Billionaire's Reluctant Bride

By Marie Kelly

To ensure that her sister’s medical expenses are paid, Celeste Degrassy must agree to marry the man her father chooses. There is one REALLY big problem. He has selected the unscrupulous Anton Pirelli, the man she loved before finding out that he was cheating on and using her. Now in a bid to escape her fate, she finds herself drawn into a conspiracy of lies, family ties and betrayal, Anton right in the middle of everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Kelly
• Release date: Mar 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310899409

Marie Kelly

A hopeless romantic and weaver of words. While I live in Canada, Scotland will always be in my heart.

Book preview

Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride

By Marie Kelly

Published by Marie Kelly at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Marie Kelly

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Visit the author website:

www.romancemarie.com

Marie Kelly

Other titles

Blackmailed For The Billionaire’s Pleasure

Captured

Kidnapped The Wrong Sister

My Son

Blackmailed For Vengeance

Mia

The Unwilling Mistress

The Wedding Deal

The Billionaires Mistress

Blackmailing the Billionaire

Saving the Billionaire

Substitute Starlet

Her Two Tycoons

The Billionaire’s Blackmailed Heiress

Billionaire’s Second Chance

Secretary with Benefits for the Billionaire

Billionaire’s Revenge

Billionaire’s Society Mistress

The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride

Blackmailed Merger

The Russian’s Deal

Pirate’s Revenge

Capturing Kate

Saving the Billionaire

Chapter One

Celeste Degrassy gripped the stem of her glass more firmly. Why was this man not getting the hint? She had used nearly her entire repertoire of ‘Please leave me alone’ lines, yet still he stood, a hopeful smile on his stupid face. For the second time, he asked what her plans were for the following days, her teeth gritting with irritation as she decided that the time had come for a more direct approach. As I told you before, I have no plans for tomorrow. Continuing quickly, as his mouth opened, no doubt in hopes of changing that, I appreciate your asking, however, I am really not interested.

With another groan, her eyes closed momentarily as he stepped even closer, now obviously deciding that she was a challenge, something she wanted to avoid. Looking briefly at him, she knew the type. Tall, good-looking, spoiled and used to getting what he wanted. By the way he dressed, he obviously came from money – not that everybody in this gathering did not – and he was no doubt not used to being turned down. Once more she cursed, wishing that she was not there. It had only been her sister begging her to take her place, she needing to go somewhere on short notice that resulted in Celeste being there at all. While most definitely not her kind of thing, a member of the Degrassy family was expected to attend and if her father found out that neither sister turned up then he would have taken it out on Luisa.

The unwelcome man’s head dipped closer to her own, Celeste having to fight the urge to push him away, not wanting to draw attention to herself. His eyes flashed with what she assumed he believed to be seduction as he murmured close to her ear, "I like a woman who plays hard to get. But let’s cut to the chase shall we bella? My name is Nikos Drako and my family owns most of this city. I would like to take you with me tomorrow on my cruiser. We could sip champagne under the sun and make love by moonlight."

Anger sliced through her. Where the hell did he get off assuming that she wanted to be his next plaything? Smiling sweetly at him, with her hand turning, she leant in. No thanks. I get seasick, the white wine in her hand pouring from her glass onto his pants leaving a large wet patch on his groin.

His seductive smile turned to a look of stunned shock as he jumped back, his eyes angry daggers, hissing out, You little bitch!

Before he could move closer, another voice broke through the little scene. The lady said ‘no’. Perhaps you should go and clean up. You appear to have had a little… accident, a small hint of humour in the otherwise iron tone.

Nikos spun around, rage in his features, his mouth open to yell at the interloper, Celeste dragging in a sigh. So much for avoiding a scene. However, as he laid eyes on the newcomer, the fight seemed to flee from the young man, his mouth closing abruptly. Flicking his gaze between the two, Nikos seemed to wilt, he stepping back wordlessly before fleeing to the other side of the room.

Intrigued, Celeste turned her attention to the stranger. He was taller than her, and older, although he still retained his good looks, his lean body relaxed as he watched her carefully. Pulling a thankful smile to her lips, she cocked her head. Thank you, but I could have dealt with him myself.

