Tycoon's Delicious Debt

by Susanna Carr

  “Because you are everything to me,” he said in a growl. “How can you not see it?”

  “I thought... There was a moment when I believed it. When I—when we—were the only thing that mattered to you.” She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “But I was wrong,” she whispered.

  “No, you are my world,” he said. “You know it and it scares the hell out of you.”

  She shook her head.

  “That’s why you ran,” he continued. “It’s why you refused to listen to me. You always need proof but not that time. You were so quick to believe I failed you. It’s like you were waiting for it to happen.”

  “No, what we had was supposed to be temporary.” She pressed her hands against his chest and tried to break free from his hold. “It didn’t matter...”

  “I’m not like the other people in your life, Serena. I will be there for you,” he vowed. “I want to celebrate every big and small moment with you. I want to hold you close when you stumble and fall.”

  She took in a shaky breath. “What are you saying?”

  “I am always going to support and protect you. Even if you refuse to marry me. You are still mine and I will always be yours.”

  “Stop,” she said weakly.

  He couldn’t. He needed Serena to understand. “I can’t make you trust me. I may have ruined my chance for that to happen, but you need to know this. I trust you. You have my heart, my future, in your hands.”

  Her fingers curled against his jacket. “Don’t do this.”

  “I am at your mercy,” he admitted. His voice was raw and broken. “You have the power to destroy me. And I willingly give you that power.”

  Serena rested her head against his chest. “Why?”

  “Because I trust you in ways I can’t even explain.” He gently cupped her head with his hands and guided her to look at him. “I know that when you’re angry, when you think you hate me and you want to fight back, you won’t hurt me. I trust you with everything I have and one day I hope you will learn to trust me.”

  “Cooper...”

  “I love you, Serena. Let me back into your life,” he pleaded. “Into your heart.”

  She pulled him closer. “You’ve been there all along.”

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed this book, look out for the next installment of THE CHATSFIELD: CHATSFIELD’S ULTIMATE ACQUISITION by Melanie Milburne. Coming next month.

  WELCOME MS CARR

  WELCOME TO

  Dear Ms Susanna Carr,

  We are delighted that you have booked your room to stay at The Chatsfield. And, because we pride ourselves on creating the most unique and bespoke services during your stay, we have a few questions that we’d like to ask.

  What time will you be checking in? Late afternoon. It’s my favourite time of day.

  Will you be checking in alone? I’m bringing my whole family, so we can enjoy this kind of luxury together.

  What morning paper would you like delivered?

  Financial Times

  Hello

  InStyle

  The Guardian

  The Times

  We would like to arrange some music for your listening pleasure. Is there a particular album or selection of music you would like to listen to in your room during your stay?

  21, by Adele. Come Away with Me by Norah Jones. Ladies and Gentlemen by George Michael, Tuskegee by Lionel Ritchie.

  We know that you may be working during your stay, and we are aware of how important it is for you to have all your creature comforts around you. In order to ensure that your stay is as fulfilling as possible…

  We have a wide selection of food available for room service delivery. What would your most decadent meal be and why?

  I would want to try regional specialties, because I know it would be the best the area has to offer.

  Do you have any special requests for your stay at our hotel?

  I want to try everything you have to offer at the spa.

  What is your worst habit when writing?

  I daydream about the story when I should be writing.

  Do you have a writing routine? If so, could you share a bit about it with us?

  I daydream, outline, daydream some more, write the rough draft, daydream, and write a few more drafts before I send it to my editor.

  We’re always looking to expand the Chatsfield Library and welcome recommendations. What are the last two books you read and why?

  I recommend anything by Lynne Graham and Sarah Morgan. They are two of my favourite authors.

  If you could write anywhere in the world, where would it be?

  A private island.

  We can tell from your recent published book that you have a vested interest in our very own hotels! So (curious minds want to know!) are you team Chatsfield or Team Harrington?!

  Team Chatsfield!

  What did you most love about writing this story?

  I loved writing the dialogue because the chemistry between Serena and Cooper never let up.

  What has been your best hotel experience and what made it memorable?

  I usually prefer the indoors, but when I stayed at a beachfront hotel in Hawaii I was constantly outdoors enjoying the tropical weather.

  What has been your most unusual hotel experience and why?

  I once stayed at the inn of a former Shaker community. The Shakers were a religious group (1700s-1920s) known for their craftsmanship. The historical village commemorates how the Shakers used to live and it’s like stepping into the past.

  If you could have given your hero or heroine a piece of advice before they started on their journey in your story, what would it have been?

  Keep an open mind and listen to the other point of view.

  Thank you for answering our questions. We very much hope you enjoy your stay!

  WELCOME SERENA

  WELCOME TO

  Dear Serena,

  To ensure that your stay at the Harrington is as exclusive and private as possible, we will need to ask you a few questions of perhaps a delicate nature, to ensure that our private security team will be best placed to support you.

