Scandalous Billionaire (Titans Book 5)

by Sierra Cartwright

  Everyone turned in his direction.

  To his credit, Kentwood relaxed against his seatback. “Flattery doesn’t work. I’m interested in a minority stake in the venture.”

  “Proved your brilliance! Thank you, sir. And to you next, Kian.”

  “I can see some value. I want to have a show produced about the plane crash. Or something that can go on one of the new channels.”

  Bonds nodded. “Reasonable request. Even a new docuseries, perhaps? With a consistent narrator?”

  “Make it happen, and I’ll make arrangements with Braden.”

  “Thank you. And the incomparable Celeste?”

  “Nice dinner. Impressive presentation, as expected.” She was as steely as she was unflappable. “I understand you haven’t switched your PR firm yet.”

  “How remiss.” He turned away for a moment. “Aria…”

  Braden had met Aria, Julien’s CEE, Chief Executive of Everything. Of course, outside of his organization, a CEE didn’t exist.

  “Can you make this problem go away? Throw some meat to the hungry lion, as it were?”

  Penn cleared his throat. “Hot mic, Bonds.”

  Lizzie looked at him, and he shrugged. There was no way Bonds didn’t know he was still broadcasting.

  “Ah. Was it?” He looked back at Celeste and performed a flourishing bow. “Apologies, Celeste.”

  “Once you’ve resolved this…oversight, I’ll be in touch with Braden.”

  At that moment, her cell phone lit up. “A genius is trying to reach you.”

  “And there you are. Problem solved. You can have that conversation straightaway. Before you leave, even. Save you some time and bother. You’re welcome.” With a self-congratulatory grin, he turned toward Dominic.

  Braden marveled at Julien’s approach. People with this kind of ask didn’t generally put each person on the spot. Then again, no one else was Bonds.

  It took another thirty minutes for him to finish going around the room. When Julien was finished, Braden had no doubt the invitees would offer up every penny of the billion dollars. Even he intended to write a check. Though he had no desire to accumulate awards, it was thrilling to be on the forefront of technological and creative advances. With Bonds at the helm, the movie studio adventure would either be a massive success or a devastating failure.

  “Don’t dally-dilly. Offer expires at midnight tomorrow.” With that, his image disintegrated, becoming a million fractured stars before twinkling away into nothingness.

  For a long moment, no one said a word.

  Then Lizzie stood. “The dessert bar is open in the pre-function area. We also have espresso drinks, as well as champagne for celebrating.” She motioned toward a member of the hotel staff, and the doors opened.

  He marveled at her. She’d done a spectacular job this evening, better than he could have ever hoped for.

  Now that the aftereffects of Julien’s visual illusion wore off, talking resumed, and the guests began to move toward the anteroom.

  Lizzie chatted with each person before ordering a cappuccino.

  Braden surveyed the extravagant dessert selections. Cakes, brownies, chocolates, gelatos, and tiny bright things that appeared to be some sort of cookies.

  Rafe and Hope approached, and she selected a couple of chocolates.

  “Stick with something recognizable.” Rafe tossed a disdainful look toward the display. “Those things taste like a tree.”

  Lizzie joined them. “Rafe is talking about the purple macarons. They’re actually floral. Lavender and rose.”

  “Just think, Hope. We can grow stuff in our yard for chef to use in the kitchen.”

  “I have to try one.” Hope added one to her plate, then took a tiny test bite. “Oh, my taste buds just fell in love.” She finished it off before choosing another.

  Rafe gave her a quizzical look.

  “What? It’s fabulous. I’m going to want these at my next meet-and-greet.”

  Braden and Lizzie excused themselves to mingle. He had funds to secure, and probably dozens of questions to answer.

  “I wanted to tell you something.” Lizzie placed her unfinished coffee on a tray as they walked away.

  “Oh?”

  “I’m not wearing panties.”

  Heat raced through him, and he almost tripped over his own feet before catching her wrist. “Do you know how dangerous that information is?”

  She smiled, at once angelic and devilish. “I hope to find out after we finish making our rounds.”

  Which she’d just made ten times more difficult.

  “Where shall we start?”

  He took a quick glance around. Dominic and his right-hand man were sipping liqueur near the window. Celeste held a glass of champagne and was holding court with Zane and Kian. Penn had vanished.

  Interesting.

  “I’ve got an idea of my own.” Since no one was paying attention to them, he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her back into the dining room.

  “We can’t do this!”

  “Oh yes. We most assuredly can.” To be safe, since she was well-known at the hotel, he pulled her behind a tall potted plant.

  “This is getting to be a habit.”

  His grin was quick and hungry. “It will be.” He cradled the back of her head with one hand and slid the other up her right thigh and beneath the hem of her skirt to cup her buttock.

  “Braden—”

  With barely restrained passion, he claimed her mouth.

  His Lizzie.

  Her gentle sigh and sweet response nourished him. She was light where there’d only been darkness. Hope where there had been despair.

  Wanting more, he deepened the kiss as he moved his hand, seeking out her pussy. She was wet and ready for him.

