The Billionaire’s Fake Engagement / Man from Stallion Country: The Billionaire’s Fake Engagement / Man from Stallion Country

Her mother’s mouth tightened. “Do you know what I really think?”

She shook her head. “Tell me.”

May held her daughter’s flaming cheek and Natalie saw that her mother’s eyes were edged with tears. But then May smiled and stood, urging Natalie to her feet as well.

“I think we need a strong cup of tea.” Bright again, May showed her only child to the kitchen. “After lunch, we’ll see darling Mrs. Heigle over the road. She loves your visits, too.”

The sun was a shimmering orange ball melting into the horizon by the time Natalie headed out of town.

After kissing her mother goodbye, she’d gone to spend an hour beneath the graceful umbrella of that poinciana tree. Following tradition, she replaced last month’s soft toy—a small pink bear—with a new toy, a purple poodle puppy. Then she’d sat on the grass, gazed at the headstone, saying nothing.

Only wishing.

Now, as she cruised by the faded sign that read, Visit Constance Plains Again Soon, a car passed her coming in and Natalie did an unconscious double take.

Nothing unusual about the vehicle—your everyday, run-of-the-mill four-wheel drive. It was the glimpse of the driver that niggled. She wasn’t sure why until ten miles out when the fleeting snapshot she’d caught gelled with the information knocking at her brain.

But then she laughed, shook her head.

That driver had ginger hair, yes. Didn’t mean he was the reporter from the other night. Even if he, or anyone else for that matter, had wanted information on her, Internet and phones would be far quicker than an eight-hour round-trip like the one she’d complete today.

Which reminded her.

Natalie selected a CD then, settling into her seat, stifled a yawn.

She wouldn’t reach Sydney until around nine. After a couple of restless nights, she couldn’t wait for her head to hit the pillow. Even thoughts of Alexander and their uncertain future wouldn’t ward off the Sandman tonight.

Her limbs were aching weights when, hours later, she steered into her apartment block’s driveway. With a heavy arm, she swiped her keycard and the automatic gates leading to the underground car park rumbled up. Then something in the shadows caught her eye. A car, and this time the model was highly distinctive.

Sleek black Audi R8s weren’t so run-of-the-mill.

Suddenly alert, she steered her car beneath the gate and swerved into her park. By the time she collected her bag off the passenger seat, Alexander stood by her door, reaching for the handle. A moment later, his warm hand gripped her elbow to help her out.

His face was dark and voice curiously gravelled. “It’s after nine. I was beginning to worry.”

A part of her was touched by his concern, but a bigger, thoroughly ragged part was slightly peeved.

“No need,” she said, winding casually out of his hold. She’d been doing that drive for six years and she’d continue to do it for another sixty.

Then, through her exhaustion and jolt of his unexpected appearance, the obvious question dawned.

She studied him more closely. “Alex, why are you here?”

Was something wrong with Bridget…with the baby?

“It’s been a crazy day,” he said, walking with her to the lift, his eyes cast down. “I’ve needed to make some decisions. Decisions that affect you.”

“Is Bridget all right?”

“I spoke with her briefly. Mateo said he’d fit her in anytime, but it was hard pinning her down to a day.” He stabbed the lift’s call button. “She said she wishes none of this had happened. She apologised for dragging me into it.”

Her heart dropped more. Bridget Davidson sounded sweet. Someone who deserved a good man as well as a nice life for herself and her baby. Natalie almost felt she knew her.

She found her voice over the stone stuck in her throat. “I’m sure you told her that you feel as responsible as she does.”

He slid over a look. “As I’ve said before, if I’m responsible, I’ll be there for them both, no question.”

After they stepped into the lift, Alex closed his eyes and rubbed his brow while Natalie pressed her floor’s button and a warning tingling stole up over the back of her scalp.

He looked so preoccupied. So drawn. Was she jumping to conclusions or was the decision he’d made today concerning her linked to his last statement? Was he here to tell her that he’d had a change of heart? Perhaps after his discussion with Bridget today he’d decided that, if the baby was his, he’d be there for them in more than a single-parent, part-time kind of way.

It shouldn’t be a surprise. Alex staying with the mother of his child was the morally right thing to do. She couldn’t forget how Chris Nagars had run out on his responsibilities. He’d turned his back, not only on her but also on the baby she’d carried.

She turned her face toward the wall.

Then again, she was no angel. She’d had her own reasons for kidding herself and accepting Alex’s ring. Fact was, Alex should focus on Bridget and that baby now, and they both knew it.

“I spoke with your boss today.”

