Irresistibly Tough

Chapter 1 Rachel Mira slid to the edge of the white leather couch, one hand gently rocking her son’s stroller, the other clicks open the latest article on Oliver Bentley. Leo might not be in the Silver Cross baby carriage, but he was comfortable and happy in his Graco. Her heart raced, as she gave a guilty glance toward the bassinet. All of Rachel’s cousins had married rich men, it seemed—while she’d just had one’s baby without ever telling him. Footsteps echoed down the marble hall and Rachel closed the news article and tucked her phone away before her pretty younger cousin entered the living area of this modern beachside mansion. Sophie reached down to hug her, and Rachel stood stiffly. “I don’t need an intervention. I have to go today.” Sophie smiled with compassion at Rachel’s slumbering son in the carriage and then motioned for the two of them to sit. Sophie straightened the waist of her white dress, patterned with bold yellow flowers. “I don’t know if you’re thinking straight though. Your mom died young, like mine did. I just want you to know that if you need to talk--” No. This had nothing to do with her parents’ deaths years ago. Rachel pursed her lips and ignored the buzz in her vein as she interrupted, “Sophie, I don’t know how you do what you do. Raising your sisters, and a child, while you’re still so young.” Sophie, Emily, Isabella and Abigail were all safe and happy now that Sophie had married Michael. Thinking about her four cousins on the run still sent a shiver through her as Abigail, the youngest, wasn’t even five. Sophie laughed. “We’re not here to talk about me. I just want you to be happy, Rachel.” Happiness was a state of mind and her son brought enough for her. This was the first time she’d ever left Leo anywhere, but Sophie lived close and Rachel would be able to get her son back as soon as the meeting was through. Rachel nibbled on her lips in a way that used to annoy her mother as she lowered her head and asked, “Are you sure Leo won’t be a problem?” Sophie’s bright smile was contagious. “Are you kidding? Emily’s about to finish high school, but she’s taking health where she has to pretend to be a mom, so the timing is perfect. In fact, all my sisters will love helping me babysit. So, relax and go see the man you love.” Her heart pounded. This wasn’t about love. She wasn’t that much of a fool. Oliver had just lost everything he’d ever had, and she needed to at least offer him friendship. Assistance. He was the father of her son and that was all. The past. Rachel hugged her waist. “I don’t love him.” She continued the lie she always told herself. “Or else I’d have told him about Leo last year.” Sophie made a face that said without words you’re crazy which would be right. Oliver had cheated on her with a beautiful Russian woman, and it hadn’t been the first time he’d strayed. She and Oliver were better off on their own as she didn’t fit into his, or now her cousin’s, sparkling, bright and clearly entitled world. Her other cousins Erica and Kimberly had also married well, so the Mira’s must like palaces and money. Rachel wasn’t about to stick to a man who didn’t respect her, just because he had more money than her. Rachel trusted her cousin to keep her son safe overnight. She pushed her hair out of her face and said, “Ollie’s in jail for a crime he couldn’t have committed—I need to see him.” He might attract women like a butterfly craves a flower, but he’d always had an honest streak and cared about honor and integrity. “Will he want to see you?” Sophie asked. Last year had been a roller coaster. Warm tropical breezes brushed a palm frond against the house. Her own life was like that relaxed breeze now, but it hadn’t been then. Life with Oliver had been a hurricane of emotion, but she’d created a less tumultuous existence for her and Leo. Would he want to see her? Because while he’d been the one to cheat, she’d been the one to break it off. “It’s complicated—I almost married his best friend but if I can help him now I will.” Leo made a small cry, indicating he was awake, and Sophie immediately picked him up. She smiled at the baby as he cooed for her and then looked at Rachel. “Just go. He’s Leo’s father. That’s all the reason you need to help him.” “Don’t tell him that. Ever.” Her body trembled. Too many people knew. She’d have to confess eventually, but Ollie had bigger issues in his life right now, like clearing his name. Her knees shook as she rose from the couch. “Goodbye. I’ll be back tomorrow.” “Keep in touch.” Sophie walked her to the door. “And have a good flight.” “Thank you.” Her cousin had offered use of a private plane, which Rachel had gratefully accepted, and twenty minutes later Rachel boarded the small aircraft. Unless she’d been with Ollie, her usual seat on a flight was in the back, near the toilet that always broke and two people who had no idea that talking with elbows left bruises. Her cousin’s plane was like Ollie’s private jet, though Sophie and Michael’s tastes were more fleur-de-lis compared to the