Magnate (Acquisition Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

below my neck. “Don’t worry. Your little investment is protected and plenty useable for the next Acquisition trial. No harm done.”
    He slumped the slightest bit. Whether it was fatigue from the long night or my sharp words, I didn’t know. “There are traditions. Things have to be done a certain way. You wouldn’t understand.”
    I arched an eyebrow. “Do you understand? Vinemont says you don’t even know the rules yet you jumped right in and started playing.”
    “I don’t need to know any rules to win, Stella.” He met my eyes.
    I didn’t lean away. I wouldn’t cower for him or anyone. I could play the game, too. “You’re full of shit. Playing second fiddle to your brother has made you rash.”
    He pulled at the duvet slowly until my shoulders were uncovered, though his eyes never left mine. A heat kindled in them, intense and immediate. “I’ve always been rash. This is nothing new.”
    He stroked his fingertips along my collarbone, the gentle sensation so at odds with the ravenous look in his eyes. “I’ve given you two weeks. Two weeks to adjust to being mine. I would never try to force you. I’m not my brother, Stella. Two weeks—has it been enough time?” He slid his fingers lower, pushing the duvet down my bare skin and to the swell of my breast.
    My breath hitched in my throat as I glared at him. “I’m not yours. It doesn’t matter what some contract says or what some bullshit Acquisition rules say. I will never be yours.”
    He smirked and shoved the duvet the rest of the way down before pulling me into him. His mouth was hot on mine, his tongue desirous and seeking. I shoved against his chest, but his grip on me was unshakeable. His lips were firm, insistent.
    He sank his tongue inside, exploring and groaning as he tasted me. Heat pulsed through me but it was all wrong—his scent, his voice, his lips. Even as my body warmed to his advance, my thoughts strayed to his brother. The way he’d handled me before, the feel of him between my legs, the pain and determination in his eyes as he told me I was his poison.
    Vinemont was right. I intended to poison them both. So I opened my mouth further, letting Lucius hold sway over me. Letting him think I chose him. He pushed me back on the bed and moved one hand to my breast, kneading it as his hard length rested against my thigh.
    I faked a moan. His touch was pleasurable, but didn’t send the shock of adrenaline through me like Vinemont. It didn’t matter. I would use Lucius. I would do what I had to do to truly turn him against his brother. I tangled my hands in his hair and he moved his knee between my thighs. I lifted my hips to him, my pussy tingling at the friction.
    “Jefe?” Javier’s tentative voice came through the door.
    Lucius broke the kiss and sat up, pulling me with him. I yanked the cover back in place.
    “What?” he barked.
    “The jet is ready. I found Mr. Sinclair in your room. One of the hands is helping him.”
    “We’re coming.” Lucius smoothed a hand through my hair and rested it on my cheek. “This isn’t over,” he whispered.
    No, it isn’t.
    He stood and squared his shoulders, all business again.
    “We’re leaving?” I asked.
    “Now that we’ve tamped down the uprising, Javier will run the plantation until after the Christmas trial.” He glanced away at the last words, unable to look me in the eye. Coward .
    Reaching out, I brushed my fingers along his. “Tell me what the trial is.”
    He lifted his fingers, seeking more contact. I let my hand stay there, our skin heating wherever we touched.
    “I’m not sure. I haven’t spoken to Sin since we left, not until yesterday when I got word of trouble. And then we didn’t have time to discuss the trial. I know generally what it is.” He glanced away again. “But that rat bastard Cal will be sure to make it more interesting since it’s his year.”
    I dropped my hand, a deadness spreading in my chest. “Renee told me about her year. I know