The Billionaire's Island Romance: The Romero Brothers (Billionaire Romance)

By Shadonna Richards

A romance, hotter than the island sun…

 

Coming from one of the world's wealthiest and most influential families, the Romeros, Christian Romero knows better than to turn down an invitation to a mega family reunion in Jamaica for his cousin's wedding. The family is gathering at the exclusive Duponte Hotel & Resort in Montego Bay for the highly anticipated nuptials of former playboy billionaire Zack Romero and ex-reporter Blue Monroe. Christian's ex-girlfriend, Arianna Duponte, who walked out on him over a month ago just when things were getting hot, happens to be the general manager of the five-star palace resort where the family is gathering. No woman has ever turned him down before. Yet, sweet Arianna wasn't just any woman. She'd given him her virginity and he'd given her his heart. So what went wrong? Will this be a bitter reunion or a better opportunity to find out if there are truly second chances?

 

Arianna Duponte has always had a special place in her heart for sexy, hot Christian Romero, her first true love, but getting close to him would be too risky given her past and a scandalous family secret. She refuses to break his heart again. She tries to keep her distance while preparing for the big Romero wedding but it's not as easy as it looks. As the wedding bells echo in the sultry island air, will they rekindle the union they once had?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shadonna Richards
• Release date: Feb 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497769588

Shadonna Richards

USA Today bestselling author Shadonna Richards enjoys reading and writing about the magic of romance and the power of love. She has sold over 500,000 copies of her bestselling romance novels. Born in London, England, she has a B.A. Degree in Psychology. Winner of Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write 2010 Day Two Challenge, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America. She's a proud mommy and wife and lives with her husband and son. Books by Shadonna Richards BILLIONAIRES OF BELMONT (The Belmont Family) The Billionaire's Bride for a Day #1 (Dane & Olivia) The Billionaire's Promise #2 (Brandon & Faith) The Billionaire's Housekeeper #3 (Chase & Abbi)  The Billionaire's Lost & Found Love #4 (Cole & Hope)  The Billionaire's Redemption #5 (Leo & Honesty)  THE ROMERO BROTHERS The Billionaire’s Second-Chance Bride, #1 (Antonio III & Lucy) A Bride for the Billionaire Bad Boy, #2 (Lucas & Maxine) The Playboy Billionaire, #3 (Zack & Blue) The Billionaire’s Island Romance, #3.5 (Christian & Arianna) The Billionaire’s Proposition, #4 (Carl & Venus) The Billionaire’s Baby, #5 (Jules & Amber) The Billionaire’s Assistant, #6 (Dion & Jenna-Lynn) Snowbound with the Billionaire, #7 (Troy & Pamela) The Billionaire’s Marriage Proposal, #8 (Alonso & Britney)   THE BRIDE SERIES An Unexpected Bride The Jilted Bride  The Matchmaker Bride His Island Bride (Free) An Unexpected Baby (The sequel to An Unexpected Bride)   WHIRLWIND ROMANCE SERIES Accidentally Flirting with the CEO (Books 1 -3)  

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Oh, the dress is gorgeous, Blue. Arianna Duponte beamed at her friend Blue Monroe as she held up the white satin and lace gown to marvel at its intricate details. The bright Jamaican island sunlight burst in through the window of the fourth floor bridal suite at Duponte Hotel & Resort in Montego Bay. The water splashing from the pool outside, laughter of guests, and the live reggae band playing Bob Marley’s One Love could be heard from the open patio door.

You really think so? Blue cocked a brow.

"Um, yeah, Arianna grinned. Oh, don’t be so nervous, girl. Really. It’s fine."

Thanks, Ari. I totally trust your opinion. And thanks to Venus here for helping me pick out the design. Blue carefully took the dress from her friend and placed it back inside the lace garment bag. She appeared giddy, like a schoolgirl in love. In seven days, I’m going to be Mrs. Zack Romero, Blue gushed, looking dazed as she sucked in a deep breath.

Hey, that’s what friends are for, Venus chimed in.

So, are you getting the wedding fever, too? Arianna turned to Venus.

Venus’s smile evaporated. Um. No, she said quietly. I...I won’t be getting married.

Never? You sound so final, Arianna said with concern.

Oh, I’m very happy for Blue but...I... Venus closed her eyes then opened them again and drew in a deep breath.

Arianna felt terrible for bringing it up. She sensed the topic was painful for Venus.

Venus appeared as if she was trying to lighten the mood. She playfully wrinkled her nose and shook her head. I don’t think I would make the best wife. Besides, my little guy is my world. I just want to raise him the best I can.

Of course, Blue added.

By the way, thank you so much for the special daycare program, Venus said to Arianna. At least I know my son is safe and happy with the other children while I help out with the wedding.

Oh, no worries, Arianna replied. That’s one of the perks for visitors here. Childcare is free for children of our guests.

Thank you. Venus glanced down at her watch. Oh, no. I’d better get my son. Tristan likes me to give him his asthma medication. It was nice meeting you, Arianna.

Likewise, Arianna said, still looking confused about Venus’s previous reaction.

Venus left the hotel suite after she gave Blue a bear hug.

She’s wonderful, Blue commented after Venus left. She’s been working for the Romeros for a while now and she’s the sweetest person I know.

She seems nice.

