The Romero Brothers (Billionaire Romance) Books 7-8: The Romero Brothers (Billionaire Romance)

By Shadonna Richards

The Romero Brothers Boxed Set (Books 7-8)

Snowbound with the Billionaire (Book 7)

Baby, it's cold outside…
Pamela Alvarado, the Romero family's loyal press secretary, finally plucks up the courage to tell her deliciously gorgeous eligible boss, Troy Romero, how she truly feels about him. But when she goes to share her feelings with him one evening, she bumbles into a humiliating and heartbreaking situation when she learns that he's…getting married!

But it's warm in here…
Sexy billionaire philanthropist, Troy Romero, is reluctantly entering into a loveless marriage to spoiled heiress, Cilla de Montagio, so she can keep her fortune. Yet it is his faithful, yet feisty, press secretary, Pamela, who really has his heart. So, stranded in a blizzard during a power outage with Pamela over the holiday season can only spell trouble. The blizzard brings the chill, but it looks as if Pamela will melt Troy's defenses. Now he's got one heck of a storm brewing inside him, too. Does he fulfill his obligation to the heiress who once saved his life, or does he follow his heart to the woman of his desire?

The Billionaire's Marriage Proposal (Book 8)

He vowed to never fall in love again...

Sexy, tall, dark and handsome Dr. Alonso Romero was scarred in childhood from losing those close to him, including his first girlfriend, to whom he'd proposed marriage. When she died, he took that as a sign he should never marry. Losing a loved one hurt too much. His remedy? Never get close to another woman—and never wed. To his tycoon grandfather, Toni Romero, Alonso is the only disappointment in the family who has not tied the knot and settled down like his other once-professed bachelor brothers. But that's just fine with Alonso, until…

Beautiful and feisty street nurse, Britney Andropolous, walks into Alonso's office late one night and straight into his heart. She's on the run from a dangerous past. He wants to help her but the trouble is, he's falling for her. Will he keep his distance and his declaration to never get close? Or will Britney's dainty curves and warm heart melt Alonso's defenses?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shadonna Richards
• Release date: May 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386705246

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. She is also the winner of Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write 2010 Day Two Challenge. She's a proud mommy and lives with her husband and son. Books by Shadonna Richards *Audiobooks available at select retailers and libraries 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   An Unexpected Baby  WHIRLWIND ROMANCE SERIES Accidentally Flirting with the CEO (Books 1 -3) OTHER TITLES (available at select retailers) The Romero Brothers Complete Series (Books 1-8)   Billionaires of Belmont (The Complete Series Books 1-5)   Summer Beach Reads (Boxed Set) Billionaires & Brides (First in a Series Collection) Snowbound Romance Collection BWWM Billionaire Romance Collection Billionaire Boss Romance Collection Volumes 1 & 2 Billionaire Boss Romance Mega Collection The Billionaire's Secret Baby (Boxed Set)  

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you, God, for all my blessings. To my cherished son and husband for your unconditional love. With gratitude to my family and friends for your endless support. To Solomon, Jermaine, Merdella, Nesitta, Monica, and Percell. To my editors M.M. and Bev for always being brilliant. To M.H., K.D., and C.S. for your wonderful support.

The Romero Brothers Books 7-8 Boxed Set Edition

SNOWBOUND WITH THE BILLIONAIRE

THE BILLIONAIRE’S MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

SNOWBOUND WITH THE BILLIONAIRE

(The Romero Brothers, Book 7)

Baby, it’s cold outside...

Pamela Alvarado, the Romero family’s loyal press secretary, finally plucks up the courage to tell her deliciously gorgeous eligible boss, Troy Romero, how she truly feels about him. But when she goes to share her feelings with him one evening, she bumbles into a humiliating and heartbreaking situation when she learns that he’s...getting married!

But it’s warm in here...

