Bound by Their Love Read online

  Bound by Their Love

  Nicole Flockton

  www.escapepublishing.com.au

  Bound by Their Love

  Nicole Flockton

  From Nicole Flockton comes the intense, emotional conclusion of her bestselling Bound trilogy…

  Reclusive, exclusive and world-renowned, Jeffrey Courteux might get a lot of attention for his exquisite jewellery, but he keeps his personal life under tight wraps. His solitary life fuels his creativity and keeps him sane, and he’s not willing to give it up—until a pair of sexy legs in killer heels makes hiding away less appealing than it used to be…

  Smart, driven and ambitious, Greta Adamas knows she’s the only suitable candidate for vice president of her family’s advertising firm. Landing the Jeffrey Courteux account for his new line of jewellery will only catapult her to the upper echelons of the advertising world, and nothing will keep her from achieving her dreams—not even the overwhelmingly attractive designer who won’t leave her thoughts…

  Mixing business with pleasure is always a potent cocktail, but one with consequences. What happens when two people who know what they want suddenly want something completely different—and completely out of their reach?

  About the Author

  On her very first school report her teacher said, ‘Nicole likes to tell her own stories’.

  It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child and having fun on a romance community forum that she finally decided to take the plunge and write a book.

  Nicole writes sexy contemporary romances, seducing you one kiss at a time as you turn the pages. She enjoys taking two characters and creating unique situations for them.

  Apart from writing, Nicole is busy looking after her very own hero—her wonderfully supportive husband, and two fabulous kids. She also enjoys watching sports and, of course, reading.

  Acknowledgements

  A big thank you to my beta readers Shey Houston and Michael Schnieder, your help and comments are truly appreciated.

  Kate, Belinda and the Escape team, it’s always a thrill to work with you all. Thank you for believing in my words.

  Thank you, Heather Badgwell, who answered the call on my Facebook Author page for suggestions of what Jeffrey could call Greta. Thanks for being a friend and a fan.

  To the other Heather in my life, my Ninja Bob. Having your help is invaluable. The little things you do help ease the pressure off me. So glad we connected at that book signing!

  Big squishy hugs to my other girls, Rachael and Catherine, who make teasers for me after reading my books. I love to see what your favourite lines and quotes are.

  As always I wouldn’t be able to write without the support of Jason and my kids. My love for you all grows every single day.

  For my beautiful friends Shey Houston and Rachael Botson. You are both amazing and I’m so lucky to count you as my friends.

  Contents

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Epilogue

  Bestselling Titles by Escape Publishing…

  Chapter 1

  ‘I want you to design an exclusive collection for the Palazzo Regent. And I want you to be present when we unveil it to the public.’

  There it was. The question internationally renowned jeweller Jeffrey Courteux had known his best friend Luciano Morelli was going to ask. He had his answer ready. ‘No.’

  ‘Why not?’ Luc countered.

  It took everything in Jeffrey not to get up and walk away from the conversation. He had a feeling Luc wasn’t going to let the subject go. The last thing he wanted to do was fight with his friend.

  ‘Look, Luc. You know I’m not a designer who mass-produces designs to display in jewellery stores. It’s not how I work. I don’t need to work like that.’

  ‘I’m not asking you to mass-produce. I want one exclusive collection for the Palazzo Regent as an introduction to the public. To let them know we will have select pieces from you for them to purchase. What I’m proposing is no different to what you’re currently doing with Fierro’s Pearl Farm.’

  Jeffrey couldn’t deny what Luc was saying made sense. If he agreed to Luc’s proposal it would mean he’d have to make more and more trips to Perth. Putting himself in the spotlight. The last thing he ever wanted to do. He liked his privacy. Hell, he’d created his whole brand around it. ‘I’m still not comfortable doing that. I never wanted to be a commercial designer.’

  ‘Look, Jeff, I know that and I’m not trying to change who you are. I just think an exclusive collection every couple of years will be good for you. I’m asking as a friend. Will you do this one collection for me? Will you create something so special that everyone will be talking about it for months?’ Luciano paused. ‘Please, Jeff.’

  Jeffrey couldn’t deny his friend, no matter how much he really wanted to. The rings he created for Luc and Jasmine’s wedding was the only other time Luc had asked Jeffrey to design something for him.

  Luc had always been there for him, quietly in the background. Always there to talk, but never to pressure him to leave the solitude of his house.

  It was time to repay Luc’s loyalty. He could do this. It was only going to be one collection.

  ‘Fine. I’ll do one collection and we’ll see what happens.’

  Luc stood and clapped him on the back. ‘Great, Jeff, you won’t regret it. I’ve already spoken to a few advertising agencies to come up with some possible campaigns.’

  Jeffrey couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Really? You were that confident I was going to agree?’

  ‘Jeffrey, you should know Lukas never comes unprepared to a meeting. Even when the meeting is with friends,’ Jasmine said with a smile as she placed her hand on her husband’s leg.

  ‘I have a feeling I’ve just been played by a master,’ Jeffrey muttered.

