Loving the Bastard Read online

  Loving the Bastard

  By

  Marteeka Karland

  To say Maximilian Roth was a cold hearted bastard was the understatement of the century. But at least he was a first rate bastard. Nothing but the best would do for him. Money, power, woman…all of it was his for the taking. Then his father decided it was time for him to settle down and produce an heir for the business that had made them all exceedingly rich. The consummate bachelor had no desire to marry. Not when he could have any woman he wanted. Which is when he decided to arrange a marriage of the utmost convenience.

  When Zeta Lawless is presented with Maximilian’s proposal, she’s not only stunned, she’s livid. Not only is she insulted and humiliated by the audacity of the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen, but her traitorous libido is curious to see if the sinfully sexy body he’s been graced with can live up to all the carnal delights it promises.

  As Zeta struggles to find a common ground with Maximilian and make this unholy union work, Max is busy building barrios against her charm and intelligence which act as much to seduce him her luscious curves. But will Zeta’s determination or Max’s stubbornness win the day? Can one woman make Loving the Bastard worth all the effort?

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. This is a work of fiction. All references to real places, people, or events are coincidental, and if not coincidental, are used fictitiously. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. eBooks are NOT transferable. Re-selling, sharing or giving eBooks is a copyright infringement.

  © 2015 Marteeka Karland

  Cover Art: Marteeka Karland

  Editor: Katriena Knights

  eBooks are NOT transferable. Re-selling, sharing or giving eBooks is a copyright infringement.

  Contents

  Loving the Bastard. 1

  Chapter One. 4

  Chapter Two. 9

  Chapter Three. 13

  Chapter Four 18

  Chapter Five. 22

  Chapter Six. 26

  Chapter Seven. 30

  Chapter Eight 33

  Chapter Nine. 36

  Chapter Ten. 40

  Chapter Eleven. 43

  Chapter Twelve. 46

  Chapter Thirteen. 49

  Chapter Fourteen. 52

  Chapter Fifteen. 56

  Chapter Sixteen. 60

  Chapter Seventeen. 63

  Chapter Eighteen. 67

  Chapter Nineteen. 71

  Chapter Twenty. 74

  Chapter Twenty-One. 78

  Chapter Twenty-Two. 81

  Chapter Twenty-Three. 84

  Chapter One

  “What do you mean you won’t give me the loan?” Owen Lawless sputtered in surprised outrage. Maximilian Roth had known this would happen. Messy things like this deal always played out badly, but Owen had something Max needed desperately. The trick was to make Owen believe the arrangement would be to their mutual benefit.

  “I mean, the real estate market isn’t recovering as well as hoped in this area. To give you a loan to buy more houses to sell when people simply aren’t buying would be a bad investment. The amount you’re asking for is substantial, and I can’t let my family’s bank take on that much debt.”

  Owen’s eyes narrowed. “If I don’t get this loan, I go under. That’s a fact. If I file for bankruptcy, how much do you think your bank will lose then?”

  Maximilian shrugged. “Lose it now or later. If you don’t get this loan, we lose five million less.”

  Standing to pace across the spacious office, Owen swore under his breath. “I wasn’t expecting this. I’ve always made my payments and made them on time. I’ve been a loyal customer for more than twenty years. How could you not give me this loan?”

  “As I said. The market is bad right now. If you can hold on for another six months—”

  “I can’t,” Owen snapped.

  Maximilian knew he couldn’t. He knew the state of Lawless Real Estate probably better than Owen Lawless himself. He was doing this for one reason and one reason only. And it wasn’t to help out an old family friend.

  “You could always try another bank.” Max was calm as he sat behind his massive oak desk like he didn’t have a care in the world. He knew very well Owen wouldn’t get a loan anywhere else. He’d spoken to the presidents of each local bank, personally ensuring it would be impossible. When Owen gave him an impatient look, Max had to smother a smile. Apparently he’d already figured out that little nugget of information.

  Sitting in the opulent office with its spectacular view of the city from twelve floors up always gave Maximilian a distinct advantage. His surroundings screamed power and money. In that order. Money didn’t always mean power, as evidenced by poor Owen sitting across from him. Power, however, made money. And Maximilian had both in spades.

  “Your father and I have been friends since he first moved to this town. Because of his reputation as a ruthless businessman, I was the only one who would do business with him, as I recall. What does Grider have to say about this?”

  Grider Roth had one child. Maximilian. Roth Banking Company was his legacy. His family’s legacy. Four generations of Roths had kept the bank running. Made it a powerhouse in the state and put it well on its way to being a major national player. The last thing Grider wanted was for his bank to fall into the hands of anyone other than a Roth. Which was why Max was getting ready to do something his father would definitely not approve of.

  “My father is turning the running of the bank over to me. I can’t very well start out my tenure by giving a loan to an old friend when I know it’s not the right thing to do for the bank. Besides, your partnership with my father benefited you as much as it did him. Back in those days, not many bankers were willing to take a chance on…persons of color. My father helped to change that in this town because of that relationship.” Max studied the other man, waiting for the right time to set his plan in motion.

