Filed to story: Rebecca Perry and Vance Bradford Romance Book PDF Free
“I’ve already got a room elsewhere. Why on earth would I stay here? ” Ignoring her protest, Vance turned to the receptionist. ” Can we check in with just the number?”
“Of course, ” came the reply.
To her astonishment, he smoothly recited her ID number. ” You remember my ID number? ” Rebecca muttered. 1 She’d always acknowledged his meticulousness, but it stemmed from organization. His phone reminders did the work for him ; it was not a heartfelt effort. His eyes narrowed. ” How could I forget the details of the woman set to inherit everything I own? ” Rebecca was at a loss for words. Vance noticed Rebecca’s silence, sneering. ” Plotting my demise already? Or just counting down the days? ” The receptionist was startled, almost dropping the key card.
She even cast a suspicious glance at Rebecca. Rebecca met her gaze with wide – eyed innocence, as if saying, ” Do I look like a killer? ” Vance snorted, reading her mind. ” Drop the act. You’ve come close to finishing me off these past days. ” She had to admit his insight was razor – sharp, piercing her subtle thoughts effortlessly. Yet he remained blind to Catherine’s manipulations or perhaps willfully so. Vance took the key card, fixing Rebecca with a steady stare. ” Come on.”
“I …” Her protest dissolved as he swept her up again, leaving the receptionist gaping in shock. He carried her to the elevator, only setting her down as it ascended. In the mirrored walls, she glimpsed his arm wrapped tightly around her waist and shoved against him instinctively. ” That repulsed? ” he murmured, pulling her closer. ” You didn’t seem so averse when that dancer spun you around.”
“Vance! ” She bristled at his insinuating tone. ” Quit pretending you’re a jealous spouse. That’s not your role!”
“Then what is? ” he retorted with a cold laugh.
“Anyone eyeing what’s mine will regret it.”
“You’re just being possessive! ” Rebecca knew better than to misread his jealousy as romantic. Desmond held no such intentions, and Vance’s grudge stemmed solely from the sabotaged deals. He loosened his tie, shadows of fury clouding his eyes. ” You’ll see soon enough. I’m far from harmless. ” The elevator dinged at the top floor. He seized her arm, guiding her out firmly. He unlocked the presidential suite and ushered her inside. ” I don’t need such a big room, ” she said. He shut the door with a click. ” Who said you’re alone?”
“Wait! Aren’t you supposed to be with Catherine? ” Rebecca scanned the suite, utterly baffled by his intentions. Vance let out a frustrated chuckle. ” I never pegged you for being this accommodating. Had I known, I might’ve entangled myself with a dozen more over these five years. ” Rebecca slipped off her shoes, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet as she shrugged indifferently. ” It’s never too late to start. ” Once she’d resolved to let go of love, no inner turmoil could sway her. She’d endure and move on.
Vance’s brow creased as he watched her silhouette against the floor – to – ceiling window, elegant in her gown. “You don’t actually believe you’ve won over Desmond, do you?”
“Some minds are so tainted that they see corruption everywhere, ” she snorted. ” The elite world is more cutthroat than you imagine. It’s no fairy tale where CEOs tumble from the heavens in endless romance. It’s all transactions, pure and simple. ” He joined her at the window, their reflections gazing out over the city’s twinkling lights. The words struck a familiar chord, drawing a bitter laugh from her.
“So, you think no one would want me? An aging woman? A crippled one? ” 3 He faltered. ” That’s not what I meant.”
“But it is. ” She tilted her head back, a sardonic smile playing on her lips. ” You’re just more polite than my mother about it. Touch your heart and admit it. Who’d desire a worthless, nearly 30 – year – old like me? Right? ” Vance fell silent, but she wasn’t done. ” These years must’ve been a burden for you. ” It must have been a tough decision to marry a woman no one else would touch. ” I didn’t bring you here for a fight, ” he said, clasping her wrist.” Let’s order food first. I haven’t touched a thing all day – not even water. ” He sank onto the sofa, menu in hand, ordering food and wine. Catherine’s return had evidently shattered his sobriety vow. Exhaustion etched his features. He leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose with a deep furrow between his brows. In the past, she’d been the one to ease his tension, rubbing his shoulders and temples upon his return. She’d empathized with his burdens, wanting to contribute despite her limitations. Most nights, she’d stay awake, offering massages as he unwound.
Five years had ingrained those routines, even if they hadn’t thawed his stony heart. Eventually, on weary evenings, he’d request, ” Rebecca, come massage me. ” Now, with someone he adored to tend to him, those calls had ceased. After a brief rest, he phoned the front desk for fresh clothes. The garments arrived before the meal, sealed, sanitized, and packed in bags. ” Sir, this one’s for the lady, and this is for you. Brand new and sterilized, ” the attendant explained. ” Thank you. ” Vance took the clothes and handed a set to Rebecca. ” Shower and change.
That dress must be stifling. ” It wasn’t intolerable, but resting in formalwear felt awkward. She did crave comfort. ” Need assistance?”
“No thanks. ” Help her? Help her get out of her dress or take a shower? She could manage those things alone. Ca
“Nancy isn’t here. If you need something, just call me, ” Vance said. Rebecca had already entered the bathroom when his words hit her. He’d always assumed even basic tasks like showering required help. The warming weather felt more intense in the North than in the South, the heat hastening summer’s arrival After the evening’s chaos and Vance’s unexpected detour, her gown clung uncomfortably, sweat making it nearly impossible to remove. The struggle only worsened the stickiness.
Hearing no sound of water running, Vance knocked on the door and called out, ” Rebecca? Is everything okay?”
“I’m fine. Don’t come in, ” she burriedly replied. ” Need a hand?”
“No! I said, don’t come in! ” Panic sharpened her tone, but her urgency only fueled his worry. He pushed the door open, finding her battling the stubborn fabric. 4 ” Can’t get it off?”
“I ” Before she could object, his fingers found the zipper. ” It’s jammed, ” he noted, tugging firmly. Silence stretched, and he didn’t move further. Impatient, she urged, ” Are you done yet?