The man chuckled, his eyes dancing with mirth. Indeed. I could tell you are a lady who can take care of herself. Nice wrist movement by the way… However, I have been watching you all night and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce myself. That plus us wallflowers need to stick together.

Celeste was not able to hold back the small return chuckle, taking the hand which he extended and shaking it. Forgive me. I do not wish to appear petulant. It was very kind of you to step in.

The stranger plucked the empty glass from her hand, a warm smile on his mouth as he stopped one of the waiters, quickly depositing it and retrieving a full one. Handing it back, she could not help but grin. I’m sorry. I have no idea who you are.

Nodding back, he lifted his glass in almost a salute. No. But I know who you are, Miss Celeste Degrassy.

Holding down the groan at what was about to come she waited for his line. Would it be about her fine eyes, her lovely hair or the preferred more generic approach of ‘The loveliest woman here’?

However, he only clinked her glass before finishing. You are by far the most interesting woman at this event. And my name is Anton Pirelli.

Celeste huffed out a half-laugh as she took a sip of her wine, considering the nicest compliment she had ever been given as she examined the man in more detail. He was obviously wealthy, well-groomed, and holding himself in an aloof manner which spoke of someone used to being in control. This man did not need to look for attention – he was comfortable in his own skin.

Well Mr Pirelli, it is a pleasure to meet you, her eyes twinkling with fun, But somehow I do not have you pegged as a wallflower.

His low rumbled laugh and appreciative smile added to the wicked wiggling of his eyebrows. Ah, now that is where you are wrong. You see, I come to these gatherings to meet people, and talk business. Now an error many make is to dive right into the middle and engage. Rookie mistake. When in the middle, everybody is on a high, full of energy and hard to pin down. You see, the secret is to wait till they start to wane. Then they slowly gravitate to the edges of the crowd, near to where the chairs are and the air is cooler. That is when you pounce. They have less energy to fight you off and are more open to anything that gives them permission to just have a seat for a few minutes.

Spluttering out a laugh she shook her head, appreciation in her eyes. Why Mr Pirelli. I had no idea that the meet-and-greet was such a scientific endeavour, her nose scrunching up, Although, I have to say it sounds an awful lot like the same technique lions use to hunt. Wait till one breaks off from the herd and then pounce.

Now it was Anton’s turn to laugh, his head nodding. You are of course right. It is exactly like that. We can learn a great deal from nature, his eyes glowing, And please, call me Anton. His look gentled. Now, I have explained why I am a wall hugger, however, I find it hard to believe someone as lovely as yourself would have to dwell on the outskirts of the party and not be in the midst with all of the other beautiful people.

Huffing out another half-laugh, she took a sip of her wine before regarding the older man more thoughtfully. I have no real love for these events Anton. I find them as shallow and lacking in substance as most of the people who attend them. Now my theory is the closer you are to the middle, the more likely you would be to float, given the amount of hot air that is produced.

This time Anton could not hold back the loud guffaw of laughter, the sound genuine as he regarded Celeste with approving eyes. You know, I believe you are right, real sincerity in his tone. It truly is a great pleasure to meet you Celeste Degrassy.

Her lips quirked as she inclined her head. And you also Anton Pirelli. And thank you once more for coming to the rescue of another wall dweller.

Anton could not help but stare at the woman before him. He did of course know everybody at the party, his ability to retain knowledge and find information on those with power and money something that came naturally to him, as did the ability to turn that knowledge into a great deal of money, and Anton enjoyed money. Those families in power always had secrets, including hers, but she was turning into quite the surprise. He had watched as the son of one of his many victims tried to push himself on her, chuckling as she poured the wine over him, having to admire the fact that she was not someone who took any crap. His respect for her had only grown with the small interaction they shared, he finding himself drawn to her. Taking another sip of his wine as she looked around, he allowed his eyes to trail down her.

Her picture did her little justice, even though she looked beautiful in the glossy image. It however, could not capture the essence of the woman. Her long glossy black hair was pulled up onto her head in a chic knot, he idly wondering just how long it was. Dark, almost black eyes when he first walked over were now the softest brown, the way her moods showed in the large orbs fascinating him. Her large pillowy mouth sent desire flooding through him, helped by the way her features seemed so innocent.

