Dangerous Deception (The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Series)

by Angelo, Judy

  “Seriously?” Somehow she’d thought rich kids didn’t have to lift a finger. They had maids to do that kind of thing, didn’t they?

  “My parents didn’t play around with us kids,” Storm continued. “Sure, we had staff at the house to do the heavy stuff but we had our chores, too.” He chuckled. “My mom even taught me how to cook and she’s a stickler for perfection in the kitchen. Brrr.” Storm gave a shudder.

  That made Dani burst out laughing. "Anyway, mama’s boy, you deserve a break so drop that quilt."

  “Mama’s boy?” Storm gasped in mock horror. “You just called me mama’s boy? I’m going to get you for that.”

  Before Dani could move he’d come around the table and was reaching for her. She gave a shriek and dashed around to the other side. She glanced over her shoulder, thinking that he’d given up the silly chase, but he was still coming. With a yell she was off again.

  She made it as far as the living room and that was where he caught her, his arms snaking round her waist to pull her back against him. With her back pressed against his torso and his arms a steel band around her she had little chance of breaking loose but still she struggled, her flight instinct kicking in, telling her she had to get away.

  He was laughing at her futile efforts as he held her easily but then she turned round in his arms, catching him off guard, and shoved him in the chest. Storm stumbled back, collapsing unceremoniously onto the sofa, but he did not let go of her and she came tumbling down right on top of him.

  He immediately seized the advantage. Quick as a cat he rolled over into the softness of the sofa, shifting her so she was pinned underneath him. Then, propping himself on his elbows, he gave her a crooked smile. “Now I’ve got you exactly where I want you,” he whispered wickedly. “You are in my power.”

  He dipped his head and put his lips close to her ear. “Do you take back what you said about me being a mama’s boy?”

  Dani turned her lips to his ear but for a second she said nothing, keeping him in suspense. Then her whisper came, strong and bold and defiant. “Never.”

  “Wrong answer.” With a growl he captured both her wrists with one hand and pinned them above her head then he lowered his head, his lips coming closer and closer till they were just a hair’s breadth away from hers. “Last chance,” he whispered and his warm breath tickled her lips.

  “Never,” she whispered again and then moaned as his mouth descended on hers, locking her in a passionate kiss from which there was no escape. He was in total control, his lips holding hers prisoner, his tongue tantalizing at first, testing her, teasing her then growing more masterful until she was gasping beneath him.

  Still holding her immobile Storm released her mouth to slide his lips down her neck and over her collarbone. There he feathered her skin with butterfly kisses that had her squirming for a different kind of release.

  Dani arched her back, wanting more of him. His sweet torture was driving her crazy. Her nipples, now hardened points in her bra, were crying out for their own release, clamoring for his mouth, his lips, his tongue to caress and to soothe them. She sighed when his mouth slipped lower to kiss the tops of her breasts and then he was sliding his free hand down the front of her blouse, loosening buttons until he opened the shirt wide, exposing her lacy bra and bare midriff to his heated gaze.

  Only then did Storm release her wrists. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered then cupped her breasts in his palms, his thumbs making tantalizing circles over her nipples as they poked through her bra.

  Dani was panting now, and he must have decided to take pity on her because he hooked his thumbs in the top of each bra cup and pushed them down below her breasts, exposing them to his view.

  Dani almost cried out when he sucked a puckered nipple into his mouth, massaging it with his tongue, rolling it until she writhed in sweet agony. Then he moved his lips to the other and the hands he’d just freed reached up to cradle his head and pull him into her.

  When he lifted his head she groaned and reached for him, wanting even more.

  With a smile he pulled out of her arms then he began unbuttoning his shirt. As his hands deftly loosened button after button he spoke. “You’ve got condoms, right?”

  The words were like a glass of cold water thrown in her face. Condom? Dear God, what was she doing? It had taken his words to slap sense back into her brain. It was like she’d been in a trance. But now she was herself again and she was not going any farther.

  Dani sat up and shoved Storm off then she shot up off the couch.

  “What’s the matter with you?” His face registered shock and confusion.

  “I’m not doing this,” she muttered, dragging her bra back in place and quickly doing up the buttons of her shirt. As soon as they were done she lifted her head. “I’m your fake fiancée remember? Fake. That means no sex."

  “But we just-”

  “I know and I was wrong to let things get that far but you can get your shirt back on. This is were it ends.” Dani’s voice was cold. She knew she sounded harsh but her words weren’t only for Storm, they were for her, too. How the heck had she let things get that far? She, realist that she was, should have known better.

  Storm was one of the richest men in the country. He’d hired her to do a job and she’d gone falling in infatuation - because that was all it could be - with him. He was dangerously handsome, with his raven-black hair curling wildly and his dark eyes that seemed to read into your soul. She’d fallen under his spell but now it was time to break free.

  She had to remain professional. She could not afford to be used and then discarded once he got tired of her. Because that was what they did, these tycoons. To them, women like her were nothing but toys.

  She was glad she’d remembered that before it was too late.

  Storm’s clothes were back in order now and he was standing there, scowling at her, obviously annoyed by her sudden change of heart. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked through clenched teeth.