  ‘No, Jeff not at all. If you had continued to say no, I would’ve been disappointed but I would’ve accepted it. I would’ve simply contacted the advertising agencies, advising them the campaign wasn’t proceeding.’

  While Jeffrey wanted to believe it would’ve been accepted, him saying no to designing a collection, he had a feeling Luc wouldn’t have given up.

  He wondered how much more Luc was going to expect of him during this time, and if he could live up to the expectations.

  How much of himself was he about to give up?

  Greta Adamas’ pen flew across the page, unable to keep up with the words and images pounding her brain. Never had she been so inspired. The necklace was exquisite in its simplicity. The heart-shaped diamond had to be at least five carats. Tiny seed pearls created an arrow, giving the impression it pierced the heart.

  Why was something so beautiful on display and for sale in the gift shop of a tourist town pearl farm? Sure the gift shop was nice, but it wasn’t an exclusive jewellery store in Kings Street, Perth. That was where this type of jewellery should be displayed.

  It didn’t make any sense.

  She’d heard Jeffrey Courteux wanted to support the town he lived in, but it was a waste of his t
alent. These pieces deserved to be showcased properly. Where they could be appreciated. If they were in a gift shop at the five-star Orchard Hill Resort she’d understand it. There was no way they could be fully appreciated here in this dinky little gift shop.

  It only made her more determined to win the jewellery advertising account her father’s firm was vying for. To get the Morelli Corporation account would prove she was more than capable of taking over the vice president’s role when Joe retired. Prove that Graham was the wrong person for the job. Prove that she could hold her own in the advertising world, as she’d been doing for the last seven years.

  She moved onto the next display case, which housed some pearl and diamond earrings. This seemed more in the price range for the average person. Even though they were beautiful, at that price there was no way she would believe they were Jeffrey Courteux designs. She glanced at the description card and gasped in surprise. In the corner was the distinctive JC mark—Jeffrey Courteux. Greta took the time to make some notations.

  ‘So simple, yet tempting,’ she mused to herself. How could she exhibit the two sides of Jeffrey’s designs in her campaign?

  ‘Pearls would look lovely against your skin, but I think diamonds or sapphires would suit you the best.’

  Greta turned quickly and lost her balance. Strong hands gripped her upper arms to steady her. Immediately her skin warmed beneath the stranger’s touch, flowing slowly through her like the finest of wines. His touch tempted her to relax into it. Something she’d never experienced before when a man touched her.

  In her direct vision was a baby blue shirt, stretching nicely across a wide chest. Would the chest be hard beneath her fingers? Slowly her eyes drifted up toward his face. Over the strong jaw, past full lips, until she reached his eyes, covered by dark sunglasses.

  Who wore sunglasses inside a store?

  ‘Can I help you?’ her voice strong in spite of her rapidly beating heart.

  ‘Yes you can,’ he paused, a slow smile creeping to life on his face. It increased his sex appeal. His eyebrows rose above his sunglasses. ‘But I think we can help each other.’

  That damn voice could lure a nun out of her habit. It had that husky just-out-of-bed tone to it. There was no mistaking the intent in his words. It was blatant flirting. Despite her best intentions, she was flattered and distracted. She found herself wanting to engage more with him. Hell, she flirted all the time. She was no stranger to one-night stands and casual relationships. It was her usual way.

  A relationship wasn’t a high priority for her. Her career and the need to succeed was her main goal. Had been from the moment she’d worked out her father liked high achievers. He’d been so proud of the first teacher’s award she’d received at school. She made sure she got one every semester, and straight A’s on her school report. Eventually she worked out that no matter how many awards she received, it made no difference to how her father treated her. Maybe if she won this account, things might change.

  However, with seven simple words, conflicting desires arose: to win her father’s approval or let this stranger’s flirting break through her ironclad control. It would be career suicide. She couldn’t afford to lose her aim on the end prize. Not now. No matter how enticing a man with a sexy smile and voice appeared.

  Drawing on that iron will, she took a step back. Unaware he still had his hands on her arms.

  ‘Really? If helping me means you can arrange a meeting with the designer of this jewellery, then absolutely we can help each other.’

  Used to sizing up her professional competitors in the cutthroat world of advertising, Greta caught the momentary tightening of his mouth before it relaxed.

  Interesting, did he know Jeffrey Courteux?

  If he did, it would certainly give her the upper hand over Graham. The ability to have a one-on-one conversation with the designer would give her insight to tailor the campaign specifically to his desires. There would be no way she wouldn’t win the account.

  ‘Unfortunately I can’t help you with that, but—’ he pushed his sunglasses up, allowing her a brief glimpse of brown eyes before leaning a little closer to her. ‘I can take you to lunch.’

  The words feathered across her cheek. It was impossible to stop a shiver winding its way through her body. For the first time she could remember she found herself being the hunted instead of the hunter. From the moment he’d touched her, he’d had a power over her that no other man ever had. And she couldn’t let him. Couldn’t give him the authority over her body’s reactions.

  Everything in her wanted to accept his lunch invitation. She had no doubt they would indulge in more than lunch and her body was screaming at her to take him up on the offer. To say yes to lunch and yes to whatever else he wanted. She had to remain strong and resolute. Remember she was there to do a job so she could earn her promotion.

