The Proposal Problem: A Billionaire Royal Hangover Romance

by Natalie Knight

  I meet an array of gold-diggers all the time, and I can spot one from a mile away. That's not what Sophia is. She's legitimately married to one of the guys. But she's not so into racing, and I just don't understand that.

  I don't know what I'd do without the rush of the revving engines and the smell of the fast cars as they tear through the streets. Without that, I wouldn't even be here. I care less for the glitz and glamour of this life than I do for the excitement that comes with racing.

  I'm responsible for a lot of what goes on out there, technologically speaking, and it makes me feel good to know that what I'm doing makes a difference, even if it’s just in our own little underground world.

  This desire to be around cars probably comes from the fact that I grew up at and around a racetrack. My dad was always tinkering with cars and he took me to every local race that was hosted.

  That's where I got a lot of my knowledge and how I also learned how to be around men without throwing myself at their feet. I'm used to guy talk, and you can pretty much say I grew up as a tomboy. I'd rather be working on a car than anything.

  But I'm also gorgeous. Most women don’t have this kind of confidence, but I've come to accept that fact about me and be proud of it. Fucking revel in it.

  Growing up, that meant that my dad and brothers always had to protect me from men who would take things a little too far.

  But now I've grown up, and I know how to protect myself. I'm practically a virgin because I have such high standards—practically. The only thing on my radar right now is Braden and his beautiful…cars, of course.

  I watch him as he walks around the room. Women swoon and men are vying to talk to him. He's the best racer. And so, naturally, he's got everyone's attention. I try to ignore him and act disinterested as he comes closer to me.

  I want him, but I’m not like the other women. I can play it cool.

  I continue mingling with Sophia, who's telling me who and what society people are here.

  "That's Mrs. Armstrong; she comes from family money. And her husband, Henry, well, he's not much to look at, but I hear he's very good in bed."

  She always knows the best gossip. I'm listening to her intently, even with my eyes following Braden, and finding the conversation rather humorous. I love that Sophia’s a socialite and she can tell me the dirt on everyone.

  I listen to her for a while but soon notice that my champagne flute is empty. That’s not a good situation at this gala. I need alcohol to get through the night, especially with Braden never giving me a second glance. Not that I’d give him what he wants—if he wanted it, that is.

  I excuse myself from Sophia, and I'm just about to head for the bar when someone appears in front of me with two flutes of champagne.

  I look up, and I'm shocked to find his blue eyes staring back at me. It's Braden.

  When did he come this way? I’ve had my gaze trained on him all night.

  "Would you like a glass?" he offers.

  My knees weaken a bit as this is the first time I’m meeting him. At least I'm in a gorgeous gala dress.

  "Oh, I'd love a glass. Thank you."

  “I'm Braden Masterson," he says. "I don't think I've had the privilege of meeting you."

  Suddenly, I feel very intimidated standing before him and I don't know what that's about. Normally, I have the self-confidence of a goddamn supermodel, or at least a NASA scientist. But standing before Braden, I suddenly feel very insignificant, dwarfed by the shadow of his magnificent presence.

  "I'm Jenna," I say, offering him my hand.

  There's instant chemistry between us. I can feel it, like the air between us is crackling with an electric charge. There's some kind of connection, an awareness.

  Maybe it's just because I've had a crush on him for so damn long. Or does he feel it too? I can't be sure. But when we touch, I swear there are fireworks.

  He holds my hand a little too long and says, "Yes, Ms. Lockhart, I know exactly who you are."

  3

  Braden

  I hold her hand a second too long because she's taken my fucking breath away.

  This ravishing woman is the only person in the racing league that I've ever felt slightly overwhelmed by.

  And looking now into her deep green eyes, I find that I am, for once, speechless.

  Jenna introduces herself to me like she thinks I've never fucking seen her before, or that I don't know who she is. Of course, I do.

  She's the most stunning woman on the racing scene. Everybody knows who she is. But she has my attention right now because she's not just some girl who’s just willing to be an accessory on the arm of a billionaire.

  No, this girl's got brains. And she's actually got some brawn. She knows how to work on cars and she knows how to make them go faster.

  She actually works for one of my competitors and that makes me really fucking irritated. I'd do anything to have her come over to my side, but I know she has this thing about being professional.

  Her reputation precedes her. She doesn't date racers—or anybody in the business. She likes to keep that boundary strong between work and personal life.

  My cock twitches as I think of her having a personal life that doesn’t include me. She's the only woman I've ever met that I can't stop thinking about.

  Maybe it's because I have to hunt for her, work for it; she’s not one to easily give it up. Or maybe there's something more there. Something I can’t quite put my finger on.

  These are questions I plan on getting to the bottom of. I'm sick of watching Jenna from a distance. I want to get to know her up close and personal. And if I choose her, she'll be in for one hot ride.

  "Jenna, do you really think a single person in this building doesn't know who you are?"

  My question makes her blush. I almost don’t think she understand the scope of her work and the imprint she has on people.

  "Not only are you gorgeous, but I know you work for my competitor and that you know how to make those cars go fast."