Sexy billionaire philanthropist, Troy Romero, is reluctantly entering into a loveless marriage to spoiled heiress, Cilla de Montagio, so she can keep her fortune. Yet it is his faithful, yet feisty, press secretary, Pamela, who really has his heart. So, stranded in a blizzard during a power outage with Pamela over the holiday season can only spell trouble. The blizzard brings the chill, but it looks as if Pamela will melt Troy’s defenses. Now he’s got one heck of a storm brewing inside him, too. Does he fulfill his obligation to the heiress who once saved his life, or does he follow his heart to the woman of his desire?

Chapter One

Pamela Alvarado could feel Troy Romero’s positive energy from across the room as he entertained party guests. The man radiated sophistication and delicious charm.

Oh, heavens. Does he always have to look so...stunning?

Every time she saw Troy, she practically drooled over him. The man had that effect on her from day one. And this evening was no exception.

It was Christmas Eve yet he looked sexy as sin in his dark dinner jacket and dress pants. His dark hair was slicked back and his high cheekbones were accentuated by the glow from the fireplace and dim lighting in the room. Troy’s alluring sexy eyes sparkled when he grinned. He towered over the other guests, at six feet four inches. Troy stood, holding a glass in one hand with the other hand in his pants pocket, by the grand fireplace in the massive study at Romero Manor.  

His grandfather, Toni Romero, and Toni’s wife number five, the very much younger Shelly, and some friends were engaged in conversation. Toni, head of the Romero dynasty, seemed joyful at the sight of his ever-expanding family—Pamela had been there when Toni chastised the young bachelors in the past about when they were going to settle down. Currently, six out of his eight grandsons were making him proud in the wedded bliss department.

Pamela drew in a deep breath. Her heart fluttered inside her chest in anticipation of getting a moment alone with Troy, tonight. Finally. But when would that moment arrive?

The place was brimming with Romero family members and their guests. The melody of laughter, mirthful chatter and festive Christmas music filled the air.

Pamela was so appreciative to be a part of all of it. Even as the family’s press secretary, she didn’t have much family of her own, at least not close family. A beautiful, loving, close-knit family that supported and stood up for each other, no matter what, like the Romero family.  

The snow fell heavily and flurries scattered across the panes of the French glass doors of the study at Romero Manor. Pamela was enthralled by the winter wonderland outside as the snow swirled around by the heavy gusts of wind this enchanting evening.

So, did you get a chance to speak to him, yet? Jenna-Lynn asked Pamela as she plopped herself on an adjacent cozy chair.

Not a chance, Pamela answered quietly with a smile. She felt heat rush to her cheeks, embarrassed that she might appear desperate. She took a sip of her eggnog, enjoying the rich creamy smooth libation gliding down her throat. Her heart fluttered. Why was she feeling like a schoolgirl about to meet her crush face-to-face? This was so humiliating. She was the family’s public relations specialist, for heaven’s sake. Yet, when it came to private relations, Pamela felt way out of her league. She didn’t want to make a fool of herself in front of Troy.

Remember what we talked about, Jenna reminded Pamela with a wink.

Yes, I remember. Pamela sighed with a warm smile.

You’ll be fine, Pam. You’re the family’s spin doctor. You always know when to say the right thing to make them look good and you’ve helped out everyone here from a whole mess of sticky situations. There’ll be nothing to it.

Pamela playfully rolled her eyes and shook her head. Trust me, girl, it’s a lot harder to confront your boss about how you feel about him than it is to tell the media what you think of them.

Jenna grinned. Well, you do have me there, Pam. But look, Dion and I wouldn’t be together if we didn’t admit how we felt about each other. Not only that...gosh, Pamela, if it weren’t for you, I don’t even think we would be together.

Oh, Jenna, that’s...so sweet of you to say, but please don’t give me all that credit. You guys were destined to be together. I’m so glad it worked out for you.

I’ve seen the way Troy looks at you, Pamela. Trust me, you have nothing to worry about.

