Millionaires of New York Boxed Set 2: Featuring Four Standalone Millionaire Romance Novels Set In New York City

by Sandi Lynn

  Two Weeks Later

  I opened my eyes when I heard the soft sound of music playing. Looking over at the clock, I saw it was three a.m. I rolled over to find the empty space next to me. Slipping my robe on, I walked downstairs and followed the sound to his study, where I found him sitting and softly playing the piano.

  “Can’t sleep?” I spoke as I sat down next to him.

  “Not really. I’m sorry if I woke you.”

  “It’s okay. I enjoy hearing you play.” I smiled. “Is something bothering you?”

  “Even if it was, I wouldn’t talk to you about it. That’s not what I pay you for.”

  Whoa, I had no idea where that came from.

  “There’s no reason why—”

  “Drop it, Brielle. I pay you for sex and sex only,” he spoke in an abrupt tone. “Not to be my fucking therapist.”

  “Okay. I apologize.”

  I got up from the bench, headed upstairs, slipped into my clothes, and grabbed my purse. As I was walking down the stairs, he was heading up them.

  “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “Home. We had sex and now I’m leaving.”

  “It’s the middle of the fucking night. Get back in bed.” He pointed at me.

  I stood there and narrowed my eye at him for a moment and then continued walking down the stairs. I pushed past him, and he grabbed my arm. Silence fell upon his lips for a moment until I turned and looked at him.

  “Please don’t go. I don’t want to be alone tonight. If it were any other night, I would let you go, just not tonight.”

  “Why?”

  “I won’t discuss my reasons. Please, Brielle. Just stay.”

  I stared into his pleading eyes.

  “Okay,” I softly spoke.

  He let go of my arm, took my bag from me, and we walked up the stairs and to the bedroom. Slipping back out of my clothes, I climbed into bed and rolled on my side facing away from him. He wrapped his arm around me without speaking a single word. I lay there, eyes wide open, wondering what the hell tonight meant to him.

  I awoke the next morning, and when I opened my eyes, Caden was already gone. I sighed as I looked at the clock. It was already nine. After I got dressed, I stopped at the bagel shop and picked up some bagels on my way home, for I knew Stella would already be up.

  “Hey, you’re up. Perfect timing.” I smiled as I stepped through the door, walked over to the couch, and kissed her head.

  “Where were you?” she asked.

  “I decided that this morning was going to be a bagel morning.” I held up the brown bag. “So I had Grandma stop by while I ran out to get them.”

  “Bagels!” She grinned as she jumped up from the couch and sat down at the table.

  Caden

  “I tried calling you last night,” my brother spoke as he pushed a glass of bourbon in front of me.

  “I was with Brielle.”

  “I figured as much. How are things going with your arrangement?”

  “Fine.” I took a sip of my drink.

  “Just fine? I can tell by the look on your face something is bothering you.”

  “We kind of got into an argument last night.”

  “About what?” he asked.

  “I couldn’t sleep, and she asked me if something was bothering me. I told her I wouldn’t talk to her about it and that I only pay her for sex. She got offended and was going to leave at three a.m.”

  “I don’t blame her. That was pretty much an insult, bro.”

  “It’s the truth. Did you want me to lie to her? I pay her to spend a little time with me and to have sex, not to discuss things in my personal life.” I finished off my drink. “That’s not what this arrangement is about.”

  “I’ll be honest with you, your arrangement sucks. You know what else I think?”

  “What else do you think, big brother?”

  “I think this is all a sham. The moment you met her, you felt something, and you paying her a hefty check every month is your excuse to be able to be with her without having to show any type of feelings or emotions at all. You treat everything like a business, bro.”

  “You’re wrong, Kyle. Dead wrong. I think she’s a beautiful and sexy woman and that’s it.”

