The Mistress: The Mistress\Wanted: Mistress and Mother
Read The Mistress: The Mistress\Wanted: Mistress and Mother Online
Authors: Maya Banks,Carol Marinelli
A love to remember
Mistress.
It sounded so sordid,
so impersonal, so far removed from the kind of relationship Marley Jameson had
with Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis. What she
thought
she had. Until he abruptly broke things off between them and
told her to leave his luxurious apartment.
Three months later, Marley awakens in the hospital, with no
memory of what happened before she got there. She can’t remember her past,
Chrysander…or the baby she carries. All she knows is that when Chrysander sweeps
her away to his private Greek island, being with him feels like home. Even
though he never speaks of love, surely his protectiveness and his desire for her
prove how much she means to him.
Until she remembers the truth….
BONUS BOOK INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
Wanted: Mistress and Mother
by
USA TODAY
bestselling author Carol
Marinelli
Italian lawyer Dante Costello hires Matilda Hamilton to
create a magical garden for his little girl. But the attraction between them is
so hot and intense, Dante wonders whether she’d be interested in another
position…as his mistress.
Praise for
New York Times
bestselling author Maya Banks
“[Maya] Banks’ story has it all: wit, charm, mystery and
sparkling chemistry between the characters.”
—
RT Book Reviews
on
Billionaire’s Contract
Engagement
“Banks does a great job of keeping to the core of the
characters and making
The Tycoon’s Secret Affair
work well.”
—
The Romance
Reader.com
“Banks has an extraordinarily moving romance with wonderfully
charismatic protagonists
on
her hands.”
—
RT Book Reviews
on
The Tycoon’s Secret
Affair
Praise for
USA TODAY
bestselling author Carol Marinelli
“Carol Marinelli illustrates how life is full of surprises and
you never know who will end up being your soul mate.”
—
RT Book Reviews
on
Expecting His
Love-Child
“Be prepared for a sensual trip to a faraway land enhanced by
lyrical dialogue, fulfilling all fantasies of romancing an Arabian prince.”
—
RT Book Reviews
on
Heart of the
Desert
MAYA BANKS
has loved romance novels from a very (very) early age, and
almost from the start, she dreamed of writing them, as well. In her teens she
filled countless notebooks with overdramatic stories of love and passion. Today
her stories are only slightly less dramatic, but no less romantic.
She lives in Texas with her husband and three children and
wouldn’t contemplate living anywhere other than the South. When she’s not
writing, she’s usually hunting, fishing or playing poker. She loves to hear from
her readers, and she can be found on Facebook, or you can follow her on Twitter
(
@maya_banks
). Her website,
www.mayabanks.com
, is where you can find up-to-date
information on all of Maya’s current and upcoming releases.
CAROL MARINELLI
Originally from England, Carol now lives in Melbourne,
Australia. She adores going back to the U.K. for a visit—actually, she adores
going anywhere for a visit—and constantly (expensively) strives to overcome her
fear of flying. She has three gorgeous children who are growing up so fast (too
fast—they’ve just worked out that she lies about her age!) and keep her busy
with a never-ending round of homework, sports and friends coming over.
A nurse and an author, Carol writes for the Harlequin®
Presents and Medical Romance lines and is passionate about both. She loves the
fast-paced, busy setting of a modern hospital, but every now and then admits
it’s bliss to escape to the glamorous, alluring world of her Presents heroes and
heroines. A bit like her real life actually!
For more on Carol and her latest releases, visit her
website,
www.carolmarinelli.com
.
New York Times
Bestselling
Author
Maya Banks
The Mistress
Dear Reader,
The Mistress
(originally released
as
The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress
) marked my foray
into Harlequin Desire. It was such an exciting moment for me to realize a
long-held dream of writing the scrumptious, shorter contemporary stories that I
loved so much. Marley and Chrysander hold a special place in my heart because
they were that first couple I was able to write about, and I’m so thrilled that
their story is being reissued and will be back in print.