paisley patterns on Ollie’s. The less than two-hour flight provided her with multiple cups of tea, so she was alert for her meeting. They landed near Washington DC at a private airport and after disembarking she headed to the waiting limo driver. Sophie had made this trip comfortable and fast, and speed mattered—she had to see him. “We’re at the prison, ma’am.” The driver of her borrowed limo spoke with what sounded like disapproval. She blinked and stared at the barbed wire fence that went higher than the cement walls. “Thanks for everything.” She stepped out. Ollie, always the life of the party, had fended off multiple women every place they’d gone in Miami. The ladies had wanted to marry him, either for his handsome good looks or his money, but very few had ever witnessed his serious side that went toward his medical research because he never shared that part of him with total strangers. Ollie was so vibrant that it was hard to imagine him behind the gray cement walls. She dug her ID from her pocketbook and nodded toward the car and driver as she made her way toward the entrance. Her muscles were stiff as she imagined Ollie’s face when he saw her. Cold raced through her that he’d kick her out before she could say a word. As she turned to go inside, she almost ran into an older man. She backed up and lowered her head to apologize, but the man continued to speak on his phone and said, “I will find a way to ensure all six Bentleys marry and divorce. I’m interviewing women now.” Bentley? Ollie? Married? No. She took a deep breath as the creepy man ended the call. Goosebumps grew all over her body. Adrenaline shot through her. Rachel crossed her arms and told the gray-haired stranger, “Keep Oliver off your list.” He stared at her with calculating eyes and didn’t even blink as he asked, “Who are you?” “His fiancée.” Rachel lied to throw the man off, instinctively not trusting him. Her stomach was in knots, but the Bentleys had suffered enough, and the brothers weren’t in the market for brides. Whoever had set Ollie and his family up were already on her hate list and if this man knew who had hurt the Bentleys, she’d find a way to stop them. He pocketed his cell phone and then motioned across the street to a small fast food restaurant. “Let’s talk young lady. Now.” The prison closed at five and going across the street to a public burger joint wasn’t on her agenda, but she’d be safe enough. She nodded and walked beside him, slipping her license in her pocket. “Fine, but I won’t let you hurt Ollie.” He held the door for her and offered to buy her something. She saw the numbered meals and her stomach was still full of rocks, so she said, “iced tea” to the cashier. They picked up their orders on red plastic trays and she motioned toward the plastic chairs as there was no way she’d get into a booth, with only one way out. Whoever this man was, he wasn’t a friend. She wore black wool slacks and a black turtleneck, hoping for sophisticated, and her designer flats were an indulgence from earlier days. The man took a drink of his diet soda and then said, “So you two have a history?” Right. She squared her shoulders and leaned forward. No one would hurt Ollie or his family, if she could help it. She gave the stranger a curt nod. “We do and I’m here to help him.” The man placed his phone on the table between them and reached into his backpack. She stilled but sipped her tea once she saw him take out a manila folder. He held it in his hands and stared at her. “Look, I have investors who are highly interested in finding Oliver Bentley a bride in exchange for posting his bail.” “Why?” “That’s not part of this conversation but you, marrying Oliver could be.” She put her iced tea down. If Ollie was out of that prison, he’d be able to figure out who was after him and his family. She pursed her lips, not sure that she trusted the man in front of her. “You’re going to bail him out of jail?” He nodded and raised his eyebrow. “Yes, ma’am. And he’s agreed. Now the question is, why should I choose you?” “Wait.” She’d come all of this way, feeling in her heart that Ollie needed her—that he needed a friend. “Why would marrying him help?” “It’s not your business—let’s just say that this would clear him off his enemy’s list.” What enemy could Ollie have, other than the female variety? “Did he break some other woman’s heart too?” “No.” The man nudged the folder. “Why should I pick you?” Marry Ollie? After all the drama? After her heart broke in half? She’d hidden from her friends once she’d found out she was pregnant. The last thing she needed to do was involve herself in his life again, but she lifted her chin and said the opposite. “Something is off with you. I’ll go to the press if you don’t choose me.” “And tell them what?” “That some stranger is trying to marry the Bentley brothers off.” “That’s not exactly newsworthy.” He tapped the table and studied her. “You’re an apt defender of the playboy who left you for another woman.” Her cheeks burned. She shouldn’t get involved, but she couldn’t let Leo’s father fall further down a rabbit hole. Someone set him up. Someone had targeted his entire family. If they discovered Leo, would they come after her baby next? The thought paralyzed her, but then she blinked. How did this man know even that about her? “How do you know that, Mr.