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    The Wedding Deal
    The Wedding Deal
    The Wedding Deal
    Ebook184 pages3 hours

    The Wedding Deal

    By Marie Kelly

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    When Alex Demitri proposes marriage to Tessa Jones, it is not out of love but as a business deal, in which both will get what they need - Tessa financial security, and Alexis the ability to continue his playboy ways while protecting his longed for children.

    “Because marriage is something that too many rush into with no real thought of what they actually want......I want a woman who understands my lifestyle...who will produce for me the children I want, and if all fails will not take away most of my business......or my children”

    However, Tessa needs money, and lots of it to save her friend Andrew. Her grandfather blackmails her into the marriage for his own needs, when he finds out about her problems. When the opportunity for escape presents itself will Tessa be able to leave the enigmatic Greek, or will it be more than their contract that keeps her by his side

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMarie Kelly
    Release dateJul 21, 2011
    ISBN9781476407487
    The Wedding Deal
    Author

    Marie Kelly

    A hopeless romantic and weaver of words. While I live in Canada, Scotland will always be in my heart.

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      Book preview

      The Wedding Deal - Marie Kelly

      The Wedding Deal

      by

      Marie Kelly

      Special smashwords Edition

      This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

      The Wedding Deal

      Special Smashwords Edition

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

      Copyright © 2011 Marie Kelly. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

      The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

      Cover Art :

      Copyright © istockphoto/

      ePublished and Distributed by: Smashwords

      Visit the author site:

      www.romancemarie.com

      Marie Kelly

      Other titles

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      The Millionaire’s Society Mistress

      The Billionaire’s Blackmailed Heiress

      The Blackmailed Merger

      The Billionaires Mistress

      Mia

      My Son

      The Unwilling Mistress

      Captured

      Blackmailed For The Billionaire’s Pleasure

      Kidnapped The Wrong Sister

      Blackmailed For Vengeance

      Chapter One

      Tessa Jones stepped gingerly from the taxi, feeling as her body tensed once more, reacting to being so close to the house that she had spent her early childhood years. Pausing for a second, she took in the well-manicured lawns, the flower beds drawing her eyes to the regal building. The grand entrance filled her with foreboding before she steeled herself to move forward. Lifting the large ornate knocker, she allowed it to fall, the dull sound bringing back so many memories. As the imposing door opened smoothly, she smiled at the butler still familiar to her from her youth, his surprise at her presence very clear.

      Miss Tessa...I’m not sure that your grandfather was expecting you, he began, his voice unsure as he stood blocking the entrance, the sound of music filling the air. With a reassuring smile she carried on moving, forcing the older man to step backwards. Sure he does Mr Smithers, she grinned, seeing how the butler smiled with relief, accepting her answer with a small nod before closing the door behind her.

      Passing by a large mirror, she checked her appearance, scrunching up her nose playfully at her reflection. At 23, Tessa was stunning. Of slightly taller than average height, about 5’9", with a wonderful figure, and the grace of the dancer that she was. Her long legs were hidden beneath the cocktail dress she wore, but her curves were clear to see in the way the dress hugged her perfect body. Tessa had been loath to wear the revealing dress, but it was the only one her friend Tania had found that was long enough for her, and as she had to see her grandfather, who was avoiding her, she reluctantly put it on.

      Placing her fingers on the handle of the large impressive door, she took a deep breath preparing to enter the dragon’s lair. Pushing it full open she moved into the large room, the music suddenly so loud along with the sound of people’s voices and laughter. Her beautiful brown eyes, so large in her creamy oval face, regarded the scene her look serious and focussed, as she raised her chin proudly, her long black shining hair held up within a soft knot with tendrils which tapered down her graceful neck.

      Alexis Demitri stood beside the beautiful blonde, who was simpering and flirting outrageously with him, her beauty marred by the huffy pouting glances she would send her grandfather’s way, as he encouraged her obvious behaviour. Frowning down at the soda water he held in his hand he once more kicked himself at letting himself be tricked into the social event, knowing instantly what was going on, wishing himself anywhere but there. Before him John Jones looked on at the couple, a small frown crossing his harsh features, not happy with the way things were going. Marcie did not usually let him down when it came to men and looking around he smiled spotting a young girl in the crowd.

