Everything He Demands (Bookkeeper for the Billionaire #3)
Author: Thalia Frost

“That wasn’t so bad.” I walked out of the airport with Rock into a steaming heat.

“Welcome to Venice in July.”

“Wow. It’s a lot hotter and muggier than California this time of year.” I pushed my hair back from my forehead. A sleek limousine rolled up at that moment.

“Here’s our ride. After you, Ms. Pate.” Rock winked at me, sending heat to my toes as he guided me toward the limo, a hand at the small of my back. A porter had our bags and stowed them.

“Mr. Weldon. I trust your trip was pleasant.” The heavily accented driver came around and opened the door for us.

“Spectacular. But I’m starving, Luigi. Could you take us to Gino’s? Are you hungry?” he asked me.

“Famished. I hardly ate on the plane.”

I’d been too occupied with…other things.

“And Luigi, this is Ms. Pate. She’s my new bookkeeper.”

Luigi nodded respectfully. “Pleased to meet you. Welcome to Venezia, miss.”

“Thank you.”

Luigi closed the door gently. A moment later, we pulled out into mild traffic.

“Wow. I had no idea what to expect. I thought there’d be more people.”

Rock shrugged, leaning against the window, staring out. “More than usual since it’s summer but Venice is nice and quiet. That’s part of its charm.”

I smiled at him. The look of worry had settled back over his features. “It’s going to be okay, Rock.”

He pursed his lips. “I don’t know about that. And call me Mr. Weldon for tonight…until all hell breaks loose with the announcement of our,” he paused for emphasis, “engagement.”

Heat rose in my cheeks. “Of course.”

The familiarity I’d enjoyed with him on the plane had evaporated upon our arrival. Is this really all he wants from me—a faux fiancée and someone to do the books?

I took a deep breath, resigning myself to the gorgeous view out the window. The afternoon sun blazed, and people walked the streets, haunting lovely shops. Perhaps I’d get a chance to see some of them myself while I was here.

Rock’s hand on my thigh brought me back to myself. “At least there were no paparazzi at the airport. They’re not so bad here, but they’ll spot us soon enough.” He grimaced. “I have a nice, private room at the restaurant, though, as usual.”

“Oh.” The thought took my breath away. Wine, pasta…and Rock were on the menu, maybe.

His hand slid up my dress farther, and heat pooled between my legs. “We’re almost there. Pity.”

He pressed a button. “Luigi, please drive around the block a couple times. Ms. Pate and I would like to take in the sights.”

“Of course, sir.”

My breath caught. Did this man ever get enough? I knew I didn’t, not of him.

“We’re passing the Piazza de San Marco. We’ll see it tomorrow if you’d like.”

I nodded, my pulse hammering as street lights reflected in his dark eyes. “I’d like that.”

“There’s no place like Venice. I love the history here and the way the city smells…and its romance.” His voice was a seductive whisper now, and I broke into chill bumps.

The limo rolled to a stop a moment later. Luigi came around and let me out. Rock took my arm after he’d climbed out as well. “Here’s Gino’s. Best food in Venice, or close to it.” The melancholy music of a violin floated down the street toward them, and for a moment, a pang of longing for home ripped through me.

I’m in a strange country with a sexy but enigmatic man, and tomorrow I’m to be engaged to him…falsely.

“Penny for your thoughts, Ms. Pate.” Rock snugged my arm closer to him, and the feel of his body pressed against my own as we walked electrified me.

“Ah, Mr. Weldon!” The host bowed deeply.

“Yes, please show us to your private room if it’s not occupied.”

“No, it’s not. Your driver called ahead and indicated that you might be dining here.” The host smiled.

“Luigi never fails me.” Rock grinned and steered me inside.

“I get the impression you usually get what you want,” I whispered as we passed tables and murmurs rippled through them.

“Usually? Always.” He brushed my hair with his lips, sending tremors through me.

“Here we are, sir. Your waiter will be with you shortly.” He seated us in a room full of crystal and a few white-clothed tables. Mirrors were on every surface of wall and ceiling, which made for a dizzying effect.

Then he closed the double door behind us.

“Wow. This is really something. I’m surprised you’re not regaling me with your mastery of Italian.” I leaned on the table, closer to him.

“I’ll tell you a secret.” He winked, and I admired his glossy dark hair under the chandeliers.

“Yeah?”

“I suck at foreign languages. Always have.” He shrugged.

I giggled. “It’s good to know you have one area of weakness.”

He pursed his lips. “Many, actually. I trust people too easily, and my past gives me trouble even now.”

“Oh.” I looked down at my place setting. I’d put my foot in my mouth.

“Don’t feel bad about it. Growing up in an abusive home helped me develop a killer instinct.” His eyes lit up.

“Yeah, but what else did it do?” I put a hand on his arm, and he flinched.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I brought it up. I just don’t like talking about it.”

At that moment, a handsome, thin waiter appeared and relieved the tension. Rock remained a mystery to me—a sexy man who wanted me but who had more secrets than I’d be able to tease out in one dinner.

Rock ordered a red and white wine and more water. “Anything else you’d like to drink?” he asked me, studying me over the menu.

“A Diet Coke maybe.”

He smiled, and the waiter nodded. He placed a basket of steaming bread and a bowl of olive oil before us.

“Enjoy. I’ll be back to take your order.”

“The bread is excellent here.” Rock took a piece and dipped it in olive oil, looking into my eyes. Something about the action was erotic, and my body tingled.

“What do you recommend?” I studied the menu. It was in Italian and English, luckily.

“The trout scallopini and canolis. Definitely. Or anything else on the menu. Everything is excellent here.”

“Sounds yummy.” I smiled at him, realizing how much I was enjoying his company.

“Not as yummy as you.” He dipped his finger in the olive oil.

What is he doing? Bad manners for a billionaire CEO.

He brought his finger to my lips, and I took it in, sucking. Warmth spread through me, and bread was the last thing on my mind.