Required to Wear the Tycoon's Ring (6 page)

‘All right, Seth,' she began. ‘I don't mind telling you I've had the worst night I've had since I was stood up in church on my wedding day.'

He flinched, but quickly recovered. ‘I'd like to tell you I'm sorry about that, but that rather depends on your decision.'

Her cheeks searing with heat, she answered, ‘Well, to put you out of your misery, I'll tell you.'

‘Good.' Aiming for a confident smile, he found he couldn't quite manage it. His nervous anticipation at what she was going to say gripped his gut like a fist. If he'd had a mind to say a prayer just then, he would have offered one up.

Imogen's insides lurched as she glanced up at Seth. His proposal of marriage was even more daunting now that she saw him again in the flesh. When he had left yesterday she'd honestly feared that she might never see him again. If she didn't know better, she'd think that he was becoming important to her...

But how could that be? she asked herself. His proposal wasn't a
real
one, in that it didn't come out of love for her, and she would be cheating herself if she said that didn't matter. It mattered a great deal
.
She
shouldn't
give up on the idea of finding love and settle instead for a marriage of convenience—no matter how alluring Seth Broden happened to be. Having already been devastatingly taken in by her previous fiancé, she knew she was dicing with danger in even considering his offer...

‘Imogen?' Seth prompted.

Clasping her hands, she stole a shuddering breath. ‘I've decided to take up the offer of becoming your full-time companion.'

Her mouth dried even as she said the words. The words that would change her life and give her a future she'd never imagined even in the most fanciful of her dreams. The words that would align her to a man she'd only met a couple of days ago—a charismatic stranger with a sorrowful past who had left the country to go and make his fortune.

The success he'd achieved was astounding. But then, Seth Broden obviously walked his talk... He
had
trusted himself and it had paid off. Why couldn't it work for her if she did the same? she mused nervously. After all, right now, what did she have to lose?

‘And my wife.'

‘And your wife.'

Seth's hypnotic smile vanished as soon as she'd agreed. In its stead, his expression became serious and businesslike. ‘Good. Now we can both move forward.'

Trying to sound more confident than she was feeling, Imogen commented, ‘Presumably I'll have to give in my notice as soon as possible, as well as give up my tenancy on the flat?'

Even as she spoke she felt even more as though she were in a dream. Suddenly nothing seemed remotely real anymore. She might just as well have been on a raft, drifting out into an endless intimidating ocean with no hope of ever finding land again... That was how scared the prospect of living with Seth made her feel.

He frowned just then, and it drew her attention to his smooth forehead and his exquisitely carved cheekbones. A frisson of excitement replaced her fear as she reminded herself that she had just agreed to marry him.

‘Yes, you will,' he confirmed. ‘But you'll be going on to something better on both counts. Don't forget that. I can have the necessary agreements drawn up by my lawyer in the morning, stating clearly what you will be committing to. Then you can have it legally verified. After that, the marriage can be arranged. Can you let me have some ID?'

Feeling a bit like a lamb startled by a wolf, Imogen felt her heart skitter wildly. ‘Give me a few minutes and I'll get what you need.'

She headed off to the bedroom, where she kept her personal files. When she returned and handed him the necessary documents Seth didn't hide his relief. He slipped them into the inside pocket of his flawless silk-lined jacket.

Then, taking up the conversation where they'd left off, he said, ‘I'll book dinner at the Dorchester for us tomorrow night. I'll pick you up at around seven to take you to the restaurant, and once we're there we can discuss things in more depth and start to get to know each other. Do you have anything suitable to wear? If you don't, I'll get something delivered to you.'

The inside of Imogen's mouth turned ever drier. She had never worn a really expensive outfit in her life.
Outside work, vintage and secondhand clothing was more her thing. And Seth was taking her to the
Dorchester.
It was known to be one of the most revered hotels in the world.

Desperately trying to make sense of it all, she knew her smile was shaky. ‘You don't even know what size I am.'

Lifting an amused eyebrow, he let those sapphire-blue eyes matter-of-factly appraise her figure. ‘I'm pretty good at making an assessment. Leave it to me.'

‘If your choice doesn't work out I can always wear the dress I bought to wear at my wedding reception. It's still hanging untouched in my wardrobe.'

Straight away, she saw that he didn't find the suggestion remotely acceptable—anything
but
.

‘I don't think a reminder of what your ex did to you would be a good way of starting our relationship...do you?'

She was immediately chastened
.
Her skin had heated as though she were sitting beneath a raging sunlamp. ‘I was trying to be ironic. Never mind. I'll expect to see you tomorrow at seven.'

