In Bed with the Boss

Chapter Two

Her victory in what was arguably the most significant battle of her life was inevitable. She had to win. And to succeed, she had to forget that she was arguably the worst person in the world to be tasked with discussing numbers with the Brazilian billionaire who had a machine for a brain. She had to forget everything except the consequences of losing. And the others who are reliant on her. It was a simple matter of losing their jobs if she failed.

If Lockwood Corduroy called in his loan, then it was all over.

She pulled a damp hair strand away from her face as the stifling, humid heat engulfed her like a thick, suffocating cloak. Her eyes were drawn upward, following the straight lines of the trees that reached such astonishing heights. It was difficult to recall that places like London and Rio de Janeiro existed since it felt like being in a far-off, exotic paradise. ‘Isn’t he afraid, living out here?’

‘Corduroy?’ The pilot chewed on a piece of gum and gave a grim smile. ‘He isn’t afraid of anything.’

Maria got out of the chopper and saw that her legs were shaking because she knew that if she learned any more about the man, she wouldn’t have the confidence to face him, let alone fight her corner. It was difficult for her to decide at that time whether she was more scared of Lockwood Corduroy or the bush.

In a culture where fame and appearance are idolized, he disregarded them with an attitude that bordered on contempt, turning down any request to talk about himself. He didn’t have to speak because everyone else did it for him. The media was rife with curvy blondes who had agreed to “tell all” for the right sum of money. And so, the entire world was aware of his unrelenting pursuit of his billions, his skill as a lover, and his steadfast unwillingness to partake in “happy ever after.”

Once. After he’d done that, headlines about his stunning wife’s departure from his life after less than three months of marital bliss flooded the newspapers, lasting longer than the union.

He’d been impossible to live with.

He’d ended their relationship by email.

He was only interested in making money. And more money.

She just knew, even before she had to battle for her business, that Lockwood Corduroy was going to be the kind of man who would bring out the worst in her. The rumors had been numerous, but if any of them were to be believed, he was nothing more than a machine.

She wouldn’t look at him, she promised herself. She wouldn’t get tongue-tied or stammer if she didn’t look at him. She would simply act as though she was in her tiny living room at home, speaking to the mirror as she always did when she had a crucial presentation to memorize.

Once more, Maria felt a sickening sensation come over her, but this time it had nothing to do with the helicopter and everything to do with her past. Moments like these, when things truly mattered, were when the memories rolled up behind her like a huge tsunami, ready to swallow her whole.

For her, this was the ultimate test. And she wouldn’t fail. She was unable to.

Too much was at stake.

She ran a hand over her straight, formal skirt, telling herself there was no reason to be afraid of Lockwood Corduroy, and forced herself to go forward onto the wooden walkway that was hung above the forest floor.

His personal life, no matter how John, wasn’t her concern. Whatever obscurity lingered around the man, this meeting was for business, and he was a businessman like her father. He would have faith in her when she revealed her strategies for turning the company profitable. He would reconsider calling in the loan. She might fly home after saving everyone’s jobs and leaving the jaguars, snakes, and millionaire Brazilian businessmen in their jungle retreat.

The Intense heat of the tropics caused her suit to stick to her body, and she quickly realized how unprepared she was to meet this man. Even her clothing wasn’t comfortable for her. Maria clasped

the suitcase in her palm and stooped to extricate the slender heel of her shoe from the thoughtless bite of the wooden planks beneath her feet. Suddenly, she wished she had gone over the figures again in the helicopter.

But what difference would that have made? She had memorized them with the aid of her father. Nothing in her briefcase was previously predetermined in her mind.

She straightened herself after jerking her shoe free from the walkway’s grip to restore her balance.

And saw him.

He seemed as ominous and menacing as anything that may have sprung from the woods, his body motionless, his eyes vigilant. He stood immediately in front of her.

And he was watching her.

Maria stopped breathing, totally unprepared for the physical force of the man. She was just aware of him, and the helicopter, the jungle, and all of her concerns just appeared to go into the distance.