  If you had to pick your most public scandalous moment, what would it be?

  I was publicly shunned by society when my family lost our fortune.

  Was there an even more scandalous event that didn’t make it into the press?

  No.

  What is your biggest secret?

  I am falling in love with the enemy.

  What do you love most about Cooper?

  The way he protects what is his.

  What were your first thoughts when you saw Cooper?

  I knew he was trouble.

  If your house was on fire and you could only save one thing, what would it be?

  My mother’s jewellery.

  What is the naughtiest thing you did at school?

  I was a good student until I had to drop out to take care of my family.

  What is your guiltiest pleasure?

  A day at the spa.

  What is your worst habit?

  I always expect the worst.

  What is your favourite film?

  Pride & Prejudice because it’s about social standing and wealth.

  What present would you put beneath the Christmas tree for Cooper?

  The baseball mitt that he always wanted but never received.

  How will you spend your first anniversary as a couple?

  We would return to Portugal to celebrate.

  Thank you for your candour. We will endeavour to ensure a scandal free time during your stay with us!

  Read on for an exclusive deleted epilogue from TYCOON’S DL
ICIOUS DEBT.

  EPILOGUE

  Five years later

  SERENA LEANED AGAINST the door that led to the patio overlooking their Texan ranch. She smiled as she watched her three-year-old daughter playing on her new swing set with Cooper’s mother. The play structure was far too advanced for her daughter, but the grandparents swore that Sofia Dominguez Brock was a superior child.

  “Felipe, look at how brave and curious Sofia is,” she heard Aaron crow. Serena tilted her head to see both Aaron and her father standing next to the bright red slide. “She gets that from my side of the family.”

  Serena pressed her lips together. Her father and Aaron Brock were at it again. She was tempted to interrupt before it got out of hand, but she knew this was how the older men communicated with each other. The only thing they agreed on was how special their granddaughter was.

  “É mesmo?” Felipe replied in a dry tone. “Did you notice how she understands both Portuguese and English? That is a Dominguez quality.”

  Serena closed her eyes and shook her head. She couldn’t wait to hear how Aaron was going to prove that Sofia’s language skills were from him.

  “Linda maravilhoso!” her father exclaimed with pride, and she heard everyone clap.

  Serena opened her eyes to see Sofia running as fast her little legs could take her. She had no doubt that her daughter had done something completely ordinary.

  “Strong and healthy,” Aaron announced, his chest puffed out with pride. “Just like Cooper when he was that age.”

  “Serena was fearless and adventurous from the moment she was born. And you can’t argue that the little one got her beauty from my side of the family,” Felipe said. “She looks just like Serena.”

  Serena smiled when she felt Cooper stand behind her and wrap his arms around her. She leaned back against his solid chest, inhaling his scent as his heat surrounded her. “I agree with Felipe,” he whispered in her ear.

  She reached up and pressed her hand against his lean cheek. “They haven’t mentioned that she’s as headstrong as you.”

  “Give it time,” Cooper said as he nuzzled the sensitive spot behind her ear. He slid his hands around her waist. His large fingers splayed over her flat stomach. “When should we tell them about this one?”

  She quickly batted his hands away, in case one of their parents saw the telltale gesture. “Let me get my office in São Paulo up and running first.”

  Her microfinance services were expanding to meet an insatiable demand. She’d never thought she would find work that was satisfying and meaningful to her. She was still surprised that her skills had made a positive impact on low-income neighborhoods. “Those two old men get very protective at the thought of me working while I’m pregnant.”

  “I’m the same way,” Cooper admitted. “In fact, I think you should be resting.”

  She heard the husky growl in her husband’s voice and anticipation coiled low in her belly. She turned around in his arms and linked her hands over his broad shoulders. The large emerald cut diamond from her wedding ring gleamed in the sunlight.

  “You know I don’t like to sleep alone,” she said with an exaggerated pout. Serena looked up at him through her dark eyelashes. “Will you join me?”

  Desire flashed in his silvery gray eyes. “Just try to keep me away.”

  Keep reading for an excerpt from MARRIED FOR AMARI’S HEIR by Maisey Yates.

  Whether you’re in America, Australia, Europe or Dubai our doors will always be open…

  Welcome to

  The Chatsfield

  Synonymous with style, sensation…and scandal!

  The notorious Chatsfields have come together to make The Chatsfield Hotel the most notorious, luxurious and desirous location for the world’s impossibly rich and exceptionally famous.

  Passion and power, winning and succeeding, their legendary exploits are a legacy that is impossible to resist.

  Don’t miss out on a single story!

