“That’s because you’re idealistic and impractical.”

“At least I have a soul.”

He shifted his stance. “Last time I checked, a soul wasn’t a requirement for a business license in the state of New York.”

“She will not marry you.”

“Did she explain the deal?”

Yes, Katie had explained the deal. Alex wanted their company. But he’d spent thousands of dollars over the last two years improving his image, and he was afraid of negative publicity from preying on two newly bereaved sisters.

Oh, he still wanted to prey on them. He just didn’t want anybody to know about it. Hence the cover of marriage and all the joyous goodwill that would go with it.

“She told me,” said Emma tightly.

“Then you know you’ll keep half the company.” His impassive expression turned to a scowl. “And I’m crazy for offering you that much.”

“You actually expect to buy a bride.”

“At that price. Yeah.”

Emma honestly didn’t know what to say.

“Are we done?” he asked.

Were they done? What did she do now? Make a hollow threat? Storm out the door? Swear he’d never get his hands on her precious inns when they both knew that’s exactly what he would do?

He seemed to sense her hesitation. “Nobody gets hurt,” he said. “The publicity will help us both. The press will go nuts over the merging of two great hotel families. We’ll feed the story to female reporters, who’ll get all misty-eyed at-”

She raked her bangs back from her forehead. “Are you listening to yourself?”

He blinked. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t find that plan just a little cold-blooded?”

“Like I said, nobody gets hurt.”

“What about Katie? What about David?”

“Who’s David?”

“Her boyfriend. The sweet, gentle caring young man she’s been dating for six months. He’ll be heartbroken and humiliated.”

Alex paused. For a second she thought she saw an actual emotion pass through his eyes. But then it was gone, replaced by hard gloss slate once again. “David will get over it. He can marry her later, when she’s worth a lot more money.”