Grapes of Wrath (Billionaires' Secrets Book 2) Read Free Page A

to say Yeah, and?
    But he didn’t resist letting his eyes wander lower, to where her stance pulled her jacket taut over her firm, high breasts, then down to where her propped hands defined her waist all too sharply.
    Her hips twitched slightly under his gaze. Desire crept through him. He couldn’t help staring as a sudden breeze pressed her gauzy skirt to her long, slim legs.
    Susannah took her hands off her hips and crossed her arms defensively over her chest.
    “I’ve never had a beautiful woman ask for my DNA before. I’m just considering all my options.” Amado raised his eyes again and confronted her with his open admiration.
    Her prim and proper demeanor triggered an urge to see her unbuttoned and breathless. He’d like to take her to his bed and pleasure her. Make her forget all about DNA and someone’s child and the whole crazy idea.
    “Why does your boss think that I, out of all the people in the world, am his son?”
    “He hired a researcher a few months ago. I think he told her all he knew about the mothers, and when they’d had the children.”
    Revulsion rose in his gut. “This man thinks he has several children he’s never met?”
    She nodded. “It’s awkward. I haven’t met the researcher, but I was told they’d located you here. Maybe they’re just fishing in the hope that you’re the right person.”
    “I can’t be, you know.” It simply wasn’t possible.
    She shrugged and a half smile tilted her mouth. Tickled his urge to kiss it. “It does seem unlikely. I’m only here because I was asked to come.”
    “Do you always do what you’re told?” He raised a brow.
    “It depends on who’s asking, and how much I trust them.”
    Her honest answer only intrigued him more.
    “Then how about I’ll give you a sample of my DNA— just to prove you’re wrong, of course—if you’ll spend the night in my bed.”
     
    Susannah’s mouth hung open for a second before she managed a laugh. “That’s one way to collect DNA. I’m not sure your parents would approve.”
    Ignacio Alvarez burst through the doors onto the patio as if he’d been listening. Susannah recoiled in horror at the realization that he probably had. Clara followed close behind him, plucking anxiously at his jacket.
    Cool and calm, Amado raised the bottle. “Will you join us for some wine?”
    Ignacio’s bushy silver brows lowered. “Amado, we have urgent business to discuss.”
    “I can imagine no business more urgent than entertaining Miss Clarke. As you heard, she’s a buyer for an important New York wine retailer. We’ve spoken about bringing our wines to the States. This could be the opportunity we’ve been waiting for.”
    He shot her a sly wink.
    Susannah managed to keep her features composed.
    “There is no record of her appointment.” Ignacio glared at her.
    Tarrant’s office had made multiple calls trying to set up an appointment, and had been pointedly ignored. Most likely by Ignacio. That was the reason she’d been forced to arrive unannounced.
    Her curiosity deepened. She glanced at Clara, who stood in the doorway, eyes wide and anxious.
    “Dad, why does Susannah’s presence here make you so uncomfortable? Surely you don’t believe her crazy story about me being her boss’s illegitimate son?” He smiled as if it was a great joke.
    Ignacio’s weathered brow creased into a frown. “Of course not,” he growled. “It’s ridiculous and downright offensive. I don’t wish base accusations to tarnish our reputation. Who knows what ugly rumors such scandalous talk might generate?”
    “You can’t have a rumor without something to talk about. And there’s nothing to discuss, right?” Amado leveled a dark and challenging stare at his father. Clearly, his parents’ odd behavior was making him suspicious.
    And curious.
    “She must leave, dear,” Clara piped up in her soft voice. “It’s for the best. We don’t want people to talk.” She wrung her plump hands.
    “Have you both taken leave of