “You heard me, Fallon. Marry me and, in exchange, I’ll give you the money you need to save your family business.”

She had heard correctly. But he was dead wrong if he thought for a second she would take him up on his outrageous offer. “Gage! What you’re suggesting is insanity! You didn’t even give an expiration date for this union. How long would you expect this to last?”

“It’s a business deal that will last as long as needed,” he stated calmly. “You get the money you need to save a dying technology firm, while I get a wife from an upstanding Austin family. Think about it, Fallon. Our marriage would legitimize my social standing while simultaneously letting all those pesky bankers who have been hounding you know the Campbell/Stewart family is as solid as ever.”

“That’s real vague. Plus there’s any number of society debutantes out there waiting to meet a catch like you, Gage. You don’t have to marry me.”

“But it’s you I want,” Gage responded. Within seconds he’d slid closer to her in the booth, until they were thigh-to-thigh.

Fallon flushed. “What are you saying?”

“A caveat to the marriage is it will not be in name only.”

“Meaning?”

“Do you really need me to spell it out?” His piercing look went straight through her. “We would consummate the marriage and share the same bed. Become lovers.”

Fallon sucked in a deep breath. Sweet Jesus! She had drunk too much wine because the words coming out of Gage’s mouth didn’t make any sense. She took another small sip of water.

“I think we would be quite good together,” Gage said, picking up her hand and turning it over palm side up.

Immediately she tried to pull it back, but his grip was too strong. “How can you say such a thing? I haven’t seen you in sixteen years.”

“Yet, you still want me.” His hold softened but he didn’t let her go. Instead his thumb began circling the inside of her palm, making her pulse race erratically. “I can see all the signs of arousal in you, Fallon—the way your eyes dilate when you look at me, the way your breath hitches when I come near. Even the way your breasts peak with one look from me.”

Fallon felt her cheeks flame. Was she so obvious that he could read her like a book? It was as though he’d put her under some kind of spell, the same as when she’d been sixteen. And why oh why wouldn’t he stop circling her palm with his thumb? He was teasing her and she didn’t like it. She jerked her hand free. “Stop it, Gage.”

“Stop what?” he asked so innocently she would have thought he meant it, but she knew better.

“Whatever game it is you’re playing.”

“No games. Just facts. I’m willing to give you millions to help Stewart Technologies, even though it’s been hemorrhaging money. I’m willing to give my money to help save your company. And in return, I offer you the chance to be my wife. I think it’s a fair trade.”

“Of course you would.” Fallon scooted out of the booth. “But I’m not a stock to be bought and traded. Furthermore, you got your signals wrong. I’m not interested in you in the slightest.” She made it as far as the foyer of the restaurant before Gage caught up to her and swung her into a nearby alcove.

“You’re not interested in me, eh?” Gage asked, stepping closer into her space. So close, her body was smashed against his. “How about we test that theory, shall we?”

She saw the challenge in his eyes seconds before his head lowered and he sealed his lips to hers. Fallon wanted to refuse him but the thrill of having his lips on hers again was too much to resist. Need unfurled in her, the likes of which she hadn’t felt since...since the last time he’d kissed her. No other man had ever come close to making her feel this way.

This hot. This excited.

Gage’s arm slid around her waist to the small of her back and he pressed her body even closer to his. Meanwhile his tongue breached her mouth, allowing him to increase the pressure, demand more and compel her to accept him. The kiss was hard yet soft, but also rough enough to thrill her. Fallon’s lips parted of their own accord and his tongue slid in. Teasing, stroking, tasting the soft insides of her mouth.

Fallon whimpered and her stance relaxed as the sheer power of his kiss enflamed her. Sliding her arms around his neck, she held his head to hers, reveling in the deeply carnal kiss. Gage ground his lower half against hers and she felt every inch of his hard body. Her tongue searched his mouth ravenously and he met her stroke for stroke. Her breasts rubbed against his chest and her nipples hardened. Fallon had never felt so desirable and could have gone on kissing him, but Gage pulled away first.

His breathing was ragged but he managed to say, “I’ve proven you are interested, but I’ll give you some time to think about my offer.”

Fallon looked up, dazed and confused. “Wait a minute.” How could he compose himself after that kiss? “How much time?” she croaked out.

“Forty-eight hours.”

