Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon (7 page)

“Okay,” she whispered.

A skinny mutt walked by, sniffing an empty soda can on the ground. Addie stretched her closed hand and the dog sniffed it, then licked it. With a giggle, she produced a granola bar from her bag and offered it to the dog, who chewed it with gusto.

“You’ve made a new friend.”

She ruffled the dog’s shaggy, uneven coat.

“Careful, you don’t know where he’s been.” His warning made her turn to him.

With a shrug, she offered him the straightforward smile of someone who had nothing to hide. That smile provoked a thrill of excitement to ripple within him. “It doesn’t matter where it’s been.”

He watched a homeless kid juggling balls as pedestrians tossed coins in the hat on the ground. “That’s what you think.”

“What do you mean?”

The dog now licked her hand, his tail wagging. “If you take it home, and you get a disease from it or it bites you…you’d think differently.” Nothing could change the fact that the dog had been homeless and tossed aside.

“Taking that dog home wouldn’t be fair when I can’t take care of it.” A pang of sadness welled in her voice.

His fingers tingled to caress her delicate skin. “Because you don’t want to or because it’s a stray?” Bruno stared at the dog and wondered how an animal that wandered the unpredictable streets of Rio could be so brave, so carefree, and accept food—and affection—from a stranger.

“Because my life is complicated. I don’t mind that he’s a mutt.”

Bruno jammed his hand in his pocket. “Well, isn’t that a shame.”

Chapter Five

“Has it ever occurred to you that I don’t trust you?”
Addie chewed on her lower lip. Why would the question still ring in her ear even after an entire day? With a sigh, she caressed the same ivory dress she’d tried on in New York City. She could almost feel Bruno’s capable hands against her back, and the same emotions that had overwhelmed her in that tiny dressing room returned. Her breasts tightened, and an uncontrollable heat spread through her. Gaining his trust didn’t matter, did it? As long as he kept his word…
Sure. Keep telling yourself that.

She finally gathered enough courage to stare at her reflection in the mirror. The dress gave her lithe body a sultry hourglass shape. Her usually tight curls now fell in luscious, large waves across her back. With Camila’s help, light but enhancing makeup made her green eyes pop and her lips glossy. After being diligent and helpful to close all the tiny buttons, Camila had gone to fix herself.

Addie opted for not announcing her impending marriage to her parents. After all, how could she? They had been married for thirty years. She couldn’t just email them, “
Hey, Mom, Pop, I’m marrying someone to secure a safe move for the Kwanis. It won’t last, so don’t tell your friends. Later, Addie
.”

Telling Bruno’s family her parents couldn’t make it to Rio because they were doing missionary work in Africa hadn’t been her finest moment. At least she’d protect both parties from the truth, right?

The truth was, she would have married Michael for love. The kind of sweet, genuine love that promised lifelong security. Bruno, on the other hand…

She looked at her bed and the small bag that rested on it.

Tonight, she would sleep in his room.

She hadn’t even visited his room, though she hoped it had a loveseat or a big sofa. Or something. The exchange at the beach the day before kept popping in her mind. What sort of awful thing had he done prior to leaving Brazil? If he let everyone down—especially his father—did that mean he’d changed or gotten better at hiding his flaws?

Her mother’s gambling addiction had taught her people didn’t always evolve on their own. Depending on their issues, they needed a network of friends and family, counseling, and/or rehab. Without this kind of support, Addie doubted Bruno had experienced a real transformation.

Bottom line, Bruno wasn’t trustworthy. The years with her mother had taught her that deceit was a weapon. And she wouldn’t let herself get shot.

A bark made her turn around to find Camila, who had just slipped inside without her noticing. A dog was sitting at Camila’s feet. Camila giggled as the dog wagged his tail. “I’m sorry, he’s been following me everywhere.”

Addie recognized the black dog with the long, skinny white tail from yesterday. Could he be the same dog? “That dog.” Her voice was above a whisper.

“I’ve named him Torto. Isn’t he adorable? Bruno said he saw him at the beach yesterday and that he needed a home. Today he drove back to the same spot and walked a couple miles searching for him. The owner of a nearby kiosk helped him find the dog. Torto won’t need to beg his patrons for crumbs anymore.”