Maria found herself unable to do anything except gaze for a minute because of the physical imagery that his tainted reputation had prompted her mind to conjure. Hundreds of women had surely stared before her.

Her air left her body, and every thought was ripped from her consciousness as his eyes fixed on hers with the deadly accuracy of a deadly weapon. She experienced a horrifyingly disturbing moment where she had no memory of herself. She couldn’t remember what she was doing here. Her body had an oddly sleepy feeling, and treacle-thick warmth was slowly spreading through her limbs.

‘Miss Bella? She was abruptly awakened from her daydreaming about his macho qualities by the biting bite of his deep, manly voice. She hoped desperately that he hadn’t seen her awkward reaction.

So much for being cool and businesslike, she thought. And there goes her attempt to avoid looking at him. His physical presence and movie star appearance attracted attention. It was difficult for her to remind herself that this man was rumored to be harsh and cold-hearted as she stood there gazing. For her, that wasn’t a winning combination of character traits.

She determined after taking in his deep-set, cynical eyes that there was something about his cold inspection that made him more frightening and deadly than all the jungle creatures together, and she realized at once that his pilot had been speaking the truth about one thing—this man was no angel.

She forced her legs to move and approached him while holding her briefcase in one hand and the rickety rope handrail in the other.

Lockwood Corduroy would have drawn ladies even without the aid of billions of dollars. His blue-black hair was combed back from a hard-looking yet attractive face. His golden-hued skin revealed that he was of Brazilian descent, and his broad, strong shoulders clung to the soft fabric of his casual shirt.

She watched for his reaction to her arrival but he revealed nothing. His mouth did not open into a smile, and his ominous, brooding eyes did not attempt to convey a sense of friendliness. He appeared to be as cold-blooded as he was attractive, and the way he was staring at her made her want to dash back up the walkway and hop into the leaving chopper.

If she didn’t know any better, she could have believed she had offended him in some manner, but she was certain it wasn’t possible. How could she have offended him? He’d never even met her before. Instead of being a result of their relationship, his hostility was a reflection of his nature. He simply didn’t like people. And it was obvious that he wasn’t going to make an exception for her.

And it didn’t matter, she told herself firmly.

She didn’t need him to like her. She just needed him to promise not to take his money. She took the final few steps with that in mind, coming to a stop in front of him. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Corduroy.

His mouth tightened and his eyes gleamed with impatience. ‘Miss Bella, this isn’t a social outing or a kid’s party. I don’t desire or demand politeness. I don’t do small talk or pleasantries. The conditions outside or the nature of your voyage don’t matter to me. If you find that method of doing business difficult, you’d better get out of here right away.

And a good afternoon to you as well, she thought, attempting to conceal her growing chagrin.

Suddenly she wanted to do precisely as he suggested. She desperately wanted to go as she continued to look into that dangerous, John eyes. However, the chopper was already well above them and the object of her visit was still securely tucked away in her briefcase. She couldn’t leave. She had work to do.

People depend on her.

She immediately said, “I can do facts and figures,” hoping he wouldn’t see that her legs were trembling. I have everything you’ll need to assist you to decide on my briefcase.

‘I’ve already made a decision. My answer is no.’ John stubble had roughened his jaw, and she saw as a muscle in his thin cheek flashed.

‘But you made that decision before john’s a chance to talk to me.’ She rubbed a moist palm over her skirt, refusing to let him dim her inherent optimism. “I’m hoping that after I’ve explained what’s going on, you might reconsider. ”Why would I do that?’

Unease blossomed to life inside her. “I thought you might change your mind about withdrawing the finance once you see the figures and our plans for the future. “She has hopefully observed his expression, looking for anything—anything—that may suggest he was open to further discussion of the issue. Anything that may suggest that she hadn’t come here for anything.

But he didn’t answer. He gave her no reassurance or encouragement. No hope at all. He was jusencourageing her when he heard a loud howl coming from the trees behind her, followed by what appeared to be hysterical laughter.