Free Everything He Demands by Thalia Frost

 
     
     
     
     
    Everything He Demands
    (Bookkeeper for the Billionaire, #3)
    Thalia Frost
     
    Copyright: Thalia Frost, September 2012.
    All rights reserved as per copyright law.
     
    Cover Art: Sexybooks.com
    Editor: Em Petrova
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    “ That wasn't so bad. ” I walked out of the airport with Rock into a steaming heat.
    “ Welcome to Venice in July. ”
    “ Wow. It's a lot hotter and muggier than California this time of year. ” I pushed my hair back from my forehead. A sleek limousine rolled up at that moment.
    “ Here's our ride. After you, Ms. Pate. ” Rock winked at me, sending heat to my toes as he guided me toward the limo, a hand at the small of my back. A porter had our bags and stowed them.
    “ Mr. Weldon. I trust your trip was pleasant. ” The heavily accented driver came around and opened the door for us.
    “ Spectacular. But I'm starving, Luigi. Could you take us to Gino's? Are you hungry? ” h e asked me.
    “ Famished. I hardly ate on the plane. ”
    I'd been too occupied with...other things.
    “ And Luigi, this is Ms. Pate. She's my new bookkeeper. ”
    Luigi nodded respectfully. “ Pleased to meet you. Welcome to Venezia, m iss. ”
    “ Thank you. ”
    Luigi closed the door gently. A moment later, we pulled out into mild traffic.
    “ Wow. I had no idea what to expect. I thought there'd be more people. ”
    Rock shrugged, leaning against the window, staring out. “ More than usual since it's summer but Venice is nice and quiet. That's part of its charm. ”
    I smiled at him. The look of worry had settled back over his features. “ It's going to be okay, Rock. ”
    He pursed his lips. “ I don't know about that. And call me Mr. Weldon for tonight...until all hell breaks loose with the announcement of our, ” he paused for emphasis, “ engagement. ”
    Heat rose in my cheeks. “ Of course. ”
    The familiarity I'd enjoyed with him on the plane had evaporated upon our arrival. Is this really all he wants from me — a faux fianc ée and someone to do the books?
    I took a deep breath, resigning myself to the gorgeous view out the window. The afternoon sun blazed, and people walked the streets, haunting lovely shops. Perhaps I'd get a chance to see some of them myself while I was here.
    Rock's hand on my thigh brought me back to myself. “ At least there were no paparazzi at the airport. They're not so bad here, but they'll spot us soon enough. ” He grimaced. “ I have a nice, private room at the restaurant, though, as usual. ”
    “ Oh. ” The thought took my breath away. Wine, pasta...and Rock were on the menu, maybe.
    His hand slid up my dress farther, and heat pooled between my legs. “ We're almost there. Pity. ”
    He pressed a button. “ Luigi, please drive around the block a couple times. Ms. Pate and I would like to take in the sights. ”
    “ Of course, sir. ”
    My breath caught. Did this man ever get enough? I knew I didn't, not of him.
    “ We're passing the Piazza de San Marco. We'll see it tomorrow if you'd like. ”
    I nodded, my pulse hammering as street lights reflected in his dark eyes. “ I'd like that. ”
    “ There's no place like Venice. I love the history here and the way the city smells...and its romance. ” His voice was a seductive whisper now, and I broke into chill bumps.
    The limo rolled to a stop a moment later. Luigi came around and let me out. Rock took my arm after he'd climbed out as well. “ Here's Gino's. Best food in Venice, or close to it. ” The melancholy music of a violin floated down the street toward them, and for a moment, a pang of longing for home ripped through me.
    I'm in a strange country with a sexy but enigmatic man, and tomorrow I'm to be engaged to him...falsely .
    “ Penny for your thoughts, Ms. Pate. ” Rock snugged my arm closer to him, and the feel of his body pressed against my own as we walked electrified me.
    “ Ah, Mr. Weldon! ” The host bowed deeply.
    “ Yes, please show us to your