A Taste of Heaven (Billionaires' Secrets Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

husband’s…oh, no.” Her heart sank right down in her chest as her rib cage closed around it like a fist.
    “I confess I don’t know exactly what’s going on here, but this time I plan to get to the bottom of it.” He studied her face with a slight frown. “You’re not going anywhere until you come in and tell me what’s going on.”
    Sam gulped. Her body was screaming at her to turn and run—to save herself—but her brain struggled to behave in a more civilized manner. She owed him that. He hadn’t done anything wrong at all, even if she had. She put one foot in front of the other and moved toward the doorway.
    He didn’t let go of her wrist until she’d stepped inside the threshold and he’d closed the door behind her.
    “You’re really Louis DuLac?” The surprise in her voice seemed to amuse him.
    “Have been since the day I was born.”
    “Maybe there’s another Louis DuLac. It could be quite a common name.”
    He turned. Crossed his arms over his chest. He wore a pale blue shirt with crisp cuffs and collar. “And I’ve just figured out who you are, Samantha Hardcastle. I’ve been ignoring your letters and phone calls for months.”
    Sam inhaled. “Why?”
    “Why don’t you come up to my office and we’ll talk.”
    “I really don’t think I should.”
    “Don’t worry, I won’t tear your clothes off.” He gazed at her through narrowed eyes.
    Was that mischief or malice that glittered in their depths?
    Sam felt her face redden. She’d torn her own clothes off last night, if she remembered correctly. She deserved his scorn.
    “It’s up one floor.” He led the way up a wide, polished staircase with an elaborate carved handrail.
    The cool air-conditioned interior contrasted starkly with the already hot and humid morning air outside. Fine antiques decorated the large space in a minimalist and appealingly modern fashion. A pleasant smell of lavender enhanced the calm and ordered atmosphere.
    “Do you live alone?” Her question popped out before she could consider its implications.
    He turned, frowning. “Yes, in case you’re worried that I was cheating on my wife last night, let me reassure you that I am single and unattached with no existing obligations.”
    “That’s not what I meant.” Or was it? Her pulse jackhammered under her skin. “I was just wondering.”
    “Wonder away. Curiosity’s no crime.” A mischievous half smile slid across his mouth for a split second, then vanished. “My study. Please come in.”
    Sam walked past him into a large, high-ceilinged room with a massive walnut desk at its center. The walls were painted sky-blue, topped by ornate white cornices that hung like clouds near the ceiling. “This is a spectacular house.”
    “Thanks. I inherited it from my grandparents. I’ve been fixing it up room by room.” He glanced at the chiseled cornice with obvious pride.
    Then his attention snapped back to her. “Please, take a seat.” His accusatory gaze undermined the smooth politeness of his request. “And why don’t you tell me exactly what you’re doing here?”

 
    Chapter Five
     
    L ouis leaned back in his armchair, wove his fingers together and rested them on the desk. The blonde had some explaining to do.
    First, she’d driven him half-wild in bed, then snuck out in the middle of the night without a by-your-leave.
    Second, she was apparently the crackpot sending him all these strange messages about a long-lost father wanting to welcome him back to his bosom.
    She balanced precariously on the edge of her chair, pulse visible at her slender throat, light wisps of hair fluttering in the breeze from the air-conditioning.
    Nervous. As well she should be.
    She twisted a big gold ring on one of her long, elegantly manicured fingers. “I came here to find you. To New Orleans, I mean. You haven’t returned my calls or letters.”
    “And you thought it might be a good idea to sleep with me first?” He couldn’t figure that part out.
    “I had no