The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

her into the pink marble lobby, nodded to the doorman, and pressed the button for the penthouse elevator.
    The elevator arrived with a whoosh. Confined in the golden cage with her husband-to-be, Laura wondered if she was dreaming. She discreetly pinched herself and tried not to flinch. Definitely not dreaming.
    Alex ushered out of the elevator and into the penthouse. She caught her breath, her eyes widening at her luxurious surroundings. Cream walls and large, clear windows dominated the living room, while the plush rose-beige carpet made her feel as if she were walking on air.
    Two comfortable leather lounges were grouped near the fireplace in a conversational nook, a bare walnut coffee table in-between them.
    To her right, a big screen TV hung on the wall, with another leather lounge directly opposite. She fleetingly thought that her whole one-bedroom apartment could fit just in this living-room.
    “My housekeeper has organized lunch for us.” Alex caught her hand and urged her towards the left of the room, where a gleaming dining table awaited with an elegant place setting for two. Two silver covered dishes were placed in the middle of the table and Laura wondered what they contained.
    Alex seated her at the table, and efficiently opened a bottle of Dom Perignon awaiting them in a silver bucket. Laura watched him pour the sparkling wine into two champagne flutes.
    “To us.”
    Laura watched him as he raised the crystal glass to his lips, and copied his motion, the bubbles easily sliding down her throat, despite her reservations. If they were getting married because they were in love with each other, she would have enjoyed the champagne in a fizz of joy. Instead, she continued to second-guess herself.
    “I’ll give you the grand tour after lunch,” Alex said, setting his glass on the table. Taking off the covers of each dish, he gestured at her to help herself. “Sandra makes a great chicken salad.”
    “ Sandra?” Laura stared at the gourmet salad - chicken breast, raspberries, salad leaves, cucumbers and crisp croutons decorated the elegant plate, with a small jug of dressing by its side.
    “ My housekeeper.”
    With a start, she realized he was waiting for her to serve herself before doing the same. Picking up the silver serving utensils, Laura placed a little of the salad on her plate. Her stomach was tied up in so many knots right now, she didn’t know if she could eat any of the delicious looking food.
    She forked up a small bite of chicken breast and raspberry. The lush berry was plump and succulent, a perfect contrast to the tender chicken.
    “ We’re getting married tomorrow,” Alex informed her immediately after he’d taken a bite.
    Laura was glad that she already knew that much. “Why so soon?” she asked, her fork hovering over her plate.
    “Why not?” His eyes swept over her, as if he were taking in every detail - not just of her appearance, but of her. “I see no reason to wait.”
    Reaching for her champagne, she took a hasty swallow, almost coughing from the effervescent bubbles.
    “Besides,” he continued, “once we’re married I can start looking into the problems your business is having.”
    Laura nodded, reminding herself that was why she was marrying this man. Not because he was gorgeous, tall, and actually paid attention to what she said . N ot because he was a billionaire. Nor because of the way her pulse raced when she was in his presence.
    “ Where are we getting married?” She crinkled her brow. It was all very well for him to tell her when they were going to be wed, but she’d like a little detail.
    “ At the courthouse.”
    She started to panic. “I haven’t got anything to wear!”
    “Go shopping this afternoon. Here.” He pulled out his wallet and handed her a black American Express card. “Buy whatever you want.”
    Laura stared at the card, turning it over in her hands. Her own credit card had a small limit with a balance she wasn't able to pay off completely