  Maximilian had always taken his sexual interests where he pleased, always ensuring there would be no expectations on the part of the woman. He wanted no wife. He wanted no children—at least not until he was ready. Any woman he chose to spend time with was compensated when she had to attend social functions, and appropriately taken care of until her services were no longer needed. Maximilian preferred to keep it all business. His lovers knew that. If she didn’t, or refused his terms, she didn’t become his lover in the first place.

  Now, because of his own recent, very messy divorce, Grider feared all the trappings of a modern-day marriage of the financially elite. He’d insisted on several qualifiers in addition to being brilliant at making money and keeping the banks status intact. The contract he’d forced Maximilian to sign stated he would not gain full control of the bank until he had a stable marriage with a legitimate heir. Also, if he ever divorced or either party had an illegitimate child, the company would revert back to the senior Roth or one of his surviving brothers. Maximilian’s wife would have no claim on the bank or any money derived from the sale of the bank, and Maximilian would lose any rights he might have had to any part of the company, ensuring there could be no claim to a child not his own.

  The blow had been hard and breathtaking for Max. Being the consummate bachelor, he’d not intended to marry for a very long time. If ever. He preferred keeping a mistress to anything permanent. After seeing everything his father had gone through with his mother, Maximilian had decided long ago not to fall into t
he same trap. Yet here his father was putting Max in the same position Grider had been in with his own life. Unfortunately, there seemed to be no talking Grider out of his decision. How he thought this would help matters, Max had no idea.

  Now he watched Owen’s brows draw together as desperation gripped him. He was too much of a businessman to let much emotion show through, but knowing him as well as he did, Max could almost see the old man choking on it.

  “Look,” Max said, standing up to pace in front of the picture window overlooking the city. “I might be able to help you.”

  “Might?” Owen snapped the question, obviously impatient and wanting to secure the money for his business.

  “Might,” Max confirmed, giving him a look that said Owen wouldn’t like the terms. “It would have to be off the books. A personal exchange never to be spoken about.” When Owen opened his mouth, Max raised a hand to stall him. “And what I need from you…well. It’s not something you’re likely to want to give up.”

  “I’m listening,” Owen said, nodding for him to go on.

  Max gave him what he hoped was an embarrassed look, trying to look like anything other than a man going in for the kill. “Believe me, if I had any other alternative, I’d not even bring this up to you, but I’m out of options, myself.” Trying to make it seem like they were in the same boat would certainly help his position. Might even put the older man at ease with the proposal.

  “Sounds like you’re in a pickle. Why do I have the feeling I’m not going to like this?”

  “Probably because you won’t. But I’ll double the amount you’re asking for. Free and clear. Pay it back or not. I don’t give a damn.”

  Owen narrowed his eyes. “Now I know I’m not going to like this. What do you want?”

  * * *

  Zeta Lawless was still in shock after the discussion she’d had with her father. Now she found herself in the elevator to meet with her father’s “savior.” The bastard. And she didn’t know if she meant her father or Maximilian Roth. Both were pretty low in her opinion.

  After refusing to let his precious bank give her father a loan, Maximilian had given her father twice the amount he’d asked for. With no obligation to pay it back. All her father had to do was convince Zeta to marry Maximilian. Her father had effectively sold her. Well, this was one time her father wasn’t going to guilt her into doing something she didn’t want to do. This was her life they were talking about!

  The executive suite where the partners had their offices was spacious and opulent on the top floor of the building. Several assistants sat at their desks, not paying attention to Zeta or her father as they walked to the massive door that had to lead to Maximilian’s private office. It was the most ornate, the most imposing, and stood in the center of the back wall. No less than three assistants sat at their desks in front of his office, busily working. One stood and addressed her father with a polite smile.

  “Mr. Roth is waiting for you and Miss Lawless,” she said with a polite nod at Zeta as she led them to that door. Zeta had the feeling her life was about to change forever, no matter that she intended to give both Maximilian and her father a piece of her mind. The fine hairs on her body stood on end as the assistant opened the door, ushering them inside.

  The room was as rich as the man. Which was saying a lot. The dark burgundy carpet was plush. An obscenely ornately carved oak desk, flanked by comfortable-looking chairs, dominated the room. The chairs in front of his desk didn’t look uncomfortable, but were straight-backed and obviously designed to make anyone sitting there know who was in charge. The entire wall behind the desk was one large window overlooking the city. Might has well have been overlooking an empire. The light scent of wood and new carpet seemed to waft around her, tickling her nose but not overpowering her.

  “I see you’ve brought your daughter with you, Owen.” Maximilian entered through a door in the side of the room. Dressed in an obviously tailored suit cut to fit his large, imposing frame, he was an exceedingly handsome man. Women threw themselves at him on a daily basis, and Zeta couldn’t exactly say she blamed them. Had she been the type of woman to do such things, she might have done the same. Not only was he tall and obviously muscular, his hair was an impossibly glossy black and cut long. He could easily tie it back, but it fell in waves nearly to his shoulders. Sharp facial bones, an aristocratic nose, and nicely tanned skin gave him a slightly Middle Eastern look. All but his eyes anyway. They were the darkest cobalt, seeming to sparkle in the light. Not with mischief, though. With aggression. And they bored into her, looking at her as possessively as if the deed were already done. In those expensive clothes with those dangerous features, he looked exactly like what he was—a powerful businessman. Or a supermodel playing one on TV.

