Roman Vasquez's POV

Truer to his words Daniel's plan began rolling the following morning when I emerged from my bedroom and heard someone from my kitchen. I decided to check and I felt myself smiling when I saw my wife in the kitchen cooking for me. I could finally admit that I liked Daniel St. Clair more than I care to admit.

What better plan Daniel thought evilly than to have my wife as my chef? My grandfather-in-law has a brilliant mind, I mused silently. I guessed I should have to thank Daniel for this later. I leaned in the kitchen doorway and studied my wife with interest.

Dios Santo, she's so beautiful when she was concentrating on cooking. She was so engrossed in her cooking that she didn't even notice me. I decided to make myself known. "That smells delicious, esposa. What is it?"

She gasped in surprise. The look on her face was priceless. I suddenly want to laugh at her expression. "Y-you! What are you doing here?"

I smirked at her stunned face, moving closer to where she was cooking. "If I remember correctly this is my house, dearest. It's you that I have to ask. What are you doing in my kitchen, wife? A change of heart with our relationship?"

She frowned in my direction as if she was trying to remember something very important. "But I thought you already left for Spain by now? What are you still doing here in New York? What about your work back home?"

I tucked my hands in the middle of my chest and smiled kindly at her. "Haven't I told you that I will be staying here for a few weeks? Besides, my business has a branch here so don't worry. I can do work from here."

"But-"

It's too obvious that she couldn't wait to send me away from her hometown and probably hoped I would not meet her family during my stay here. So I decided to change the topic. "What else a man would want in his life than his lovely wife to cook breakfast for him before he goes to the office."

"I'm not cooking breakfast for you." She looked away with unmistakable pink stains on her cheeks as she continued to sauté something on the pan.

"Really?" I asked nonchalantly, moving behind her just enough for her back to touch my body. My nostrils filled with a signature scent. "Then why the hell are you here, mi amor? In my home. In my kitchen. Just like in Seville."

"Oh..." She groaned softly, as I trailed little kisses in her neck. "Stop that...my Granddad asked me for a favor and..."

"And..?" I branded my arms around her slender waist and drew her closer towards me. Her rear was pressed to my groin. I hoped this morning's seduction of my wife wouldn't backfire on me later.

"He asked me to do a little favor for him." She replied breathlessly, closing her eyes as if fighting the temptation. "You see, he told me that he has a new business associate and he wants to impress him. I just didn't expect that man would be you."

I laughed softly. Daniel St. Clair was more devious than I gave him the credit for. He managed my Red to play in the right palm of his hand within twenty-four hours of our meeting. He's one scheming grandfather.

"A small world, isn't it?" I told her innocently while enjoying her struggle for breath. I knew I had an effect on her like no other man ever achieved it. I murmured to her ear seductively. "Of all the people in the world your grandfather wants to please. He let you stumble to the husband you're trying to avoid so desperately, Red."

"Roman..."

"Sí, my wife?"

"This is not fair." She sighed deeply, as I ran my hand slowly to her flat stomach. I would seduce her until she couldn't think straight anymore.

"I don't play fair, Red," I whispered devilishly. Even though her real name was Ruby I would call as 'Red' because I believed it suited her better. "I always play to win. Let me show you how."

I claimed her mouth in a hot ardent kiss I'd been dying to do since I found her a few days ago. I put my hands between her lovely face to keep her where I want her. I kissed her deeply trying to coax her into doing the same. Finally, I felt her surrender when her arms snaked around my neck and drew herself more closely towards me. Our lips tangled together as my tongue danced with hers. I could feel the blood roaring in my veins and a certain part of my anatomy sprang to life with a supreme effort I broke off the kiss.

"We have to stop, mi amor," I told her with ragged breath, trying to calm myself, or I would attack her right now. "Or let me finish this in my bedroom. I think we will both enjoy it, my lovely wife."

"That's not going to happen!" She glared at me hotly before she turned back and continued to stir the pan on the burner.

"Are you sure about that?" I taunted, knowing too well she hated it when she was being baited. Trying not to look in my direction anymore.

"Yes!"