…” He opened the folder and took out a stack of papers. “Reverend Jensen. I searched you on my phone on our walk over.” Her breath caught in her throat as she surveyed the restaurant’s exits. “I never gave you my name.” “Rachel Mira. You’ve been photographed for years with Oliver.” He showed her a picture of her and Oliver from five years ago at the Oscars. If he’d figured her identity out this fast, then he’d realize that she wanted Ollie’s family to be well, even if she hadn’t seen them in a while. She pressed her lips together, not sure what to tell him. Maybe she never should have come to DC. She’d wanted to offer her assistance to Ollie but if she was right about his family being set up, then Oliver had to know about Leo in order to protect her baby. He wouldn’t be happy. She stopped nibbling on her lip, remembering her mother telling her that she’d make her lips bleed at the habit. “Well, Ollie and I are complicated, but I can’t let him be hurt. That wouldn’t be fair, and I still have his ring.” The last part was a lie, but she’d do whatever she could to help him. The man turned the papers toward her. “Tell you what, if you agree to marry, and then divorce him, I’ll put your name on this contract.” She winced but hoped Reverend Jensen didn’t notice. If Ollie, once out of jail, went back to his previous life, then she’d go her own way, too. She’d debated knocking on his door for the month before he’d been arrested to tell him about Leo. It was past time now. She swallowed cold air and covered it with another sip of her iced tea. “Can I read it?” She reached for the paperwork. She read the contract fast. The hundred-million dollars for the bride upon completion of a thirty-day marriage made her pause. She glanced up at Reverend Jensen but then continued reading. The contract was clear. She’d get a portion of cash for agreeing and on the back end get more money. This money could fund Leo’s college and whatever business he wanted to start on his own. She chewed on her lip but then stopped. Her heart began to race as she put the paper down on the table. Jensen asked, “Any questions?” She reached inside her pocketbook for a pen. If she didn’t do this, someone else, like the blonde, blue-eyed, perfect Natasha Stephens might. Rachel’s zipping pulse would lead to a heart attack if she didn’t get herself under control, so she focused on the pen and signed. “I get money as well?” “Yes.” Jensen motioned where she was to initial. “Then let’s do this.” She followed directions and wrote her name on page one. Once finished, she handed the contract back to him. Reverend Jensen checked everywhere and nodded while he said, “You made matching the oldest much easier. He was the one I was most concerned with since he’s in the press so often.” Ollie’s younger brothers never partied with stars and led more sedate lives. Part of Rachel knew this was a mistake, but for her son, she’d do what she could to ensure his father wasn’t completely destroyed. She kept her opinion on that to herself. “Ollie is many, many things. What happens after the thirty days and we divorce?” He pointed to the answering paragraph of the contract. “The remainder of the money will be wired into the account you provide. It’s what you signed.” No way could she live without Leo for thirty days. She’d have to tell Ollie now, but she didn’t mention her son to this stranger. “I just needed to confirm the timeline. I will live with Oliver Bentley again for thirty days.” Jensen put the contract back in the manila envelope and into his backpack. He ate a few bites of his burger and fries. “So, you’ll get married in two hours. Meet me outside the prison and I’ll give you the license. In the meantime, get a dress at this store.” “Why a dress?” “The cost of the gown is covered. We’ll need a picture of your wedding as proof.” He handed her a business card. A license should be enough, but okay, whatever. Everything about this was taken care of. It was strange, but it was better she followed through. If she let Ollie down, then she let Leo down who would one day ask about his father. She held the business card in her palm and nodded. “Okay. I’ll look my best on short notice.” For thirty days she’d be his bride, which was more than she ever imagined or expected despite their years of dating. Ollie Bentley was a handsome heartbreaker and she’d fallen hard the moment they’d kissed in college. She left the fast food restaurant and walked the short distance to the bridal shop address. They ushered her in, telling her everything was paid for and she just needed to pick a dress. Spending too much time here was silly, but she chose a satin gown that clung to her in a flattering silhouette style. She’d worked hard since Leo’s birth to get back into shape, and