The Mogul's Maiden Mistress: The Castillos, #3

BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES

Volume 1 - Tamed by the Billionaire

Volume 2 - Maid in the USA

Volume 3 - Billionaire's Island Bride

Volume 4 - Dangerous Deception

Volume 5 - To Tame a Tycoon

Volume 6 - Sweet Seduction

Volume 7 - Daddy by December

Volume 8 - To Catch a Man (in 30 Days or Less)

Volume 9 – Bedding her Billionaire Boss

Volume 10 - Her Indecent Proposal

Volume 11 - So Much Trouble When She Walked In

Volume 12 – Married by Midnight

THE BILLIONAIRE BROTHERS KENT

Book 1 - The Billionaire Next Door

Book 2 - Babies for the Billionaire

Book 3 - Billionaire's Blackmail Bride

Book 4 - Bossing the Billionaire

THE CASTILLOS

Book 1 - Beauty and the Beastly Billionaire

Book 2 – Training the Tycoon

Book 3 – The Mogul’s Maiden Mistress

HOLIDAY EDITIONS

Rome for the Holidays(Novella)

Rome for Always (Novel)

The NAUGHTY AND NICE Series

Volume 1 - Naughty by Nature

COLLECTIONS

BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES, Coll. I - Vols. 1 - 4

BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES, Coll. II - Vols. 5 - 8

BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES, Coll. III - Vols. 9 - 12

BILLIONAIRE BROS. KENT - Books 1 - 4

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COMING SOON

The Castillos, Book 4

Eva and the Extreme Executive

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Author contact:

judyangeloauthor@gmail.com

THE MOGUL’S MAIDEN MISTRESS

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From the first time he meets his grandfather’s private nurse, Enrique Castillo is intrigued.  Melissa Morales seems shy and withdrawn, but this mild-mannered maiden has an underlying current of subtle strength that draws him in until she’s got him in an unrelenting grip that has him coming back for more.  When this guileless girl puts herself in his hands, trusting him to teach her the ways of the world, he is soon smitten.  Unschooled though she is, what better woman to play the role of his mistress?

Melissa Morales has always prided herself on being practical and realistic.  She knows her place in the world and has no illusions of grandeur.  But when the grandson of her employer invites her to play the role of his mistress, it is an offer she can’t refuse.  And then, to her astonishment, he agrees to teach her what it means to be a woman.  What could be better than that?

But Melissa soon learns that she’s playing a game she can never win.  What a wicked way to learn the dangers of falling in love.

CHAPTER ONE

There’s someone at the door, Melissa.  See who it is, will you?

Si, señor.  Gently, Melissa laid the elderly gentleman back against his pillows, pulled the sheet up under his chin, then hurried away.  She was halfway down the hall when she heard it again. Someone was at the door and he...or she...was not afraid to use that bell.

Momento, por favor.  She quickened her pace, not wanting to annoy whoever was waiting at the door.  It was a big place, this estate house owned by Señor Rodrigo Castillo, so getting from one end to the other was anything but quick.  Nevertheless, she did not wish to annoy any of the señor’s important guests.  She could guess that anyone who came to visit her employer would be important, indeed.  He, himself, was one of the wealthiest men in Argentina.

Seconds later, she came skidding to a halt at the grand double doors.  Quickly, she pulled the right side open.  I am very sorry to keep you waiting.  Please, will you come in?  She was reciting the well-practiced words before she even checked who was at the door.  Then, realizing her blunder, she looked up and that was when her eyes connected with the dark, deep-set ones of a man so handsome he made her eyes widen.  Then, to her chagrin, she blushed.

Embarrassed at her response to this total stranger, she dropped her gaze and stepped back.  I am sorry, sir.  Who may I say is calling to see Señor Castillo?

Let him know Enrique is here.  I’m his grandson.  The man was stepping through the door as he spoke, his deep voice echoing in the hallway.  You must be the new nurse.

Melissa’s blush deepened.  Struck with a sudden fit of shyness, she kept her eyes downcast.  No, sir.  I am only a nurse’s assistant.  I am still in nursing school.

Aah, a young one.  I’m sure my abuelo is having fun with you.  When they send the young ones like you he can always have his way. 

