The Billionaires' Brides Bundle

But he wanted that from her.

No. Not compliance. Hell, never compliance.

He wanted to hear her sigh with desire. To melt under the stroke of his hands. To return his kisses and ask for more.

His mouth softened on hers. His hands lessened their grip on her wrists. He whispered to her in Spanish, words a man might use to tell his lover he would show her fulfillment beyond any she’d ever imagined…

The woman caught her breath. And became warm and pliant in his arms.

He felt the change. The delicate swell of her breasts against his chest. The almost imperceptible tilt of her hips to his. She was surrendering. Admitting that he was in command, not she.

He could let her go now…

Unless he kissed her until she begged him never to stop. Until what had started hours ago ended with his hands under her skirt, her panties torn aside so he could enter her. Thrust deep between her eagerly parted thighs as she urged him to take her, to possess her, again and again and again…

She cried out. Wrenched her hands free or perhaps he let go. Either way, Lucas stumbled back. She swayed; her eyes flew open, dark and hot with hatred.

Or with something that made him want to reach for her again.

He shuddered.

Was he insane? Was she? All he knew was that the sooner he left this place, the better.

The woman was trembling. The attorney was goggle-eyed. Lucas forced himself to speak as calmly as if nothing had happened.

“Now,” he said, “perhaps we can get to the truth.”

“The truth,” she said, “is that you’re a son of a—”

“Alyssa!” The attorney came to life and stepped quickly between them. “I suggest you not say anything you’ll regret.”

“Excellent advice, amada.”

“I have some advice for you, Mr. Reyes,” she said in a low voice. “Get the hell out of my house!”

“Your house? Have I misunderstood something?” Lucas looked at Norton and smiled slyly. “Did your client leave the opulent El Rancho Grande to—what is it you call the lady? Alyssa?” He folded his arms. “Alyssa the what? The maid? The cook? The stable girl? My understanding—and perhaps I have it wrong—was that I own this place now.” His voice hardened. “All of it, from the dried-out pastures to the collapsing barn. Is that not so, Norton?”

The lawyer looked as if he’d have given anything to disappear as he ran a shaking finger around the inside of his collar.

“That is correct, sir. Though I’m afraid—I’m afraid it’s a bit more complicated than that.”

“More complicated?” Lucas snorted. “My grandfather was tricked i

nto buying a useless ranch, I was tricked into coming here and you tell me there is still more? Are you about to tell me I must rescue a captive princess from the dragon-guarded tower in which she is chained?”

Norton made a sound as if he were gagging. The woman—Alyssa—gave a bitter laugh.

“Do not laugh at me again.” Lucas rounded on her, his face white with fury. “Or, I promise, you will regret it.”

“What I regret,” she snapped, “is that I didn’t let Bebé run you into the ground!”

“Such charm,” Lucas said slyly. “I trust you showed a warmer side to your lover.”

“To her…?” The attorney blanched. “Sir. Let me explain who Alyssa—who this lady is.”

“I’ve already figured that out. The only explanation I want now is what in hell you mean by this thing you call a ‘stipulation.’ Do I own this ranch or not?”

“Well—”