She straightened and concentrated on his words. Alex had spoken to Phil? “About the Quinton house?”

“In part. Given you were unavailable, I asked him to arrange for the contract to accommodate rent before handover.”

“You plan to move in straightaway?”

“Yes, I do. With you.”

Her breath caught. One minute he was announcing he would be there for Bridget. Now he’d decided to move in with the other woman?

She raked a trembling hand through her hair. “I don’t suppose you considered asking me first?”

“Not after seeing the six o’clock news.”

She studied the hard edge to his mouth, the penny dropped and a withering feeling fell through her.

“I don’t believe it,” she murmured, cringing at the thought of having their private lives highlighted on prime-time TV. “Don’t they have better things to report on?”

“Apparently not. They even found some vision of my grandfather in his heyday.” His frown deepened. “A camera crew was waiting outside this building until thirty minutes before you pulled up. I thought they might’ve gone to hunt you down…” He gave a thankful grin. “Anyway, you’re safe. But you can bet they’ll be back and they won’t be gracious.”

Retrieving a key from her bag, Natalie crossed to her apartment’s front door. His protective instincts were laudable but clearly Alex hadn’t thought this through.

“Even if I move out of here, they could still corner me at work if they want to.”

“You don’t need to go to work.”

She stopped to slant her head at him. “I beg your pardon?”

“You’re on vacation. I organised it with Phil.”

Dumbfounded, she coughed out a humourless laugh. “Phil, now, is it?”

“He agreed that it’s best you take time off.”

She set her jaw.

Not tired, not compassionate. Now she was angry.

“Do I get any say in this? I mean, has anyone heard of dialing a mobile phone? I think you have my number.”

“I didn’t want to upset you when you had such a long drive to get through. You have enough on your mind.”

“An understatement,” she mumbled, threading her key into its lock.

He followed her inside, his tall masculine build looking out of place in her single bedroom unit. “For the time being, it’s best.”

Says Alexander Ramirez.

She tossed her keys on the hallstand and, her back to Alex, pressed her clasped hands to her waist.

She was ticked off that Alex had spoken with Phil without her consent, but it had gone beyond that. Her boss thought having her lay low for a while was a good idea. Phil wasn’t a pushover. He wouldn’t have agreed if he hadn’t been certain. Perhaps he thought the initial boost the publicity had given Phil’s might ultimately turn sour.

These days people wanted heroes more than ever. Given the perceived moral dilemma here—a man marrying one woman while getting another pregnant—potential customers might take a stand and look elsewhere for their property needs.

She owed her boss a great deal. And she hadn’t had a vacation in…was it two years? This minute she was exhausted, mentally, physically, totally spent.

Leaning against the wall, she heeled off her shoes.

Hell, why fight it? Maybe a few days off wasn’t such a bad idea.

Not wanting to give in too easily, she headed for the kitchen. “How long have you men decided I should take off?”

“Phil said to take as long as you need.”

Feeling suddenly chilled, she crossed and rubbed her arms. “He wants me back, right?”

“With a huge sale like you made yesterday?” She heard him grunt. “I don’t think that’s in dispute.”

“That sale had nothing to do with my ability.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself.” He followed her to the corner of the kitchen where she reached for the kettle. “I was seriously in the market and you negotiated like a true pro. You’d be an asset on anyone’s team. Including mine.”

She looked over her shoulder. A lazy smile was tugging on his mouth. This man couldn’t help being sexy if he tried.

She cocked an eyebrow. “I’m not in the market for another job.”

“Oh, in my case, our affiliation would be purely personal.”

When his arms ravelled around her, urging her to fully face him, half her fatigue melted away, to be replaced by far more inviting, provocative feeling. Still, she tried to look sternly at him. He got away with too much too easily.

She set her palms against his chest. “You’re doing a charm job on me again.”

“Is it working?” He nipped the sensitive shell of her ear and his warm breath stirred her flesh to goose bumps.

She sighed and her head rocked back. She was all out of fight.

“So where is this vacation taking place?”

“It’s a surprise?”

“All right. So what do I need?”

“A few changes of clothing. Some after-five gear.”

She quizzed eyes. “I thought we were going underground.” Hiding from the press.

His grin was crooked. “There’s all kinds of ways to dodge a bullet.”

Chapter Seven

Natalie packed a few things and they made it back to Alex’s new address without incident.

Clearly, though, the past few days had caught up with her. When Alex steered his Audi into the Quinton mansion—now the Ramirez Mansion—Natalie could barely keep her eyes open. He parked beneath the portico, as he’d done the day before, but when he opened the passenger-side door, in the moonlight, through sleepy eyes, she saw his brow descend.

