Read Online Take Me As I Am by Erin O'Reilly, JM Dragon - Free Book Online

view it like that, Thea, then yes. Yes, in many ways, you could consider it so. You get to keep your precious motel and I…I get to have a wife in my bed. A willing wife.” His gaze was evil. “Not a frigid one, I might add.”
    Thea turned her attention back to her new friend, who was singing and moving among the men who certainly relished the attention. “Will the deeds be in my name only?”
    George shifted a little in his chair. “But of course, my dear, of course.”
    Releasing a heavy sigh, she turned to him with dull eyes. “You have a deal, Mr. Andrews.” Her voice was flat and devoid of any emotion as she squelched the need to vomit at the revulsion she was feeling.
    “Thank you, Thea, and since you will soon be my wife I insist you to call me George. Whatever would people think if you still called me Mr. Andrews now that we are engaged?”
    Thea considered the remark and shook her head giving him a small smile, her thoughts very clear on that particular question. “They would think I didn’t much care for you, Mr. Andrews.” She inclined her head. “As you say, George .” Just saying his name made her want to vomit.
    George called his entourage with the crook of a finger. It so happened to be the very man that had tried to buy her a drink a few weeks ago.
    “Tony, find Bascome and get him to bring the champagne and two glasses. We have an engagement to celebrate. Ah, and, Tony, have Bascome give everyone a free drink in the place…the rounds are on me…especially the singer…most definitely the singer. Better still…get Bascome to invite her to our table to celebrate our good fortune once she’s done.”
    Thea watched the man retreat.
    “My dear, I’m sure your new friend will want to toast your happiness. Won’t she?” He gave her a keen glance and sneered.
    Thea kept her head down. She didn’t want Joanna to hear about this from anyone but her and now thanks to the banker that was out of the question. Her heart felt as if it was breaking for she knew Joanna wouldn’t understand. No, she wouldn’t and if she analyzed her own thoughts, she didn’t understand it either. My God, what have I done?
    George placed his hand on Thea’s and gave her a satisfied smile.
    With a swift movement, she slid her hand across the table and into her lap, trying to tap down the panic she was now feeling.

    †

    John-Henry couldn’t believe his ears. Thea had given in to Andrews’s intimidation and crushed her spirit. He had done that to many others, but not like this. He was damn sure that was the only reason that Thea relented. Anger filled him at his inability to help Thea, so she didn’t have to stoop to marrying the bastard. He retrieved the ice-cold champagne and the two flute glasses and placed them on a silver tray that he had polished for special occasions. He supposed this warranted it, but it definitely wasn’t right, at all.
    “Hey, John-Henry, get a move on. The boss will be roasting my nuts if you keep him waiting. If he does that, I sure won’t let you forget it either.” Tony slammed his fist on the polished bar.
    “Keep your hair on, Tony. Andrews will want it presented just so, if I know him. Waiting that extra couple of minutes isn’t going to change things any, is it?” John-Henry looked at the smug expression on Andrews face and the averted face of the young woman who had finally said yes to his proposal.
    Damn shame.
    “Oh. Get on with it will ya? Can’t understand why he bothers so much with the frigid bitch. Let’s face it, she isn’t exactly the warmest woman in town, don’t know anyone who has ever dated her, never mind got in her knickers. She and that singer you have make a fine pair if you ask me. She’s about as accommodating as an icicle, too.” Tony turned his narrow gaze to Jo.
    John-Henry couldn’t help the small smile at the comment. Never a truer word said. “Could be, but then again icicles under the right temperature are known to thaw. It depends who