Read Online Valentine's Rose by E. E. Burke - Free Book Online

called that. First, I have to take a look at the property, do some drilling to see if the rumor is true about coal deposits. Then I’ll need to do a survey.”
    Rose breathed easier. “That’ll take some time. We better stay married until you get it sorted out so nobody can challenge your claim.”
    His brow furrowed. “You’d be willing to do that? You’d remain my wife even though you know it can’t be...it won’t be for very long?”
    He sounded very certain, as if nothing would change his mind.
    Her confidence wavered. It would take a miracle. Then again, it had been a miracle when he was the first man to walk through the door of the hotel. She’d taken it as a sign, and she would hold tight to that belief.
    Rose twisted to face him so she could converse more easily. Really she just wanted to be able to look at him, he was so pleasing to the eye. She had to come up with a good reason for doing this and get him to agree. “You said you want to help me. So it’s only fair I help you. I don’t think you should say anything to anybody about leaving just yet. We’ll go on like everything’s fine, and then when the time comes, you just leave. Make up a story about somebody dying, and then just don’t come back.”
    The astonishment on his face would’ve been amusing, if she’d felt like laughing.
    If things went the way she hoped, he’d be taking her with him. Not that she had much interest in moving to England. She’d prefer to stay here and make a home somewhere she felt she could easily fit in. But he wasn’t having it, and she wasn’t willing to let him go and look for another husband. This one suited her better than any man she’d ever met.
    “Are you certain? You’re willing to pretend we’re happily married for the time it takes to get this thing settled?”
    “I am. As long you’re willing to pretend along with me.”

Chapter 7
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    T he next morning, Val escorted Rose to breakfast in the dining room. They sat with her friends and Rose put on a perfect act, playing the part of the blushing bride on the day after her wedding. No one would guess her husband had slept on the floor.
    Sleep was too generous a word. He’d spent the night wide-awake thinking about his wife, who lay just a few feet away. For some reason, knowing they were wed stimulated his lust like nothing else. After he’d told her of his plans, Rose had done nothing to beguile him, other than being beautiful and sweet. He didn’t know how he’d manage another night without touching her.
    Not only had erotic thoughts robbed him of sleep, guilt had done its part as well. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the look on Rose’s face when he’d told her they wouldn’t remain married. She’d been devastated. He hadn’t thought it possible to hate himself more than he already did, but he was wrong.
    Her response, though, flummoxed him. No tears, no recriminations, which he’d expected. Instead, she suggested they act as if nothing were amiss because it would make things go smoother. Perhaps she’d decided he wasn’t worth as much as the money she stood to gain from the sale of the property...an unflattering thought, yet no more than he deserved.
    Val finished the fluffy American biscuit and drank down a cup of coffee laced with sugar and cream, trying to eat fast without appearing to rush. The sooner he got this claim settled, the sooner he could depart, and that would be the best thing for both of them.
    After laying his napkin on the table, he stood and sketched a slight bow. “I’ll leave you ladies to enjoy the morning.”
    Rose glanced up at him, her porcelain skin turned pink. How did she do that? He’d never seen anyone fake blushing. Perhaps it wasn’t false. She could be embarrassed, worried someone might find out they were just pretending. He’d better get going before he gave them away.
    “Where are you off to?” she asked.
    “Mr. Hardt will have the paperwork ready. After I meet