The Billionaire's Masquerade: Betting On You Series: Book Two

by Winters, Jeannette

  Elaine crossed the room and took the seat facing his desk. When he didn’t follow her she turned to him and said, “You wanted to talk, let’s talk.”

  Trent sat across from her but not behind the desk as she had hoped. Instead, he leaned on the front of the desk, only inches away from her. Any other time she would enjoy the view, however they were in the office, and she couldn’t afford a replay of the last time she was here alone with him. “I have a lot of work to do, Trent. You said you wanted to talk about the rumors going around.”

  “You seem to be avoiding me. Why?”

  “Our paths rarely cross at work, so why would I need to avoid you?” It was true; she was avoiding him as well as everyone else in the building.

  “If I knew the answer, I wouldn’t have asked.”

  She rose from her seat. “Trent, let’s discuss this later.”

  He reached out and grabbed her hand. “Elaine, I want you to talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”

  “Did Tony’s relocation have anything to do with me?”

  “It had everything to do with you.”

  She was shocked at his honest answer. “You shouldn’t have done that. People are talking.”

  “Let them talk. He is lucky he was only relocated. When I heard how he treated you . . . well, let’s just say a relocation was very generous. It wasn’t my first choice.”

  She didn’t want to even think what his first choice was, but she was glad he didn’t go with it by the sound of his voice. Even the look on his face when he spoke said he was still angry. “It wasn’t that big of a thing. You should have spoken to me about it.”

  “Elaine, my business decisions are mine to make. I would have done this no matter which employee he harassed.”

  I doubt that. “Well, I’m glad it didn’t have anything to do with me personally. Thank you for clearing that up.” She looked at his hand still holding hers. “If that’s all, can I go back to work now?”

  “Elaine, what are you afraid of?”

  “You know the answer.” It was the same thing from day one. Did he really believe that someday she wouldn’t value her reputation?

  “Everyone is gone for the day. It’s after five on a Friday, there are just the two of us, and the cleaning crew already left. What are your plans this weekend?”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’re coming with me.”

  What does he have planned now? No matter how hard she tried to read him, she couldn’t. “Where?”

  “A place where you won’t have to worry about anyone talking about you. I’ll have the driver pick you up at nine. Bring your passport.”

  Passport! Leaving the country? Okay, she had to admit, she did trust him. She wasn’t always sure why, but deep down, she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. So her fear wasn’t that he was taking her away to torture her and dispose of the body. But like Trent, she also liked to be in control, not of everything, but at least of herself. “Trent, I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me where we are going.” She waited for him to answer, and when he didn’t, she tried a plea. “Trent . . .”

  He interrupted. “You’re the one who likes secrets. Elaine. Get your passport; be ready at nine.”

  Actually I don’t like secrets. Trying to argue that point was only going to bring them back to the topic she would rather not discuss again. “How can I pack clothes if I don’t even know where I’m going?” She tried one last time.

  “I will give you a few hints. Someplace far away that is warm and surrounded by the ocean. That’s all I’m telling you.” He grinned. “Oh, in case you haven’t noticed, I love the way you look in lace.”

  Hmm. Pack light. What are you up to? Why on earth are you taking me away? Is this about me avoiding you? Or was there something at this secret location he wanted? There had been times when he could be romantic like the roses the other day, but this felt different. What are you planning? What did it matter? Elaine wanted to be with him. “I better get going so I won’t be late.” She gave him a quick kiss and headed out of the office. There was a little adult boutique she passed each night on her way back to the apartment. If she hurried, she might have enough time to pick up something new for their getaway.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Shortly after Elaine was picked up, they were in the air and on their way to Dubai. After everything he learned from Mack, he wanted to steal her away and make it all better. That was impossible, but maybe a sweet distraction was what they both needed. Trent gave the pilot instructions for them not to be disturbed, then returned and took Elaine by the hand. “Come with me; let’s go lie down. It’s going to be a long flight.”

  “I know you’re not going to tell me where we are going, but can I know how long this flight is?” Elaine asked.

  “Eleven hours.” He enjoyed the look of disbelief on her face. “You have two choices: sit and look out the window at the dark night sky or come join me in the bed where I promise the time will seem to fly by.”

  He saw the desire for him in her eyes. Pulling her close, he kissed her feverishly. He had been thinking about touching her, tasting her, all day. But each time he tried, another issue came up. Now they had all night with no interruptions.

  ***

  She couldn’t believe her eyes as the pilot announced their descent. Elaine had seen pictures of Dubai but never thought she would actually be there. From the air she could see the crystal clear blue ocean below and towering luxury hotels along the beaches. It didn’t matter where they were going to stay. Dubai was known as the playground of the wealthy.

  “Is this where you keep disappearing to?” She had hoped he would have informed her long before she needed to ask. Since that never happened, now seemed the perfect time.

  “Not always. But I have been here a few times.”

  That really didn’t answer her question. What she wanted to know was had he been traveling on business or pleasure each of those times. They’d never defined their relationship as exclusive. For all she knew he could have been taking another woman away with him. The thought of him with someone else made her sick. Don’t go there. She was here with him now, that’s all that mattered and what she needed to focus on. As long as she was the one asking him to keep their relationship private, she really had no right to expect any serious commitment from him. Somehow that didn’t make her feel any better. Why don’t I just ask him?

