The Hot-Headed Virgin: The Virgin's Price / The Greek's Virgin / The Italian Billionaire's Virgin

It was an act.

Bryn lifted his head and looked down at her flushed features. ‘Wow, I think I might have to take back everything I said in my column. That was an Oscar-winning performance. No one would ever think you weren’t in love with me after that.’

Mia eased herself out of his hold, her eyes flashing with rage. ‘If you think I’m going to be manhandled by you whenever you feel like it then you’re in for a big shock.’

‘It’s only a performance, just like any other,’ he said. ‘Besides, you kissed the leading man last night, not very convincingly in my opinion, but then maybe he had bad breath or something.’

‘He did not have bad breath.’

‘Then what was the problem? Didn’t you like the guy?’

‘Actors don’t have to like the person they’re playing opposite, which is just as well, as I can’t think of a person I hate more than you.’

‘What a professional challenge this will be for you, then,’ he observed with a mocking smile playing about his mouth. ‘Convincing the public you’re in love with me when all the time you really hate my guts.’

‘I can do it,’ she bit out with pride-fuelled determination. ‘I’ll show you I’m not the inexperienced, pathetic actor you apparently think I am.’

‘Good,’ he said. ‘We’ll start with public performance number one this evening. I’ll send a car for you at seven. Wear something glamorous and sexy.’

‘I don’t have anything glamorous and sexy.’

He reached for his wallet and, opening it, peeled off a thick wad of notes and handed it to her. ‘Buy something.’

Mia stared at the money without touching it.

‘Go on,’ he said. ‘It’s part of the deal, remember?’

‘I don’t want your disgusting money. I’d rather wear rags than take anything off you.’

He tugged her towards him and with a deftness that left her completely breathless he tucked the wad of notes down the front of her cotton top right between her heaving breasts.

‘When I say go and buy something sexy and glamorous I mean it, Mia. Got that? You’re playing a role for me and I expect and indeed am paying you to give a brilliant performance.’

Mia gave him a fulminating glare as she retrieved the money out of her top and stuffed it in the back pocket of her jeans. ‘I might have to act my heart out in public but when we’re alone I’m still going to hate you with every bone in my body. Got that?’

‘Loud and clear,’ he said, holding the door open for her. ‘Come on, I’ll walk you to your car.’

‘I can find my own way.’ She made to brush past but he put out an arm to stop her. She jerked back from the feel of his muscled arm against the softness of her breasts.

Her eyes locked with his and her heart gave an extra beat at the diamond-sharp glitter in his dark gaze.

‘Don’t fight me, Mia, because when I fight, I fight dirty. You’d be wise to remember that.’

‘Tell me something I don’t already know,’ she tossed back. ‘You’re an unscrupulous playboy with nothing better to do with your time than manipulate people to do what you want. How pathetic.’

‘I’ll tell you what’s pathetic,’ he said, a thread of anger beginning to tighten his voice. ‘Your little attempt at pay-back this morning was a childish impulse that clearly demonstrates how ill-suited you are for anything other than those ridiculous toilet-paper ads you’ve done in the past.’

Mia clenched her fists by her sides. ‘Why don’t you just go ahead and sue me? Go on. I dare you.’

‘Don’t tempt me, little lady. How long do you think it would take you to find another job if I tell the truth about what really happened this morning? There isn’t an agent who would take you on and you damn well know it. You reputation as a hot-headed little prima donna would make anyone think twice about representing you.’

Mia tried to outstare him but something about the rigid set of his jaw warned her against pitting her puny strength against his. He was a man used to having things his way and anyone in the way would be ruthlessly disposed of with whatever means he had available. She knew she would never find work in the industry again if he put his mind to it. He had connections and in the acting world that meant everything. One bad word and her reputation would be ruined. One bad review was enough. How much worse would it be if he took it into his mind to totally alienate her future career prospects?

She lowered her eyes and though it irked her intolerably she made no demur as he took her hand and led her out of his office through the building and the grounds until they came to her car.

‘See you tonight,’ he said, stepping back from the car as she started the engine.

‘See you in hell,’ she muttered darkly as she backed out.

Bryn watched her roar away in a clang of clutch and gears, her smooth cheeks still bright pink with outraged colour.

Once she was out of sight he ran his tongue over his lips. He could still taste the summer-strawberry flavour of her soft mouth where it had been pressed against his. Even his chest felt as if she were still up against it, her slender curves fitting so neatly against him as if she were tailor-made for him. Holding her close had triggered a deep pulse of desire that even now he could feel thudding insistently in his blood. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt so turned on by a woman.

He gave himself a mental shake. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. He didn’t believe in romantic love at all. The term ‘love’ was all too often used when the word ‘lust’ would have been much more appropriate. Lust at first sight; now, there was a concept he could get his head around.

He was in lust with Mia Forrester.

That was more like it.

Lust he could handle.

But even so, a tiny frown closed the distance between his eyebrows as he turned and walked back to the studio building.

CHAPTER FOUR

‘OH, MY God, is it true?’ Gina gasped as soon as Mia walked through the door of their tiny flat in Neutral Bay. ‘I listened to you on the radio. Are you really engaged to him?’

‘Um…well…you know…I…it…we…’

‘It’s just soooo romantic!’ Gina gushed. ‘I thought you hated him and now you’re going to be married. Talk about a whirlwind affair. Can I be bridesmaid?’

‘I’m not…sure what plans we will be making about that just yet,’ Mia said, hating Bryn all over again for making her lie to her closest friend. ‘It’s all happened so fast. My feet haven’t touched the ground yet.’

‘How did it happen? I mean, did you just suddenly realise he was the man of your dreams? Was it truly love at first sight?’

Mia had to dig deeply into her acting repertoire to sound anywhere near convincing. ‘I went there to tell him what I thought of him but as soon as I saw him sitting there…I couldn’t control my reaction. It was…unbelievable.’

‘God, I wish some gorgeous guy would sweep me off my feet like that,’ Gina said. ‘And think of how rich and famous he is. You’ll never have to worry about the rent again.’

‘His money doesn’t matter to me in the slightest,’ Mia lied.

The truth was, Bryn Dwyer’s money was the only reason she was doing this, to help Ellie, otherwise she would have told him exactly where to put his stupid fiancée role with considerable relish. She’d already deposited the wad of money he’d given her into her sister’s credit-card account, which had in some way made her feel a little less compromised about what she was doing in playing the role he’d assigned her. At least it would tide her sister over until she could get her hands on some more.

‘I’m sure his money doesn’t matter to you but every little bit helps,’ Gina responded pragmatically. ‘So when are you seeing him again?’

Mia glanced at her watch and felt her stomach clench in panic at how she was going to be ready in time. ‘In about two hours.’

‘Two hours?’ Gina looked aghast. ‘But you haven’t even done your hair!’