  Not thinking, just reacting, she laid her hand on his cheek, instantly regretting it when electricity shot to life in her fingertips. ‘While that would be lovely, I’m afraid I have to decline.’

  Before she could remove her hand, his quickly covered it, intensifying the sensations drumming to life inside of her. ‘Is there anything I can do to tempt you to change your mind?’

  Just keep talking, she wanted to tell him. If only they’d met under different circumstances. If it had been at a nightclub or bar she wouldn’t hesitate to jump, not only on his suggestion of spending time together, but back to her hotel room. She was here to work, not to play.

  She opened her mouth to tell him no again. ‘Yes.’ The word popped out of its own volition.

  At the triumphant gleam in his eyes, Greta knew she’d agreed to more than just lunch. She only hoped her impulsiveness didn’t come back to bite her.

  Chapter 2

  Jeffrey Courteux smiled at the woman. He’d seen her the moment he’d walked into the gift shop at Fierro’s Pearl Farm. Her long dark hair a perfect foil against her figure-hugging red dress. She was tall and her dress accentuated her long, lean legs. Her take-me-to-bed-now shoes completed the look. His fingers itched to design an ankle cuff to complement her shoes. As she’d turned her head he’d seen the smooth, clean line of her neck.

  He almost hadn’t approached her when he saw she was admiring some of his jewellery. But his feet had other ideas and he found himself standing behind her before he knew it.

  Now she had agreed to lunch, or was at least curious enough to have lunch with him. He was pretty confident it wouldn’t take much to invite her into more than just lunch. And that suited him fine. After being unwillingly talked into creating an exclusive collection for Luc’s flagship hotel, the Palazzo Regent, he needed something to take his mind off what the new collection would lead to.

  Jeffrey had no doubt Luc would want him to be more ‘visual’. His presence in Perth would be required on more than one occasion.

  ‘Don’t tell me I’ve shocked you into silence?’ she said.

  He pushed thoughts of Luc’s expectations to the far recesses of his mind. He would deal with it when it happened. Right now he had a beautiful woman in his reach and he was going to pay full attention to her.

  ‘Shall we go?’ he asked. ‘I know of this nice little restaurant by the beach where we can talk and get to know each other a little better.’

  Her body tensed beneath his touch and Jeffrey wondered if he’d said the wrong thing.

  Her tongue swept over her lower lip. A nervous action and one that seemed out of character with the woman who’d been flirting with him. ‘I don’t think this is a good idea after all.’

  He wanted to sample those lips with the same desire he approached a blank page in a sketchbook. He gave into the need and leaned closer, pausing before taking her ruby red lips with his. ‘Thinking is overrated.’

  He lightly touched his lips to hers and bit back a groan. She tasted like the sweetest wine. His body fired to life, urging him to deepen the kiss until she was aware of only him. He never acted this way. He never walked up to a woman
and kissed her without knowing her name. Something about this woman called to him. But he wasn’t looking for long-term. He didn’t do long-term.

  In the back of his mind he knew they were standing in the middle of a gift shop. It was the most inappropriate place for a PDA. The soft body in his arms tensed, pulling away from him.

  ‘Why did you do that?’ she whispered, as her fingers reached up to touch the lips he wanted to taste again.

  ‘I was tempting you to have lunch with me.’

  ‘By kissing me? How is kissing a complete stranger a way to tempt anyone to have lunch with you?’

  ‘How about instead of my initial suggestion, we go into the restaurant next door to this gift shop and you can tell me how you’d tempt a person into having lunch with you.’

  Jeffrey didn’t give her a chance to respond, he cupped her elbow and led her toward the adjoining restaurant.

  ‘It’s Greta, by the way,’ she said as she pulled her arm out of his hold. He immediately wanted to take it back; instead he stopped, ensuring she stopped as well.

  ‘Pardon?’

  She huffed out a breath and he bit back a smile. Yes, lunch with the beautiful Greta was going to be exciting. She lit a spark inside of him he thought long dead. But he wouldn’t let it take too much of a hold. Sharing all aspects of his life wasn’t an option.

  ‘My name is Greta Adamas, and you are?’

  Jeffrey took a moment before answering. ‘Jeff Court.’ He immediately fell back on the name he’d used when he’d lived in Europe. He wanted Greta to see him as a man, not as the jewellery designer whose work she had been admiring.

  ‘Right, let’s have lunch.’ Greta started walking toward the restaurant again. He followed her, enjoying the view of the gentle sway of her hips as she moved. He would hold those hips in his hands before the day was over. That he could guarantee.

  At the entrance of the restaurant the hostess’s eyes lit up in recognition when she saw Jeffrey. He cursed under his breath; he should’ve realised the people at Fierro’s would recognise him. Jeffrey gave a subtle shake of his head and hoped the hostess got the message he was attempting to convey. The hostess responded with a nod of her own and Jeffrey relaxed slightly. One thing about supporting the town he lived in with his exclusive jewellery designs, people respected his need for privacy.