  She looks at me like I just extended a challenge. Talking about my competitor, her boss, probably ignites a sense of loyalty or something in her.

  "Well, Braden, I have to say that I know who you are too. You're one of the best in the business and our little underground club. I really admire your racing style and I know that you have a lot of new technology within your company that I haven't even heard of. That intrigues me."

  Fuck, this woman has the smarts enough to talk to me about racing. Suddenly, the conversation’s not so blasé. She actually has an opinion about things and that turns me on even more.

  I want to be the one to make her give in, though. I want to be the one to help her break the pact she's apparently made to herself to keep things professional.

  "Would you like to dance?" I ask her.

  It's a fancy affair. This is obviously the work of an expensive party committee. It comes with the territory of being in The Billionaires Club. Anything less won’t do.

  We know how to race, and we know how to party, but most of all, we know how to make money. That's the main drive behind everything. And we may play fucking hard, but we work just as hard, too.

  Normally, these parties are events where I can find my latest conquest for the evening. I pick up a lot of women here and bring them back to my place—my penthouse. But they're out as fast as they come in. No one gets to stay the night. That's just how it is.

  Jenna probably senses this about me. She's not just any woman. I don't think anything gets past her, and I don't think she'd be too keen on being a one-night stand for me.

  This girl's got borders and she's got boundaries that I'm gonna have to work on taking down. Suddenly, Jenna’s the only thing on my mind...because she's so fucking unattainable.

  I take her out to the dance floor and hold her slender body close. It’s crazy because there's this undeniable spark between us. I consider the thought that maybe she's what's been missing from my arms all along. But I don’t linger on that too long.
/>   "So, do you have a boyfriend?" I ask, even if I can probably guess the answer.

  "As a matter of fact, I don't. I was dating this guy, not in the racing field,” she adds pointedly, “for about two years but we broke up six months ago."

  Good. That's fucking good to hear—for me. The thought of her with another man, especially in a long-term relationship, makes me feel strangely envious. I feel like I should've been that man. Jenna excites me and somehow lights up unfamiliar feelings in me.

  "Oh, that's too bad," I say with a tone of obvious insincerity.

  "Is it though? Is it too bad, Braden?" She seems to sense my sarcasm.

  "No." I laugh, giving her my infamous cocky grin. "The fact that you're single is like music to my ears."

  I hold her closer than is strictly necessary, and we dance for a couple songs. Some insane kind of sexual chemistry is brewing between us, reaching a boiling point.

  My cock is nice and hard under my pants, and I know she can feel it because I really am holding her that tight. She senses my arousal and I sense hers.

  Her face is blushing a lovely shade of crimson and she can hardly meet my eyes.

  I hope we can take this thing home tonight, or at least a step further.

  I lead her off the dance floor and ask her if she'd like another drink. At this point, I can tell that she's feeling a little lightheaded from all the champagne, but she's not drunk.

  "Yes, I would love another drink, thank you."

  Jenna's got so much fucking civility and class. It's like a whole other level. For some reason, I want to impress her. Normally, I don't care about what women think of me, but Jenna's different. I can already see that.

  I take her hand and notice everyone is watching us. I don't know why we're the center of attention in this room full of high-rolling people, but whatever. I’m going with it.

  Maybe it's because Jenna is never seen with a man. Maybe it’s because it's me she’s with, and all eyes are usually on me. Whatever the cause of their reactions, I feel like a celebrity now that I'm with Jenna. I think they're drinking in her beauty just as much as I am.

  We go to the bar and I order whatever she wants.

  "I'll have a martini, dry, no olives."

  "Make it two," I say.

  Our martinis arrive, and we sit at the bar and laugh together over silly things. It's like we already share a collection of inside jokes. She knows what it's like to be on the inside of the industry, and therefore I can really open up and talk to her. It’s not the typical bullshit I’m used to spouting to a woman.

  She knows everything about cars and she knows everything about technology. There's a lot to get to know about this woman.

  She gives me a little shit about being her competitor. But I take everything she throws out and send it right back at her.

  "It's too bad your cars aren't quite as fast as ours," she's saying. "You know, if you had the technology I'm working on, you'd be the king of the race for sure."

  "Is that so?” I smirk. “Well, I think I'm working on some things that would surprise even you. But I'm gonna keep those cards close for now."

  She laughs.

  "Okay, that's fine. But we'll see you on the streets. Only then can you see what my cars can do."

  She and I are having so much fun, but the alcohol’s going to my head. We're on our second martini now, and I think it's time to take things up a notch.

  "Come with me," I say as I take her hand and lead her away from the crowd of people.

  We duck into a dark corner of the ballroom and I press her against the wall. I can’t wait another second to taste this woman.

  I brace my hands on either side of the wall beside her, pinning her in, and slowly lower my head, teasing, testing.

  She doesn’t move.

  I smile. She wants this as much as I do.

  So I give it to her. I lean in and brush my lips against hers, softly, slowly.

  A small gasp escapes her lips and I feel it go straight to my cock. I need more of her.

