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When his older brother, Barron Sterling, Jr, had been killed in a hunting accident, Theodore had been thrust into the unwelcome role as heir and CEO of a ide hotel empire He hadn’t known that his much more qualified sister couldn’t inherit the business He’d hired attorneys, but in the end, the terms were absolute Theodore had lost his freedo lifestyle Within weeks of his brother’s burial, he was married to the formidable Rebecca, a woman his mother had selected

Now that Rafe had proven hilomerate’s Chief Financial Officer, Theodore had run away fro the life he’d iined

Unaware or uncaring that her son hadn’t responded, Rebecca continued “Ms Malloy”—she pointed to the brunette—“has compiled a list of suitable candidates for your consideration”

“Candidates?”

“To beco She crossed the roo a tattoo that did evil things to his libido

When she stopped near his desk, her scent reached him, lilacs and summer, a contrast to the darkness that hovered over his life

“The list has been narrowed to five finalists for your consideration” Obviously she had no clue she was rearranging his brain cells “Each of the ladies is qualified to be your wife Of course, for your privacy, they only know certain things about you A general description, the fact that you’re an executive, that you live in Houston The women have been interviewed and prescreened We have nondisclosures on record, so any exchange of information will be confidential Because time is of the essence, a mixer on Thursday or Friday would be s, coffee or breakfast, perhaps lunch as you narrow your selection to three Froet to know her before actual social events We can make it appear like a ind romance and—”

“Stop” He held up a hand and trapped her gaze “Who the fuck are you?”

“I didn’t realize that you weren’t aware…” She glanced toward his mother, but Rebecca looked down to pluck a piece of lint from her skirt

Recovering, the brunette sesture was quick, practiced, and polished— too familiar

Irrationally, it—she—irritated the hell out of him

“I beg your pardon I’m Hope Malloy” She extended her hand “It’s a pleasure to ”