Billionaire Flawed 1(245)

You would have her agree to be your fiancee in exchange for money? Just so your father doesn't disinherit you? David was genuinely shocked. Nicholas had just achieved a new low in his estimation. And you will continue to have your way with different women despite having a fiancee?

You know me too well, Nicholas said, smiling at him.

Disgraceful.





Adele looked out of her carriage window to the rooks, nesting on top of the home of the Earl of Borrowby. So this was where Nicholas lived. A majestic stately home, a place of serenity and graceful charm. As her coach drew up, Nicholas bounded down the steps and onto the driveway.

Lady Vaughan, I am so happy your were able to accept my invitation to tea.

It's a pleasure. I didn't know you lived in such a beautiful home.

It is nice isn't it?

She took his arm, and they walked up into the house. Nicholas' wing of the house was just as magnificently decorated as the rest. It was really a large apartment, decorated with cream walls and gold leaf cornices. Adele was impressed by the pictures of his ancestors. Each framed in gold, staring back at her, expressionless.

When the tea arrived, Nicholas poured. They looked at each other as they took their first sip, each wanting to speak but not quite daring.

May I ask you to elaborate on the kind offer of assistance you made the other evening, she said.

I am glad you mentioned it. I have a proposal to make.

Anything but marriage, she thought. Yes, please go ahead.

I think we can do a deal, he kept his eyes on hers, waiting for a reaction. When there was none, he continued. You need money, and I need a fiancee.

Please, let me explain, she interjected. I don't want to.....

Marry again, he finished the sentence for her. I know you don't. I am not proposing marriage.

She looked confused. Then what? You mentioned the word fiancee.

My father has told me he will disinherit me if I don't find a wife. I don't want a wife, but if we were engaged it would pacify him, and we could call off the engagement later.

And in return you will assist me financially? she asked.

Yes. That's the deal.

I need thirty thousand, she winced.

That's a lot of money. It was, but Nicholas had that kind of money at his disposal.

If it's too much, I........

No, not at all, I will help you.

But there is one more thing, she said. I would like to keep a high degree of freedom.

Nicholas gave a sigh of relief. So would I, so would I. He was already making lists of new conquests.





So, you've seen sense at last. Good choice. Kellet said pocketing the large envelope.

Adele had been trembling since he'd arrived. He looked somehow more brutal than he had on his previous visit. Do whatever you want, but never come back here again, and if any of this can be traced back to me, please know I have friends in high places.

Not so high they could help you now, though, he smirked. So how did you come by this amount? You don't seem to have sold any property. Sold your body did you? She pulled back from him as he stepped forward, grinning.

It's no business of yours.

Well then, I'll be on my way. Nice doing business with you, he held out his hand. Adele turned her head away and ignored him.





Lady Vaughan, I must say I am very pleased to hear you and my son have become engaged. Earl Borrowby said. I had given him up as a lost cause.

Adele and Nicholas had agreed to spend two days a week together. Keeping up appearances. Earl Borrowby was delighted that Nicholas had finally committed himself, and he'd given up all thought of disinheriting his son. He liked Adele; she seemed mature, and he was convinced she would teach his son to value women as equals. Why he didn't already, would remain a mystery.

We are pleased too, aren't we? Adele looked at Nicholas.

Yes, yes, we are, he said. He'd been daydreaming.

Good, well, it's lovely to meet you. I must be off now, a lot to do. He walked across the hall and suddenly stopped. It's a terrible business isn't it?

Adele and Nicholas looked at each other. What father? Nicholas asked.

That barrister, murdered. What was his name, Bartholomew Pimms.

Adele turned white. Nicholas looked at his father indifferently. Never heard of him, he said.

The best barrister in the country. Stabbed to death on his way home from court. It's in the newspaper.

Pimms, I've met someone called Pimms, Nicholas began to think. No she wasn't called Pimms, her sister was. She was called Julia......

Leatham, Adele said.

Yes, Leatham. She said you were her sister's best friend. She was called Pimms. Is it any relation?

His wife, Adele sat down.

You look terrible. Did you know him?

Of course, I knew him very well.

Nicholas sat down next to her. His father left the room, shaking his head. Can I get you something? he asked.

Perhaps a little brandy, she said. A terrible shock indeed, she added.

As the weeks went by, their agreement held wonderfully. Adele had thought it would be tedious to have to pretend to be his fiancee, and, even more, tedious to have to spend so much time in his company. But she began to look forward to her visits to his house.