The Billionaire's Reckless Marriage (Limitless)

Finn could see her blood vessel pulsing on the side of her neck. Why was she so upset?

“I didn’t tell her your mother’s address or anything, but I did mention Tampa Bay.”

Her eyes squeezed shut, her hand rising to cover her throat. Her lips moved, but he couldn’t hear what she was saying.

“Laurie, what’s wrong?” The hair stood up on the back of his neck as his fingers balled into tight fists.

She gave her head a shake, a forced smile on her face. “Forget it. I’m being paranoid.”

“About what?”

“It’s nothing… I swear. There’s someone from my past I’d prefer never to run into again.” She crossed her arms, tucking her trembling fingers away. “I’m not in danger. He didn’t abuse me or anything like that.”

As she peered out the window with unfocused eyes, a slew of emotions passed across her face like a slideshow. Finn wondered about the man who’d caused this kind of pain. Was it an ex-boyfriend? She said he hadn’t abused her, but Finn was certain he had. After all, abuse comes in many forms besides physical. He wanted to probe deeper, but he knew he hadn’t earned the right. Nor had he earned her trust.

Something in her called to his soul, stirring up protective feelings, deep inside. Yet he didn’t dare let himself get closer. Maybe, if he was careful, he and Laurie could establish a bond of friendship, as he had with his partners in Phantom Enterprises who’d known each other since they were teens at a computer camp for disabled kids.

Yes, I can do this. We can have a platonic relationship, like good friends or even siblings.

Remembering his joy at Branson and Stephanie’s marriage, he imagined himself watching from a church pew as Laurie walked down the aisle in a white satin wedding dress that complimented her creamy dark skin. When she passed by his pew, on her way to marry her groom, Finn gave her a thumbs-up. But then his knuckles blanched, his hands gripping the pew-back in front of him, somehow certain her unknown groom wouldn’t treat her right. In a panic, he waited for the proper moment to call out his objection, hoping he could prevent this disaster from happening.

He jumped as the car door opened, tearing him out of his trance. Concentrating to slow his labored breathing, he forced his clenched fists to relax.

“I guess we’re here.” Thankfully, Laurie sounded unperturbed that they’d ridden in silence for much of the trip.

He followed her out of the car and walked beside her into the restaurant. As he placed a guiding hand on the small of her back, he steeled himself for the spark that came from touching her.

I don’t remember it being like this before. It’s obviously been way too long since I went on a date.

Laurie was completely annoyed with herself. Her body was sending crazy charged sensations everywhere, and all Finn had done was touch her back. It wasn’t even her bare back, mind you. The zing transferred through the outer dress material, a satin lining, and a spandex thigh-and-midsection girdle she’d spent twenty minutes squeezing into.

His deep voice rumbled, “Reservation for Finn Anderson, party of four.”

The hostess, a twenty-something, wearing a too-short-in-Laurie’s-opinion dress, turned a bright shade of pink, gushing, “Yes, Mr. Anderson. Right this way. Your table is waiting.”

Laurie kept a keen eye on Finn’s gaze, impressed when it didn’t drop down to the girl’s swaying hips as she weaved her way through the swanky restaurant. It wasn’t the kind of place Laurie frequented. She might’ve gone with the Knights after Steph married Branson. The billionaire could easily afford it, but they seldom ate out anywhere. Being blind, Branson felt more comfortable eating at home, where the noise didn’t distract from the conversations.

As they took their seats, Miss Wiggle-Butt leaned over Finn to slide a business card into his hand. “I saw you on the cover of Now Magazine. I’m your biggest fan, you know. My name and number are on this card, Mr. Anderson. If there’s anything you need, tonight or any other time…” She fluttered thick, fake lashes at him. “Anything at all, just call me.”

Laurie waved her fingers in front of the girl’s face. “Hello! Are you blind? Or am I invisible? Do you see me sitting right here?”

She blinked wide green eyes at Laurie, as if she’d appeared out of nowhere. Her mouth opened, and an “Oh!” came out before her fingers covered it.

“It’s hard to believe you missed all this, in a bright red dress.” Laurie flitted her hand up and down, indicating her ample body.

“Uh… I’m sorry…”

Finn’s eyes crinkled in the corners as he stifled a laugh. Showing pity for the shaken girl, he read from the card. “Marla? Is that your name?”

“Y-yes.” Marla backed a few steps away from Laurie.

“Marla, could you do me one big favor.”

“W-what?” Her eyes shifted back and forth between Finn and Laurie.

That’s right. You’d better not be flirting with my boyfriend while I’m sitting at the table. Uhmm… my temporary boyfriend.

“Would you bring us an extra chair?”