The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride Read Online Free Page B

make arrangements for tomorrow, then he’d left.
    Now, she swallowed hard at the mention of children , wondering if Alex expected to consummate their marriage on their wedding night - whenever that was.
    “ But I don’t expect Alex to pay me if we … divorce.” It was hard for her to say the word, even though she hardly knew her husband-to-be. But she definitely didn’t want his money.
    “ I have a note here from Mr. Trask’s legal representative. He’s very insistent that this clause is non-negotiable.”
    It was important to her that Alex didn’t think she was marrying him for his money. But isn’t that what she was doing? Laura twisted her hands in her lap. She was marrying Alex because it was the only way to save her parents’ business, not because she wanted his money for herself.
    But why was he marrying her?
    “I’ve also been told that you’re getting married tomorrow.” The attorney smiled his congratulations.
    “ I am?” Laura’s eyes widened. She’d guessed that once she accepted Alex’s proposal things would move quickly, but she hadn’t expected lightning speed.
    Why hasn’t Alex told me? Was she even going to see him before the ceremony? Where would it be held? What would she wear? How could she buy a wedding dress in less than a day - or should she even be thinking of wearing a bridal gown, considering the reason for their marriage?
    Laura’s mind whirled as she stared at the lawyer.
    In the end, her choice was simple. Either sign the pre-nup or forget about saving King Royale. As she signed the legal document with a shaking hand, she resolved to speak to Alex about one particular clause. She wouldn’t take his money if they split up.
    Walking out of the office building, she desperately needed a square or two of velvety smooth dark chocolate, preferably fifty percent cocoa, that would just melt on her tongue, and soothe away her concerns that she was doing the right thing.
    Spying a boutique chocolate shop across the road, she prepared to cross when she became aware of a looming presence beside her.
    Alex.
    “I thought I’d meet you after your appointment.” He took her elbow and steered her into a waiting silver town car.
    Laura watched him press the button to the privacy partition, the panel sliding into place behind the well-dressed burly driver . Butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach. Was she really going to marry this man? Tomorrow?
    She must be insane.
    “Alex…” she hesitated. What would it be like to have him in her bed? All six feet of powerful lean muscle - that’s what she imagined anyway, since she hadn‘t yet seen him nude. She guessed she would find out once they were married - if she were brave enough.
    “ What?” He looked at her assessingly as if somehow he’d read her mind, and knew what she’d been about to say.
    Her heart rate sped up. Now was her chance - maybe her only chance - to get out of this crazy idea for a marriage.
    “Nothing,” she finally whispered, not sure if she was sorry or glad with her decision.
    “ I thought we could have lunch while we discuss tomorrow.” He picked up her hand as he spoke, holding it gently.
    A shiver ran down her spine at his touch. Laura nodded, not sure if she could trust her voice right now.
    The car ride was mercifully brief. After a few minutes, they pulled up outside a luxurious apartment building in La Jolla, one of San Diego’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
    Laura wrinkled her brow. “Where are we?” They were the first words either of them had spoken during the short trip.
    “My penthouse.” Alex helped her out of the car, her lilac dress swirling around her knees as she stood on the pavement.
    “ Oh.” She hadn’t really given any thought to what would happen after the wedding ceremony - except for consummating the marriage. Now, it all seemed very real. “Will I--”
    “ Yes. You’ll be living here - with me.”
    Laura’s knees wobbled at the gleam of heat in his eyes. Alex guided