The man was laughing, making Melissa redden even more.  Did he think she could not do her job?  She hoped he would not report her as incompetent.

Deciding to be brave, she looked up, and when her eyes met his amused dark ones she shook her head.  No, sir.  He cannot have his way with me.  I make sure he takes his medicine right on time.

The man’s smile deepened.  Good to know.  It sounds like you have everything under control.  He glanced down the hallway.  So where is Abuelo now?  Not waiting for a reply, he started walking down the hallway.

Melissa almost had to run to catch up to him.  I just helped him into bed so he could get some rest.  He was up, reading the newspaper for a while, she explained as she hurried after the man who had called himself Enrique.  He just had his medicine so it is his rest time now.  The man’s strides were long, he was so tall.  He was at least eight or nine inches taller than she was, with the legs to match.  She was getting breathless, trying to keep up with him.

Suddenly, he stopped, almost making her run into him.  Are you saying I can’t see him right now?  Is he asleep?

No, señor.  You may see him.  It is just that you must...I mean, I would ask you not to be too long.  He tires very easily so he needs his rest.

That got her a pair of raised eyebrows.  You certainly are the lady in charge.  I will have to watch the time so you don’t throw me out.  The curve in his lips told her he was teasing.  She was only the hired help.  He knew it and so did she.  He was just having fun with her.

Melissa didn’t say a word but deep down she was peeved.  She did not appreciate his remark. She was in the presence of a powerful man, she knew, so why was he speaking as if she had a say in matters?  Her mother had always warned her about handsome men but maybe she should have warned her about wealthy, condescending ones as well.  This man was definitely one to be avoided.

Tightening her lips so she would look older and more serious, Melissa stepped around the visitor and entered Señor Castillo’s bedroom.  She would announce the visitor and then, as quickly as she could, she would make her escape.  Around this man, Señor Enrique, she was too tense to be comfortable.  The best thing to do was to make herself scarce.

***

Como esta, Abuelo?  Enrique was shedding his jacket as he entered his grandfather’s room.  He dropped it on a nearby chair and walked over to the bed.  How are you feeling today?

"Aah, nieto.  This chikungunya virus has me by the cojones.  Rodrigo Castillo spoke with a groan but he had a smile on his lips.  He raised his hand to clasp Enrique’s then sighed as his grandson took it then embraced him.  Don’t get too close, my boy.  I don’t know if this thing is contagious."

Enrique drew back but he was chuckling.  I’m a big boy.  I can handle it.  He turned and went to get the chair then pulled it up close to the bed.  After he’d taken a seat he jerked his chin toward his grandfather.  So, how are you, really?  Do you feel like you’re improving?  You’ve been under, over a week now.

Yes, yes, I’m getting there.  Rodrigo reached down and pulled the sheet farther up on his chest.  This sickness, it is like a really bad case of the flu.  Pray that you never get it.  He closed his eyes and shook his head.  When he looked at Enrique again his gaze was earnest.  Do your best never to get this.  It will knock you down.

But it sounds like it’s just the flu.  Enrique shrugged.  I can handle that.

No, don’t be fooled.  It comes with so many symptoms.  For everybody it is different.  On top of the flu symptoms you can get itchy rashes, dizziness, shaking and shivering, difficulty breathing and joint pains.  Rodrigo gave a hiss of annoyance.  "Dios, the cursed thing can make you less of a man.  Yesterday I almost peed myself.  Can you believe it?  Me.  The big, bad Rodrigo Castillo reduced to acting like a baby.  His gaze narrowed.  And don’t think it’s because of my age.  One of my young managers is only thirty-four years old.  He’s down with the same thing and he told me he peed on himself twice yesterday."

Enrique smiled.  Rodrigo was nothing if not brutally frank.

All right, Abuelo.  I’ll make sure I don’t get it.  You’ve got a beautiful woman attending to you and I would not want to embarrass myself in front of her.  I hope to hold on to my dignity.

Rodrigo laughed.  Dignity?  What’s that?  When you’re sick you give up all of that.  He leaned back on the pillows and closed his eyes then drew in a deep breath.  He almost looked like he was going to sleep.  But then he opened his eyes and his gaze was as sharp as they’d ever been.  So what brings you here?