Allowing his look to drop, her body did not disappoint either. She was no stick insect, her curves reminiscent of the many 50’s sirens he enjoyed. Her small waist flared out to wider hips, hips made to cradle a man. Her breasts, demurely covered, also hinted at every man’s dream. Yes, Celeste Degrassy had just made the top of his ‘want’ list, and Anton always got what he wanted. His mouth tightened for a second, his mind briefly turning to one man – well nearly always, a satisfied smile curving his mouth. Though he was going to make sure that he won there too, he already having put plans in place. He was not a man who did not win, even if it took a while.

About to speak, she cast him an apologetic look as her phone rang. Pulling the small device from her bag, he watched as her smiling features melted, her complexion growing pale, his hand flashing out to take her arm as she seemed about to collapse.

Wordlessly, she ended the call, her eyes looking wildly to the exit, Anton dragging her to a chair. What’s wrong? What happened?

His words hardly made an impact as she tried to rise, her frantic eyes dropping to her phone. I... I have to go, her hands shaking so much as she tried to dial, that she seemed incapable of entering the right digits.

Taking the phone from her, he saw as she stared up at him, her eyes now filled with terror. I need that. You don’t understand… I have to go.

Anton lifted her drink, pushing it into her shaking hands, his voice insistent, forceful. No, you will take a drink of this and then you will tell me what that call was all about. In the state you are in, you will not even make it to the door if you try to walk.

Taking the drink, she meekly obeyed, he seeing as her eyes blurred with tears, frowning. Whatever was said had knocked all of the fight from her, her voice full of fear. My sister. She’s in the hospital. She was in an accident… A hit-and-run. Her hand covered her mouth, the fingers shaking violently, horror in her eyes. She’s bad Anton. They… They don’t think… Now tears flowed down her cheeks as she once more tried to rise. I have to… I need a taxi.

His hand on her shoulder pushed her back down onto the seat, even as his other pulled his own phone into his hand. In a few whiplash commands he ordered his car to be brought to the front door, his hand only then helping her to her feet, his arm wrapping around her waist in support, the two moving quickly to the exit. I will take you. It will be much faster.

Nodding mutely, now there was a flash of thanks in her eyes, Anton not sure why he suddenly found breathing difficult.

Celeste did not remember the journey to the hospital, hardly aware of the way Anton held her hand in his, soothing words coming from the man, who till that night had been a complete stranger to her. When the large limousine pulled up to the entrance, he had been the one to speak to the front desk, clearing the way for them to go to the waiting area and speak with the doctor.

She was informed that her sister, Luisa, was in critical condition, that she was being operated on even as they spoke. As the doctor listed the many breaks she had experienced, and the list of difficulties, including internal bleeding, it had been Anton once more who wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her up when she might well have collapsed. Things were not looking good for Luisa.

With nothing else to do, the two took seats in the waiting room, he still holding her hand, she somehow glad of it. When she began talking about her sister, he sat silently just letting her speak, his lips curving into smiles, or fingers squeezing hers with encouragement at all the right places.

For five hours they sat, Anton shaking his head when she had given him a thankful smile, telling him that he should go, that he did not need to be there. Then he had only frowned, his look taking in the still-empty room, his tone soft. Where is your father Celeste? Has nobody told him?

Celeste bit her lower lip, her head nodding, bitterness in her voice. He knows. He was the one who called me. He just has no interest.

Anton’s shocked intake of breath made her squeeze his hand this time. At least he seems to be paying the medical bills. I guess I should be thankful for that.

Why would he not? She is his daughter. You can’t really believe that he wouldn’t?, his eyes holding anger. I find it incomprehensible that he would not be here for his daughter. She might…, his words trailing off seeing the flash of pain in her eyes. I just think he should be here.

Celeste huffed out a bitter half-laugh. My father is not a good man Anton, her tone softening as her eyes met his. Unlike you.

Anton swallowed, feeling strange. It had been a long time since anybody called him good. His hand wrapped around her shoulder as he pulled her in closer to hug her. Your father is a fool. If I had children Celeste, there would be no power on earth that could keep me away from them.

Her hand lifted, fingers wrapping around his. That is what makes you a good man.