‘You'll need shoes to go with the outfit. What size do you wear?'

‘I'm a five.'

‘That's all I need to know for now. In the meantime, I'd like to try to dispel any awkwardness between us now, rather than leave it until later when our plans are underway. Why don't you come over here?'

‘Why?'

‘Take a risk and find out.'

As if compelled by some otherworldly force, she obliged. When Seth put his hand on her shoulder for a startling couple of seconds she was acquainted with the sensuous touch of his silkily warm flesh against hers. She couldn't suppress a gasp.

‘Please forgive the liberty...' he breathed softly, and gently adjusted the material of the same sweater she'd worn yesterday because the shoulder had gone awry again.

Ever since he'd put his proposal to her she'd been dazed—too dazed to think about what to wear—and she had grabbed the first thing that had come to hand this morning. Glancing up at him, she started to say that it wasn't a problem, and immediately tried to engineer some distance between them.

But before she could slip out of his grasp he bent his head towards hers. Startled, Imogen knew that he was going to kiss her... When his mouth gently but firmly touched hers, she learned that even his lips tasted luxurious. Everything about the man was exclusive and expensive, and she was already in way over her head, succumbing to his charm, intensely focused and aware.

Time seemed to thicken and slow down. The thought came to her that if she'd ever wondered what it would be like to be thoroughly seduced by a master of the art she'd just been given a delicious taster...

* * *

Even before he kissed Imogen, Seth guessed he would be entranced by the touch of that sultry mouth beneath his and he was
right.
Although he'd been annoyed with her for not accepting his proposal straight away, all was now forgotten because she'd finally said yes.

What was more surprising was that any residual doubts he might have had completely fled as he touched his lips to hers. Now he realised that if they hit it off sexually it couldn't help but make their partnership all the more sweet.

But even as he had the thought his well-honed instinct for survival kicked in. It had long been part of the essential armour that protected him. It didn't matter how much he wanted to trust Imogen, he couldn't afford to let down his guard. He'd be a fool if he did.

Carefully withdrawing his lips, he smiled. He also shouldn't forget that she'd been well and truly taken to the cleaners by her ex-fiancé, and he didn't want her to think that he might be similarly unscrupulous.

‘That was nice...' he murmured.

Briefly touching his hand to her incredibly soft cheek, he stepped away. Imogen grimaced. Her unsure expression suggested that she regretted the unexpected intimacy they'd just shared. Her next comment confirmed it.

‘I had assumed that this partnership wouldn't involve any intimacy between us...that it would be purely for convenience?'

Seth stared at her. ‘All I will say to that, Imogen, is why don't we just wait and see how things unfold? I certainly wouldn't expect you to be intimate with me if you didn't want that, too.'

‘I'm glad we're clear about that, then.'

‘Good. Now, let me give you my mobile number so you can ring me if you need anything.' He opened his wallet and gave her his business card. ‘I'd better go.' Heading towards the door, he glanced over his shoulder, adding, ‘If you've never been to the Dorchester before, I know you're going to love it.'

* * *

Stepping into the prestigious West End showroom of which he'd just become the new owner, it was once more brought home to Seth why he loved the cars on display so much. Every time he set eyes on a Lamborghini his stomach flipped as if he'd just completed a one-hundred-and-fifty-degree roll in a stunt plane. They weren't just classy. With their sleek lines, flawless bodywork and powerful engines, they oozed excitement. He still thought it a privilege to drive one, let alone to be the owner of
several.

The manager, a good-looking Italian called Paolo Bellucci, who had flown out to New York to be interviewed by Seth for the post, immediately came over to greet him.

‘
Ciao
, Signor Broden. Welcome to your new showroom. I trust you are happy to be home again in the UK?'

They shook hands and Seth affirmed that he was. For the first time since he'd been back on British soil he found that he honestly meant it.

‘Can I invite you into the office to enjoy a cup of real Italian coffee and meet the rest of the staff?' Paolo asked.

Seth was pleased to oblige. Their simple little exchange had made him feel at home. Good customer service had been one of the cornerstones of his success, and he was always pleased to note it from anyone else.

But that wasn't the only thing that made him feel glad. Tonight he would be meeting Imogen to take her out to dinner. And he hadn't forgotten the visit to the exclusive fashion house he'd arranged.

A frisson of pleasure shivered through him as he thought about what kind of dress might complement her charming figure. He'd already decided it would be a dress and not a trouser suit. It would highlight her femininity. But whatever the outfit he chose, he knew that her glossy brown eyes and pretty face would undoubtedly enhance it.

