Her Tiger Billionaire (Supernatural Billionaire Mates 2)

“Uncle Seymour?” Annalise shook her head. Her long brown hair waved. “Mom wasn’t on speaking terms with Uncle Seymour.. Everything about Uncle Seymour was an off-limits discussion. That’s why I was so surprised to learn he’d passed away and left everything to me.”

“Your uncle was fond of you. You were his favorite niece.”

“I was?”

Sven nodded. “He always said you’re a special girl.”

“I only met him a few times when I was little. Mom said Dad didn’t like it when Uncle Seymour came to visit.”

“Why is that?”

“Dad thought Uncle Seymour was kind of kooky. But again, Dad disliked everybody. He was Mr. Grouchy.”

“I take it he was strict? He was in the military if I’m not mistaken.”

“Marine. He was a drill sergeant.”

Sven couldn’t help but cringe. “I bet you had an interesting time growing up.”

“Despite his grumpiness, he was the best dad in the world.”

Annalise looked dreamy. She had a heart-shaped face with high cheekbones and eyes that could melt anyone’s heart. Her lips were naturally rouge, and curved upward into a perpetual smile. Her teeth were like pearls, white and shiny. Her pale skin was smooth and glowing. She didn’t wear makeup, but she was more beautiful than any women Sven had dated.

“I bet he was.” Sven gestured at her champagne. “Try it. It’s very special champagne. 1928 Vintage Krug. I keep several bottles for special occasions.”

Annalise contemplated her glass.

“It’s all right. I gave you permission to drink. After all, it’s our wedding dinner. A little champagne is appropriate for such an occasion.”

She stared with child-like excitement at the bubbles in the flute. “You’re really taking this marriage thing seriously.”

“Naturally. I’ve never been married before.”

Annalise cut her gaze to him. Her big, doe-like brown eyes watched him with wonder. “You haven’t? Aren’t you going to regret this later?”

“Marrying you? No. I won’t.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I just know.” Sven sipped his champagne. “Are you regretting marrying me?”

“Me?” She startled for a second and quickly shook her head. “I don’t know. I won’t—I think. It doesn’t matter to me as long as I can help Robby.”

“It seems you always put your little brother’s needs before your own.”

“Of course. Robby is the only family I have left. I promised Mom I’d take care of him. I’d hate to break that promise.” She paused. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him.”

Sven wondered just how much she had suffered beneath that bright smile and cheery façade. He covered her hand with his and squeezed it. “Don’t worry. I will do everything in my power to get your brother the best care. He’s a fighter, isn’t he? He won’t give up, and neither should you.”

The smile returned. “Mr. Torvik, I mean, Sven, can we stay friends even after we get divorced? This marriage is supposed to last a year, right? I won’t bother you with stupid things or anything. I know you’re a busy man. I’d just like to have someone to talk to once in a while.”

Suddenly, an invisible lump rose in his throat. A year. Twelve months. Fifty-two weeks. How unfairly short. He had started enjoying her presence, and the thought of not seeing her pretty smile every day in his life appalled him. No. He couldn’t let that happen.

“Sven?”

“Let’s not talk about divorce. We just got married today.” Sven lifted his champagne flute. “How about a toast? To our happy marriage.”

Annalise raised hers. The flutes clicked. She took a curious, tentative sip.