Marley is my favorite kind of heroine—one who endures much
but becomes stronger all the more for it. She’s one who learns to stand up for
herself and fight for her own happiness. I hope you enjoy reading
The Mistress
as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Much love,
Maya Banks
To Marty Matthews and Shara Cooper.
That bar conversation at RT 2007 was the first kick in the
behind to do something about my long-standing dream of writing for Harlequin
Desire. I still remember that gush-fest fondly.
Chapter 1
P
regnant.
Despite the warmth of the summer day, an uncomfortable chill
settled over Marley Jameson’s skin as she settled on the bench in the small
garden just a few blocks from the apartment she shared with Chrysander
Anetakis.
She shivered even as the sun’s rays found her tightly clenched
fingers, the heat not yet chasing away the goose bumps. Stavros wouldn’t be
happy over her brief disappearance. Neither would Chrysander when Stavros
reported that she hadn’t taken proper security measures. But dragging along the
imposing guard to her doctor’s appointment hadn’t been an option. Chrysander
would have known of her pregnancy before she could even return home to tell him
herself.
How would he react to the news? Despite the fact they’d taken
precautions, she was eight weeks pregnant. The best she could surmise, it had
happened when he’d returned from an extended business trip overseas. Chrysander
had been insatiable. But then so had she.
A bright blush chased the chill from her cheeks as she
remembered the night in question. He had made love to her countless times,
murmuring to her in Greek—warm, soft words that had made her heart twist.
She checked her watch and grimaced. He was due home in a few
short hours, and yet here she sat like a coward, avoiding the confrontation. She
still had to change out of the faded jeans and T-shirt, clothes she wore only
when he was away.
With reluctance born of uncertainty, she forced herself to her
feet and began the short walk to the luxurious building that housed Chrysander’s
apartment.
“You’re being silly,” she muttered under her breath as she
neared the entry. If the doorman was surprised to see her on foot, he didn’t
show it, though he did hasten to usher her inside.
She stepped onto the elevator and smoothed a hand over her
still-flat stomach. Nervousness scuttled through her chest as she rode higher.
When it halted smoothly and the doors opened into the spacious foyer of the
penthouse, Marley nibbled on her lip and left the elevator.
She walked into the living room, shedding her shoes as she made
her way to the couch, where she tossed her bag down. Fatigue niggled at her
muscles, and all she really wanted to do was lie down. But she had to determine
how to broach the subject of their relationship with Chrysander.
A few days ago, she would have said she was perfectly content,
but the results of today’s blood tests had her shaken. Had her reflecting on the
last six months with Chrysander.
She loved him wholeheartedly, but she wasn’t entirely sure
where she stood with him. He seemed devoted when he was with her. The sex was
fantastic. But now she had a baby to think about. She needed more from the man
she loved than hot sex every few weeks as his schedule permitted.
She trudged into the large master suite and started when
Chrysander walked from the bathroom, just a towel wrapped around his waist.
A slow smile carved his handsome face. Every time she laid eyes
on him, it was like the first time all over again. Goose bumps raced across her
skin, lighting fire to her every nerve-ending.
“Y-you’re early,” she managed to get out.
“I’ve been waiting for you,
pedhaki
mou,
” he said huskily.
He let the towel drop, and she swallowed as her eyes tracked
downward to his straining erection. He paced forward predatorily, closing
rapidly in on her. His hands curved over her shoulders, and he bent to ravage
her mouth.
A soft moan escaped her as her knees buckled. He was an
addiction. One she could never get enough of. He had only to touch her, and she
went up in flames.
His mouth traveled down her jawline to her neck, his fingers
tugging impatiently at her shirt. Of their own accord, her fingers twisted in
his dark hair, pulling him closer.
Hard, lean, muscled. A gleaming predator. He moved gracefully,
masterfully playing her body like a finely tuned instrument.
She clutched at his neck as he lowered her to the bed.
“You have entirely too many clothes on,” he murmured as he
shoved her shirt up and over her head.
She knew they should stop. They needed to talk, but she’d
missed him. Ached for him. And maybe a part of her wanted this moment before
things changed irrevocably.
He released her bra, and she gasped when his fingers found her
highly sensitized nipples. They were darker now, and she wondered if he’d
notice.