  Suddenly, I can’t hold back. I kiss her with all the restrained passion that I’ve been keeping in check all night. It’s hot and hard, and I’m desperate for more.

  It takes her breath away and she kisses me back. Sparks are flying, the likes of which I never knew existed. Is it because this is all still new? Or is it because something about Jenna is just really that damn special?

  Whatever it is, I give in. I fucking give in. I give into her a thousand percent. As long as this woman is in my arms, pliant and willing, I don’t care about another fucking thing. Just making her mine.

  4

  Jenna

  Oh my god. My crush of a lifetime is kissing me like I'm the only woman in the entire world.

  Braden Masterson has me pressed up against the wall in an obscure corner off the main gala ballroom. I know it sounds like a teenage dream, but I'm loving every minute of it.

  Full, soft lips press against mine, hard and fast.

  Sparks fly and it's everything I ever imagined. More.

  And I've been imagining this for years. Ever since I saw him at his first race, I've had a thing for Braden.

  He's the hottest guy in the underground racing club and right now, he's got me pinned between his strong arms. I'm devouring his scent, his muscles, and everything in between.

  I can hardly believe that we've finally met after all this time, and that right now my fantasy is being brought to life.

  I never thought he'd give me the time of day, but from the feel of his massive cock that's pressing up against his pants and my leg, he's going to give me a lot more than even that.

  I'm obsessed, already addicted to his statuesque frame that has me pushed so far back against the wall the wooden accents are imprinting into the skin of my bare shoulders.

  I'm thirsty for this. Needy and desperate. The idea of his cock and how big it must be taunts me with torturous pleasure. I'm aching to go down on my knees and just start sucking, taking him in my mouth until he explodes, but there's no way I'm gonna move a muscle lest I end this glorious event.

  Someone pinch me, I have to wake up. Yet at the same time, I never want to.

  He's kissing me with vigor, like he's been wanting to do this for a while. Like he’s just as desperate for me as I am for him.

  Before this night, I was unsure if we’d ever formally be acquainted, but now this? I’m becoming well acquainted with details of Braden Masterson that I only imagined. The gods have looked down on me and sent Cupid with his bow. I must be doing something right to deserve this pleasure.

  At the same time, unfamiliar fearful thoughts gather at the back of my mind, threatening to ruin this perfect moment. I’ve always been sure of myself and the effect I have on men…so why am I suddenly having doubts now?

  Shit. Stay with it, Jenna. Don't let self-doubt ruin your moment.

  I can't help it. I may have successfully charmed my way into catching his attention, but he's always been a playboy. That's a fact. And tonight, I may be just what's on the menu.

  I've worked too hard on my own damn career, setting boundaries from all these men and staying the course. I can’t just let Braden ruin my reputation.

  Should I back off? Should I push him away?

  A part of me wants to hold back because I know who he is. I know he's a player and that he has a different woman on his arm every night. That's not for me. I don't want to be that girl.

  At the same time, it's so hard not to give in to my fluttering heart and the embrace of his gentle hands as he holds my face.

  This is one of those magical nights when everything just comes together. This is what happens when you've been thinking about someone for so long and then all of a sudden, it comes true.

  I part my lips as if to say okay, and he uses this as an opportunity to slide his tongue against mine in a tender embrace. It's the most intimate and erotic thing I think I’ve ever felt. It feels like we’re connecting, like it should always have been this way, yet w
hy did it take so long?

  I swiftly met him, and he swiftly charmed me, and now here we are in a corner, making out like teenagers at a prom. My dreams are coming true, but I keep telling myself to hold back, to not get hurt.

  I'm slightly aware that we might get caught any second by members of the gala passing through the hallway.

  At the same time, I just don't care. I want to give in to Braden. I want to give him everything he wants. This must be how he gets women so wrapped up in him.

  He's got charm that’s deserving of his billionaire playboy status.

  His tongue slides across my teeth before he invades my mouth with stormy kisses.

  Even with my high standards, I find myself falling for him. Braden has that effect on people, and I just want this moment so badly that I'm willing to throw all of my boundaries out the window.

  He bites my bottom lip, and I taste the martini on his tongue. I smell his musky scent, a combination of cologne, the racetrack, and masculine energy all combined into one. He's intoxicating.

  Tenderly, he laces his fingers through my hair and softly tugs my head back so that he can better access my mouth. His eyes are wild and ravenous.

  He starts feeling my tits through my dress, and warmth radiates from within me. As much as I hesitate, his mouth is insistent on consuming mine. It's the first brush with such dominant energy I've had in a while. The rush of it goes straight to my pussy that's becoming wetter by the moment.

  I feel a nervous and shaky excitement at being a virtual prisoner within Braden's arms. He kisses me softly, and I open my eyes to see him looking straight into my soul. He's searching for something, though I don't know what.

  "Do you want me to kiss you, Jenna?" he asks in a hard tone.

  I don't know how to respond. I've never had a guy question me like this before.

  Should I be honest and just say yes? Or should I play coy and not give myself up to him so easily? It's a predicament that I'm sure all women feel when they're with him. Or do they all just submit so easily?