Ollie would finally see her after a year. The clerk tried to put a veil on her head, but Rachel shook her head and said, “No. I’ll look ridiculous.” “You look beautiful, Miss.” The clerk rang a silver bell next to the register as if everyone should celebrate that she’d found a wonderful dress. If their marriage was based on love then maybe she’d like the fantasy, but right now the sound just hurt her ears. Every second she lingered here, Ollie stayed in prison and it wasn’t fair. She made a cutting motion at her throat and said, “Stop ringing the bell. I have to get going.” The clerk helped her pack her black clothes into a bag and Rachel marched out of the store with her chin high as she headed to the prison, this time with a legal way to get Oliver out and halfway home. As she walked, she heard clapping from strangers and someone took her picture. Her face heated. She’d absolutely be someone’s social media post now. She kept moving toward the prison. Everyone on the street must know exactly what she was about to do—marry a criminal. More people clapped until she made it to the prison yard and waited there for the reverend. At last Jensen came out and handed her a license that had her name on it next to Ollie’s. The guards stared at them, but Jensen stepped back, and Rachel realized she’d have to go in by herself. Her stomach tightened but she ignored it and made her way to security. They checked her bag of clothes, her paperwork and ID, and then she was on her way toward a small room. Once inside, she saw the white arch someone had set up and she closed her eyes—was this a joke? None of this could possibly be real. But her body tensed as the door opened again—this time to reveal one man in a suit and another wearing a white collar—neither were Ollie. The guards took her papers from her and she paced the room. If Ollie said no, there was nothing else she could do. Her pulse pounded. Would he be so angry with her that that he’d rather spend time in prison than marry her for his freedom? She paced, feeling ridiculous in her white satin dress. The door swung open and she stilled immediately. She gazed right into the dark brown eyes of her ex. The man she’d ached for when she knew she never should have glanced at him. He was forbidden and so far above her that it wasn’t right. She shouldn’t be here. He was forgotten royalty. She was a motherless woman who had a baby, his baby, too young. Not that he knew that. He stepped closer to her, and she detected a hint of perspiration that made her mouth water—just as sensual to her as his oaky cologne. He reached for her hand, crushing her fingers like he needed to see if she was real. She felt a jolt when he said, “You’re my bride?” “It’s me, or a total stranger, Ollie.” She lifted her head and searched for the words to explain as best she could. “Despite everything, I can’t let anyone hurt you.” When she finally told him about Leo, they’d be alone. Now was not the time for all their confessions. He closed his eyes and hugged her hand to his chest. “I’m glad it’s you.” For now. Ollie would never forgive her once he found out about Leo. She’d kept their son away from his exorbitant riches—that had clearly been stolen from him. Ollie was a prince and she wasn’t even a pauper. She took her hand back and crossed her arms as she met his gaze. “Whatever. I guess Natasha wasn’t available today, so they found the old goods.” She hadn’t meant to say that. The bitter words had just slipped out. Her cheeks burned as she remembered how she’d been betrayed. “Natasha was a mistake.” Oliver stated like it was a fact. Dressed in a wrinkled suit he must have worn the day he’d been arrested, he stood proud, even with that admission. Yeah right. She wouldn’t listen to any apologies. She deserved better, more. Just because he was royal, didn’t give him a free pass to cheat on her so publicly. She pushed her hair behind her ear and pointed toward the man about to marry them. “That is always your excuse, Doctor Bentley.” Ollie looked at her in a way that made her knees melt. Drat. She should have kept her head down. He placed his hand on her back and said, “Rachel, I’ve wanted to tell you I was wrong and beg you to forgive me for the past year.” Now, that would have been a funny picture. Would she have opened the door holding their son? Would she have been in labor when he entered the hospital to deliver his baby? So many possibilities rushed through her, but she lifted her shoulders and met his stare. “Guess we’ll never know how that might have played out. Let’s just say our vows. When we leave here and head back to Miami, I’ve something important to tell you.” She knew in her soul he’d never forgive her and act like she was the one who had wronged him. Everything she did right now for him would be forgotten. She knew it and yet she stood next to him and held his hand while the justice of the peace began their ceremony. Perhaps one day they’d come to an understanding between them. Right now, though, she refused to think about anything other than “I do.”