Robyn Grady - Taming the Takeover Tycoon

“You have an insatiable thirst for money. Correction. For power. You like expensive toys. Jets and yachts and prestige cars. You enjoy beautiful women hanging off your arm, the more the merrier. Above all else, you love calling the shots. Being the king of your cancerous castle.”

Jack frowned.

Ouch.

“I like being the boss,” he said. “So do all CEOs. So did J.D.”

“You’re missing my point. And, sorry, but you’re not in J.D.’s league.”

“He might argue with you on that.”

Her look was almost pitying. “Modesty is so not your strong suit.”

“Perhaps you’d care to find out what is.”

“You know, for a smart guy, you just don’t get it.”

When she breezed out of the room, Jack followed her onto the terrace. He found her standing by a railing, facing a twinkling downtown view. A breeze caught a layer of her gown’s skirt; gossamer-thin fabric billowed out, ruffling behind her like filmy wings.

As he headed over, she tossed him an annoyed glance before gripping the railing like she wanted to wring someone’s neck. “You can’t take a hint, can you?”

“Let’s not play that kind of game,” he drawled. “You wanted me to follow. You’re just not sure how to handle things now that I have.”

She faced him. “I’m passionate about my work at the foundation. More passionate than I’ve felt about anything before in my life, and that’s saying something.”

“It’s how a person uses her passion that counts.”

“How about for good rather than evil?”

Most people thought of Jack Reed that way. Evil incarnate. Difference was that Becca wasn’t afraid to tell him point-blank.

Hell, she was right. Everyone was. If he could get his paws on Lassiter Media, if he could truly sink his teeth into a vein, he wouldn’t let go until he’d drained it all. That was his profession. What he did best.

But with Becca Stevens looking at him as if malevolence might be contagious, for just a second Jack almost hoped he wouldn’t get the chance. A part of him actually wanted to let this colossal Lassiter Media opportunity slide off into the water.

Of course, that wasn’t possible. Wasn’t—sane. Neither was continuing to annoy poor Ms. Stevens. It wasn’t her fault she was caught up in this fight, any more than Jack could help the part he had to play.

“It’s time my black cape and I flapped away before the first hint of dawn turns us into dust.” He affected a bow. “Good night, Becca.”

She caught up with him at the entrance back into the ballroom, slotting herself between his chest and the door. Jack didn’t know whether to smile and relax or frisk her for a wooden stake.

“What if I show you how serious I am?” she said. “I’ll prove to you how much good this foundation does. Have you ever visited homeless shelters, soup kitchens? If you see firsthand, you’d have to understand. You can’t be that big of a monster...can you?”

“You mean it’s possible I might have human emotions after all?”

When she allowed a small smile, Jack grinned, too. “Give me a month,” she said, “and I’ll change your mind.”

“Change my mind about what?”

“About dismantling Lassiter Media’s assets.”

Interesting. “You think Angelica and I can win?”

Becca lifted her chin. “Four weeks.”

“One day.”

“One week.”

“On one condition.”

“Name it.”

What the hell. “I’d rather show you.”

He slid a hand around her waist and drew her in as his mouth dropped over hers.

She went stiff against him. Hands balled into fists against his chest. He waited for her to tear away and call him every name under the sun. Short of her scratching his eyes out, Jack figured it was worth it.

Instead, her fists melted and palms slowly spread before her fingers knotted, winding into his jacket lapels. Then, making a strangled sound in her throat, she pressed in plumb against him. Jack relaxed into it, too.

As his palm on her back tugged her closer, his other hand slipped beneath the curls at the warm base of her neck. Gradually her lips parted under his. Kneading her nape, he tilted his head at more of an angle at the same time the tip of his tongue slid by her teeth.

She stiffened again and this time broke away. Short of breath, eyes wild, she wiped her mouth on her arm. Then she called him a name Jack had been called more than once but never by a lady.

“What was that supposed to be?”

Jack ran a hand back through his hair. “You tell me.”

She siphoned down air, half composed herself. “Fine,” she said. “I will. That was a mistake. A big fat never again.”

“Unless you decide you want to.”

She stabbed a finger at his nose. “You repulse me.”

“Do you want to hear my condition or not?”

Puzzled, she blinked twice. “Condition?”

“To give you one week to change my mind.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed and pushed curls back from her brow. “Oh. Right.”

“My condition is that we are civil toward each other.”

She muttered, “Figures that would be your idea of civil.”

It wasn’t the time to mention that she had kissed him right back.

“Do we have an agreement?” Jack hesitated and then ribbed her anyway. “Or are you afraid you might find my dark charm irresistible?”

Her slim nostrils flared. “I’d sooner sell my soul to the devil.”

“Be careful what you wish for.” Jack pulled open the door and noise from the ballroom seeped out. “I’ll collect you from your office Monday, ten a.m. sharp.”

“I’ll arrange my own transport. I’ll meet you—”

“Uh-uh. I make the rules. The challenge for you now is to change the game.”

“Using any means available?”

Jack smiled into her spirited green gaze. “What an appealing thought.”

Three Contents Cover Introduction “Give me a month,” she said, “and I’ll change your mind about dismantling Lassiter’s assets.” Interesting. “So you think I’ll win this takeover battle?” Becca lifted her chin. “Four weeks.” “One day.” “One week.” “On one condition.” “Name it.” What the hell. “I’d rather show you.” He slid a hand around her waist and drew her in as his mouth dropped over hers. * * * Taming the Takeover Tycoon is a Dynasties: The Lassiters novel— A Wyoming legacy of love, lies and redemption! Title Page Taming the Takeover Tycoon Robyn Grady www.millsandboon.co.uk About the Author ROBYN GRADY was first contracted by Mills & Boon in 2006. Her books feature regularly on bestsellers lists and at award ceremonies, including the National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Booksellers’ Best Awards, CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Awards and Australia’s prestigious Romantic Book of the Year. Robyn lives on Australia’s gorgeous Sunshine Coast, where she met and married her real-life hero. When she’s not tapping out her next story, she enjoys the challenges of raising three very different daughters, going to the theater, reading on the beach and dreaming about bumping into Stephen King during a month-long Mediterranean cruise. Robyn knows that writing romance is the best job on the planet and she loves to hear from her readers! You can keep up with news on her latest releases at www.robyngrady.com . Dedication For Penny and Gracie, Two very cool ladies. xoxo Family Tree Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Extract Copyright

Early Monday, as Jack finished up his first call of the working week, the vice president of Reed Incorporated crossed over to his desk. A financial dynamo with a killer background in trading, Sylvia Morse set her hands on her hips.