I smiled at the conviction I heard in her voice. She put up again the walls that separate me from the real Ruby St. Clair. But I could demolish those walls again. I managed to achieve that before it would be easy this time. I knew how to melt her in my arms. Kissing her cheek playfully I said. "We'll see, love."

Ruby St. Clair's POV

I almost groaned when I heard the determination in Roman's voice when I told him that I would not fall in his bed again. For one thing, I just made it his personal goal to haul me back to his bed again. Roman Vasquez likes challenges--and I, who love to defy everyone's expectations, made me his vulnerable prey.

I recalled my last conversation with my grandfather last night and how I landed into this mess...

"Hello?" I said over my mobile phone when someone called me. Though the number was unknown I answered it without hesitation.

"Ruby," The familiar voice sounded on the other line. "It's me, your Granddad."

I couldn't help but smile upon hearing his voice. I haven't visited him at his official residence in the Hamptons since I arrived I would do that after I sort out my problems here in the city. The last time I saw him was at the charity ball he hosted. "This is a surprise, Granddad. How did you know my number? I'm sorry I haven't visited you yet but soon I promise it's just I'm quite busy these days."

I heard him laugh on the other line. "That's okay, my child. I know you are busy catching up with your sisters. How are you faring with your life back at your birthplace, dear?"

I smiled thoughtfully. If not for the small predicament I have now with a certain Spanish billionaire everything was perfect. "I'm fine, Granddad."

"The other reason why I call you is that I believe you are staying here in New York for good. I want to give you a position at the St. Clair Diamonds as a PR representative of our company. Are you okay with that?"

I made a face. Amethyst was right. Granddad wants me to work for him as the rest of my sisters. But the diamond industry was not for me. Like I said I don't want to be surrounded by precious stones throughout the day. I want the bustling life in the kitchen. My answer might sadden my grandfather but I want to be honest with him. "I'm sorry, Granddad. But I will have to turn down your offer. I don't want to work at the St. Clair Diamonds. I want to follow my true passion and that's cooking."

"Oh?" Was that triumph I heard in my grandfather's voice just now? "That's sad news. Anyway, I want you to enjoy your work whatever it is. That leaves me I have a favor to ask instead if that okay with you Ruby?" My Granddad asked smoothly.

"What favor?" I asked suspiciously. I don't think I like the way this conversation leads. My instinct told me that this could lead to trouble. I hope not...

"Since you refused to work in our company and you said your passion is cooking and I know that you graduated in France as a chef with flying colors. You see, I have a new business associate that I want to impress." He explained offhandedly. "I thought you might cook for him while he was staying in town. I happened to tell him that I knew a fabulous chef in Manhattan."

"Him?" I asked worriedly, I knew this could lead me to trouble. But I trusted my grandfather I knew he would not let me be in such danger. "A man?"

"Yes. But don't worry, my dear." My grandfather reassured me casually. "I heard he's already married."

"Oh." I have nothing against being a personal chef of certain someone. And Granddad asked me for this favor and I want to help him. I knew his pride wouldn't let him stoop low in asking his granddaughter for help. He's such a proud man. He must be desperate.

"So, are you going to do it?" Granddad inquired hopefully on the other line. "Don't worry. I'll pay you for it."

I laughed at the way my grandfather sounded on the other line. He's like a child who couldn't wait to hear my answer. "Okay, I'll do it. When do I need to start?"

"Tomorrow, if that's okay?" I frowned at my grandfather's voice. This time I was certain that was a triumph in his voice. But why? What would he achieve if I agreed to become someone's chef while he's in town?

"Okay, then," I answered with a sigh. I guessed the only way to find out was to report from work tomorrow morning.

"Thank you, my girl. That man is important to me. He is the answer to my prayers."

"I'm glad for you," I replied dryly. I couldn't imagine what kind of man would be the answer to Daniel St. Clair's prayer. I listened carefully as he recited the address of the man's penthouse address.

Now I knew what kind of man he was-he was my freaking secret husband! Now I was more certain that my secrets were in danger than ever because Granddad joined the battlefield!