I sure hope that’s true. Pamela sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm those thousand tiny butterflies that let loose in her stomach.  

She looked up at the enormous crystal chandelier dangling from the cathedral ceiling of the study. The whole mansion was spectacular. How long had she been working there, admiring the fixtures and elegant surroundings of one of the wealthiest yet sophisticated and kindest people she’d ever known? Yet there was one precious relationship that she’d treasured more than the material wonders of Romero Estate. It was Troy Romero. He’d captivated her heart the way no other man had. Oh boy, she’d fantasized about what it would feel like to have him with her, moving inside her, bringing her to the soaring heights of carnal pleasure. She knew full well, however, Troy’s reputation with the women. Of course, when she’d commenced working for the Romeros, it wasn’t something she wanted to think about, especially since he was always with a beautiful model or society girl at one point or another. But now? He was free, wasn’t he? He was available. And her body sizzled when he brushed her skin by accident while they were in the middle of approving media briefs or heat rose inside her when their eyes locked. Pamela felt heat rise inside her at the thought.

Okay, Pam, it’s Christmas Eve. No time for naughty thoughts. Just give the guy his present and call it a night.

Pamela’s heart pounded hard in her chest as she held the glass of eggnog in her hand, waiting for a chance to speak to Troy alone. Waiting for the moment to approach him in the spirit of the holiday with a personal gift. Something she’d been waiting for a long time.

But now...it was too late.

Before she knew it, Troy felt for something in his pocket—a vibrating cellphone call, then he excused himself and left the study. Pamela tried to follow him with her eyes but her view was soon blocked as guests moved around.

All right now, Toni announced by the elegantly decorated Christmas tree, his young wife by his side. We’re going to have a gift exchange shortly. Let’s all gather by the fireplace.

That includes you, Jenna-Lynn Romero. Dion Romero, Troy’s older brother, reached down and hugged his wife after he walked into the study. He then offered her a hand to help her up.

Pamela had been told the story many times from her friend Jenna-Lynn. Dion had surprised Jenna-Lynn with a proposal by the beachside. She was looking over some notes on her iPad when he hugged her from behind and asked her to check something out on a website. When she keyed in the website address, there it was on the screen, Jenna-Lynn: Will You Marry Me? Dion.

Jenna told Pamela her heart almost stopped at the time. Who would have ever thought of such a sweet website proposal? Warmth filled Pamela’s soul feeling happy for Jenna, whom she had first contacted via a temp agency on behalf of Dion to be his executive assistant. Dion wasn’t too happy at the time, but Pamela saw how well it worked out after all.

Coming, darling, Jenna smiled to Dion, rubbing her enormous pregnant belly before taking his hand to get up from her seat. She was eight months along. The baby was due any time in the next few weeks, that is. Jenna winked at Pamela. Good luck, she whispered.

Soon after, members of the Romero clan were gathered around the fireplace as Toni had instructed. Pamela had gotten to know the Romeros over the past seven years since she first started working for them. As busy as they each were, they gathered every month or so for one of Toni’s big family dinners, and certainly on holidays like Christmas and Easter.

And what a big family! The soothing Christmas music played over the speakers: Silver Bells. How beautiful and melodic. A festive tune, if Pamela had ever heard one.

Antonio Romero and Lucy, his wife, were present with their son, Alexander. Lucas and Maxine were there with their daughter, Mary-Louise. Zack and his wife, an ex-reporter, Blue, sat on the loveseat with their son, Jefferson. Carl, the young mayor of Mayberry Hill, was with his wife, Venus, and their sons, Tristan and Daniel. Jules and his wife, Amber, and their daughter, Crystal, were also present. Everyone seemed to be paired up except Troy and Dr. Alonso, who was in town taking a break from his work abroad, providing medical care to disadvantaged areas around the world through his world-renowned healthcare clinics.