Five hours after they arrived, the surgeon and another doctor entered the waiting area. Celeste was on her feet in a heartbeat, her hands wringing nervously before her. As both men smiled, the tightness in her chest relaxed a little. Miss Degrassy, your sister pulled through the operation. It’s still touch-and-go, but she is a fighter, and things are looking much better than when she first came in.

Her hands flew to her mouth as relieved tears flowed freely down her cheeks, her sobbed Thank you only just audible, she aware as Anton shook the hands of the doctors. Finally pulling herself together, she wiped the tears away. C… Can I see her?

The doctors briefly exchanged looks before one nodded. She’s in post-op. I should warn you that she is hooked up to a lot of machines.

Nodding, Celeste quickly hurried after them, Anton giving her a ghost of a smile as he told her he would wait for her there.

Stepping into the sterile white room, Celeste could only stare at the woman on the bed. It was hard to believe that under all of the bandages and tubes lay her sister. Groaning, she looked to the nurse for permission to hold her hand, the woman giving her a gentle smile and nod, Celeste quickly and carefully placing Luisa’s hand in hers. She knew she was crying, almost unable to believe the extent of her younger sister’s injuries. Her face was bloated and a myriad of different colours, the red, blue and purple bruises covering her lovely features. She was only able to whisper that she loved her, begging her not to die and leave her alone, sure she must sound like the most selfish person in the world, but not caring, the thought of a world without her much-loved sister one she could not contemplate.

After a few minutes, the nurse tapped her shoulder, the kindly woman smiling. I am afraid we have to ask you to leave. We need to administer some medication, it would be better if you were not here, quickly adding, Tomorrow she should be down in a ward. You can stay as long as you like then, her hand patting her back. You look exhausted Miss. You should go home and get some sleep.

Returning to the waiting area, Anton lifted his head, his eyes watching her with concern. Celeste gave him the inkling of a smile as he stepped up to meet her, asking how her sister was. Dragging a hand over her brow, she exhaled a long sigh. She looks so small Anton. I just want to wrap her up and protect her. They told me to go home… That I can’t stay with her, but how can I? Her eyes flicked around the room, the utilitarian chairs hard and unwelcoming. Sighing, her mouth twisted into a rueful smile. I’ll be fine here. I’ll be able to get some sleep here.

Also looking around, Anton frowned. I am sure your father can book one of the guest rooms for you. There is no way you can sleep here.

Shrugging, she moved to one of the chairs, flopping down onto it, her long cocktail dress completely out of place in the room. No. He really wouldn’t, and there is no way I’m leaving, fear once more returning to her voice. What if something happened in the night? She needs me here.

Sighing out a long breath, Anton moved to crouch down beside her, his hands grasping her joined ones. Your sister is very lucky to have you here, sincerity in every word as she smiled back.

Thank you for everything. I truly appreciate it Anton.

Lifting her hands in his, he dropped a small kiss on them before once more rising. OK. I will leave you then, but I would like to call you later. Would that be OK?

Celeste could not help but return a dazzling smile. This stranger had done so much for her, her head nodding back. I would really like that. With that Anton turned, striding out of the room, leaving her once more alone. Sighing, she tried to get as comfortable as she could. It was going to be a long night.

The door of the waiting room opening made her head rise, she wondering if she was soon to have company, sure the room was open to all. However, the nurse who entered only smiled at her. Miss Degrassy, your room is ready.

Frowning, she shook her head. I’m afraid there must be a mistake. I’m pretty sure my father would not have booked a room for me.

The nurse seemed taken aback, her eyes falling to the clipboard she held before smiling back, her features sure. No mistake Miss Degrassy. But it is a Mr Pirelli who booked the room.

Her eyes widened in stunned shock. Anton had booked her a room? Standing, she followed the nurse, a smile on her lips. Seemed Mr Pirelli was going all-out to impress her. Her smile widened – it was working.

Chapter Two

Charles Patrice dropped the keys of his room onto the large piece of furniture near the door of his suite. He could not help but whistle happily, the day having been a good one. Smiling, he once more read the card his sister had given him, as she and her now husband, Cam, left the restaurant that night, the two on a flying visit before Sophie hosted a charitable auction the following week.

To Charles, the best brother a sister could have. Love you… Sophie

She looked amazing to him, while lamenting how round she thought herself with her ‘swollen’ belly, she now four months pregnant, though in truth you could hardly tell.

Cam however,