THE TYCOON'S REBEL BRIDE(26)
apart.”
“Very wise words coming from someone so young.”
She wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes. “Do you keep reminding yourself of
my age so that you aren’t tempted to do something outrageous like kiss me again?”
He blinked at her, his mouth falling open. Then he snapped it closed and his jaw
tightened. “I thought we agreed to forget that ever happened.”
“I agreed to do no such thing,” she said lightly. “You can do as you like,
however.”
He was saved from making his response when the waiter returned bearing their
food. Isabella watched Theron all through the meal. His agitation was evident in his
short, jerky motions as he dug into his food and ate. Several times he looked up and their
gazes connected. There was such fire in his eyes. He wasn’t immune to her. Not by a long
shot. If she had to guess, he was very affected.
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THE TYCOON’S REBEL BRIDE
36
MAYA BANKS
SILHOUETTE DESIRE 1944
THE ANETAKIS TYCOONS
She’d already shoved her plate aside when she heard Theron’s name called from a
few tables away. She glanced over to see a handsome man approach their table. He was
well dressed, he screamed wealth and refinement, and he looked at her with un-disguised
interest even though it was Theron’s name he spoke.
Theron looked less than pleased by the interruption, but it didn’t seem to bother
the man who now stood at their table.
“Theron, it’s good to see you. I was happy to receive your invitation for Thursday
night.”
He glanced over at Isabella as he spoke and she stared back, wondering if this was
one of the men on Theron’s infamous potential husband list. She cocked her eyebrow in
question but Theron ignored her.
“Are you coming?” Isabella spoke up, offering the man a bright smile. “I have it
on good authority that Theron is using Thursday’s little soiree to find me a husband.”
She grinned at the man’s look of surprise. Then he laughed while Theron scowled
even harder.
“You must be Isabella Caplan. I’m Marcus Atwater, and yes, I’ll be attending.
Now that I know my attendance puts me in the running, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Isabella smiled and extended her hand. “Please, call me Bella.”
Marcus took her hand but instead of shaking it, he raised it to his lips and kissed
it.
“All right, Bella. A beautiful name for an equally beautiful woman.”
“Is there something you wanted, Marcus?” Theron asked pointedly.
His glare could melt steel, but Marcus didn’t seem to be too bothered—or
intimidated.
Isabella sat back. Maybe Theron seeing another man openly flirt with her would
bring out those protective instincts. Maybe, just maybe if he suddenly had a little
competition…
“Nothing at all,” Marcus said congenially. “I saw you with a beautiful woman,
and I merely wanted to make her acquaintance and see for myself if this was the
mysterious Isabella Caplan, the same woman you were throwing the party for. I’m glad
now that I came over.” He glanced back at Isabella again. “Save me a dance Thursday
night?”
She smiled and nodded. “Of course.”
She watched him walk away before turning back to Theron. “So tell me, how did
he rate among the other men you considered for my husband?”
Theron gave her a disgruntled look. “He’s toward the top,” he mumbled.
“Oh good, then you won’t mind if we spend time together at your cocktail party.”
“No,” he said through gritted teeth. “He would be a good choice. He’s successful,
doesn’t have any debt, he’s never been married before, and he’s healthy.”
“Good God, tell me you didn’t hack into his medical records,” she said in
disbelief.
“Of course I did. I wouldn’t suggest you marry a man who was in ill health or had
defects that could be passed on to your children.”
He seemed affronted that she’d ask such a question.
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MAYA BANKS
SILHOUETTE DESIRE 1944
THE ANETAKIS TYCOONS
She stifled her laughter and tried to look serious and appreciative. “So can I
assume that any man at your party has been carefully screened and has your stamp of
approval then?”
He nodded slowly but he didn’t look happy about the fact.
“Well then, this should be fun,” she said brightly. “A room full of wealthy, good-