In the plush furnished office, a young assistant was despatched to bring Seth and the new manager their coffee.

When he returned with the beverages, Paolo smiled and said, ‘I taught him how to make it myself.'

Freeing the button on his single-breasted pinstriped jacket, Seth sat back in the comfortable leather chair and relaxed. ‘Any small touches that make the customer feel important are always an asset,' he remarked.

The other man nodded in agreement. ‘If anyone knows how to give the customer what they want, it's you, Signor Broden. Your success in the industry speaks for itself. You epitomise everything about these cars. Frank Sinatra was once quoted as saying, “You buy a Ferrari when you want to
be
somebody. You buy a Lamborghini when you
are
somebody.” It must be very gratifying to know that.'

Seth frowned. Once upon a time such a quote would undoubtedly have stroked his ego, but he was long past the stage when that alone gave him any real satisfaction. He wanted the chance to be accepted into the elite fraternity in Ash's father's kingdom that his friend had talked about, and that was because it felt like a final frontier he had to cross.

To be accepted by a seriously important man like the sheikh would be high honour indeed. Maybe then the incessant desire to prove himself as being as good as anybody else and be accepted would finally start to ease. In the meantime he would concentrate on finding a different sort of satisfaction in something more meaningful.
His priorities were starting to change
.

As if he intuited what he was thinking, Paolo commented, ‘No doubt your wife is also enjoying being back in England?'

Firming his lips, Seth reached for his coffee. ‘I'm not married.' Before he tasted the inviting cappuccino, he added, ‘But I intend to be very soon.'

‘
Complimenti
. Congratulations. Who is the lucky
signorina
?'

‘Her name is Imogen. But please don't talk to anyone from the press about it. The lady is somewhat shy, and I'd like to ensure her privacy for as long as I can.'

‘But of course.'

A knock at the door heralded the appearance of the rest of the dealership staff, and Seth brought his attention back to the business in hand. But almost unconsciously he regularly consulted the time on his Rolex. He expressly didn't want to be late for his appointment at the fashion house, and nor did he want to get back too late to collect his agreement to marry Imogen from his solicitor...

CHAPTER SIX

‘T
HIS
IS
FOR
YOU
. I hope you approve. There are also some shoes that complement the dress. Why don't you go and try them on?'

Effortlessly handsome and imposing, dressed in yet another flawless bespoke suit, Seth stood at her front door. He handed Imogen a chic shiny carrier bag with the name of a famous French designer emblazoned on it.

Accepting it made her nervous. She knew she was acting as though a live grenade was inside that might go off at any second... Even if she worked from dawn until dusk, seven days a week, she wouldn't be able to afford even the simplest outfit from such an exclusive designer.

‘Thanks. I'll check it out in a minute,' she said quietly. ‘Why don't you come in?'

Once back in her living room, she felt a bit more as if she was on firmer ground.

As Seth shut the door behind him, his glance was quizzical. ‘What's wrong?'

‘I know you said that you'd get me something to wear, but I didn't expect you to spend this sort of money on it.' Holding the bag aloft, as if to remind him who the designer was, Imogen wasn't surprised when he responded with the most casual of shrugs.

‘Don't you like her work?'

She almost spluttered. ‘Don't I
like
her work? I know who she is—of course I do. But her designs are well out of my league, Seth. You shouldn't have spent so much. If you have the receipt I'm sure they'll take it back. Just give me a few minutes longer and I can find something else to wear.'

‘I don't doubt that you could find something passable and make it look like a million dollars, sweetheart, but the fact is I
want
you to wear this outfit. We're going to be seen out in public together for the first time and, like it or not, people will note
exactly
what you're wearing and where it came from.'

She lowered the bag down by her side as she was reminded that the man she'd agreed to marry was not just wealthy, but famous for his achievements, as well. In a classy hotel like the Dorchester word would quickly get round that Seth Broden had returned to the UK.

She'd seen the most incredible photograph of him on his website. In it he looked so gorgeous that she would defy
any
woman not to want him. He was leaning against the bonnet of a shiny red Lamborghini and the tag line underneath read, ‘The car maketh the man...' It didn't even mention his name. Clearly everyone in the exclusive world he moved in knew only too well who he was.

Her teeth worried anxiously at her lip. What was she letting herself in for, and could she handle it?

But she didn't have time to fret about that now. ‘Okay. I'll go and try these on. But if they don't fit, or they're uncomfortable, you're going to have to let me wear something of my own.'

Seth smilingly acquiesced. ‘Agreed... But I'll bet my bottom dollar that everything will fit perfectly.'

