Читать онлайн «The Society Groom»
Автор Mary Lyons
“I hope you haven’t made the big mistake of thinking he’s going to marry you!”
In the appalled, deathly silence that followed these words, Dominic immediately leapt to his feet.
Swiftly bending down and scooping up something from the table, he quickly grabbed hold of Olivia’s left hand.
“It’s not the traditional diamond, of course. ” He grinned, slipping a tab from a soft drink can onto the third finger of her left hand. “However, as far as I’m concerned, I definitely intend to marry Olivia. So I think you can all regard this as our engagement party. ”
There was another moment’s stunned silence, with everyone around the table staring openmouthed in astonishment as Dominic, pulling Olivia’s trembling and dazed figure to her feet, placed his arms swiftly around her before claiming her lips in a long, warm and tender kiss.
Harlequin Presents® Invites you to see how the other half marry in:
They’re gorgeous, they’re glamorous... and they’re getting married!
In this sensational five-book miniseries you’ll be our VIP guest at some of the most-talked-about weddings of the decade—spectacular events where the cream of society gather to celebrate the marriages of dazzling brides and grooms in equally breathtaking international locations.
At each of these lavish ceremonies you’ll meet some extraspecial men and women—all rich, royal or just renowned!—whose stories are guaranteed to capture your imagination, your heart... and the headlines! For in this sophisticated world of fame and fortune you can be sure of one thing: there’ll be no end to scandal, surprises... and passion!
The Society Groom
Mary Lyons
CHAPTER ONE
IT WAS four o’clock on a freezing cold, dark winter’s afternoon in the City of London as the large black limousine slowly came to a halt in front of the church.
‘We’re a bit early, aren’t we?’ Mark Ryland muttered, glancing nervously out of the vehicle at the long flight of steps leading up to the brilliantly lit church porch.
‘Your bride-to-be gave me very clear instructions,’ Dominic FitzCharles told him firmly. ‘Not only was I to keep you as sober as possible at your stag party—but I was to make absolutely sure that we arrived at the church a good half-hour before the wedding. ’
‘Anyone would think I was still a kid,’ Mark grumbled.
Dominic gave a quick shake of his dark head. ‘Oh, no. You’re merely that unimportant creature: the bridegroom! ’ he drawled with sardonic amusement. ‘And as such—if you’re a sensible man—you’ll do exactly as you’re told. ’
‘Thanks, pal!’
Dominic laughed. ‘According to Sarah, she’s already had to cope with quite enough problems. So, for you to be either suffering from a mammoth hangover or to be late for the ceremony would definitely be the last straw!’
‘She’s got a point,’ Mark agreed as the uniformed chauffeur came around to open the passenger door.