  Braden dipped two fingers inside her, making her moan, weakening her knees so that she grabbed hold of him for support.

  The kiss went on and on as she gave him everything he asked for.

  A full minute later, when they were both breathless, he slowly let her go and straightened her dress. “Don’t clean up. I want your thighs sticky so that you can’t stop thinking about me.”

  “Yes.” Through her long eyelashes, she looked up at him. “Sir.”

  Until Lizzie, he’d had no idea just how much he liked the sound of that word.

  As she watched, he brought his fingers to his mouth and sucked her essence off them. “You complete me, woman.”

  “I love you, Braden.”

  He never tired of hearing those words. A hundred times a day would never be enough.

  “You need to get back out there and close some deals.”

  She was right, but that didn’t mean he still didn’t want to devour her right here, right this moment.

  He settled for tipping her chin back, claiming her mouth one more time to let her taste herself on his tongue.

  Lizzie’s soft moan fed something deep inside him. “Braden…”

  “Yeah. I know.” He tucked a wayward strand of her hair behind her ear. The intimate exchange they’d just shared would have to hold him until he could get rid of everyone. At least he fucking hoped he could make it through the next hour or so without abandoning his guests and dragging her back to their suite.

  Braden closed the hotel door behind them and set the privacy lock, slamming Lizzie’s heart into overdrive.

  “I’ve been losing my mind all night.” He advanced toward her, but she stayed in place, riveted by the intent brewing in his eyes—more gray than normal. Over the months they’d been together, she’d learned to recognize the color. During everyday events, they had a greener hue. But when he was aroused, steely determination radiated from them. He intended to have her tonight, and nothing would stop him.

  She was desperate for him too. Sex with him was amazing, but it was more than that. It gave her a sense of belonging and comfort.

  “I don’t want to be apart for this long ever again.”

  “Me either.” A good-mo
rning kiss and a few minutes together over a cup of coffee ensured her entire day went better. The knowledge that she’d be in his arms when she finished work gave her something to look forward to. “About that…”

  “Yes?”

  “Rafe has offered me a new position.” She hadn’t meant to bring this up until tomorrow, but the timing was right.

  “Oh?”

  “Do you mind if we sit down?”

  “Will it keep you away from me for longer periods of time? If so, I may have to kill him.”

  “I would have refused immediately if that was the case.” She smiled. “In fact it’s just the opposite. I was struggling with the idea of leaving you for that overseas assignment.”

  As they walked toward the comfortable couch, he threaded his fingers with hers in a gesture that was as natural as it was intimate. “Champagne? My thoughtful fiancée sent up a rather nice bottle.”

  “I’d love some. Thank you. And you have a lot to celebrate tonight.”

  “It would not have been as perfect without your help.” He popped the cork, then filled two flutes.

  They clinked the rims together before he sat next to her, close enough that his pheromones threatened to derail her thoughts. “Congratulations, Mr. Gallagher. I think you may have raised that billion dollars tonight.”

  “It’s close. We may need to do one more event to put us over the top.”

  She took a tiny sip, and the bubbles tickled her nose. “I’ve got to admit I’ve never been part of anything quite like that. Julien is more than I imagined.” And she’d heard rumors about him for years.

  “He doesn’t play by anyone’s rules.”

  “But those effects? Seriously? The wineglasses on the table were shaking. And the image… What was it, anyway?”

  Braden relaxed back, crossing his legs at the ankles. “Your guess is as good as mine. Some sort of hologram? But I didn’t think technology had advanced that far.”

  “I would have said it was a projection, but it interacted with people and had real-time reactions.”

  “Which is what makes him a genius.”

  “You’re investing?”

  “I am. But we should discuss the amount.”

  Cocking her head to the side, she studied him. “Why?”

  “Why? It’s a lot of money with a massive potential upside. Even at that, return on investment will take years. And with Hollywood, there are no guarantees. It might be like setting a pile of cash on fire. Since we’re going to be married—”

  “I appreciate that. But really, it’s your money.”

  His correction was swift and firm. “Ours.”

  “Braden, really—” At his furious scowl, she broke off. She had a small savings account, and since they’d been together, he hadn’t allowed her to pay for anything. “Even if you lose the house, we can stay together at one of Rafe’s properties.” After another drink, the alcohol warmed her insides. That was more than enough, especially since Braden no doubt had plans for her. “Perk of the job.”

  “Pass. I’d never risk your future.”

  Lizzie adored how protective he was, and she scooted a tiny bit closer to him. “Then the choice is yours.” She slid her glass onto the coffee table. “Is it terrible of me to admit I might actually want to walk the red carpet at least once?”

  “I’ll be honored to be your date.”

  No doubt Crystal would love to go dress shopping together.

  “Now tell me about your job offer.”

  She angled her body so she could look into his eyes. Then she forgot what she was going to say. She was lost in him, even though they’d been together for months.

  Braden traced a random pattern on her thigh.

  “Now I’ll never remember what we were talking about.”

  “The new position?”

  Maybe she should have waited for the morning to mention it. The longing inside her was bigger than almost anything.

  “Lizzie?”