“It’s a good thing I stepped in when I did,” he muttered, angling to scoop her off the seat and into the cradle of his capable arms. “If anyone needs a break, it’s you.”

She was leaden, almost too tired to protest, but she also had her pride. “You don’t need to carry me.”

Nevertheless, he did just that, bumping the car door shut with his hip then striding up the wide sandstone stairs that led to the grand front entrance. Without setting her down, he slotted the key, already in his hand, into the lock and carried her inside. But then he stopped and simply stood beneath that colossal French chandelier, as if waiting for some sign or sound while he silently dominated the deepening shadows.

Held so firmly against his chest, a strangely luminous sensation cascaded through her and Natalie took a moment to gather words to describe it.

Dreamlike, she thought. But, more so, fated. It was as if her whole life she’d waited for this man to carry her into this house when she would feel this way.

Close to peaceful.

Very nearly loved.

Did Alex feel the same?

Raising the arm that supported her legs, he flicked a switch. The chandelier lights flashed on, beaming crystal prisms around the vaulted vestibule. Alexander’s dark eyes glittered as he studied her and the line between his brows deepened more.

“You really are shot, aren’t you?”

Stifling a surprise yawn, she tried to shake herself awake. Now with the lights on, rather than peaceful she felt more like a sack of cement. Alex must think she felt as heavy as one, too.

She wriggled. “I’m fine, really. You can put me down now.”

But he was busy regarding their current location in connection to the rest of the house. His gaze travelled up the stairs that led to the bedrooms, and she remembered yesterday when he’d coaxed her into that bedroom and how he’d made love to her in a way which had been both wonderfully familiar and yet different to any other.

She remembered how his mouth had trailed over her quivering belly, how his bristled chin had grazed the tips of her breasts. Finally she remembered how his muscular body had both pinned her down and simultaneously propelled her up into the clouds.

She stole a look at the set of his firm jaw and intense gleam in his eyes as he evaluated the stairs and, despite her exhaustion, Natalie’s insides kicked in anticipation.

But then a rumble of decision sounded in his chest and he strode with her down a left-hand hall.

A moment later, they entered the exceptionally appointed theatre room. He flicked on the low wattage down lights then moved to lay her upon one of five connected plush chaise lounges, set in a semicircle aimed at a giant in-house screen.

Inwardly she sighed at his consideration but outwardly she challenged him. He was always so ready to take charge.

“I’m not an invalid,” she explained.

Leaning over her, he brushed his warm lips against hers and growled, “Don’t be stubborn. Tonight, carino, let me take care of you.”

Her mouth swung to one side. In truth, she was shot, worn through to the bone and she might be resting on a pile of downy feathers, this chaise was so decadently soft.

“No argument?” He waited then, on a slanted grin, nodded once. “Good.” He straightened and headed out. “I’ll get your things from the car, make a phone call I can’t put off and then…” He stopped at the doorway, rapped his fingers on the jamb and told her over the ledge of a broad shoulder, “Then we’ll go to bed.”

As he disappeared down the hall, Natalie nestled into the lounge, wishing this scenario was as simple as it might outwardly appear. She’d moved in with her handsome fiancé, a successful and respected man who treated her like a princess. But how long would the illusion last?

Another shuddering yawn consumed her. Her searching hand landed on the wool throwblanket splayed over the next chaise and she stuffed a portion of it under her head for a makeshift pillow. The rest she curled over her hip.

Some people lives were charmed. Others had the strength of will to overcome the toughest of trials. She’d faced life’s worst, the death of a child. Now she was facing another challenge…the wait to see whether Alex was the father of Bridget’s baby.

Were her instincts tonight right? Despite bringing her here to protect her from the media, if the paternity test proved positive, would Alex ultimately choose the traditional and honourable course? Would he choose to marry Bridget and be a full-time father to his baby?

Frowning, she burrowed more into her pillow.

No matter how strong their attraction for each other, no matter how much she craved his company, if he planned to stand by Bridget, she already understood and supported that decision more than he could ever know.

A heavy wave curled over her. She closed her eyes and began to drift.

And if Alex did choose Bridget, he would never need to know about her past. She would never need to have him look at her with an awful mixture of pity and futility.

The way she sometimes looked at herself.

When Natalie woke the next day her mind was clear and her body felt gloriously refreshed. Moving against the warm soft bedding, she took her sweet time opening her eyes.

The earliest mists of sunlight were slanting in through an opening in some curtains.

She rubbed her eyes and got her bearings.