  “Trent?” Nothing further came out. It was such a simple question. They were two grown adults; why was she nervous about asking? It’s the answer you’re afraid of.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “I only wanted to say thank you for taking me with you.” That was the truth. Not what she intended to say, but at least not a lie.

  Trent leaned over and kissed her gently. “It’s refreshing for once not to be here alone.”

  YES! Never took a woman home to his family and never brought a woman here. Maybe she was not the only one whose feelings had developed into something more. This weekend just got a lot better.

  Trent had a car pick them up at the airport. As they drove through the city, she was taken aback by the architectural beauty. Pictures of Dubai didn’t do it justice. Each building was unique and modern, surrounded by exotic flowers and plants and even more impressive in person. She was happy to be here. Why she was here was still a mystery.

  “I can’t believe I’m here. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you think so.”

  They left the confines of the city. “Where are we going?”

  “A private resort.”

  “Is that where we’re staying?” she asked, pointing to a lush area far ahead of them that looked more like an oasis.

  “It is.”

  Now you can keep a secret? “Why are we here?”

  “I have a meeting.”

  It was starting to make sense to her. Trent could keep his lips sealed when it came to his business. He had told her he always took business seriously. Did that mean he didn’t ta
ke what was between them seriously? Sitting in the back seat of a car in another country probably was not the time or place for her to start contemplating their relationship. That was what she got for setting the boundaries. Sometimes I could kick myself.

  Setting boundaries was a defensive mechanism she’d used as a child, bouncing from home to home. Never let anyone get to know you, and never get to know anyone, because everything is temporary. When she told Trent no one could ever know about them it wasn’t a lie, she was worried about her business reputation. She had worked hard to get where she was. She’d also said it so there would always be a wall between them. If others didn’t know, then it was only temporary. When things did change between them, it would be easier to walk away.

  No matter how hard she tried to keep the walls up, they were slowly crumbling. First it was Jon and Lizette and then his family. It was like the harder she tried to hide it, the more people knew. There was one common denominator in the mix. Trent. Apparently he was the weak link. She turned and looked at him. Maybe that was why he brought her along with him. A private resort sounded as secluded as you could get.

  “Is this where you have been coming each time you’re away?”

  “Yes. I didn’t realize you knew.”

  It wasn’t from him telling her. Wendy felt comfortable chatting with her, and sometimes she got more information than she probably should have. Since Wendy wasn’t here to pump for information, she was going to have to ask him directly. “Trent, you seem so distant. What’s wrong?”

  “Sorry. I have a lot riding on this.”

  When he turned to her, for the first time, she could see the stress in his eyes. Maybe she shouldn’t have come. But he’d asked her—she didn’t invite herself. There must be a reason for her being here that she’d yet to find out. The temptation to pry was overruled by the concern she had for him. Whatever the meeting was about, she would be there to listen when he was ready. If that day ever comes.

  Why should she expect him to share anything about his business world and any difficulties he was facing? They didn’t even talk about their personal lives. That’s not totally true. He had talked about his family and even took her to meet them. He had talked about his friends. It appeared she was the one not sharing anything. Elaine wanted to share; the only problem was she didn’t have those things to share. What would she say—that she felt like she was nobody from nowhere? No, she would talk to him about her past one day, but not now, not this weekend. And why change what was working for them anyway? There were times he was so damn aggravating she thought she would throttle him with her bare hands, but for the most part she was happy with their relationship at the moment. And from his actions he seemed equally satisfied. Resting her head on Trent’s shoulder, she smiled. She was exactly where she wanted to be right now.

  They approached their destination but were stopped at a massive gate. Not what I would expect at a resort. Two guards carrying what looked like M16 rifles approached the vehicle and, with cold hard stares, looked over all who occupied their car. Whoever he was meeting liked or needed security. Too late to change my mind now and say no? After speaking to the driver the guard waved them past. Instinctively, she nestled closer into Trent. He must have noticed the change in her because he took her hand and whispered, “Relax. You will enjoy yourself here.”

  Easier said than done. If he wasn’t relaxed, how did he think she was going to be? He was many things, but she knew he wasn’t reckless. He would never take her someplace dangerous. Whatever was causing the tension in him, it was not fear.

  The long private road led to a very secluded resort. When they entered, they were met by the manager who recognized Trent. “Mr. Davis. Welcome. Your usual suite is ready. We delivered coffee and fresh fruit a moment ago. Please let me know if there is anything further you require. I shall have someone bring your bags.”

  So he is a regular here? No wonder he looked so relaxed at the gate. Could’ve warned me. Wait, what was she thinking? He wouldn’t even tell her where they were going; there was no way was he going to talk about the security.

  “Is everything still on for the meeting at one?” Trent asked.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Trent put a hand on the curve of her back and guided her away from the main lobby. Once they were alone he said, “I think you will enjoy the suite.”