  “Still not buying it. I’m your brother. I know you better than anyone else in the world. This is something you don’t do, Caden. You don’t fucking pay for sex. You’ve had a string of women over the years and let them go as quickly as they walked into your life. The problem is you don’t want to let Brielle go. You want her on your terms and your terms only. It’s time to let go of the past and live the life you were meant to live.”

  “You’re right. I’m paying her, so it’s all on my terms. Thanks for the drink. I have to go. I have a multi-billion-dollar company to run. And as for living the life I was meant to live, I already am. This cold heart is my punishment.”

  I grabbed my suitcoat from the stool and headed out of the restaurant. He always thought he knew everything. Hell, maybe he did. But the demons inside me kept me in check, reminded me of what I’d done and made sure that I’d never make the same mistake again.

  Chapter 18

  Brielle

  It had been three days since I’d heard from Caden. It was unlike him not to call or text me. He usually either called or texted at least once a day, even just to say hi. I was kind of getting a little worried, and even though I shouldn’t have been, I couldn’t help it. The days I didn’t hear from him, even if it was a simple text message, I found myself missing him. I knew this was only a job and he was my only my client, but the feelings I felt for him were becoming stronger every time we were together. The way he spoke to me that night had hurt me. But his words were of hurt and anger about something that had nothing to do with me. Something happened on that night and I needed to know what.

  While I was cooking dinner, Stella was practicing the piano. I tried to hire her a teacher, but she told me no and that she was okay learning by herself. She played incredibly well for someone who had never had a lesson. Listening to her play reminded me of Caden, and every time I thought about him, the knots in my belly tightened. After Stella and I ate dinner, she took a bath and I put her to bed. As I was lying in bed reading a book, my phone dinged with a text message from Caden.

  “I’m leaving for a business trip on Thursday to Chicago and I need you to go with me. We’ll be back on Saturday. Have your driver drop you off at my penthouse at nine a.m. sharp.”

  “That’s in two days.”

  “And? I’m giving you notice like you asked. I’ll see you then.”

  My belly twisted as I typed my next message.

  “You don’t want to see me tomorrow?”

  “No. I’ll see you on Thursday.”

  I didn’t know if I should have responded to that or not. So I just left it. I dialed my mom.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, Mom. Caden just texted me and said he needs me to go to Chicago with him on Thursday and we’ll be back Saturday.”

  “That’s fine, but there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  “What is it?”

  “I’ll come by tomorrow morning around seven a.m. That’ll give us enough time to talk before Stella wakes up.”

  “Yeah. Okay, Mom. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  I ended the call and set my phone down on the nightstand. Her tone sounded off and now I was worried.

  I got up early enough to get dressed and make some coffee before my mom came over. I had some leftover chocolate chips muffins from yesterday that I’d made, so I put them on a plate and set them in the center of the table.

  “Good morning,” my mom quietly spoke as she walked through the door.

  “Hey, Mom. Good morning.”

  I poured her a cup of coffee and set it on the table.

  “So what’s going on?” I asked as I sat down.

  “I met someone.” She smiled.

  “What? When?”

  “La
st week. I didn’t want to say anything until I got to know him a little better.”

  I cocked my head at her in shock.

  “Who is this guy and where did you meet him?”

  “His name is Steven. He’s fifty years old, and we met in the meat section at the grocery store.”

  I arched my brow as I took a sip of my coffee.

  “I hope he’s not married.”

  “His wife passed away a few years ago. We’ve been talking every day and met for coffee yesterday.”

  “Oh my God! You couldn’t tell me this?”

  “Like I said, I wanted to get to know him a little better first. You know my history with men. Anyway, I really like him.”

  “And what does this Steven do for work?”

  “He’s retired.”

  “At the age of fifty?” My brow raised.

  “He used to work on Wall Street, made very smart investments, and now he doesn’t need to work anymore.”

  “So what does he do with his time?”

  “He golfs, travels, and is heavily involved in charity work.”

  “Does he have any children?” I asked.