Not her bedroom. Not Alexander’s, either. Rather she was reclined in the Quinton’s home theatre room. Last night he’d left saying he would return soon, but she must’ve dozed off.

Stirring more, she angled her head.

On the far chaise lounge, a quiet figure sat in the patchy light…a darkly attractive man, one elbow resting on the chaise arm, his curled knuckles supporting his strong shadowed jaw. He held something, was studying it intently. A small disc that he flipped over his fingers much like a gambler might flip a chip. He manoeuvred the—was it some kind of coin?—across and under his fingers, concentrating as if the action might reveal the secret that would unlock the mysteries of the world.

The flipping stopped.

As his head turned, a lock of blackest hair fell over his brow and Natalie’s heartbeat skipped. His smile was soft, unreservedly masculine and at the same time sinfully beautiful.

He swung his legs onto the floor. “You’re awake.”

His chest was bare while Levi’s hung like a dream on his lean hips. The button was left undone and as he strolled over she fought to keep her gaze from travelling down the arrow of crisp dark hair visible below his navel. Stopping before her, he rushed a hand through that fallen lock of hair and her stomach gave a pleasant twist.

He couldn’t know how sexy he was. How his every movement made her skin heat and heart beat a little faster.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked in a deep husky voice that resonated through to her bones.

She stretched. Smiled. “I feel as if I’ve slept a hundred years.”

“When I came back from my call, I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”

Despite her dilemma, she thought of that bedroom, of the blissful hours they’d spent beneath its sheets, and she only wanted to have him lift her in his arms again and kidnap her upstairs.

Wondering if her thoughts showed—in a way wishing they did—she inwardly sighed and straightened more. “Did you sleep down here, too?”

“A little.”

He looked refreshed enough. Smelled fresh, too. But she guessed he’d had a shower and hadn’t slept at all. That he’d spent the quiet hours of the night working the previous days’ events over in his mind.

The piece in his hand caught the light and she tilted her head, trying to gain a better look. “What’s that?”

“A family heirloom, believe it or not.”

He opened his palm and revealed a worn coin with some sort of emblem on its uneven surface. “It looks ancient.”

“It’s a Spanish doubloon, minted in the days of Isabella and Ferdinand.”

He made to drop it in her hand but she shrank back, hesitant to touch something so precious. It must be worth a fortune.

“I promise there’s no ghosts attached,” he told her. “Or none that I know of.”

She studied the humor in his eyes then laughed at herself. It was just a coin, a very old, queer-looking coin. It wasn’t as if she could lose it on him or anything. She put out her hand and the gold piece slid into the cup of her open palm.

It was warm from his touch and she tested its weight. “Heavy. And not at all round.”

“Doubloons were made with an ounce of gold and minted by hand. It’s been handed down from generation to generation. Passed on from Ramirez firstborn son to firstborn son.”

So that’s why he’d been examining it so intently. He’d been thinking that if Bridget’s baby was his, if the baby was a boy, by virtue of tradition this coin should be handed down to him.

“It’s presented to the eldest boy of each generation on his twenty-first birthday,” he went on. “My parents made a big deal of it when they gave the coin to me. It was the first and only time I saw tears in my father’s eyes.”

He was peeling off his layers, letting her in, wanting her to see what truly lay beneath the tycoon’s cool facade…a man who valued and respected his family, past and future.

Her fingers unfurled and she handed the coin back.

She wished she could give him that son. She wished she could see that same emotion Alex had seen in his father’s eyes the day his boy had turned twenty-one. Pride. Devotion. A sense of immortality. She could only imagine.

The moment stretched as he studied the coin.

“That phone call I made last night,” he finally said. “I contacted a numismatic auction firm. A coin dealer.”

“You want to sell this?”

His flashing eyes jumped to hers. “Never. It will stay in the Ramirez family. It certainly won’t leave my possession until my son is twenty-one.”

Alexander had had his share of romantic affairs, but it was clear how he saw his future. Married with children, particularly a boy. A son who would accept this tangible reminder of who and what he was above all else.

A Ramirez.

“Then why did you contact a dealer?” she asked.

“To hunt down another coin in case…” He exhaled and cleared his throat. “If Bridget Davidson’s baby is mine and a male, he ought to be acknowledged appropriately. But circumstances such as these…I don’t know that it’s happened before.” His gaze bore into the doubloon. “I’d always envisaged this coin going to the son of the woman I married.”

He pushed up tall and shrugged. “Unfortunately the dealer isn’t hopeful of securing another. This specific type of doubloon is the most sought after coin in the world.”

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