She shook her head. “I can’t make a decision about the rest of my life in two days.”

“Well, that’s too damn bad because that’s my offer,” Gage responded. “You can take it or leave it. It’s up to you.” He tapped the face of his Rolex watch. Then he reached inside his suit jacket and pulled out his business card. “My personal cell. Call me when you’re ready to say yes.”

* * *

A whirlwind of thoughts swirled around Fallon’s mind as she somehow managed to drive herself home from her dinner with Gage. When she got back to the cottage she kicked off her heels, undressed and removed her makeup, and put on her old college T-shirt. Sliding into her king-size platform bed and falling back against the pillows, Fallon recalled the bombshell Gage dropped.

Marry me.

Gage had proposed marriage in exchange for saving Stewart Technologies, the company her father started forty years ago. Could she let it slip through her fingers without a fight? But Gage wasn’t offering a marriage in name only. He wanted them to become lovers.

The thought both excited and terrified her, especially after that hot kiss at the restaurant. Her attempt to appear unaffected had been smashed to smithereens. The chemistry between them was off the charts. He’d smelled and tasted so good. And the way he’d held her close, her heart had fluttered unlike anything she’d ever felt with other men. Had his one life-changing kiss all those years ago ruined her for anyone else? Because there hadn’t been many men. Since Gage she’d never succeeded in finding someone who could fulfill an ache. So instead she focused on her career at the expense of her personal life. Work was her baby, so much so she hadn’t given much thought to marriage or children.

Would Gage want children?

No, no, no. She shook her head. She wouldn’t have children with a man as part of a business arrangement or for money like her mother had. She was no fool. She knew Nora hadn’t married her father for love. Instead she’d married him for the life he could give her. Fallon wouldn’t want that for herself or for Gage. And why would he want to marry her anyway? She’d lied and cost his family their livelihood. He should hate her but instead he was offering her a way out. It didn’t make sense. He could be setting her up for failure so he could give her the comeuppance he thought she deserved.

Was she honestly giving Gage’s proposal serious consideration? She couldn’t. Shouldn’t. He’d been a brute, only giving her forty-eight hours to make a life-changing decision. Marry him or risk losing the company. Marry him and agree to be his wife, his lover. He could have been her first if they hadn’t been interrupted by her parents. Fallon remembered the passion she’d felt in his arms then and now. Was it fate they would end up in this predicament? Was she always destined to be his?

* * *

Unable to sleep, Gage restlessly prowled his penthouse. Wondering. Wishing. Hoping.

Would Fallon say yes?

Would she agree to marry him?

He knew it was wrong to give her an ultimatum but he’d had to. Once she committed, he didn’t want her to change her mind. When she agreed to be his and his alone, they would have a quick engagement, a big splashy wedding and a satisfying honeymoon. He wanted the entire community and all of Austin society to know he, the maid’s son, had bagged Fallon Stewart, heiress to Stewart Technologies. He would rub it in all their faces that the young man they’d bullied because of his humble background had turned into a successful and wealthy entrepreneur.

Fallon needed to agree. She wasn’t going to get a better offer. She’d exhausted every avenue. No one was going to lend her the amount of money required to turn the company around. A personal gift from him to Fallon would ensure Stewart Technologies stayed viable. In the meantime, since most investors were ditching shares, he would gobble them up until he owned the majority interest. Once he owned enough shares in the company, he would ensure it turned a profit or he’d die trying.

The best part of the deal was that he would finally take Fallon to bed. It was long overdue and very, very necessary. Tonight, when they’d kissed, he’d nearly combusted. She’d tasted exquisite and he remembered how her nipples had turned to stiff peaks against his chest. He’d wanted to break through the icy barrier she’d erected and find the passionate girl who’d stolen into his bedroom. And he had. When she’d opened her mouth to let him in, he’d taken all she’d had to give. He still had a thick, hard erection to prove it. If they hadn’t been in a restaurant, Gage would have ravished her where she stood. But he was no animal. He was willing to wait. Hell, he’d waited nearly two decades to be with her—another few weeks wouldn’t make much difference.

Four

“He did what?” With a look of shock on her face, Shana sat back on the couch in Fallon’s cottage the following evening. She’d arrived a half hour ago. After the pleasantries were over, Fallon had uncorked a vintage bottle of Merlot and gotten right down to the matter at hand.