  “I’m sure I will. It sounds like you might not be there to enjoy it with me,” she said, hoping to gain a bit more information.

  “There are things I need to attend to . . . alone. But I will be with you most of the time.” Leaning closer he said softly, “You packed lace, I hope?”

  Smiling, she answered, “That is something you will find out after your meeting.” She actually packed a few extra items because Trent might like lace, but the panties never fit right after he was done with them. What part of delicate garment didn’t he get?

  When they entered the suite she was awestruck. The massive sitting room was tastefully decorated with bold golds and reds. Fresh flowers filled the room, creating a sweet, intoxicating scent. She walked to the glass doors she thought led to the patio. Instead it opened to a private infinity pool surrounded by palm and fruit trees. Stepping outside, she noticed the slight elevation of the resort provided a spectacular view of the ocean. She could only imagine what it would look like at night with the stars reflecting on the sea. She bent down and touched the water. Heated. Nice. Elaine hoped there might be some late night skinny-dipping in the moonlight. She hadn’t packed a swimsuit after all.

  “Do you like it?” he asked, so close she could feel his hot breath on her neck.

  Leaning against him she answered, “It’s gorgeous.”

  “We’ve had a long flight, and I need to shower before my meeting.”

  He was leaving her already. She covered her disappointment, saying, “Please do what you need to. I’ll find something to occupy my time.”

  “I was hoping you would join me.”

  That’s more like it. “Thought you would never ask.”

  Elaine knew she wasn’t particularly tall, but having a man carry her to the bedroom did wondrous things for her self-esteem. She felt small, delicate almost. No man had ever made her feel that before. The sensation of his deft fingers releasing the buttons on her shirt, and then slipping her blouse from her shoulders, caused her skin to tingle. He slowly unzipped her skirt, obviously delighting in the slow reveal of her body. Watching his face, and hearing the hitch in his breath, she knew he appreciated her pink silk bra and matching panties. If only he would like them enough to keep them, but she doubted it. The look of lust in his eyes confirmed these panties would be ripped off her as well. Her blood pounded in pleasure as he took her in. “Okay,” he mumbled, “I like silk on you, too.”

  He traced his fingers over the soft silk covering her breast. Instantly her nipples hardened. Trent cupped both her covered breasts in his hands, kneading them as he bent to kiss her. She opened her mouth to welcome his probing tongue. A moan escaped as he pinched her hardened nipples, sending heat through her, pulling at her very core. He pulled the fabric down and traced kisses down her neck until finally capturing one breast in his mouth. His tongue flicked and sucked, nipping gently. He cupped the other breast, as his other hand slipped between silk and her delicate folds. Her legs quivered, threatening to give out. She grabbed his shoulders for support as he slid one finger around her now swollen clit. She needed more, needed him now. “Please, Trent,” she begged.

  He ignored her, in no rush to give her what she needed. Elaine wiggled in his arms, trying to get his fingers to stroke her faster, harder, but he countered her movement with his own. It was sweet torture as he circled her clit again and again in a rhythm, holding her on the brink of ecstasy. Then he pinched her nipples harder and placed one finger at her opening as he continued his assault on her. She needed him inside her, now. Her breath came in gasps as he teased her. He finally increased the rhythm, sending her body into uncontrollable shudders of pl
easure. “Trent. Trent,” she gasped until her body began to calm. He held her close, but then urged her toward the bathroom, shedding clothes along the way.

  A huge open shower was surrounded with stone. As he turned on the multi-head shower, she noticed directly across from them was a full wall mirror. Odd. Intriguing. Then looking at Trent’s naked body in the mirror, she had one final thought. Hot as hell. He pulled her into the shower, her back against him under the hot spray of water. His erection pressed against her skin. She could see everything clearly in the mirrored wall. They were beautiful together; he towered over her, but she fit against him perfectly. As their eyes met in the mirror, his hand came from behind and cupped her breast again. Her hand reached behind and stroked his cock. With his foot, he nudged her feet so her legs opened. Bending his knees, he held his cock and rubbed it against her folds. His eyes continued to meet hers in the mirror as he removed his hand from her breast and rested it on her shoulders, urging her to bend forward for him. As she did she felt the head of his cock enter her then stop.

  With their eyes still meeting in the mirror, Trent put both hands on her hips and plunged deep inside. Her world shook as pleasure and pain mixed into one. She could see the hunger and raw need in him as he began to move, driving faster, harder. A gasp escaped her as he slapped and gripped her bottom firmly and entered her again and again. For a moment she tore her eyes from his. She could see the full length of him in the mirror as he pulled away before he entered her again. It was so erotic and made her want him more than anything she’d ever wanted before. Turning to capture his eyes again, his gaze was almost primal as he took her. It created a need within her beyond anything she had ever experienced. She wanted more, needed more. She was shocked when he first slapped her butt, however she now found herself enticing him for more, harder, grinding her hips against him, meeting him thrust for thrust. She tossed her long wet mane to rest upon her back arching as the waves of release flowed from her. Resisting the urge to close her eyes, she watched his eyes darken and his jaw tense as his own release followed hers. All she heard was his deep husky growl, then nothing.