Secrets of the Tycoon's Bride by Emilie Rose Page A

the same affluent community her mother had, but Lauryn had never made the connection that she had married money and soon she’d be living like this. Probably because the money aspect wasn’t what mattered. She wanted those diaries. She had no interest in being showered with diamonds and no desire to be a pampered, kept woman. No matter what Adam wanted.
    When this was over she’d go back to life as usual, albeit with an extremely nice nest egg.
    Adam stopped in front of the mahogany door and hit her with a head-on gaze. “You look beautiful. Remind me to thank Cassie for that dress.”
    Pleasure rushed through her. “I chose it.”
    â€œVery nice. Conservative and tasteful, but with a latent sexuality that any man would enjoy tapping. Remember, don’t flinch,” he whispered as he cradled her cheek in a warm palm and then he covered her mouth with his. Lauryn didn’t have time to react—or not—to the unexpected kiss before the front door opened. Adam slowly lifted his head.
    His hand lingered on her jaw line before he released her and then he flashed a disarmingly boyish and guilty grin at the fiftyish-year-old woman inside. “Late again. I know. But I was distracted.”
    The woman’s stern face melted into a smile. “Well, you’re here now. Come in. You know what happens when you keep her waiting.”
    Her? Who?
    Adam tugged Lauryn forward. “Lauryn, this is Lisette Wilson. She’s the saint who manages my mother. Lisette, meet my beautiful bride, Lauryn.”
    â€œSo you really did it?” a male voice called from inside.
    Lisette quickly shook Lauryn’s hand, greeting her warmly and then stepping aside.
    A tall, dark-haired, brown-eyed man stood behind her.
    Adam ushered Lauryn inside a foyer almost as large as Lauryn’s living room. “Ask Brandon and Cassie. They were our witnesses. Lauryn, my brother Stephen.”
    Stephen appraised Lauryn as he shook her hand, and then turned to an approaching man who looked uncannily like him. Same hair, eyes and a similar build. Definitely a Garrison even though neither man shared Adam’s sexy blue eyes. “Pay up.”
    â€œThe one digging for his wallet is Parker,” Adam said dryly. “I can’t believe you guys bet on my wedding.”
    Stephen shrugged. “What can I say? You are the last one anyone thought would settle down. But hey, I bet you would. Eventually.”
    â€œThis is Lauryn. You might have seen her around Estate. She’s the only woman I let play with my…accounts.” Adam flashed a teasing smile and wink her way for the benefit of their audience, and Lauryn nearly swallowed her tongue. Adam deserved a standing ovation for his acting ability.
    Five more people crowded into the foyer practically forcing Lauryn and Adam against the door and increasing Lauryn’s sense of being trapped. She easily identified the two slender brunettes as the twins. Another dark-haired woman, a redhead and an olive-complexioned man made up the group. The names blurred as Lauryn shook hands and accepted what seemed to be genuine welcomes.
    This isn’t so bad.
    â€œAdam, I never expected you to literally take my advice and settle down,” one of the twins said. Brittany, Lauryn decided, because she held hands with the only non-Garrison male. Emilio.
    â€œYou mean my advice,” Stephen corrected and his sister rolled her eyes. Stephen gravitated toward the redhead. Megan?
    Adam’s arm slid around Lauryn’s waist. For once she was glad to have him to lean on and burrowed tighter against his side. She saw the surprise and the flare of arousal in his eyes as he looked down at her. She hoped he remembered she was acting. “Neither of you get credit. I found Lauryn without your help.”
    â€œMay I see your ring?” Brooke asked.
    With all eyes focused on her Lauryn wanted to squirm. She extended her hand and hoped it didn’t