“There’s nothing wrong with your hearing, Shana,” Fallon replied. “I was just as floored as you were.”

“When I mentioned Gage the other day, I was trying to get a rise out of you. I never dreamed he’d ever loan you the money let alone ask you to marry him. It’s crazy!”

Fallon nodded. “I thought the same thing.”

“Thought?” Shana peered at her strangely. “As in past tense?”

“Yes. But after considering it—and trust me, I couldn’t sleep a wink last night—it kind of came to me.”

Shana’s eyes grew wide. “What came to you?”

“It makes an odd sort of sense in a way,” Fallon responded. “Gage has always wanted to be part of the in crowd, but growing up on the estate, he was always thought of as the help. Marriage to me would be a way for him to even the scales.”

“And make you pay on your back.”

“Shana!”

“C’mon, doll.” Shana scooted closer to Fallon on the sofa. “Don’t tell me Gage didn’t make a play for you. You’re a grown woman now and a beautiful one, I might add. There’s no way he’s not trying to tap that.” She patted Fallon on the behind.

“My God, Shana. Have you no shame?”

“Do you? Because it sounds to me like you’re giving Gage’s offer some serious thought.”

“Wouldn’t you?” Fallon asked. “A sexy, gorgeous, rich man is offering to solve my financial problem and save my family. How can I let the company fail under my watch?”

“See?” Shana pointed her index finger at her. “That’s how he got you. He’s tapping into all your fears and insecurities. Let it fail, Fallon. You didn’t create this mess, your father did. You inherited it. And now you’re supposed to—what? Give up your chance of finding Mr. Right and settle for Mr. Payback? Because that’s exactly what this is. Mark my words. Gage wants revenge for how your family wronged him and he’s using all the weapons in his arsenal.”

“You make it sound like we’re at war.”

“You are. Think about all the anger, hurt and humiliation he must feel after you threw yourself at him and caused him and his mother to be kicked out on the street. The man must despise you, but clearly he wants you in equal measure. It’s all kinds of messed up.”

“You’re not helping me, Shana.”

“I have always been a straight shooter, Fallon,” Shana replied. “It’s what you love about me, so I’m telling you how I see it. I want you to consider what you could be getting yourself into before you make a life-altering decision.”

“Aha!” Fallon said. “You’ve given me an idea.”

“Oh, yeah? What’s that?”

“If I agree, I can stipulate the marriage is temporary. I think six months is enough time to get Stewart Technologies back on its feet with an influx of cash and cement Gage’s place in Austin society. What do you think?”

Shana shook her head. “I don’t know, Fallon. You’re playing with fire.”

“Without risk, there can’t be a great reward.” Fallon sure hoped she was right because she was banking her future and Stewart Technologies on making the right call.

* * *

Gage couldn’t wait forty-eight hours for Fallon to make a decision. He had to persuade her. All day in his home office he’d been thinking about her and he knew the only way to stop himself from going crazy was to see her again.

He picked up his cell phone and called her.

“Gage?” Fallon said. “Have you changed your mind? Did you come to the conclusion your arrangement was just as crazy as it sounds?”

“Quite the contrary. I wanted to see you.”

“You told me I had forty-eight hours.”

“And you do,” Gage replied smoothly. “I’m going to do everything in my power to convince you to say yes. Starting with a date tonight.”

“Tonight? I can’t. I have to work.”

“Excuses, excuses, Fallon. You’re afraid to be alone with me after what transpired between us last night.”

“That’s not true.” She paused for several beats. “I admit I find you attractive.”

“Face facts, Fallon, if we hadn’t been in public, the evening might have ended differently.”

“You’re very sure of yourself.”

“I know what I want.”

“And...oh, that’s right, you want me,” Fallon finished. “Well, I’m not that easy, Gage.”

“I didn’t think you were, but I admit I’d like to know more. Last night was the tip of the iceberg. Let me see you tonight.”

“I need time to think, Gage. I don’t appreciate the strong-arm tactics.”

“I would think if you’re going to agree to shackle yourself to me, you would want to get to know the man you’ll marry. Or would you rather walk into this as strangers?”

“You seem to think it’s a forgone conclusion I’ll say yes to your outrageous proposal.”

“I’m encouraged because you haven’t said no.”

