The Billionaire Bargain (Millionaire's Club) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’m fine.” Her chin jutted out. She needed to get a grip. “Is there nowhere else to stay besides the room next to you? Servant quarters in the back?”
    “It’s a small villa, as you already know,” he said icily.
    The sharp words harpooned her. She did already know…all too well.
    She softened her expression, preparing to take control of the situation by changing her approach. “It’s a beautiful place. You of all people know I love it here. I was just hoping for a bit more privacy.”
    “Then close your door,” he shot back.
    If only life were that easy.
    Rae glanced around at the perfect place. She could get used to staying here even as she reminded herself of the danger in that thinking. “This room will be fine then.”
    He ate up the real estate between them in one long stride, backing Rae against the wall. The solid mass that was Daegen pressed against her, and she felt him, hard, against her belly. His hand grazed her cheek before his finger lingered on her lips.
    “It will have to do until you move to my bed where you belong.”
    Her stomach quivered. Her breath hitched. Heat flooded her thighs. Taking a deep breath, she managed enough air in her lungs to power her arms to push him away. “I need to freshen up. I trust there’s a lock on the bathroom door.”
    “You didn’t ask for one before. Besides, I only go where I’m invited,” he countered, looking straight through her with an expression that made her stomach flip-flop.
    “That so?” she snapped. Rae tried to offset her out-of-control physical reaction, forcing her hand by sheer will to reach over and slap his away. “You’d do well to mind your manners.”
    He released a haughty snort as his gaze roamed over her. “You want me to touch you.”
    “Is that what you think I’m doing? Welcoming your hands on me?” she asked, her tone every bit as incredulous as the look on her face.
    Daegen smirked his coy half-smile. Quietly, he whispered a few soft-spoken words in his native tongue that she understood on a primal level as his perfect lips pressed against her wrist.
    Frozen, Rae lost all will to fight against the swell of need rising up.
    “Why did you really come here?” he asked. His gaze on her. Scrutinizing. Assessing.
    She feared he’d break through her defenses and see right through her just like before. She’d stood on the precipice with him once. Got the hell out of there before she lost everything. Her heart would never survive.
    Even with that in mind, this place brought with it so many memories of their history together. And of course Daegen would know her well enough to know all the thoughts it would evoke.
    Except she had a secret.
    Little did he know, there was so much more at stake for Rae than blowing a deal or hurt pride. She leveled her gaze and straightened her back.
    It was time he knew the stakes.
    “You’re testing a drug that might be able to save the life of someone I care about. He’ll most likely die if you don’t help him.
    He might anyway.”

Chapter Three
    “Someone you love?” A lone thought seared through Daegen, forcing his breath to freeze. Was she in a relationship? Once he knew she wasn’t married, he hadn’t considered the possibility she might be romantically involved with someone else. Either way, he wouldn’t refuse her request. How could he? It was Rae.
    Her shoulders sagged, deflated, and his heart squeezed.
    “My father.”
    The tense muscles in his jaw unclenched as his breath released in a hiss. “I didn’t know you had a father.”
    “Everyone does, Daegen.”
    “That’s not the point and you know it.” She’d never once talked in detail about family. If memory served, she’d said her parents were dead. End of subject. She had kept herself closed off then, refusing to tell him anything about her past. Now, she’d returned with more secrets.
    On closer scrutiny, the dark circles under her eyes looked as though she hadn’t slept in weeks. Boy, did he feel like an ass