      Angela, he cried out, his voice booming even in the large room full of sounds. The young child, no more than six, made her way towards them, her displeasure at being pulled over clear on her face. Alexis tried not to roll his eyes at the scene being played out solely for his benefit, as his lips twitched watching it all unfold before him.

      Angela, aren’t you going to say hello to your favourite cousin?, John cried out, the young girl moving over to the blonde beside him. Hi Marcie, the girl Angela said, her voice lacklustre at best. Marcie leant down pulling the girl in closer to her, hugging her, her enthusiasm for the youngster so lacking in sincerity. Oh I do so love children don’t you Mr Demitri?, she cooed while looking so ill at ease with the child in her arms, the small girl Angela looking even more uncomfortable being there.

      Smiling noncommittally, he only nodded, wondering how quickly he could escape the dreadful party, and these awful people, seeing as John Jones made to move in closer, no doubt to once more emphasise o the virtues of his granddaughter. However the young girl Angela suddenly gave out a yelp of joy, pushing herself free from the blonde Marcie, John Jones eyes fixing on someone, his body tensing, his features hardening. Tessa, she cried, running forward and throwing herself into the arms of another woman who was walking towards the group. Alexis turned to look at the newcomer, his mouth opening in surprise at what he saw.

      Tessa laughed as Angela, her young cousin, launched herself into her arms, lifting her in the air and spinning her around. Laughing she placed her back down on her feet, having nearly knocked over several of the crowd in the large room, apologising and smiling as the other guests smiled warmly back at her, their pleasure at seeing her so obvious.

      Hey Button, she cried, her wonderful mouth breaking into a large smile which lit up her whole face as she grinned warmly at the small child, who was hugging her tightly. Wow, when did you get so big and strong?, she chuckled, leaning down to give her a hug back. Mummy says I can come to your classes this term, the little girl was excitedly telling her, pushing her hand deep into the young woman’s. She said that I could go to any dance school I wanted, and I want to go to yours, she continued, her eyes and face shining happily as she chattered. Tessa grinned back down on her. Wow, you will be my star pupil, she replied, playfully tweaking the young girl’s nose and dropping a small kiss on her head.

      Hearing her mother calling, Angela looked disappointed to have to let go of Tessa’s hand, and gave her another hug before running in the direction of a smiling woman. Tessa watched her for a second, very fond of the young girl before once more moving towards her grandfather, the smile dropping from her features to be once more replaced by a look of grim determination.

      She took in the group, her main focus being the imposing figure of John Jones, his cruel face now glaring angrily at her. To his right she could see her cousin Marcie fawning over a tall handsome man, her eyes registering him for a fleeting second, taking in everything about the man. He was well over six feet tall, broad shoulders, tapering down to a slim waist which allowed him to look so good in the expensive tailored suit he wore. His dark hair was neatly cut around his handsome face, but it was his eyes which made the biggest impact on her. Dark, almost black eyes surrounded by long lashes which gave him an exotic yet dangerous look were fixed on her. His gaze was unblinking and sure, and for some unknown reason, she felt a small shiver of awareness pass through her before pulling her eyes from him back to her grandfather.

      Coming to a halt before the older man, Tessa smiled at him, the smile not reaching her large lovely eyes, seeing the coldness reflected in his. What are you doing here?, he asked, the anger in his voice only barely controlled. Tessa pulled herself to her full height. Well I knew that you were having a party, she breezed lightly. And I assumed that my invitation had just got lost...so I just turned up...didn’t want to make a fuss

      She smiled over at Marcie, who was scowling seeing her there. Nice dress Marcie, she offered brightly, holding back the laugh as her spoiled cousin glowered back at her. There was no mistake, nobody invited you Tessa, her grandfather responded, his tone harsh, as she looked back at him, her eyes suddenly very serious. Sure you did John, she replied softly, anger now in her voice, When you wouldn’t answer my calls

      Suddenly very aware of where he was John Jones took her arm, looking at the man standing silently watching the scene unfold. Please excuse me Alexis, I need to talk quickly with my granddaughter, he said, before roughly grabbing her arm to pull her away.