What kind of question is that?  Can’t a man come to visit his grandfather?  Enrique spoke with mock belligerence and leaned over to give his grandfather a playful punch on the arm.  You don’t want me here?  You want that beautiful young girl all to yourself?

Rodrigo laughed and shook his head.  If I were thirty years younger.  Just thirty years.

Enrique smirked.  You do know that dropping thirty years would put you at sixty, right?  Do you really think that a sixty year old man could handle an eighteen year old?

Ha!  When I was sixty I was as sprightly as a young rooster.  There were few women who could keep up with me.  His eyes twinkled with amusement.  And that girl isn’t eighteen.  She’s a twenty-year-old woman.  And don’t you set your sights on her.  She’s my nurse.  I don’t want her falling in love with you and running off and leaving me.  Hands off.  He was frowning at his grandson and he gave him a look that said he meant every word.

Enrique leaned back in his chair and put his hands up, palms wide, in surrender.  Hey, no need to warn me off.  I didn’t come here with any intentions.  The only person I came here to see was you.  Then, when his grandfather gave him a knowing look, he smiled and leaned forward.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t ask questions, right?  He glanced behind him to make sure they were alone then turned his attention back to his grandfather.  So tell me about this girl.  Where did you find her?  She’s a pretty one but sort of shy, isn’t she?

Rodrigo chuckled.  Shy? That’s what you think.  Wait until you get to know her.  She can stand up for herself, that girl.  She’s just trying to fool you.

So where is she from?  She looks a bit young for this sort of job.

"She’s a nursing student from Universidad de Buenos Aires. They arrange for part-time work for some of the students.  They told me she’s one of those who needs this job to help pay for tuition.  I did not mind giving the girl employment if it would help her."

Enrique only laughed.  Si, Abuelo.  Play the good guy.  We both know why you have her here.  You love having a pretty young girl as your nurse.  What happened to Señora Zamora?  She was a competent nurse.  Why didn’t you keep her?

That grumpy old cow?  She wanted to control my life.  She had to go.

No, Enrique was shaking his head.  She was a disciplinarian.  She never let you have your way.  She was the best person for you.

That is where you are wrong-

Excuse me, señor.  It is time for your medicine.

They both turned to see Melissa standing in the doorway.  She looked hesitant, as if she did not wish to disturb them.  In her hands was a tray on which sat a steaming mug.

That again? Rodrigo growled.  I don’t need any more of that cursed tea.  All it does is mess with my stomach.

I’m sorry, sir, but it is important.  It will help with your constipation.  Melissa had entered the room and was approaching the bed as she spoke.  You will feel better after you have it. I promise you.

Shush, girl.  Can’t you leave a man with some dignity?  His eyes flashed with annoyance and his scowl did not lift when he saw that Enrique was laughing.  Get that thing away from me.

No, señor.  I will not.  You must drink this.  By this time Melissa was at the bedside and she was holding out the tray to Rodrigo, a look of determination on her face.  Take the mug.  I will not leave until you drink this.

Rodrigo’s brows fell even lower.  Are you ordering me to drink it?

Yes, sir, I am.  She balanced the tray with one hand and with the other she lifted the mug and put it right under Rodrigo’s nose.  Here.  Take it.

And what if I don’t? Rodrigo was practically pouting, almost like a spoiled boy.  I don’t want it. 

Sir, please.  Melissa looked exasperated.  If you do not drink this then I will have to give you your medication by other means.  Then, almost as if she’d morphed into another person, her gaze narrowed.  Other, less pleasant means.

Enrique sat back in his chair, observing the scene, not saying a word.  He knew how obstinate his grandfather could be but it looked like, in this tiny girl, the man had met his match.  She was actually threatening him...her boss...with no fear at all of losing her job, it seemed.  Enrique had new respect for little Nurse Melissa.

Shall I get the needle, sir?  Her voice was quiet, which made the threat all the more menacing. 

Enrique, and apparently Rodrigo, could see that she meant to take action if he did not comply.  The old man sniffed and folded his arms across his chest.  No.  No needles.

Enrique had to bite his lip to