Free The Virgin's Secret by Abby Green Page A

everything. If she can get engaged before the truly pathetic state of your father’s affairs becomes public then she’ll be safe. And you, by proxy, will be taken care of too.’
    Angel shook her head, as much in negation of what he said than anything else.
    Leo grimaced. ‘In some ways I can’t blame you. You’re two poor little rich girls, just trying to survive. Unfortunately you don’t seem to be aware that most of the world has to work to make a living to get through life.’
    Angel shot into action and launched herself at Leo, her two hands aiming for his chest, but before she could hit him he’d caught them in the tight grip of his own hands.
    Angel glared up, incensed to be feeling so weak and ineffectual. ‘You have no right to say those things. You know nothing about us. Nothing —do you hear me?’
    Leo looked down at Angel for a long moment, slightly stunned by the passion throbbing in her voice. He could see the twin thrusts of her high breasts against the thin material of her top. Immediately his body responded. Who was he kidding? His body hadn’t cooled down one bit since the study. And yet how dared she stand there and speak to him as if he’d just insulted her grievously?
    With ruthless intent, he drew her in closer to his body. There were two twin flags of colour high in Angel’s cheeks. Leo caught both her hands in one of his and caught her neck with his other hand, drawing her close. The tension spiked between them. He lowered his head, his mouth close to hers, and had to bite back a groan. She smelt so…so clean, and pure. With a hint of enticing musk. Just enough to make his body throb with need. This woman, she knew exactly what she was doing.
    â€˜I haven’t finished with you, Angel.’
    â€˜Yes, we have finished. I’d like to go now.’
    Leo could hear the tremor in her voice. Her breath tantalised him. He longed to crush her sweet, soft mouth under his again, but something made him hold back.
    â€˜We haven’t finished because I’m not done telling you what I know. I can offer you something that despite your lofty protestations I don’t think you’ll be able to refuse.’
    Angel finally jerked away from Leo’s hands and stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest. The fact that he knewso much and could turn her upside down with just a touch was devastating. ‘There’s nothing you could say that I want to hear—’
    â€˜I can persuade Dimitri Eugenides to give his blessing to a wedding between his son and your sister.’
    Angel’s mouth was still open. She shut it again abruptly. She hated what she was giving away, but she had to ask, ‘What…what do you mean?’
    â€˜Ah,’ Leo mocked. ‘Not so sure now that they’re too young to marry?’ A look of unmistakable triumph came into his eyes.
    He was right, damn him, but for all the wrong reasons.
    â€˜Just tell me what you mean,’ Angel bit out, vulnerability clawing through her.
    â€˜It’s very simple. Dimitri wants to do business with me. The last time I was here he told me about the romance between his son and your sister, and thought he’d please me by telling me how much he disapproved, knowing of the history between the families. It had little significance for me at the time. Now, though, it has become…more significant. I can guarantee that as soon as it becomes apparent you’re my mistress he’ll be tripping over himself to make amends, terrified that I’ll remember his less than favourable remarks. I can make it a condition of that business that he allows Stavros to marry your sister.’
    Angel shook her head even as her heart fluttered with hope. ‘He won’t allow it, he hates our family.’
    Leo waved aside her concern and said arrogantly, ‘He’ll do whatever I ask, believe me. The man is desperate to enlist my favour.’
    Without