“Fine. I’ll meet you. Where and when?”

Gage shook his head. Oh, no, he wasn’t falling into this trap again. He wanted a proper date. “I will pick you up at Stewart Manor. And, Fallon?”

“Yes?”

“Dress to impress. Because I’m taking you to the opera.”

Gage ended the call with a smile on his face. That hadn’t been as hard as he’d imagined. She was recalcitrant, but he’d convinced her it was in both their best interests to get to know one another. The problem was he didn’t have tickets, but he’d heard from Theo that Puccini’s La bohème was playing at Austin Opera and he knew anyone who was anyone would be there.

Austin society would see the former maid’s son out on the town with Fallon Stewart. It was brilliant. He would kill two birds with one stone. Cement his place in society and spend time with the woman who would be his wife. Now he had to convince Fallon there was no way she could walk away from him.

* * *

Dress to impress.

Fallon stood in front of her gilded pedestal mirror and glanced at the double-strapped, off-the-shoulder red gown with a deep side slit. The dress showed a generous amount of leg while the sweetheart neckline revealed a swell of cleavage.

She didn’t want to give Gage any ideas that the evening would end differently than it had last night with them each going home alone.

After applying some red lipstick and a touch of blush to her cheeks, she was ready for an evening at the opera. But was she really ready? The remainder of the afternoon after Gage’s call, she’d picked up the phone to cancel a half a dozen times. Yet she’d always stopped herself because maybe deep down she really did want to see him.

Fallon couldn’t understand the pull Gage had on her after all these years. He’d awakened something in her and she wasn’t sure how to get it back under control.

The doorbell rang and her stomach lurched. There was no turning back. Grabbing her matching red clutch purse and wrap, she made for the front door. When she swung it open, Gage stood there, resplendent in a black tuxedo with satin lapels. He was wearing a red tie that complemented her dress.

Fallon felt his eyes rake her up and down. It made her feel as if she was plugged into an electrical socket because currents were running through her veins. When she looked into those brooding brandy-colored eyes, her insides hummed.

“You look incredible!”

“Thank you,” Fallon said coolly and wrapped her shawl around her shoulders.

Gage took her arm and led her outside to the waiting limo. He helped her inside, picking up the hem of her dress as she slid in.

Once he was seated beside her and the chauffeur closed the door, he reached across the short distance to the ice bucket and pulled out a bottle of Dom Pérignon. He uncorked it easily and poured them a glass. He handed her one and dinged his flute against hers. “To an unforgettable evening.”

Fallon was sure it was going to be nothing but.

* * *

La bohème was everything. Gage had spared no expense. When they arrived, they were shown to box seats near the front of the opera house with a clear view of the stage. The singers were amazing and, by the end of the night, Fallon was on her feet along with the entire theater giving them a standing ovation.

“I didn’t realize you were such a fan,” Gage said from her side.

“I’ve come from time to time with my father,” Fallon replied. “Mama couldn’t be bothered. Said it was much too boring for her, but I loved it. Plus, it was something my father and I could do together.”

“Must be nice,” Gage said wistfully as he led her out of the theater and away from the throng.

“Did you know your father?” Fallon asked, turning to give him a sideward glance.

Gage’s glare told Fallon she’d made a misstep in asking something so personal. Wasn’t the point of tonight’s exercise for them to get to know each other?

Their limousine was waiting by the curb. Fallon was thankful they didn’t have to wait with the crowd lining the streets. Within minutes they were pulling away and Gage asked the chauffeur to raise the privacy screen.

“Where to next?” Fallon inquired. There had been an uncomfortable silence between them since she’d inquired about his father. It was clear Gage didn’t wish to speak of him.

“I didn’t know him,” Gage said finally.

Fallon didn’t need to ask what he meant.

“My mother never spoke of him. Only told me that he was an older gentleman who’d taken advantage of her youth and naïveté. Once she was pregnant, he turned his back on her and she never saw him again.”

“That’s why you pushed me away,” Fallon replied softly. “Because you didn’t want to be like him.”

When Gage turned to her, his eyes were cloudy. “Very insightful of you. But know this, Fallon. If you had been a few years older, I wouldn’t have turned you away.”

“You wouldn’t?”

“No. I would have taken what you offered.”

“Why?”

“Because I wanted you. I wanted you then and I want you now.”