      Tessa turned towards him also. Yes, apologies, she quipped in a tone that held no apology. But it was a pleasure meeting you Alexis, she threw, quickly seeing how his mouth twitched as she was dragged away into a far corner.

      As the annoying blonde continued to try to hold his attention with her inane chatter, Alexis watched as the two seemed to be locked in a fairly heated argument. John Jones finally stepped away from her, his expression stony as he moved back towards them, seeing how the woman, Tessa, looked deflated. Her sassy composure was now gone as she seemed to be trying hard to pull herself together, her hand stroking her forehead in defeat, as she moved back towards the exit.

      Forgive me Alexis, John gushed. Unfortunate intrusion, but I’m sure Marcie here has been looking after you, he cried, seeing how Marcie was indeed trying her best to drape herself over the younger man before him. Alexis smiled politely, gently freeing himself from the blonde.

      Thank you John... but I really must be going, he spoke softly, his eyes still following the woman who had finally made it to the door. But...but...surely you can stay a little longer, the older man blustered, the blonde sexily pouting, trying to once more wrap herself around his arm.

      No, really, I have a meeting I must attend, he lied. But it was very kind of you to invite me, he added, taking the older man’s hand and shaking it with a finality which brooked no argument, before nodding politely to the young woman who was looking confused at having not been able to make him stay within her arms.

      I will phone you tomorrow to discuss that deal further, John Jones muttered, seeing how Alexis Demitri’s expression hardened. I see little point, John, I am not going to change my mind With that he turned and made his way to the door he had seen the young woman leave from, breathing a sigh of relief to be free from the room. When he had arrived that night, he had not expected a party, having been invited over for an informal talk, and his face had hardened at the way John Jones had attempted to push his granddaughter so obviously on him.

      Outside, his eyes scanned the foyer looking for the woman who had left before him, his brow furrowing at not seeing her. As he moved forward to check outside, to see if she was entering one of the many cars in the large driveway he finally spotted her, half-hidden behind one of the many pillars which supported the upstairs landing whose balcony looked down on the magnificent hallway below.

      Tessa leant against the hard marble pillar, her eyes shut tight as she bit her lip, a small tear coursing down her cheek, trying hard to pull herself together after her run-in with her grandfather. It had taken a lot for her to come that night, but she hoped that she would have been able to appeal to his greedy side, knowing that he never wanted her to have her inheritance. However, she had underestimated his need to upset her more, the repercussions of this causing another tear to fall down her cheek, her mind going back to the previous day.

      Tessa had never known why she had the sudden urge to visit Andrew Drake that day. Why she had turned her beat-up car from heading to her small comfortable apartment to make the extra three mile journey to Andrew’s house. She had been exhausted, after a full day of dance rehearsals, with the midterm show only a week away. Tessa had been smiling to herself, remembering how cute the newest intake of baby dancers were in their costumes, which she had spent most of her nights creating, with the help of two of the mothers, so happy with the way her life was going.

      On driving up to the detached house, she had been surprised to not see the usual top of the range car in the driveway. With a frown, she almost turned her car around, before smiling seeing a light flicking on in one of the downstairs rooms.

      Well even if Andrew was not there, his wife Helena would make sure that she at least got a cup of tea, and looking forward to seeing her friend, she parked her car.

      Knocking gently on the door, she stood for some time before it was finally answered. At the doorstep Andrew looked nervous and dishevelled. He was dressed in his usual suit, but the tie was pulled down low and his hair was sticking up at angles, as though he had been pulling his fingers through it. Tessa remembered gasping seeing the wild look in his eyes and the way her friend, normally so well presented and slickly dressed looked.

      Andrew, she had cried in shock, What’s wrong? She could see how he tried to put on a smile for her, his eyes still holding the bleak haunted look.

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