“Did you miss me?”
“You know I did,” she said breathlessly.
“I like to hear you say it.”
“I missed you,” she said, a smile curving her lips.
It shouldn’t have surprised her that he made quick work of her
clothing. He tossed her jeans across the room. Her bra went one way, her
underwear the other. Then he was over her, on her, deep inside her.
She arched into him as he possessed her, clinging to him as he
made love to her, their passion hot and aching. It was always like this. One
step from desperation, their need for each other all consuming.
As he gathered her in his arms, he whispered to her in Greek.
The words fell against her skin like a caress as they both reached their peaks.
She snuggled into his body, content and sated.
She must have slept then, because when she opened her eyes,
Chrysander was lying beside her, his arm thrown possessively over her hip. He
regarded her lazily, his golden eyes burning with sated contentment.
Now was the time. She needed to broach the subject. There would
never be a better occasion. Why did the thought of asking him about their
relationship strike terror in her heart?
“Chrysander,” she began softly.
“What is it?” he asked, his eyes narrowing. Had he heard the
worry in her voice?
“I wanted to talk to you.”
He stretched his big body and pulled slightly away so he could
see her better. The sheet slid down to his hip and gathered there. She felt
vulnerable and exposed and trembled when he slid his hand over the peak of one
breast.
“What is it you want to talk about?”
“Us,” she said simply.
His eyes grew wary and then became shuttered. His face locked
into a mask of indifference, one that frightened her. She could feel him pulling
away, mentally withdrawing from her.
A buzz sounded, startling her. Chrysander cursed under his
breath and reached over to push the intercom.
“What,” he demanded tersely.
“It’s Roslyn. Can I come up?”
Marley stiffened at the sound of his personal assistant’s
voice. It was late in the evening and yet here she was, popping into the
apartment she knew he shared with Marley.
“I’m very busy at the moment, Roslyn. Surely it can wait until
I come into the office tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but it can’t. I need your signature on a
contract that’s due by 7:00 a.m.”
Again Chrysander swore. “Come then.”
He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. He strode
toward the polished mahogany wardrobe and pulled out slacks and a shirt.
“Why does she show up here so often?” Marley asked quietly.
Chrysander shot her a look of surprise. “She’s my assistant.
It’s her job to keep up with me.”
“At your personal residence?”
He shook his head as he buttoned up his shirt. “I’ll return in
a moment, and we can have our talk.”
Marley watched him go, her chest aching all the more. She was
tempted to save the discussion for another night, but she had to tell him of her
pregnancy, and she couldn’t tell him of the baby before she knew how he felt
about her. What he thought of their future. So it had to be done tonight.
As the moments grew longer, her anxiety heightened. Not wanting
the disadvantage of being nude, she rose from the bed and dragged on her jeans
and shirt. So much for looking composed and beautiful. She shook her head
ruefully.
Finally she heard his footsteps outside the bedroom suite. He
walked in with a distracted frown on his face. His gaze flickered over her, and
his lips twitched.
“I much prefer you naked,
pedhaki
mou.
”
She gave a shaky smile and moved back to the bed. “Is
everything all right with work?”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Nothing that shouldn’t have
already been taken care of. A missing signature.” He stalked toward the bed, a
lean, hungry glint in his eyes. As he came to a stop a foot away from where she
sat, he reached for the buttons on his shirt.
“Chrysander...we must talk.”
Annoyance flickered across his face, but then he gave a
resigned sigh. He sank down on the bed next to her. “Then speak, Marley. What is
it that’s bothering you?”
His closeness nearly unhinged her. She scooted down the bed in
an effort to put distance between them. “I want to know how you feel about me,
how you feel about us,” she began nervously. “And if we have a future.”
She glanced up to check his reaction. His lips came together in
a firm line as he stared back at her. “So it’s come to this,” he said
grimly.
He stood and turned his back to her before finally rotating
around to face her.
“Come to w-what? I just need to know how you feel about me. If
we have a future. You never speak of us in anything but the present,” she
finished lamely.
