Page 55 of Bound By Her Shocking Secret

Mia immediately felt daunted, but forced a smile. ‘I’m sure I’ll cope.’

‘I have no doubt you will. You’re formidable, Mia.’

She shook her head, hating how his words made her feel, made that hope flicker. ‘I’m really not—and you don’t have to say those things. It’s not as if you need to woo me, Daniel. We’re married now.’

An expression crossed his face, but it was too fast for her to decipher. He said, ‘Yes, we are married.’

Daniel moved closer and took Mia’s champagne glass out of her hand, putting it down with his on a nearby table. He drew Mia into his arms and the thin material of her lace body and the silk trousers was no barrier to the heat and steely strength of Daniel’s body, not to mention his arousal.

Instant heat flooded Mia, and unlike the previous night, when she’d felt the need to keep a bit of herself back, right now she desperately craved the exquisite oblivion Daniel could offer her. She needed to be reminded of what was binding them together apart from Lexi.

She stretched up, winding her arms around Daniel’s neck. When he lowered his head, though, to cover her mouth with his, she moved instinctively, pressing a kiss to his hard jaw, avoiding that intimacy without really understanding why, knowing only that it was necessary in that moment.

‘Take me to bed, Daniel.’

‘Your wish, Mrs Devilliers, is my command.’

CHAPTER TEN

WHENMIAWOKEin the morning she could hear the faint hum of Manhattan traffic far below. She’d always loved New York—it had been the first place she’d come to start her modelling career and she’d never forget that first view of Manhattan, coming across the bridge from the airport.

And now here she was, in one of those tall buildings. Married. A mother.

She lifted her hand and looked at the rings, nestled side by side. She hated to admit it, but she liked them. Liked the feeling that they marked her as Daniel’s wife.

She sat up in bed, holding a sheet up to her chest, and winced when she saw the torn lace of the body she’d worn under her wedding suit. Unable to find the opening, Daniel had ripped it, making Mia gasp, but then he’d put his mouth to the heated flesh between her legs, hands cupping her buttocks, making her squirm and writhe under his wicked mouth, torn clothes forgotten.

There had been something almost desperate between them...insatiable...as Daniel had taken her over and over again. They had only fallen asleep as the dawn had risen outside.

The apartment felt silent and empty. Mia got up and had a quick shower, and dressed in a pair of casual trousers and a matching long-sleeved rust-coloured top, pulling her hair back into a loose ponytail.

The housekeeper, a genial older man, was in the kitchen. ‘Good afternoon, Mrs Devilliers.’

Mia gasped and checked the time. It was after midday. She blushed profusely. ‘I’m so sorry. I had no idea it was so late.’

‘Don’t be silly—you just got married. Can I fix you some brunch?’

‘Um...where is everyone?’

‘Odile has taken Lexi to the park, I believe, and Mr Devilliers is down in his office. He said you weren’t to be disturbed.’

It was a long time since anyone had cared for her welfare. It was a strange feeling. Seductive.

‘I’d love something small—maybe just an egg and toast? If that’s not too much trouble?’

The housekeeper gave Mia a slightly funny look, before smiling and saying, ‘That’s no problem at all. And, please, call me Tom.’

‘Thank you, Tom.’

After she’d eaten an exquisite brunch of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, on delicate pieces of toast, Mia debated calling Odile and catching up with them, or going down to see Daniel.

She found herself acting on impulse, taking the elevator down to the main offices. She would find Odile and Lexi afterwards.

At the main reception area everyone was very friendly, and they showed her to where Daniel’s corner office was. An older lady in the anteroom stood up and introduced herself as Martha. She said,sotto voce, ‘He’s on a call but I’m sure he’ll be pleased to see you if you want to go in and wait. Congratulations on your marriage, by the way.’

‘Thank you.’

Mia pushed at the heavy door, which was ajar, and went in, thick carpet muffling her footsteps. The first thing she noticed was the astounding views of Manhattan on both sides.

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