  Lucy Monroe - Sheikh’s Scandal

  Melanie Milburne - Playboy’s Lesson

  Michelle Conder - Socialite’s Gamble

  Chantelle Shaw - Billionaire’s Secret

  Trish Morey - Tycoon’s Temptation

  Abby Green - Rival’s Challenge

  Annie West - Rebel’s Bargain

  Lynn Raye Harris - Heiress’s Defiance

  Maisey Yates - Sheikh’s Desert Duty

  Abby Green - Delucca’s Marriage Contract

  Carol Marinelli - Princess’s Secret Baby

  Kate Hewitt - Virgin’s Sweet Rebellion

  Caitlin Crews - Greek’s Last Redemption

  Michelle Conder - Russian’s Ruthless Demand

  Susanna Carr - Tycoon’s Delicious Debt

  Melanie Milburne - Chatsfield’s Ultimate Acquisition

  Add them to your collection today!

  http://www.harlequin.com/harlequinexperience

  Married for Amari's Heir

  by Maisey Yates

  CHAPTER ONE

  You will meet me at The Mark at 1:30 p.m. You will wear the dress that was sent this afternoon. In this bag is the lingerie you will wear beneath the dress. This is nonnegotiable. If you do not comply, I will know. And you will be punished for it.

  —R

  CHARITY WYATT LOOKED at the very high-end shopping bag that was sitting on the hall table in her entryway. It was a deep gray color, innocuous, except for the famous lingerie label printed on the side. It had matching slate tissue paper inside, and underneath the very first fold of paper was a thick white envelope with a card inside. She knew, because she had opened it. Opened it and read the instructions that were printed on it while her cheeks burned with rage.

  The card was now tucked safely back into the bag. She didn’t want to read it again. Once was enough.

  The Mark. A clever location to ask for a meet up, since, six months ago, that was what he had been to her father. And to her.

  A mark, part of a con. A mark who now had her utterly and completely at his mercy. She hated that. Hated being on the losing end. Hated being at a disadvantage.

  She should have sent her dad packing when, after nearly a year of no contact, he’d breezed back into her life.

  One more, Charity. Just one more.

  Just one more and it would all be golden in the end. How many times had she heard that? Always with his signature wink and smile, the charm that got him everywhere in life. Oh, how she’d craved the chance to be in his circle. To be a part of him. To be valuable enough to him that he would take her everywhere. No more time spent on her grandmother’s couch, wondering when her dad would be back. No more terrifying nights alone in an empty apartment while he went out and “worked.”

  It would all end, once he had the perfect score.

  He was so good at spinning golden stories out of straw. And she wanted to walk down into the glittering world he always spoke of. Where things were easy. Where they would be together.

  But it always took just one more job.

  All her life, her dad had promised there would be rainbows after the storms. So far all she’d ever seen was the thunder and lightning. She had yet to get her rainbow, and this time was no exception.

  In this instance, he had left her standing in a puddle, holding a lightning rod.

  The minute her father had left town she’d known she was up a creek. But she’d stayed. Because she didn’t have anywhere else to go. Because she had a life here. Had some friends. Had a job. And she’d been certain she would avoid detection. She always had.

  Six months of silence. Six months of her life going on as it always had. Six months to get over her father’s betrayal. Six months for her to forget that she had made a powerful enemy.

  And now this.

  This demand.

  It ca
me one day after he’d made contact for the first time. A call to her cell phone from an untraceable number.

  She knew what he looked like. Rocco Amari was famous, the media’s favorite businessman playboy. He had model good looks, shiny cars, shinier girlfriends. Basically, everything you needed to capture the attention of the public.

  She had seen him before in print images, but she had never heard his voice. Until yesterday. Until he’d made contact. She’d realized quickly that she couldn’t outrun him, that she couldn’t hide from him.

  Not without pulling up stakes and disappearing into the night. Leaving her little apartment, her restaurant job, her small group of friends. Becoming a vapor, as she’d been in her childhood. Invisible. With few enough things to stuff them all into one bag so she and her dad could run quickly if they needed to. Then her dad could drop her at his mother’s for “a while” at a moment’s notice.

  No. She hadn’t been able to face becoming that person again. A ghost in the human world, never allowed to touch anything. Never allowed to be a part of anything.

  So she’d stayed.

  Which meant pulling a much more brazen con than she would like. One that would hopefully end this thing with him, and see her on her way. Free and clear. She had to go to him, convince him of her innocence.

  But he hadn’t been playing by her rules. And then he’d finally called.

  * * *

  “Charity Wyatt?”

  “Yes?”

  “We’ve never spoken before, but you know who I am. Rocco, Rocco Amari. You have something that belongs to me, my pretty little thief.” His voice was deep, his Italian heritage evident in each syllable. It was the kind of voice that seemed to have a flavor all its own, something smoky, like Scotch and cigars. It curled itself around her, around her throat, made it difficult for her to speak.

  “I am not a thief,” she said, injecting a note of ringing conviction into her voice. “My father is a con man and he—”

  “And you are his accomplice,” he said, the certainty in his voice squashing the false ring of conviction in hers.

  “I need to explain. He lied to me. I didn’t know what I was doing!”