  For a moment, she closed her eyes. Then when she opened them, she captured his wrist. “You have to stop that.”

  “What?” He raised his eyebrows, pretending innocence.

  She moved his hand to his thigh. “Keep it there.”

  “You’re sexy when you’re bossy.”

  Then she couldn’t help it; she smiled in unison with him.

  No other relationship had ever been like this. Sometimes she wanted to pinch herself to be sure it was real. “So…it would be VP of Premier Concierge Services division.”

  “Oh?” All traces of teasing vanished from his tone as well as his face.

  “It’s a new position.” With enthusiasm, she outlined the responsibilities.

  “You did a hell of a job for me tonight.”

  “Rafe is always thinking about ways to take hospitality offerings to a new level. There’s a niche market for high-end experiences and gatherings.”

  “I admire his astuteness in asking you.”

  She knew it was more than flattery. He meant what he was saying. “It involves a pay raise, and I’d be based in Houston. Of course I’d have to travel occasionally, but I can’t imagine I’d be gone more than a week at a time.” Which was better than months.

  “What are you thinking? Are you considering it?” His words were a bit flat, hedged in caution.

  “As you said earlier, we’re getting married. I wanted to get your opinion before giving him an answer.”

  “Lizzie.” He placed his glass next to hers before turning to her. “I’d never ask you to give up your career aspirations. You’ve worked too damn hard and long to get where you are. I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth to be with you.”

  How was it possible to be even more in love with him now than she had been five minutes ago?

  “If you want to go overseas, I’ll pack my bags. Make whatever choice is best for you and your career. We’ll make it work, no matter what.”

  Beyond happy, she wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t have to give him an answer until we get back from the cruise. But I think I’m going to say yes. I love our life together here.” And she would get to spend more time with her family that way.

  Her mother was now only working one day a week for them, and in a much different role. Now she was the household manager, and she’d hired a chef who did meal preparation three nights a week. But in typical Eileen fashion, she still kept the cookie jar filled.

  She had the opportunity to become a nanny to Sandra’s baby, a job she loved, and one she said she was keeping until Lizzie and Braden had their own children.

  That comment had sucked the breath from Lizzie. But Braden had nodded and commented that he hoped it was sooner, rather than later.

  “Always, Lizzie, your happiness is my priority.”

  Almost always, he initiated their kisses. This time, she did.

  She moved to her knees, then straddled him and placed her hands on his shoulders. “Do you know how much I appreciate you?”

  “Can’t be even half as much as I appreciate you. You were fucking amazing back there. I’m so proud that you’re mine.”

  Lizzie feathered her hands into his gloriously thick hair. The steel in his eyes turned molten.

  His mouth was hot, and their kiss seared her. She still tasted herself on his tongue, even though that shouldn’t be possible.

  He placed his hands on her waist to bring her forward, and his cock pressed against her. Response flooded her, and she ground her hips against him.

  “Fuck.” With a groan, he pulled back to imprison her hands and lower them to her sides. “Before we get too carried away, I have plans for you.”

  A strange combination of excitement and nerves sent her brain into a freefall.

  “I can’t believe I’m stopping you.” He slid her off his lap. “Come with me.” After standing, he assisted her up.

  He crossed to the window to close the blinds.

  “You know you don’t have to.”

  “I have an aversion to anyone
but me seeing you naked.”

  “Believe me. You’re the only man I want looking at me.”

  He pushed the privacy button, lowering the blackout screen.

  “No one can see in these windows. There was an incident at a hotel near the Denver airport. After a shower, a guest was walking around with no clothes. A woman in another tower saw him and called the police. The poor guy got ticketed for indecent exposure and had to go to court. So all of Rafe’s properties protect his guests—and the unsuspecting public—from such unfortunate events.”

  “In that case…” He crooked his finger.

  Unhesitatingly she went to him.

  In a smooth, practiced move, he pulled her dress up, then off.

  “Christ, Lizzie.” He dropped the garment on a nearby chair. “That you weren’t wearing panties killed me. But no bra either?”

  With a grin, she loosened the knot in his tie. “I told you I missed you.”

  He captured her breasts, then rolled her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers.

  Response flooded her, and she moaned.

  It took him only a few seconds to undress, but it seemed like an eternity.

  Even though she knew every muscle and sinew of him, his hard, lean form captivated her.

  His cock jutted toward her, and she reached to curl her hand around the impressive girth.

  Braden placed his hand on hers as he shook his head. “I’ve got to be inside you.”

  Galvanized by the tone in his voice and the set of his jaw, she hurried toward the bed, only to freeze at the foot of it.

  White rope lay there, along with the red tie that was the center of so many of her fantasies. Back then, it had been impossible to believe that the city’s renowned scandalous billionaire would fall in love with her. Lizzie glanced back at him. “You remembered.”

  “Every word you’ve uttered. Every fantasy you’ve shared.” He closed the distance between them, making her ache with need. “Stay where you are.”

  The request surprised her, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she watched, fascinated as he picked up one of the strands of rope.

  “Please place your hands over your head. Cross your wrists and lace your fingers.”