Pamela had confided in Jenna-Lynn how she felt in her heart about Troy. Still, Pamela didn’t want to make a move on her boss. He’d been so good to her over the years. They’d been through a lot together, working on publicity issues for the Romero family late into the night. And oh, she loved the way he addressed her with his hey, beautiful whenever he saw her. Then again, he called Mrs. Perkings, the sixty-year-old head maid beautiful, too! He was ever the charmer. With everyone. So much so that she suddenly realized making a move on him would be stupid. On his part, their relationship was very likely just a friendly one.

But, she had bought him a gift. A nice gift. She would keep it in her purse until she had the chance to be alone with him. It was a set of beautiful gold-plated cuff links specially engraved #1 Boss.  

Where’s Troy? Toni called out. He should be here!

I think he’s in the west wing, Zack said. Come on, Gramps, you’re not seriously gonna wait for him. Just hand his gift to me. His wife Blue playfully rolled her eyes and lightly swatted her husband on his muscular arm.

Pamela couldn’t help but giggle. But something tugged at her heart. How nice it must be to be a part of this loving, wonderful family of successful tycoons. So powerful, yet down-to-earth at the same time. But still, she’d seen them grapple with their challenges. You didn’t want to mess with a Romero. They were nice and friendly but oh, boy, if you wronged them or someone close to them...

Pamela swallowed hard. This Christmas was the hardest for her. Though they’d taken her in like family, she still felt...alone. She looked at Zack and Blue. Things worked out so wonderfully for them after their rocky start.

God, to find love. Someone who loved you for you and treasured you was the best gift any woman could be given.

Too bad it would never happen for her, Pamela thought. Still, she’d secretly fantasized about Troy, who happened to convince his grandfather, Toni, to hire her. For which she was eternally grateful. She’d just earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and media studies, with straight A’s but with no job in sight—at least not one in her field. Talk about a tough economy. Too many grads, not enough quality jobs. Troy heard about her from the public relations society debate team. She’d liked him ever since. But he, of course, always had a girlfriend on his arm. A beautiful, model-type, at that.

Pamela smoothed her hand down her red velvet dress, over her full thighs. A model type, nope, she was definitely not!

The Romeros gathered around the festive tree.

Zack, you know how important it is for each of us to be here around the tree at this time, Toni said. It’s tradition. Your dear grandmother, God rest her soul, always wanted it this way.

And that was true. Pamela hadn’t met the original Mrs. Toni Romero, but she had seen pictures of her and heard so many heartwarming stories about how beautiful her soul was. No wonder she and Toni had raised such fine boys when the couple found out about their existence.

Later, after the presents were exchanged, Pamela frowned. She still hadn’t seen Troy since the announcement of the gift exchange and wanted to speak with him. She was going to take Jenna’s advice and ask him out, God help her. So, she would try to make it out to be a casual date and if anything more came of it...well, that would be her dream come true. What did she have to lose?

Pamela moved and made her way out into the foyer then to the west wing. When she spotted Troy, her heart sank.

He was with a woman Pamela hadn’t seen before. She’d heard the doorbell ring many times during the festivities and the butler had ushered in countless late guests. So Pamela figured the woman must have been a latecomer. But why didn’t she enter the study with the rest of the guests? The woman started to look a bit familiar to Pamela as she got closer... It was an old classmate of Troy’s. She remembered seeing the woman at one of the family barbecues in the garden. And on campus, if she recalled correctly. The woman looked a bit different but Pamela noticed the statuesque height, long face, waist-length auburn hair and the longest diva-like nails that she’d seen on a woman.

Pamela walked closer about to interrupt when she heard the words that stung her heart.

So, big boy! Are you going to tell your family or am I? the woman asked.

Tell them what, Priscilla?

That you’re my fiancé! And you know I like to be called Cilla. You always call me Cilla unless you’re mad at me for something.

"Sorry, Cilla! he emphasized. Anyway, I thought we were going to wait until the new year to make that announcement." Troy arched his brow as he pulled her closer to him with a big grin.