Imogen didn't reply. She got the feeling he was supremely confident that he was right.

She opened the door and went down the hallway to her bedroom. After putting the glossy bag down on the bed, she unpacked the fragrant pink tissue paper that enfolded the garment and murmured softly, ‘Oh, my Lord...'

Gently lifting the lawn-green dress that was inside, she silently acknowledged that the flawless silk was to die for. Holding the material against her, she saw that the design was sleeveless and that it fell gracefully to just below the knee. It had a contemporary wrapped waist. She wasn't nearly so confident as Seth was that it would fit her, but she couldn't help praying that it would.

A few minutes later, as she stood in front of the wardrobe mirror, she could hardly believe that the woman she was looking at was
her.
The dress was a perfect fit. More than that, wearing it couldn't help but boost the self-esteem that had been flagging for months now. She had finally discovered what women meant when they said a new outfit made them feel like a million dollars.

Seth had found the perfect colour for her in choosing the lawn green. Not only did the shade complement her natural colouring, the design of the dress indisputably highlighted her femininity. Imogen rarely bought clothing that would do that. Her clothes were usually practical, or quirky in some way, and that was what she stuck to.

And then she tried on the shoes. They were a luxurious black leather court with a gold-coloured kitten heel. They might have been
made
for her.

Allowing herself a small twirl, she smiled at her reflection.

Before she went out to show Seth how she looked she hung back for a few more minutes to retouch her make-up and brush her hair. After touching perfume to her wrists and behind her ears, she collected her favourite black wool coat and returned to the living room.

Dropping the coat onto the arm of a nearby chair, she straightened and looked at Seth. He stared. For a tense moment his jaw briefly clenched and she wondered what he was feeling. He told her.

‘You look incredible. You put me in mind of one of those glamorous movie stars from the fifties. Do you realise this is the first glimpse I've had of your legs? I guessed they would be shapely. I'm glad I chose a dress for you.'

Letting down her guard, Imogen didn't hide her pleasure. ‘It's wonderful! Even the shoes fit perfectly. I'm sorry if I seemed ungrateful.'

His blue eyes flashed. ‘I never thought for a moment that you were being ungrateful. I realise that you just aren't used to feeling that you deserve nice things, better treatment than you've settled for in the past. It's not a crime to enjoy some luxury and to expect decent behaviour from the man in your life. The majority of men would naturally want to treat you as you deserve, Imogen. I don't think I'm unusual.'

It was strange, having him refer to himself as the man in her life. She was still unsure around him, not quite believing that he would choose
her
to be his wife and companion over anyone else—but having dipped her toe in the water, she had to take a chance and swim...

‘Hadn't we better go? I've just noticed the time.'

‘You're right. Put on your coat and we'll go out to the car.'

Imogen had another surprise when they went outside and Seth led her to their vehicle. Instead of the comfortable sedan that she'd expected, parked kerbside was a silver-coloured Lamborghini. Up close, its sleek, flawless lines were like nothing she'd ever seen before. It practically demanded that people stopped and stared, whether they loved cars or not.

She caught her breath. ‘We're going to London in
this
?'

Seth chuckled in delight, and the compelling sound cascaded through her body like a shower of electrical sparks. She was tingling all over.

‘I thought I'd introduce you to another little luxury.' He smiled. ‘The manager of my new dealership loaned it to me for the night. I remembered you said that you'd never experienced riding in one, and I thought it the ideal opportunity to show you what it was like.'

Moving round to the passenger door, he opened it. Before she sat down he helped remove her coat, then waited as she lowered herself onto the butter-soft leather seat and closed the door.

It was one of the most exhilarating experiences Imogen had ever had, travelling down the motorway in such an incredible car. But it was even more exhilarating to watch Seth handle the driving. He applied himself to the task with the kind of consummate skill and dexterity only someone extremely experienced could utilise. What must it be like to be as confident as that? she wondered.

Briefly stealing a glance at her, he remarked, ‘I'm wondering what you're thinking about.'

‘I'm thinking that I can hardly believe I'm doing this... It seems so surreal.'

‘But you're enjoying it?'

‘Yes, I am. It's made me realise how cautious I've become. I've shied away from doing anything remotely risky in case it backfires on me—even having
fun
. I really want to try to change that.'

‘That's good to hear. We're ahead of the game. Maybe enjoying yourself is just what was needed. Taking risks isn't so bad after all, hmm?'

Meeting his gaze, she flushed. Then she glanced away again. Maybe she
had
lowered her expectations for too long. What could be wrong in raising them a little? She might not fulfil her desire of meeting a like-minded soul who wanted a loving long-term relationship as she did, but perhaps being with someone like Seth would provide other things that would compensate. All she could do was wait and see what transpired.