Anyway, I’m glad I hit it off with Zack. Being with him and being a part of his family has changed my life, Ari.

Arianna smiled then briefly turned her gaze towards the wonderful view of the glistening bluish-green sea outside the window. The aquamarine water had sparkling diamonds of white dots entwined in its waves from the bright reflection of the sun. The splendid white-crested waves rolled along the sandy beach swirling and crashing into the coast. The Duponte Resort had one of the best beachfront locations in Montego Bay. It was an intimate, five-star hotel and resort property that boasted several massive pools, pool bars, party rooms, snorkelling adventures, tours around Jamaica and ample poolside entertainment. Not to mention the breathtaking view of the green hills, a golf course and a tennis court for guests.

You can’t go wrong with the Romero family, Blue. They’re amazing, Arianna murmured, swallowing a painful lump that just climbed in her throat. She then turned to face her friend. Her smile was heartfelt. Arianna knew Blue hadn’t had much luck in the past with men. She was glad she’d found someone truly worthy of her heart. She’d heard about how well Zack Romero treated her. If anyone deserved a good man it was Blue.

Thanks, Arianna. Blue blushed. I know that. I feel so lucky to have met Zack. Just goes to show that you can’t trust rumors.

Rumors?

Oh, some old stuff. I’ve covered so many events the Romeros held over the past few years when I worked for Channel 31 News, but getting to know them up front was so...different. Special. To be quite honest I hated seeing those online tabloid headlines about his love life and his too-many-to-count girlfriends. Zack is so...romantic. So good to me. He’s so...real.

The Romeros are, Arianna agreed. They all are, she continued in a low voice.

I guess you should know. Blue arched a brow playfully.

Was Blue fishing for more information? Arianna drew in a deep breath. Her heart was beating fast and hard again. So hard it burned her chest. Listen, Blue, I’m not gonna go there again. It’s over between Christian and me. End of story. Okay?

Okay. It’s just that...well, you were so happy when you guys were together. Are you sure you can’t work things out?

No. I mean, yes. I’m sure.

Ari, look at me. I’m your girl, remember? You and me go way back. Back to high school. Come on. It’s me you’re talking to here. What really happened?

Nothing. Nothing, Blue. I... Never mind.

Oh, no. It’s not about...your parents, is it?

No.

Why don’t you tell him what’s up with your mom and dad? I’m sure he’ll understand, Arianna. Don’t do this to yourself.

Blue, I know you care about me and I appreciate it. Really, I do but...I think it’s best I just stick to my plan and stay a bachelorette. Maybe I’ll go visit a sperm bank when I’m ready to have kids.

Ari!

No, seriously, Blue. He wouldn’t understand.

Why don’t you try him, Ari? I’ve interviewed him before. I’ve gotten a chance to know Christian. I’ve done a lot of research on most of the Romeros. He’s a good man. He really is. And he is so in love with you. I see the way he looks at you whenever you guys are...or I should say, were together.

Arianna’s heart sank to the floor. Blue was probably right but she just couldn’t handle any kind of rejection. No. He would surely reject her if he found out about her family history. What was worse, she could end up losing everything. Everything! It was a risk she just wasn’t willing to take. Not now. No way in hell. But what really crushed her spirit was not being able to have sweet, sexy Christian Romero in her life again. He was...her first love.

He was the first guy she’d really trusted to go all the way with. He’d been so gentle and loving with her. Respectful. He treated her like a treasured queen. She could still feel the silky touch of his warm skin on hers, running her fingers down his smooth, muscular body. The heat of his passion left her begging for more. He pleasured and pleased every inch of her body with his lips, his soft touch and his caresses. She’d never experienced such an erotic avalanche of emotions before meeting him. He was and would always be her one true love.

Yet, sadly, she could never have him again—except in a locked chamber that held her memory of their time together.

Really, Ari. How long can you really keep this up?

As long as I need to, Blue. It’s called survival. I can’t handle...I mean, I can’t...do this. It could destroy my family.

I understand your fear of losing your family, Blue empathized, her eyes now downcast.

Arianna wanted to curse herself. I’m sorry, Blue. I know you’ve had it rough. Oh, God!

It’s okay, Ari. I’ve come to terms with things. My mom and dad are no longer around. And I’ve come to accept it.

Did you find out about what really happened in that fire? Was it arson or accident?

Well, the report said accident and you know what? It doesn’t make sense to stress over it. It’s not like it would bring them back. In fact, it may bring me closer to them if I stress over it too much, if you know what I mean. Stress can kill!

Blue? Arianna grinned in spite of herself. Well, it’s good to see that you have a good, strong mentality over the whole thing. How’s Courtney?

Well, you know my little sis. Happy as hell.

Arianna smiled.

She’s just as thrilled as I am, Arianna. They’ve absorbed her right into their family, too. The Romeros are so amazing and wonderful. They’re a close-knit, strong family. Everybody looks out for each other, you know?

I know.

I thank the universe every day that I’ve come to know them. My God! I lost my family and it’s as if I was given a new one—not that anyone could ever replace my mom and dad, but having this love, this void filled by these wonderful people is like...wow, amazing.

Arianna laughed.

What’s funny? Blue asked, hand on hip.

Toni Romero. I bet you he’s still the same Toni, huh?

Blue