Blackmailed Merger by Marie Kelly Page A

serious .
     
    “How happy you make me every single day” .
     
    Dante had felt the guilt gnawing at his belly, but there was something else, something so warm that he had leant in to her, his mouth finding hers .
     
    “We will be very happy together you and I Miss Trey.  Very very happy” .
     
    Much later that morning they had found themselves at one of New York’s most exclusive jewellers , the couple led into a private room where they had been served refreshments by the owner himself.  He had congratulated them, so happy to see the way the future bride seemed to glow with happiness, the kind that could not be faked.  Dante had insisted that no expense be spared for her ring, much to the owner ’ s delight and they had been seated on large comfortable chairs.
     
    For over an hour they had sat in the large opulent room , as tray upon tray of rings had been brought to them.  Sam had considered each and every one, trying on the expensive and exquisite pieces of jewellery with those she had liked being placed to the side for further consideration , smiling up at Dante constantly.   However, when they had produced one of the last trays she had given a gasp, her eyes lighting up with wonder seeing the perfect emerald set within diamonds , the stone almost the same colour as her eyes .
     
    “It’s beautiful” she had whispered, her hand outstretched admiring the piece of jewellery.
     
    Dante had moved forward taking her hand and smiling .
     
    “Yes, it looks wonderful on you” he had said, his eyes warm seeing her radiant smile .
     
    The ring had seemed almost to be made for her, not even needing to be resized as she had kept it on, the other pieces of jewellery quickly being removed.
     
    Together they had then left, Sam finding herself constantly sneaking a look at her finger, watching as the light had caught the facets of the wonderful jewel, feeling the excitement of wearing it and what it signified, her eyes once more looking so lovingly at Dante .   He had taken her to her favourite restaurant for lunch, Sam enjoying the wonderful food, laughing as he had looked pointedly at her, as once more she had lifted her hand to admire the ring , Sam scrunching up her nose at him as she had noticed that he seemed suddenly nervous, uncomfortable, her look becoming concerned .
     
    “What is it ...what’s wrong? ” .
     
    Dante had pulled the neatly folded sheets of paper from his pocket, slowly opening them as he had flicked a n uncomfortable look at her .
     
    “There is something I need to ask of you Sam” He had said .
     
    “Something that my board insist on...for the sake of my company”
     
    Frowning she had looked at him in confusion, as he had held the paper out to her .
     
    “They insist that there is a pre-nup ” .
     
    His other hand had moved to hold hers .
     
    “I would never ask this of you if it was not for them... and I have ensured that it is a fair contract, even though I know that I have found the right woman ” .
     
    Samantha had smiled lovingly at him.
     
    “Oh Dante...I understand.  Of course you have to protect your company ” adding softly “and I know that we are going to be forever too ” .
     
    Plucking the piece of paper from his hand she had looked through her bag for a pen, not even bothering to read the contents as she had signed it without hesitation.   Taking her fingers in his he had kissed her knuckles looking so deeply into her adoring eyes again feeling the strange heat in his stomach.   The final step of his plan being so easily achieved not giving him the sense of satisfaction that he had expected.
     
    From another booth in the expensive restaurant Daniel Trey had sat sipping his fine wine.  He was not really a lover of the drink, but enjoyed being able to afford such luxuries with waiters fawning over him.   He had smiled watching his latest mistress as she had pouted perfectly her lovely face trying not to look bored as he and his PA had talked