Read Online His to Keep (Beauty and the Brit) by Terri Austin - Free Book Online Page A

you’ll like it here.” He reached down and offered her a helping hand. Brynn hesitated for the briefest second before placing her palm in his. He wanted those long, lovely fingers touching him, gripping his cock. His heart stuttered at the mental image—Brynn naked, her dark hair falling over one golden shoulder, her hand gripping him. Then she’d lower her head, take him in her mouth. Bloody hell. It was getting damned uncomfortable, having his cock this hard with no immediate chance of relief. Iain thrust his right hand into his trouser pockets, fumbled for the pair of dice, and escorted Brynn through the lobby.
    Instead of going for a modern aesthetic, the hotel had used a timeless, traditional scheme for a quiet elegance, an air of refinement that one didn’t usually find in Vegas. It reminded Iain of a castle he’d toured on a school trip. That was the day he’d realized there was a difference between old shit—like the saggy, tattered furniture stuffed in his parents’ flat—and really old shit that only wealthy people could afford. His office was filled with the latter.
    “Is the whole hotel yours?” Brynn openly glanced around, taking in the faded carpet beneath the chandelier.
    “No.” Although it was just a matter of time. Iain had ambitions he hadn’t even begun to realize.
    He kept hold of her hand and led her past the front desk and down a corridor. Wooden columns, polished to a high sheen, flanked either side of the restaurant doors.
    Inside, the hostess greeted him with a wide, phony smile that looked more like a grimace. “Mr. Chapman. So good to see you.” She moved toward them, but Iain held up a hand to stop her.
    “I’m headed to a table in the back. Give us two lunch specials and have the sommelier pair it with a couple of wines. Also, I’d like to see the manager before we leave.” He moved past her, guiding Brynn through the dining room.
    Iain looked around. The place wasn’t quite half-full. Not bad for an early lunch, but he’d like to do better. Getting into the hotel itself had cost a bloody fortune. It would be worth it—eventually—but they needed to generate more customers during the day. He’d bring it up at the next meeting.
    Iain stopped at the last booth, in the corner farthest from the kitchen. “What do you think?”
    Sliding across the bench seat, Brynn ran her hand over the smooth wooden tabletop. “It’s lovely.”
    “Pecan wood.” He knocked on it three times for luck. Not that he needed it.
    A waiter hustled to the table and filled their water glasses. The lad was obviously nervous. Hands shaking, he dribbled water across the table. “So sorry, Mr. Chapman.” He mopped it up and shot a hasty glance in Iain’s direction. “I’ll bring out appetizers and the sommelier will be right over.”
    Brynn gave him a bright smile. “Thank you.” Then she glanced at Iain. When he said nothing, she sighed.
    “You’re welcome,” the waiter choked out and scurried away.
    “These people are terrified of you,” Brynn said. “So are your employees at the office.”
    “Why does everyone think that’s a bad thing?” His phone rang again, and he glanced at the screen. His banker. Thirteen years ago, Iain couldn’t get a loan. Now, he had his own personal banker. Success didn’t suck. “I’ve got to take this one.” As he chatted, the waiter came back and deposited a few nibbles on a tray. When the wine came, Brynn refused a glass. Her smile was open and friendly to the people who worked for him. But every time she looked at Iain, her expression became guarded.
    Brynn put a few canapés on a plate and pushed it toward him. He nodded as he wrapped up his conversation. “What do you think of the food?” he asked once he’d ended the call.
    “It’s delicious. These tomato tarts are amazing.”
    “Heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese, I believe. You don’t like wine?”
    “I do. But not at lunch or when I’m supposed to be facilitating a class. Which is