Fiancé?

Troy was getting married?

But...

Pamela’s heart halted along with her footsteps. Her breath became labored. How could she have read Troy so wrong? The feeling of a gigantic sinkhole surfaced in her stomach.

Cilla?

The name finally clicked in Pamela’s mind. Cilla de Montagio was that snobby heiress she’d met while working with the university’s debate team. Oh, Lord! Cilla was not somebody you wanted to mess with. She was one of the most entitled, cantankerous girls Pamela had ever met while in college. Cilla had given Pamela and her friends a hard time. She’d even gotten one of the professors fired after he’d flunked her. What on earth was Troy doing with her?

Let me guess; she’s wealthy, from a prominent family of art dealers and architects and looks like a beauty queen.

Pamela, on the other hand, was none or had none of that. Who was Pamela to think she even stood a chance with Troy? Pamela was an employee, nothing more.

She couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that Troy was going to marry Cilla.

Stung with humiliation and feeling dazed, Pamela glanced at Troy’s gift in her hand that she’d been saving for this moment. She placed the gift by the cabinet in the hallway for Troy to discover later, and she slowly backed away.

Pamela made her way down the corridor of the west wing oblivious to the festive decorations adorning the walls and strategically placed plants. The butler approached her as she entered the grand foyer. Are you okay, Miss Pamela? he asked politely.

She could feel her eyes stinging with tears of pain and embarrassment. How stupid she was to have thought that Troy was ever interested in her? What an idiot she was!

I’m fine, thanks, she said, her voice almost cracking. Just a little tired.

Are you all right? he persisted, concern evident.  You don’t look too well.

I...I’m fine, Hans, really. Pam tried to sound brave as she bent over to put on her brown leather knee-high boots. Please tell everyone bye for me. She grabbed her white winter coat and her light blue scarf and matching hat and wrapped the scarf around her neck. The same hat and scarf set Troy gave her as a gift three Christmases ago from Tiffany’s in New York on one of their business trips.

She fished around her handbag for her car keys, fumbling to pull them out but finally succeeding as she walked towards the door ignoring the gales of laughter and music coming from the study.

Then...she left. Pamela fought her way outside into the brisk cold and the dark winter stormy night.

Out into the blizzard, tears stinging her eyes. The onslaught of chilly air didn’t register with her as the cold snapped at her exposed skin. She quickly pulled her hat on over her long, dark hair. For further warmth Pamela pulled the fur-trimmed hood of the jacket over her head.

So much for happy endings. Well, at least for me.

Pamela had been working for the Romero family for many years and had helped them out of various sticky spots. But it was time to move on. She was going to hand in her resignation to the Romero family soon. She loved them dearly but it was time to move on.

Pamela started her car by remote then popped open her trunk and grabbed the snowbrush. She quickly brushed the snow off the windows so she could see. She then got into the car. The snow fell harder and the wind blew with greater force.

No one, except the butler, even noticed she’d left. The music was playing loudly enough and cheers and laughter filled the hallways at Romero Manor as family and friends gathered. Pamela heaved a sigh and turned on the satellite radio in the car. It was too bad she hadn’t listened to the forecast channel beforehand. The blizzard was moving in fast on the region. She drove away through the gates and along the main road, her snow tires grinding on the snow-blanketed road.

The wind continued to blow with tremendous ferocity and the snow pellets slammed against her windshield. Her visibility was decreasing fast. What was happening? Why did she leave like that? She should have at least said good-bye to Grandpa Toni, as she’d affectionately called him over the years.

As Pam drove farther down the side road and approached the main road, the snow fell heavier and faster with fury. The windshield wipers scraped back and forth rapidly but weren’t able to keep up with the massive amount of snowfall. The car skidded around a couple corners but she managed to maneuver herself okay, thanks to what Troy had taught her many years ago when she had to drive to a press conference downtown during a snowy day. "Never push too hard on the gas or you’ll skid on