  But she wasn’t one to throw herself at men, even men as insanely handsome and rich as this one. Looking at him now, she only felt a bone-deep contempt for the pompous ass. How dare he! Maximilian and her father spoke easily, as if this were an everyday occurrence, while Zeta stared on in building fury. The bastard might be handsome, but he was still a bastard for even thinking something like this, much less actually suggesting it. And her father was a bastard for getting suckered in.

  When Maximilian raked those impossibly blue eyes up and down her body as if he found her lacking, something inside Zeta snapped. They thought they could do this without even giving her wishes a second thought? Well, it was time for the spoiled little rich boy to get a wake-up call.

  Without even hesitating, Zeta crossed the handful of steps to Maximilian and slapped his too-handsome face with everything in her.

  Chapter Two

  Maximilian had expected anger on Zeta’s part, had even expected her to rail at him in front of God and everyone. He hadn’t expected such a physical response. In his entire life, no one had ever laid a hand on him in anger. He’d never been in fights as a boy, had never allowed even the most outraged woman to believe she could possibly get away with slapping him. When the petite little Zeta’s hand cracked across his cheek, something inside him snapped. And his cock shot hard as a fucking pole. She had every right to strike him, and the fact she had gave him hope this might work out after all.

  “Zeta!” Owen’s voice boomed in the spacious office. Not for the first time, Maximilian was glad for the soundproofed walls and doors. Usually they served to keep his clients’ privacy, but he’d rather not have his personal assistants hear the ruckus about to explode.

  “Don’t you ‘Zeta’ me! Both of you should be ashamed of yourselves!” Zeta shook her finger under her father’s nose like a parent might an errant child. “How dare you even think about this? Do you mean to tell me you have no problem selling your only daughter to a man of questionable morals? Is your business that important to you? More important than your own child? What would Mother say?”

  “Now Zeta. Calm yourself. You don’t want to air our dirty laundry in front of a stranger.” Her father had put up his hands, backing away as if he thought she might give him a taste of what she’d just dished out to Maximilian. Max simply watched on in fascination, his lust for the tiny, dark-skinned woman growing by the moment.

  “Stranger?” Zeta choked out a laugh. “You don’t want him to hear our family problems but you’re willing to sell me to him? Nice to know where I rank in the grand scheme of things.” The longer she ranted, the angrier she looked, and the louder her voice got. “Don’t you think he’ll learn all our dirty little secrets eventually? After all, he’ll be family when we marry. Right?” She threw a wealth of contempt into her voice, though Max got the impression it wasn’t half of what she was really feeling.

  Through it all, Maximilian stood by the window, a small smile on his face. Even through her anger, Max found himself mesmerized by the tiny, curvy woman in front of him. He’d known this was a Hail Mary at best, that any woman would resist this kind of situation, but as he watched with more and more fascination as well as a growing desire to see how far he could push this woman before she slapped
him again.

  “Do you honestly want me to lose my business, Zeta?” her father asked quietly. “It’s the culmination of my life’s work. I built it from the ground up.” He scrubbed a hand over his face as if bone weary. “Do you want me going back to working for someone else? Maybe the same someone who ends up buying the company I worked so hard to create?” Her father looked so forlorn, so heartsick, but Maximilian got the feeling it was all an act. Apparently, one Zeta had seen many times in the past.

  “Sorry, Dad.” She rolled her eyes as she called him that. “After so many years of listening to that song and dance, you can call me immune.”

  Knowing things were about to deteriorate if he didn’t intervene, Max raised a hand to interrupt. “If you’ll excuse us, Owen, perhaps Zeta and I can work this out on our own.”

  Owen stared at her a long moment, sad, nearly watering eyes trying their best to bend her to his will. Max saw the exact moment he realized it wouldn’t work. Scowling at her, Owen gave her a spiteful look, as if everything were all her fault. Then he left the office, closing the door behind him. Max halfway expected her to stomp her foot and scream. She had that look he’d seen on the face of many women. Instead, she turned to face him down, and he could tell she knew exactly who and what she was dealing with in him. Well, he’d just have to see if he could shake her up.

  * * *

  Maximilian didn’t say a word. Just stared at her. Zeta did her best not to squirm under his gaze. He didn’t try to stare her down, exactly, but she got the impression he was sizing her up. Trying to see if she had any apparent weaknesses. Those mesmerizing eyes of his simply looked her up and down, feeling almost like a caress. The only problem was, Zeta got the impression he was looking for flaws as well, like one might look over a new car one intended to buy. As he walked around her, insolent gaze firmly fixed on her, Zeta thought all he needed to do was kick the tires, as it were.