  Dani sighed then nodded. “I think that would be best.”

  Without another word Storm turned and walked out of her apartment, closing the door firmly behind him.

  Dani felt the fight seep out of her, leaving her trembling and drained. She sank down onto the sofa and put her hands to her mouth as she fell into deep thought. Had she just ruined her opportunity to give her brother the help he needed? Had she just messed up two chances by quitting her job with Tony and then practically ordering Storm to keep his hands off her?

  Propping her elbows on her knees, she dropped her chin into her cupped palms. After what had just happened would Storm even call her again?

  ******

  Damn and double damn. Storm slammed his palm against the steering wheel and blew out a frustrated breath. How could he have been so dumb?

  He should have known better than to give in to his attraction to Dani. Of course she would be upset. He should probably be grateful she hadn’t slapped him for coming on to her like that. He’d hired her, discussed money, and then had gone and practically taken advantage of her. Now she was probably feeling like he’d used her. Jeez, what if she thought he’d assumed he’d bought an all-inclusive package?

  He shook his head. He honestly didn’t know what had come over him. It was probably because he’d never felt so comfortable in a woman’s company as he did in hers. She’d had him quilting, for Christ's sake, and he’d loved it. He’d probably have enjoyed it just as much if she’d pulled out a basket of old socks and told him to start darning. It wasn’t the task that had him on a high, it was the company.

  He blew out his breath in a sigh. He wanted Danielle Swift. There was no denying that. The problem was she obviously didn’t feel the same way.

  He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and stared through the windshield of his Ferrari. Now he was faced with a nagging question - after what had happened, would she want to go through with his plan? He could easily think of twenty women who would jump at the chance to play this farce
with him. But the only one he wanted was her.

  It was not an easy task, admitting that to himself, not after she’d thrown him out of her apartment. But it was the truth. Now there was only one thing left to do. He had to apologize.

  He dug into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. For some time he stared at it, fighting the urge to give in to his male ego. What man liked to be rejected? But he had to do what was right. He found her number in the phone and pressed the green button to call.

  She picked up on the third ring. “Hello?” Her voice was soft, hesitant, totally unlike the bold Dani he’d come to know.

  “It’s Storm,” he said and started tapping his fingers on the steering wheel again.

  “I know,” she said then there was silence.

  Come on, fool. Your turn. “Dani, I’m sorry about what just happened,” he said, his voice strained. “I was out of line to come on to you like that and I apologize.”

  “I’m sorry, too,” she said quietly. “It’s not like I was blame-free.”

  Again there was silence, and for once in his life Storm struggled to find words. Finally he spoke. “So…are we still on for that visit to my parents in the next couple of weeks or…do you want to call it off?”

  He heard her sigh into the phone. “I’ll still do it, Storm. But you know this is dangerous, right? I mean, deceiving your parents like that? Don’t you think they’ll see through it?”

  “Not if we do it right,” he said. “If we just act like a normal couple they’ll be sold.”

  “Normal?”

  “Or as close to normal as we can get,” he said, trying to clarify.

  “Alright. I’ll…see you in a couple of weeks then,” she said, effectively bringing the conversation to an end.

  “Right. See you then.”

  The phone connection went dead and she was gone.

  Storm dropped the phone onto the driver's seat then turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life.

  And that was the end of his evening. Not exactly the one he had envisioned but at least they were back on amicable terms.

  He just hoped from here on he’d remember to keep his roaming hands off her. It was definitely not going to be easy.

  ******

  The next two weeks passed far too quickly for Dani’s liking. She wasn’t ready. Not mentally, anyway. As she went down in the elevator she breathed in deeply then exhaled slowly. Calm down, she told herself, then clutched her purse strap tighter. Just because Storm's parents were super rich there was no reason to be scared. They were human beings, not aliens.

  The elevator door opened and she stepped out. The pep talk she’d given herself hadn’t really worked but now she had to put on a brave face and a smile. Storm was right there in the lobby and now he was walking toward her. Her fake billionaire fiancé was painfully handsome as usual, in hip-hugging jeans and a close-fitting black shirt that clung to every cut of his muscles. Painfully handsome was the only way she could describe him because he looked so good he made her mouth water…and yet she could not touch him. And it was all because of her own stupid rules. Okay, so maybe the rules actually made sense but she just wasn’t liking them right now.

  Storm was right in front of her now. He gave her a bow. “Very nice,” he said, his voice low and almost seductive. But not quite. He was probably being very careful, making sure not to cross any lines.

  “Thank you,” she said with a smile and her heart soared. She’d better get a hold of herself. All the man had said were two words, two very simple ones at that, and she was over the moon.

  Storm held out his hands. “After you, madam.”

  She walked ahead of him and when she got to the door the sunshine was so bright she pulled up short as the glare hit her eyes.

  Storm ran into her back, nearly knocking her over. His arms shot out to grab her and before she could react she’d been dragged back against his hard body.

  Just as suddenly his arms dropped away, leaving her bereft. “Sorry,” he said quickly. “Just didn’t want you to topple over.”

  “It’s okay,” she muttered and stepped out into the sunshine.