His face was starkly beautiful in the dim light coming from the street and Fallon felt as if she were being hypnotized. Her hand went to her throat. Her mouth felt parched as if she’d walked hours in the desert with no water to hydrate her. She reached for the champagne bottle; a new one had miraculously appeared.

Gage grasped her arm and a tingling went straight to her core. “Does it scare you when I speak so openly?”

“You mean bluntly?”

“I was being honest. You should try it.”

Her eyes flashed with anger. “I have been honest. I’m here with you now, aren’t I? When every instinct I have tells me I should be running in the other direction, away from danger.”

“You think I’m dangerous?”

“Hell, yeah! But I can’t...”

“Can’t what?”

“Can’t seem to stop myself from wanting you, too. How’s that for honesty?”

“It’s great because I’ve been craving your sweet mouth all day,” he growled. Within seconds he’d slid her along the seat until she was sprawled across his lap. The air around them was heavy and thick with desire. When Gage trailed a finger down one of her cheeks, Fallon felt her pulse beat hectically at her throat. “I know you don’t want to want me, Fallon, but your body betrays you.” With one arm securely around her waist, the other hand was free to cup her jaw and, with a surprising gentleness, Gage angled his head and his mouth closed over hers in the most persuasive of kisses.

Tender yet insistent, his mouth claimed hers again and again and her lips clung to his, seeking closer contact. Fallon gave herself permission to enjoy the taste and lush depths of his mouth. Gage gathered her to him, his fingers at her jaw, holding her captive as he lazily explored her mouth. His tongue teased and stroked hers, causing heat to pool low in Fallon’s belly and spread like wildfire, incinerating everything in its path. Her breasts felt heavy and swollen. Gage sensed her ache and cupped the underside of one breast. His thumb grazed over the nub until it peaked and hardened.

Fallon moaned, loving the delicious yet tormenting strokes of his fingers. She wanted his mouth on her nipple, wanted him to feast on her. She became dimly aware of Gage pushing down the top of her dress and taking the rigid peak in his mouth. His mouth and tongue worked the nipple with licks, flicks, tugs and suction. The ache inside her intensified when Gage transferred his attention to her other nipple.

Hadn’t she known they might end up like this? This was no longer about a kiss. It was about need. And now that the desire had been unleashed, she didn’t know if it could be bottled up again.

* * *

Gage ran his hands down Fallon’s body. Touching her in ways he’d imagined for far too long. Of course, now that he had her exactly where he wanted her, his brain had short-circuited. He was hardening underneath her sweet little bottom, and he was completely useless. All he could think about was how he’d love nothing better than to wrap her legs around his hips and take her right there in the limousine.

And her breasts. God, they tasted heavenly. It made him want more. He moved upward so he could slant his mouth over hers again. He loved the hot slide of her tongue in and out of his mouth and the way her hands clutched his tuxedo jacket as if she was seeking something to hold on to. But there was nothing. Nothing but this white-hot arousal between them. His free hand went up and undid her hair, which fell to her shoulders. Gage slid his hands through the tendrils and cupped the back of her head so he could give her another mind-numbing kiss.

But a kiss wasn’t all he wanted. His hand moved lower until he came to the slit of her dress. He hiked it up to her waist and moved his hands up her bare legs. She trembled when Gage’s finger found her thong and pushed it aside so he could trace the most intimate part of her. She was so wet for him. Her body was betraying her, showing him physical evidence of her arousal. And when he began to circle the top of her clitoris with a feather-light touch, she gasped. When he slid one finger inside her, her body tightened around him.

Gage watched Fallon’s face as he worked her with his fingers. Slowly, deliberately, he brought her higher and higher. The sounds of pleasure she was making, and especially the way she writhed against his hand, turned him on. Her sexy bottom was brushing his erection and he was going mad. He added another finger and her eyes became hazy with passion.

“Come for me, Fallon,” he commanded. She closed her eyes and he sensed her resistance, but his hands were insistent. He could feel it when she orgasmed and clenched around his fingers. Satisfied, Gage claimed her mouth with his, whispering his approval as aftershocks shuddered through her entire body. He kissed her through them until she eventually quieted.

Fallon’s uninhibited response was more than Gage could ever imagine. Now he realized he needed her to say yes because they were far from over. In fact, they’d just begun.

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