* * *

After being shown to their elegantly dressed table beneath the glinting chandeliers of the dining room, Seth and Imogen took their seats. Seth schooled himself to relax. After all, what had he to worry about? Fate had dealt him a very unexpected but fortunate hand.

Not only had he been presented with the fortuitous opportunity to become the sheikh of Ayabador's supplier of classic sports cars, but he hadn't been back at home for very long before it had brought the pretty and delightful Imogen Hayes into his path.

Studying her across the table just then, he mused that she might well turn out to be the perfect companion for him. Although he personally didn't like the term, she would be exactly the ‘trophy wife' that his friend Ash had suggested he find.

Not only was she pleasant to be around, but she was young and inexperienced enough to see the necessity of taking guidance from him from time to time, and he had to confess he liked that. She would definitely need his help in negotiating the glamorous world his work had made him a part of, and he hoped she would see it as the most incredible asset. And if she was ever intimidated or unsure, Seth would be there to help her.

‘What an amazing place,' she remarked, glancing round. ‘It's so beautiful!'

‘I agree. Its reputation surpasses itself. The decor and ambience are superlative, and so is the cuisine. If you've never experienced coming anywhere like this before, it's a very fitting introduction.'

His glance swept over her once again. He privately thought that the lawn-green dress he'd bought her was the perfect foil for her innocent and youthful beauty. His eye for what was both stylish and classy hadn't failed him. Tonight the brunette was positively glowing. And although Seth guessed that a couple of their fellow diners had recognised him, he noted that they were appraising Imogen just as much.

Telling himself that it was inevitable—who
wouldn't
enjoy looking at her?—he smiled up at the attentive blonde waitress who had arrived at their table with the menus and asked, ‘Can you give us a little bit longer before you take our order? Then we'll select the wine.'

‘But of course, Mr Broden. The sommelier is already waiting to serve you, and if there's anything else you'd like please let me know.'

When they had chosen their dishes, and Seth had selected a suitable wine, he directed his attention back to Imogen. ‘I've had the agreement for our marriage drawn up today by my solicitor,' he said, ‘and I've had a copy made for you to look over. When you've read it, you can sign the original.'

The smooth skin between her delicately arched brows puckered. ‘I told my boss that I might be handing in my notice soon. She was very surprised when I told her why.'

‘Because you're getting married or because it's to me?'

‘Both. I
had
to tell her who you were—especially as she'll be looking over the agreement with me. But don't worry—she won't tell anyone. In her profession she has to be discreet.'

‘It will inevitably come out sooner or later. We'll both have to learn to handle it.'

‘Will
your
friends and colleagues be surprised that you're getting married?'

Linking his hands and resting them on the table, he lifted the corners of his mouth with a touch of irony. ‘The people who know me call me the Ice Man. It's not meant to be insulting. It's just that it's common knowledge that I'm not swayed by my emotions, either in business or in my private life. I've certainly never professed to being interested in one particular woman, so it will definitely come as a surprise when they find out I've got married!'

Looking hesitant, Imogen asked softly, ‘Do any of them know what happened...before you went to the States, I mean?'

Seth handled the flare of disagreeable discomfort that erupted inside him and then ignored it. ‘No. There's been no need to tell anyone.'

‘Not even any of the women you've dated? Most females I know would want to express their sympathy and offer consolation if you told them.'

‘I make it a point not to discuss my past. I prefer to keep my focus on whatever's going on in the present. Besides, my relationships don't tend to be deep and meaningful. They happen purely to fulfil a mutual need.'

He stared into the dark brown depths of her gaze and was aware that he was challenging her to contest the admission. She didn't rise to the bait.

Reminding him of the quintessential, very ‘proper' English school prefect, she lifted her chin and said, ‘I'm not going to comment on that. But I
would
like to know how you could bear not telling anybody about what happened to Louisa. It was such a significant event in your life.'

He stiffened as his heart momentarily thudded. ‘I didn't need to talk to anyone about it. I handled things in my own way and didn't need to look for sympathy. Let's drop the subject, shall we?'

Imogen knew it wasn't the time or the place to persuade Seth to talk some more about his heartache at losing the love of his life, but she wanted to.

Yes, it must be painful beyond imagining, but how was he going to move on if he didn't lay the ghosts of the past to rest and concentrate on creating a new and more positive chapter in his life? After all, he had grieved for ten long years, and Imogen was going to play a major part in this new phase of his life when they got married. She wanted to help make things good for both of them if she could
.