  “No. He and his wife could never have any. The reason I’m telling you this now is because he wants to spend more time with me, and with your schedule, it’s hard because you never know when Caden is going to call you.”

  “He gives me notice, Mom. You know that.”

  “Not enough notice as far as I’m concerned.”

  “So what you’re saying is you don’t want to be responsible for Stella as much anymore?”

  “That’s not what I’m saying. I just think you need to have a backup because I have a life too.”

  Wow. I can’t believe she just said that.

  “I know you have a life, Mom, but you agreed to help me with Stella.”

  “And I have been for the past six years. I’m always there the second you need me. Now I want to live a life for me too.”

  “Okay. I’ll see if Sasha can be available more.”

  “What about Ben? You know Stella loves him and he loves Stella. He isn’t driving for you as much anymore, so maybe watching her could make up for it.”

  “And what do I do when I need him to drive me somewhere?”

  “You’re a smart girl, Brielle. You’ll figure it out. You always have. I’m sorry, baby, but I really like him. Maybe when your six months is up, you should consider retiring. You’ve saved quite a little nest egg already, and with the money you’re getting from Caden, you’ll have more than enough to live on, plus you can use it to go back to school.”

  “I’m happy you have my life figured out for me, Mom,” I snapped as I grabbed my coffee cup and got up from my seat.

  “Don’t you dare take that attitude with me, young lady. I have been here for you since you had that child. Did you think I was going to do this forever? Maybe you should look into hiring a nanny for Stella. It’s not like you can’t afford it.”

  “Mommy, Grandma, what’s going on?” Stella said as she walked into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.

  “Hey, good morning, sunshine.” I smiled as I walked over to her. “Nothing is going on. Grandma came over for some coffee and we’re just talking. I’m sorry if we woke you.”

  “It sounded like you were using your outdoor voices.”

  “Come here, baby,” my mother spoke as she held her arm out to her. “Give Grandma a hug. I have to go. Think about what I said, Brielle.”

  I rolled my eyes as she walked out the door. Maybe she was right. Maybe I should hire a nanny for Stella. If I did, then that meant my mom wouldn’t be watching her anymore and she wouldn’t be getting paid.

  I spent the day with Stella and explained to her that I had to go to Chicago for work for three days. She wasn’t happy about that, which made me even more upset than I already was. The older she got, the more difficult it was for her not to have me here. I only wished I could tell her that everything I was doing was for her.

  “Mommy, don’t be sad,” she spoke as she placed her hand on my cheek.

  “I’m not sad, sunshine.”

  “Yes you are. I can tell. You know what we do when one of us is sad.” She smiled.

  “Not right now, baby. I don’t really feel like it.”

  “It doesn’t matter if you feel like it. It’s something that has to be done.”

  She picked up the music remote on the table, pressed a button, and “Hakuna Matata” began to play. Stella grabbed my hand and started singing. A smile crossed my lips as I got up and we sang and danced our troubles away.

  Chapter 19

  Brielle

  “Be good for Grandma.” I smiled as I kissed and hugged Stella goodbye.

  “I wish you didn’t have to go,” she pouted.

  “You know Mommy has to work. I’m doing this for us, baby.”

  “Maybe you can find a different job. One where you don’t have to leave so much.”

  My heart broke into pieces as I stared into her eyes.

  “One day I will. I promise.”

  I grabbed my suitcase, said goodbye to my mom, and climbed into the car where Ben was waiting for me.

  “It’s getting harder on her,” I spoke.

  “She’s getting older and she’s more aware. She’ll be fine. You’re not the only working mother in the world. Plus, you’re a single parent and you’re doing a damn good job. Don’t forget that.”

  I sighed as I stared out the window. I wasn’t sure what to expect on this trip. Caden and I had barely spoken since that night. Ben pulled up to the hangar and my belly twisted in a knot when I saw Caden standing by his car. He walked over, opened the door, and held out his hand to me.