Warmth flowed through Addie’s veins. “That’s…nice of him.”

“He had him checked out by a vet and sent him to the groomer’s before he gave him to me.” Camila scratched the dog’s ears. “We haven’t had a pet in a while, so I’m excited.” She put the dog in the corner and gave him a toy. “Wow. You’re beautiful.”

Addie turned to her soon-to-be sister-in-law. “Good, or I’d call the boutique and ask for my money back.”

Camila laughed. “I know why my brother picked you.”

“Why?”

“You’re not easily impressed. He needs to try harder.”

“You mean I’m a lot of work?” Addie chuckled. “I don’t think guys like a lot of work where women are concerned.”

“He can take it.”

“Watch it, I might use that as a mantra.”

“All joking aside, I’m happy for you two.” Camila picked the bottle of styling cream from the dresser and sprayed a generous amount on her hand. “Can you imagine? The beginning of your life together. Two merging as one.” Camila applied the cream to Addie’s hair, running her fingers through it and smoothing the ends. “Forever.”

Forever.
The bright smile on Camila’s lips made Addie’s stomach curl.

She should have known pretending to marry for the right reasons would be difficult. An urge to come clean, to blurt out there was no forever for her and Bruno, tingled at the tip of her tongue.
No
. She clamped her lips shut. All he wanted from her was compliance.

Who cared how tough the
compliance
would get?

“Ready?”

Am I?
She wondered as she made her way to the back garden, which had been turned into a whimsical oasis.

Chinese paper lanterns, scattered between the tall trees, lit the surroundings. Well-dressed guests occupied rows and rows of white cloth-covered chairs on both sides of the altar, which consisted of a small stage enhanced by a touch of pink lighting. Addie was sure that had been Camila’s idea. Everything, after all, was someone else’s idea. All they’d asked her since she’d arrived was if she had any food allergies.

The irony of being a guest at her own wedding made her eyes moist. This wedding wasn’t her. And that certainty should have brought her relief, yet it filled her with sadness because the man she was supposed to marry no longer lived.

She caught herself gripping the
long stems of her bouquet of mixed calla lilies and French tulips
.
As she marched on the starched, flawless white carpet, her gaze focused on the small silver baskets filled with white lilies and gerberas outlining the altar.

She forced her trembling lips into what she hoped was the dignified hint of a smile and stared at the sheer cloth descending from the altar. Were those Swarovski crystals? They glowed against the starry night. What also glowed were Bruno’s eyes.

Standing next to his father, who looked tired but happy to be there in his wheelchair, Bruno Duarte was too damn handsome in his white suit. She was no fan of men wearing white suits—or suits at all, for that matter—but what did she know about fashion? Bottom line was, he pulled it off. Oh, did he pull it off.

The suit was tailored to his large frame, enhancing his broad shoulders and long legs. There was something regal about the pristine white jacket, the silk tie, and the white trousers that went with it. The light color emphasized his olive skin.

When she got to his side, her pulse quickened.

The priest began the ceremony, and there were times she caught Bruno turning to gape at her. A nice touch for the photographers hovering by.

“Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?” the priest asked her.

I’m not really taking him… It’s more like a loan
. “Yes.” She pressed her lips together. The priest proceeded to ask Bruno the same question and got the answer quickly.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Bruno had promised not to kiss her. Would he break that promise? If he didn’t kiss her, people would suspect something was amiss.

“Make it quick,” she whispered.

He leaned down, and she shifted her weight closer to him. Part of her dreaded his kiss. The other part of her sizzled with raw anticipation. This kiss would not count as part of his promise not to touch her again unless she asked. This kiss was mandatory, complying with what the occasion demanded. No more, no less.

When he dipped his head, a shot of adrenaline coursed through her. She had no option but to stand perfectly still as more than one hundred guests watched them.

His lips brushed her forehead long enough for her to inhale his woodsy scent. The light touch seared her skin.

The guests clapped, and his lips descended to her ear.

“If you want more, you’ll have to ask.” His voice dropped an octave. Was it a threat or an invitation?

She raised her fingers to her lips and touched them. Where she longed to be kissed.
Why didn’t this matter until now?
Out of all the men who could have wakened her sexual side, why the hell did it have to be her temporary husband?