He leaned in close to her and cupped her chin. “We don’t have a
relationship. I don’t do relationships, and you know this. You’re my
mistress.”
Why did she feel as though he’d just slapped her? Her mouth
fell open against his hand, and she stared up at him with wide, shocked
eyes.
“Mistress?” she croaked. Live-in lover. Girlfriend. Woman he
was seeing. These were all terms she might have used. But mistress? A woman he
bought? A woman he paid to have sex with?
Nausea welled in her stomach.
She pushed his hand away and stumbled up, backpedaling away
from him. Confusion shone on Chrysander’s face.
“Is that truly all I am to you?” she choked out, still unable
to comprehend his declaration. “A m-mistress?”
He sighed impatiently. “You’re distraught. Sit down and let me
get you something to drink. I’ve had a trying week, and you are obviously
unwell. It benefits neither of us to have this discussion right now.”
Chrysander urged her back to the bed then strode out of the
suite toward the kitchen. After a long week of laying traps for the person
attempting to sell his company out from under him, the last thing he wanted was
a hysterical confrontation with his mistress.
He poured a glass of Marley’s favorite juice then prepared
himself a liberal dose of brandy. The beginnings of a headache were already
plaguing him.
He smiled when he saw Marley’s shoes in the middle of the floor
where she’d left them as soon as she’d come off the elevator. He followed the
trail of her things to the couch where her bag was thrown haphazardly.
She was a creature of comfort. Never fussy. So this emotional
outburst had caught him off guard. It was completely out of character for her.
She wasn’t clingy, which is why their relationship had lasted so long.
Relationship? He’d just denied to her that they had one. She was his
mistress.
He should have softened his response. She probably wasn’t
feeling well and needed tenderness from him. He winced at the idea, but she’d
always been there ready to soothe him after weeks of business trips or tedious
meetings. It was only fair that he offer something more than sex. Though sex
with her was high on his list of priorities.
He turned to go back into the bedroom and try to make amends
when the piece of paper sticking out of Marley’s bag caught his eye. He stopped
and frowned then set the drinks down on the coffee table.
Dread tightened his chest. It couldn’t be.
He reached out to snag the papers, yanked them open as anger,
hot and volatile, surged in his veins. Marley,
his
Marley, was the traitor within his company?
He wanted to deny it. Wanted to crumple the evidence and throw
it away. But it was there, staring him in the face. The false information he’d
planted just this morning in hopes of finding the person selling his secrets to
his competitor had been taken by Marley. She hadn’t wasted any time.
Suddenly everything became clear. His building plans had
started disappearing about the time that Marley had moved in to the penthouse.
She’d worked for his company, and even after he’d convinced her to quit so that
her time would be his alone, she still had unimpeded access to his offices. What
a fool he’d been.
Stavros’s call to him hours earlier stuck in his mind like a
dagger. At the time, it had only registered a mild annoyance with him, a matter
he’d planned to take up with Marley when he saw her. He’d lecture her about
being careless, about being safe, when in fact, it was him who wasn’t safe with
her. She’d gone to his office then disappeared for several hours. And now
documents from his office had appeared in her purse.
The papers fisted in his hand, he stalked back to the bedroom
to see Marley still sitting on the bed. She turned her tear-stained face up to
him, and all he could see was how deftly she’d manipulated him.
“I want you out in thirty minutes,” he said flatly.
Marley stared at him in shock. Had she heard him correctly? “I
don’t understand,” she choked out.
“You have thirty minutes in which to collect your things before
I call security to escort you out.”
She shot to her feet. How could things have gone so wrong? She
hadn’t even told him about her pregnancy yet. “Chrysander, what’s wrong? Why are
you so angry with me? Is it because I reacted so badly to you calling me your
mistress? It came as a great shock to me. I thought somehow I meant more to you
than that.”
“You now have twenty-eight minutes,” he said coldly. He held up
a hand with several crumpled sheets of paper in them. “How did you think you’d
get away with it, Marley? Do you honestly think I would tolerate you betraying
me? I have no tolerance for cheats or liars, and you, my dear, are both.”