Her Billionaire Secret Part 3: An Alpha Billionaire Romance Read Online Free

ears. Finally, she hung her camera by its strap over her shoulder.
    Tevis once more dabbed her skin with Clive Christian No. 1 and fastened the diamond necklace around her neck.
    “Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?”
    “Too many times,” she laughed. In that moment all her worries were on hold. It was just the two of them. “I’m in danger of beginning to believe you.”
    “I don’t tell you enough.” The look he gave her made her heart skip.
    If only she could stay and make this all real. She pushed the thought firmly away. She intended to enjoy the fantasy of today.
    “You, Mr Drummond, look exceedingly handsome.” She gave him a deliberate top to toe once over, taking in the soft casual shirt and form-fitting pants, finally coming back to his eyes.
    “That’s the first time you’ve commented on my looks,” he said wryly. “You’ve called me names, but I’ve never received a compliment.”
    “Are you fishing for one?” she laughed.
    “No, but I do wonder how you feel about me.”
    I love you.
    “I was wrong about you. You’re kind and considerate, and I owe you an apology.” She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.
    “And…”
    “You’re damned good in bed.”
    “Is that all?”
    She didn’t respond. Inside she knew what he wanted to hear but she couldn’t say it.
    He looked at her with a small smile as if he could see the reality on her face. He dipped his head to her ear and brushed her lobe with his lips.
    “Claire Bretton, I love you,” he said softly. “One day you are going to love me too.”

Chapter Five
    TEVIS
    He led Claire up to the fifth floor and then on to separate stairs which led to the roof. The door was already open ready for the guests to be led through. They were early, just as he intended, and there was no one else around.
    Claire hadn’t said a word since his declaration but she hadn’t resisted when he took her hand. Tevis knew she was holding back. Time was running out and he couldn’t let her go. No way was she going to leave if he could help it. He didn’t know why he’d suddenly told her, perhaps to give her something to latch on to. A reason to stay by his side.
    It wasn’t enough. He knew it. Not enough to love her and not be loved back.
    “Close your eyes,” he said quietly.
    Claire complied without comment. That was a first. He led her out onto the roof garden and positioned her in the centre of the area for the wedding.
    “Stay there and keep your eyes closed.”
    He went back to the entrance and flicked a switch. His Claire stood like a vision in the middle of the floor as the lights danced their way around the elaborate set.
    He swallowed the lump in his throat and smiled. “You can open your eyes now.”
    ***
    CLAIRE
    “It’s a fantasy garden.” Her words came out in a whisper. It seemed like sacrilege to speak the words louder.
    “Sort of,” Tevis smiled back. “A secret garden, Ellie’s favourite childhood fantasy.”
    “Oh Tevis, she’s going to love it.” Already Claire was itching to take photographs. She swung around taking it all in.
    The floor was laid with grass and bamboo screens cut off the view of the rest of London. Lavishly decorated with flowers, miniature trees and flickering lights, the whole set was a delight to the senses. In the centre was a small stage, and to one side a row of instruments and bamboo furniture and cushions were scattered around.
    She lifted her camera and turned to Tevis. “Can I take some photographs now?”
    “That’s why I brought you up here,” he grinned.
    For the next twenty minutes, she took a multitude of shots while Tevis watched her from a seat in the corner. There were surprises everywhere—including tiny crystal fairies and treasure maps with keys, along with little dishes of rose petals to use as confetti. Claire lost herself in her world of photography and only resurfaced as the first guests arrived. From that point onward she focused on candid shots of friends and