“Bruno, you have a special guest,” Leonardo announced.

Addie’s cheeks were cramped from smiling, and her neck ached from nodding at the guests that surrounded them for most of the reception that followed. Nevertheless, she preferred to mingle with them—Bruno’s distant family members, up-and-coming Rio business men and women, and what appeared to be traditional, settled families from the upper crust of society—than being alone with Bruno, which, thank heavens, hadn’t happened since that mocking kiss on her forehead.

“Silas Lancaster,” Leonardo continued, and Addie snapped out of observational mode, her smile fading. She spun on her heels, and there he was, Silas Lancaster, with his salt-and-pepper gray hair and the imposing posture of a man taller than his five foot eight.

“Silas. What a surprise,” Bruno said.

“Surprise is an understatement. I’ve been coming to Rio twice a month to oversee an investment. I thought I’d surprise you, but, when I called, your sister picked up and told me about the wedding.”

Addie clenched her teeth. Whatever reason brought Silas over couldn’t be a happy one. She touched her belly, willing the queasy sensation away. What if Silas hoped to reunite his daughter and Bruno?
No
. She glanced down at her gorgeous green diamond and rubbed the ring. Too late for that.

What if…the real goal was to pressure Bruno to sell the land quicker?

“The more the merrier, right?” Leonardo shot Silas a smile and toasted with his champagne flute.

Oh no. Bruno’s brother had no idea about the marriage deal. Obviously. In fact, standing there among the four of them, amid occupied tables on the gorgeous garden, Leonardo was the picture of innocence.

“Right. It wasn’t so long ago, my daughter dated your brother. And now, a couple days after she explained to me they were over, here he is, marrying—”

“Addison.” Bruno stepped forward and stretched to his full height. “I trust Erika told you the real version of facts.”

Silas gave them a dismissive wave. “Doesn’t matter now, does it? I’m a man who knows how to separate work from personal affairs. Although at times, the union of both can be lucrative.”

Leonardo shook his head. “I’m not following. You told us, Bruno, that—”

“Erika is a dear friend,” Bruno interrupted. “And Addie is my wife. That’s all that matters.”

Silas lifted his finger, and a passing waiter slid by and poured him whiskey. “That said, I wish happiness to the new couple. I’m also here to deliver a personal wedding gift. To sweeten the deal over Toca do Tigre, I’m offering you thirty percent over the value we discussed.”

“Wow.” Leonardo forked his hair with his fingers. “That’s amazing.”

Addie took a step forward and slid her hands into Bruno’s, prompting him to focus on her. She squeezed his hand, her palms clammy. “Bruno?” she demanded with caution.

“My only request is to forgo that silly time-frame clause.” Silas enjoyed his whiskey and raised his brow, his attention fixed on Bruno.

Addie let go of Bruno’s hand and shook her head. “That’s not happening. Tell him, Bruno,” she said before she could think. There was no way in hell she’d allow Bruno to change his mind, and the fact her now-husband stared back at her with a blank expression drove her up the wall.

“What clause?” Leonardo asked, leaning forward. Sweetness gone from his face, his lips thinned and his eyes darted between Bruno and her. Wasn’t it fantastic? The ink on their marriage papers was still wet, and her brother-in-law already suspected something.

Silas turned to Leonardo and said, “Your brother here insisted we wait ten months to build, but my investors aren’t having any of that.”

“Why is that, Bruno?”

“I’m not discussing this right now. It’s not the time or the place,” Bruno said, his voice cold as the Alaskan winter.

Silas set his whiskey on a nearby table. “Then take me somewhere quiet. It’s the least you can do, after dumping my daughter and moving on so fast.”

“Fine,” Bruno said between his teeth. “I’ll be right back,” he whispered to Addie.

“Oh no. I’m coming with you,” she said in a rush. “Honey,” she added.

“Baby, this is business.” Bruno shot her a warning look. “I would hate to bore you with practicalities.”

She stroked his cheek. “Always thinking of me. That’s why I married you.” She injected so much sweetness in her voice, she wouldn’t be surprised if she got a cavity. “And I can’t stand being apart from you even for a minute.”

Bruno exhaled and inhaled faster than a blink. “Of course. Let’s do this, shall we?”