Fallen (Stolen, Book Three) (An Alpha Billionaire Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

water before moving away.
    “Yes, thank you.” Valerie busied herself at the wet bar again and Harper shifted, trying and failing not to meet Robert’s stare. It wasn’t hostile but she could feel the scrutiny in his gaze.
    Ethan’s hand moved over her lower back as he sipped his drink. Silence swirled around them and heat climbed into her cheeks. She expected it to be awkward, maybe even a little unfriendly considering who she was, but aside from Robert’s questions it had been pleasant so far.
    Just as Ethan’s mother gave her a fresh glass of tea, another woman came into the room. “Dinner is ready,” she said softly.
    They moved to the patio when Ethan pulled out her chair and then sat next to her. The sun had just dipped below the horizon and lights that looked like old lampposts from decades ago lit up around them, casting their table in a warm glow.
    The scent of the ocean swirled around them every time a light breeze blew lifted the ends of her hair.
    “We’re ready, Martha,” Valerie said to the woman, who immediately moved to the cart and began setting plates around the table. A beautiful arrangement of basil, tomato and slices of mozzarella fanned across the plate and was drizzled with balsamic and olive oil.
    Simple and elegant.
    Her father would ostentatiously served caviar and truffles just to prove he could.
    She cut off a small bite and closed her eyes when the taste hit her tongue. “This is delicious,” she said to Valerie.
    “The basil and tomato are from the kitchen garden. I enjoy eating what’s in season,” Valerie said.
    Harper took another bite and reached for her iced tea. Everything was so amazing.
    “So does your father think he has a chance at this slander suit?” Robert asked. “It’s pretty ballsy to turn around and countersue someone you stole from.”
    Her hand shook and tea sloshed out onto the tablecloth. Her eyes widened. “I’m so sorry,” she said to Valerie, who waved away the concern with a smile.
    Ethan tensed and his fork hit the plate with a clatter. “Enough,” he growled.
    “I’m getting to know the girl who has dragged my son into the tabloids,” Robert said. “And who happens to be the daughter of the man trying to ruin this family.”
    “Robert,” Valerie admonished. “Harper is our guest.”
    “Drop the questions, Dad,” Ethan all but growled at his father.
    “I think I have a right to ask. We’ve heard nothing about her and then you’re linked to her in the tabloids. How can I not wonder if this is all part of Matheson’s plan? Use his daughter to get close, to find out what our strategy is and then report back? Even you have to admit it’s a hell of a coincidence. How well do you really know her, son?”
    “Robert, I think that’s enough,” Valerie said. Harper saw the warning in the gaze she aimed at her husband. “Ethan, sit down and we won’t talk about this again.”
    “We have a right to know who we let into our house.” Robert set his glass down and aimed his stare at Harper. “I didn’t get where I am by blindly trusting people.”
    “I know her enough to know that it’s straight bullshit coming from your mouth.” Ethan dragged his fingers through his hair and tossed back the rest of his drink before pushing the chair back so hard that it tipped over. “Harper doesn’t have an agenda here, Dad. You’re the one who’s guilty of that.”
    Tension filled the air and Harper’s stomach twisted. The tiny bit of food she’d eaten threatened to come back up. Of course his father would have questions. Of course he would be suspicious.
    “How do you know she has no agenda?” Robert pressed. “What are the real chances that you both were on vacation at the same time and place with everything going on? Surely even you can see the chances of that are astronomical.”
    Ethan clenched his fingers at his sides and his face grew darker and darker.
    Harper didn’t want this. His parents seemed to be good people, she could tell