Read Online The Buenos Aires Marriage Deal by Maggie Cox - Free Book Online Page A

The others are all waiting outside in the car for him! What reason did he give you?’
    Looking uncomfortable, as well as bewildered, Tina frowned. ‘He just said that he’d changed his mind…that something more important had come up and to send his apologies. He’ll meet the others at dinner tonight, he said. In the meantime…’
    The younger girl hesitated, and Briana’s heartbeat quickened with apprehension. ‘In the meantime…what?’ she demanded, fear making her tone impatient.
    ‘In the meantime Mr Dominguez said he’d like to talk to you in private…in his room.’
    The blonde’s curious glance spoke volumes, and inwardly Briana groaned. That was all she needed. Tina speculating that there was something going on between the gorgeous Argentinian and her boss! Then she remembered the slightly pink abrasion at the side of her neck—the parting gift that Pascual had left her with last evening—and her face and body briefly burned with self-conscious and guilty heat. Automatically she lifted her hand to tug the silk collar of her blouse closer to the skin there.
    ‘Well, then…you’ll have to go outside and repeat what you’ve just told me to our clients…Needless to say not the part about Pas—Mr Dominguez wanting to see me in his room!’
    Feeling her face flame at inadvertently almost exposing herself even more, Briana turned abruptly away and reluctantly—feeling as though she had lead in her shoes—ascended the staircase to the landing where Pascual’s suite was situated.
    Nibbling worriedly on her lip, she rapped smartly on the oak door.
    ‘Come in!’
    Giving her a briefly cold look, his sensual mouth bracketed by distinct displeasure, Pascual held the door wide to invite her in. Clothed from head to toe in stylish black once again, his indomitable maleness projected the arresting package of a man used to giving orders and being in charge—and heaven help anyone who dared to obstruct him.
    Briana’s anxiety went up several notches merely at the intimidating sight of him. Closing the door behind them, he followed her into the centre of the room. The maid had put fresh flowers into a huge white vase on the polished chiffonier, and the scent of lilies in particular lay on the air like an exotic and drugging perfume. It only took one glance into the disturbing midnight gaze before her and she knew she was in trouble.
    Just the same she ventured, ‘Why—why don’t you want to go to the polo match?’
    ‘Because my priorities have changed…as I am sure you are well aware.’
    Saying nothing in return, she sensed the atmosphere spark as dangerously as a flickering flame near a bale of straw.
    ‘You may well be silent!’ A muscle jerked briefly in the shadowed hard jaw. ‘Because I warn you that nothing you can say can alter the path I have resolved to take. When I leave for Buenos Aires in two days’ time you and my son are coming with me for an extended holiday—a holiday during which time a marriage between us will take place. The marriage that should have taken place five years ago!’
    ‘What?’
    ‘You heard me. And when you return to the UK it will only be for the purposes of winding up your business and closing it down.’
    ‘Closing it down?’
    ‘ Sí. It is in trouble anyway, is it not? It can only be a relief to put it behind you. Once you are back in Buenos Aires, instead of running a business you will have to get used to fulfilling the role of my wife instead. Do not worry, Briana…’ Pascual’s dark-eyed gleam was deliberately provocative ‘…there will be plenty to keep you occupied as far as that position is concerned. And that includes sharing my bed, mothering our son, playing hostess at any dinner parties I may give and being my unimpeachable escort at any social functions we may attend as I attempt to integrate you into my world. The world you clearly despise so much you could not bear to entertain being a part of it! You can quickly forget any ideas you may