  He didn’t have to draw back from her quite so swiftly, retreating as if she were some kind of leper. She’d wanted his arms around her, wanted the outdoorsy smell of him and the solid feel of him just a moment longer, but he’d dashed away. She was being unreasonable, she knew, but she couldn’t help her feelings. Rules or no rules, her body wanted Storm Hunter’s touch.

  As they stepped out into the sunshine he pulled a pair of sunglasses from his pocket and slid them on. If she’d thought he looked sexy before, that was nothing compared to what he looked like in dark glasses. Now he looked both hot and mysterious, making her nipples peak in futile anticipation.

  Oh Lord, this was not working. They hadn’t even reached the car yet and her body was preparing for love. She almost laughed out loud. Talk about pathetic.

  Storm stopped in front of a fire-red Ferrari convertible with the top down. He reached down to open the passenger door for her.

  “Very nice,” she said, copying his words as she looked at the car with appreciation. “She looks like a fast one.”

  “She is,” he said proudly. “Clocks zero to a hundred in four seconds.”

  She slid into the seat then eyed him. “I hope you’re not planning to demonstrate.”

  He laughed. “No, not this time. I’m working hard to stay in your good books.”

  She could see that. He’d practically run away from her just seconds ago when their bodies touched. If that was what it meant to be in her good books then she’d throw out the darn books. Being a good girl was getting tired.

  Storm went around to the driver’s side and slid into the seat then they were off, his long-fingered hands holding the steering wheel and handling the car expertly. They were out of the city traffic and onto the highway in less than half the time it would have taken her to get there.

  “You drive like a racecar driver.” Dani watched in admiration as he handled the gears, revving up and shooting past so many other cars on the highway. She hadn’t even seen a stick shift car in years but she remembered when she used to drive one. She’d actually liked the feel of the clutch and the shifting of the gears.

  “Used to be one,” he said casually, glancing over to give her a mischievous grin.

  She looked at him through narrowed eyes. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope,” he said and his smile was so smug she knew he was telling the truth.

  “You, the first born of one of the wealthiest families in America, and your parents let you race cars? What were they thinking?”

  He laughed out loud. “It’s what I love, Dani. Fast cars, fast motorcycles and-”

  “Fast women?” She finished the sentence for him.

  “Wrong guess,” he said with a chuckle. “I was going to say rock music. I love rock music.” He reached down and switched on the radio and the music of Hootie and the Blowfish, ‘I Only Want To Be With You’, blared through the speakers.

  That put an end to any further conversation so Dani leaned back and closed her eyes, the better to enjoy the song and the feel of the breeze whipping through her hair.

  At that speed, in no time they were pulling off the highway and onto a local road. The closer they got to their destination the tighter Dani gripped the side of her seat. She had no idea what to expect. Would they be snooty and mean, immediately sniffing out her ordinary working class blood? Would they quiz her on things only rich people knew? She could just picture it - a discussion on quality wines, one in which she wouldn’t even be able to participate because she didn’t have a clue.

  Before long they made another turn, this time onto what looked like a country road at the end of which stood a majestic mansion nestled among huge trees which had begun to sport the colors of autumn - yellows, golds and reds among the green leaves. Storm pulled up in front of it and hopped out to come around and open the door for her. Then, as if he kn
ew she needed the support, he took her hand and they walked up the steps together.

  Storm pushed the door open and as they entered the foyer he called out, “Mom, we’re here.”

  “Finally. How are you, Storm? You need to come home more often.”

  Dani turned to see a tiny woman with short-cropped black hair coming down the hallway, her arms open wide. Storm stepped away from her and walked right into his mother’s hug. “How are you doing, Mom?" He towered over the petite woman and had to bend over to hug her.

  “Always better when I see you. You need to visit more often." She gave him a playfully accusing look. "Are you trying to avoid me for some reason?”

  “Aw, come on, Mom,” Storm said, looking almost guilty. "I come when I can.”

  Mrs. Hunter’s hrumph told him what she thought of that. She did not respond to her son’s defense. Instead she turned to look at Dani. “And who do we have here? Aren’t you going to introduce me, Storm?”

  “Of course.” Storm took Dani’s hand and pulled her forward. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Danielle Swift, my best kept secret.”

  “Secret is right,” Mrs. Hunter said softly as she stared up at Dani. “Welcome to Hunter’s Lodge, Dani.”

  “Thank you,” Dani replied, almost feeling like she should do a curtsy. Although small, Mrs. Hunter was intimidating with her piercing gray eyes and regal posture. She looked like she should be sitting on a throne in England rather than presiding over a house on American soil.

  “Mrs. Johnson has prepared a special meal to celebrate your spending the afternoon with us.” She gave Storm a pointed look. “It’s been such a long time.”

  Storms lips tightened but he said nothing. He simply put his hand under Dani’s elbow and directed her down the hall after his mother.

  Dani was beginning to understand the challenge Storm faced. Just by observing his mother who was obviously a strong woman she could sense that a lot was being demanded of him and he was expected to deliver. She could almost imagine Mrs. Hunter as a matchmaker-mother intent on selecting the perfect bride for him.