  “Good morning,” he spoke.

  “Good morning.” I placed my hand in his and climbed out of the car. My skin trembled, not only at his touch, but just by looking at him. It felt like it had been forever since I’d seen him.

  He let go of my hand and I wished he wouldn’t have. I followed him to the plane, and once we stepped inside, I took my seat while he went and spoke to the captain.

  “We’ll be taking off in a few minutes,” he spoke as he sat in the seat across that faced mine.

  “Okay.” I looked out the window. With much hesitation and just a need for an answer, I asked, “So, how have you been?”

  “Busy. Very busy,” he replied as he pulled his laptop from his bag and opened it.

  I expected him to ask me in return, but he didn’t. His focus was whatever he was doing on his laptop. I turned my head and stared out the window as the plane headed down the runway. I thought about my mom and the conversation we’d had yesterday. She was right. She needed to live her own life. A life that didn’t revolve around me or Stella. She deserved to be happy and to live the rest of her life with someone. She’d never trusted men, and the attempted relationships over the years that she found herself in never worked out because of her insecurities. I could relate. Once you were betrayed by a man, it was hard to ever trust again.

  “You look like you’re in deep thought. Is everything okay?” Caden asked.

  “Yeah. Things are fine.”

  “Do you not want to be here?”

  “Of course I do. It’s just an issue I’m having with my mother.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No. Not really.” I lightly smiled.

  His eyes diverted back to his computer, so I pulled out my book and began reading. When the plane landed, we climbed into the back of a limo that took us to the Waldorf Astoria.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Chamberlain. Welcome back.”

  “Thank you, Edward.” He smiled.

  “Ma’am.” Edward tipped his hat to me.

  “Hello.” My lips smiled.

  He opened the door for us, and we walked into the grand lobby and over to the front desk.

  “Ah, it’s nice to see you again, Mr. Chamberlain.” A bright-eyed blonde-haired woman smiled.

  “Hello, Peyton. It’s g
ood to be back.” He gave her a wink.

  As she typed away at her computer, she kept glancing up at me. I immediately hooked my arm around Caden’s and gave her a smile. He looked over at me in confusion.

  “The key to the Presidential Suite,” she spoke as she handed it to him.

  I watched as she made sure her fingers lightly brushed up against his.

  “Thank you, Peyton.”

  “If you need anything at all, give me a call,” she seductively spoke.

  I knew her type. She worked in this fancy hotel to try and sink her claws into the wealthy men that entered through the doors.

  “If he needs anything, I will be taking care of him.” I smirked as we walked away and headed to the elevator.

  “What the hell was all that about?” he asked.

  “Oh please. She was totally flirting with you.”

  “She always does when I come here. It doesn’t mean anything to me.”

  “You don’t find her attractive?” I asked as we stepped into the elevator.

  “Of course I do. I think she’s a very beautiful woman and I get the feeling she’d be exceptional in bed. By the way, do you do threesomes?” The corners of his mouth slyly curved upwards.

  “I do. For an extra hundred grand.” I raised my brow.

  “I was kidding, Brielle,” he spoke in a serious tone.

  As soon as the doors opened, I gave him a smile as I stepped out.

  “Seriously, I was joking. I know almost every man’s dream is to have two or more women in bed with him, but it’s not one of mine. I like to focus on one woman at a time.”

  “Good to know, Mr. Chamberlain.”

  “Come on. Tell me the truth,” he said as he opened the door to the penthouse suite. “Have you ever done a threesome?”

  “Why do you care?” I asked as I looked around the thirty-six-hundred-square-foot space. “But, if you want the truth, no, I never have. I’ve had men offer and I’ve turned them down, losing many clients because of it. It’s not my thing either.”

  He grabbed my arm and pulled me into him, smashing his lips against mine, forcing them to part so his tongue could slip in between and greet mine. His hands roamed up and down my body and I could already tell he was sexually starved.