The Bound Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

leaned back in his chair. Faye. Now there was an idea.
    She was lovely with her ebony, Louise Brooks bob and big brown eyes. She’d look every bit the part in something red and low cut. But despite all that they were, all that she was to him, it wasn’t likethat.
    And Oliver Chambers never mixed business with pleasure.
    Faye was a pro. She kept his appointments in order and in line. She reminded him of campaigns needing slogans and artwork. And she brought him back to reality each and every morning.
    He needed that. He needed her.
    But he could still have a little fun at her expense.
    Oliver lifted his fingers to her lips. His eyes danced up Faye’s legs, concealed in the creases of her trousers.
    “You could,” he said. “Lovely. Very nice.”
    Faye moved her mouth to his. Oliver couldn’t help but be curious for her kiss.
    Their lips nearly touched when Faye turned her head away and tenderly slapped his cheek with a laugh.
    “In your dreams, cowboy.”
    She did kiss the top of his head. Oliver could have taken her right then. But he didn’t want to hold her in place. He liked her leaving and coming back.
    He liked her that way.
    He returned to the Leased Ladies .
    They were stunning and for the taking. He looked to Mallory again. She had proven herself a worthy conversationalist when they hit the Man of the Year dinner that honored a member of the firm where his father had gotten his start. Mallory was worthy because she steered the conversation away from his father and asked him what he wanted.
    He wanted more than she could ever really offer.
    More often than not, he paid for somethingextra. The Ladies were only too eager to oblige. Oliver brought them to the hotel room he had on reserve for every conquest. The girls, the Ladies , were out of their gowns before he could search his pockets for a generous tip. It was for services rendered. Services they felt they hadn’t yet rendered, but Oliver still pressed the bills into their hands.
    They always seemed satisfied when the nights drew to a close.
    Faye was on her feet and dragged a chair to Oliver’s side.
    “So?”
    He gave her small smirk.
    “So what?”
    Faye looked at the screen and licked her lips.
    “The redhead? Looks nice. You make it with her?”
    The first chance he got. She’d stripped in the room before Oliver could remove his watch. Her freckles trailed down her entire frame. He had imagined the feel, the taste of them against his lips. When he finally got to sample her wares, she was all sugar vanilla and body glitter. And sweat from the reception hall. He didn’t mind. In fact, he kind of liked the slightly metallic warmth as he tasted the restof her in other ways.
    Oliver nodded at Faye with a mischievous smile. Faye raised her eyebrows.
    “And you liked?” Faye asked.
    “I like them all ,” Oliver said,
    “Naturally. Stud.”
    Each Lady served her purpose. Looked good, tasted good, and left before it got too heavy. Not that he was ever rude about it. He’d offer them a drink. Sometimes the romantics in the bunch would finagle a night in his arms and dream of breakfast in bed. And Oliver obliged. At least before the sun was up. But he was also sure to rise first and start dressing as he spoke of important meetings that he had to attend. It was code for this was nice, andnow it’s done. With the size of the tips he doled out, they were wise not to protest. But he was sure that they still hopedfor another chance on his arm.
    Keep hoping, ladies.
    Oliver clicked past Mallory to another girl.
    “Really, Ollie? What’s wrong with her?”
    “Nothing. I just don’t do repeats.”
    “Well, la-di-da.!”
    Faye could scoff all she wanted. Encores were not part of his repertoire. Once he’d had a shot at the girl, he was done. There was nopoint in pretending that any of these Ladies could represent something long term. Not in the way he needed most. Long term for him meant something beyond parties and fundraisers. Something much