Billionaire Bad Boys: A Collection of Contemporary and Paranormal Bad Boys

by Calinda B

  "I told you, I wasn't letting you go again. The way I went about things when you were gone...well, let's just say they weren't ideal. But if you know me the way I think you do," he squeezed her tight when she nodded in affirmation, "then you also realize it was the only way I could stay away. Give you the time you needed. What we have between us can't be destroyed by time or distance."

  She agreed. No matter what she did, he was never far from her thoughts. Every time she tried to forget him and move on, something reminded her of their time together and his face would show in her mind. A song on the radio. The smell of a man's cologne. Anything could be the trigger.

  "Okay, fine. One-month. But don't expect anything fancy," she grumbled, shifting her position on the couch. Turning her body, she lifted one leg over his lap, straddling him as he sat on the couch.

  "I wouldn't worry about that. I'm sure our parents have it all under control. You only have to worry about looking beautiful, walking down the aisle to me, and saying 'I do' when asked." His hand played with her hair as she sat on him.

  "Simon," she sighed. Bringing her soft lips to his, she leaned her frame into his firm chest, pressing her breasts against him. "I think I need another shower."

  He smirked. "Is that right?"

  "Yeah, it is. Want to join me?"

  Grabbing her under the ass, he lifted from the couch and she squealed in delight. "You can't carry me up the stairs. I'm too heavy," she giggled.

  "Don't insult me like that. And don't even say you're too heavy for me. You're just right. You always have been."

  As Simon climbed up the stairs holding Melanie in his arms, she marveled at the road they'd taken to get to this point. All the years of finding themselves, brought them right back to each other. The mistakes they'd made in the past no longer mattered. A smile came over her face as she pictured their future together. Their life ahead of them was the only thing that mattered.

  Kissing Simon on the neck as he reached the top of the stairs, she whispered in his ear, "I have handcuffs in my suitcase. I think I've been a bad girl."

  Simon's look of surprised forced a giggle to break free. Her laughter sounded throughout the house as he began running down the hallway to her bedroom. Who knew letting go and losing control would be the best thing she ever could have done.

  About the Author

  The characters I write will not be perfect. None of us are. They will make mistakes. All my heroes will have redeeming qualities, but on the outset, you may not be their biggest fan. My heroines will be the kind of women you want to hang out with. They're the women next door, down the street and around the corner. They are the ladies you would want to spend time with on a Saturday night drinking a martini.

  I have been an avid reader of romance novels since the age of fourteen and know what appeals to me as a reader. My goal is, and will always be, to provide that same experience for the women and men who read my novellas and short stories.

  I’m a former Marine and served for eight years, so strong military men will always be a favorite topic of mine. I will continue to write stories with military heroes front and center. I’m also a fan of Alpha males and strong women who love with everything they have.

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  Love and Hugs,

  Reana Malori ♥

  How to Stay in Touch!

  Main Website

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  Clarity

  The Diamond Club

  Sharon Coady

  Successful jewel thief Drew Taylor finds her thrills as an elite member of The Diamond Club where nothing is what it seems.

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  Mystery, danger, and romance mingle to form a sensual intrigue…

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  Successful jewel thief Drew Taylor is young, beautiful, and bored. She lives her life on the edge, trusting no one and deceiving everyone.

  Logan James worked his ass off to become the best damn wide receiver the NFL has seen in years. Even though his sport is brutal, he lives a life of honesty and trust.

  When their worlds collide, sparks ignite but will Logan’s honesty and Drew’s deceit destroy them?

  1

  Logan James couldn’t believe his luck had finally turned. After years of hard work and countless hours of practice, he’d been drafted as a wide receiver for the New York Knights, one of the best damn teams in the football league. He’d finally made the cut and received his key to the exclusive Diamond Club for millionaires only. The one club he’d dreamed of becoming a member of.

  Tim Harris, his best friend on the team, had made membership the year before and relentlessly teased him about not making it into the club with him. Logan knew the joking was in fun, but he was relieved to finally reach his goal. Tonight, dressed in his best Armani suit, he would at last check it out for himself.

  The limo dropped him off in front of the Weirs Building, and he made his way through the lobby to the exclusive elevator marked Diamond Club, 100th floor. Inserting his key card, he waited for the elevator, his excitement building. When the doors slid open, he stepped inside, feeling the beads of sweat on his forehead and cursed under his breath.

  He had money now, so why the hell did he still feel like the struggling street kid who had to fight for everything he ever had. His grandmother had told him all the time, “Anything worth having was worth fighting for.” Damn, he wished she’d lived long enough to see him on the team. She was the one person who had always believed in him. As he watched the numbers ticking off the floors, he moved his shoulders around to loosen the muscle. He let out the breath he’d been holding and forced himself to relax his fisted hands.

  When the doors opened, he stood frozen in place for a few seconds. The club was like nothing he’d ever seen before. Lights reflected off the deeply polished floor like stars over a lake on a clear mountain night. Smartly dressed people were sitting in small groups around tables draped in crisp white tablecloths. They reminded him of something out of one of the old movies he used to watch with his grandmother. Jewels, crystal, and china sparkled from the candles flickering on each table. He finally got his feet moving and stepped through the doors. Taking a deep breath, he started looking for Tim.

  “May I help you, sir?” The host stepped forward, giving a slight nod.

  Logan jumped. “Um, yeah. I didn’t see you standing there.” He gave a crooked grin as his heart raced in his chest. “Looking for my buddy, Tim Harris.”

  “Just a moment, sir.” The host turned and glanced at the tablet sitting on a jet-black pedestal to the right of the elevator. “Your name, please?”

  “Oh, Logan James.” Logan raised a brow, wondering how he hadn’t noticed the pedestal or the man when he’d stepped off the elevator.

  The host spoke into a small mouthpiece, “Sergio, Mr. Logan James is here to join Mr. Tim Harris, table fifteen. Thank you.” He glanced at Logan. “Sergio will be with you momentarily to take you to your table, sir. Welcome to the Diamond Club.”

  “Thanks. Nice place, isn’t it?” He cursed to himself when the man raised one brow. Shut up.

  The host nodded once and stepped back to stand beside the pedestal.

  A very large, burly man dressed in a black suit approached. Taking in the mere size of the man, Logan thought he looked more like a bouncer from a downtown bar.

  “Mr. James?” His raspy, deep voice fit his rough looks.

  “Yes?”

  “I’m Sergio. Follow me.” He turned and walked off without waiting to see if Logan was following behind him, leading him toward the back of the establishment.

  Logan sighed when he spotted Tim sitting at a table off to the right. “Hey man,” he called, causing Mr. Big and Nasty to glance over his shoulder with a scowl. Logan shrugged, heat creeping up his face from his slight blunder. He hurried to the table, s
at down, and slapped Tim on his back. “What’s up with Big and Nasty?” He cocked his head at the guy lumbering away.

  “Sergio? He’s harmless. Looks out of place, doesn’t he? Want a drink?” Before Logan could answer, Tim motioned with his hand, and instantly, a lovely waitress appeared at the table.

  “Yes, sir?” she purred as she smiled sweetly. She was petite with long, dark hair and thick dark lashes.

  Tim nodded at Logan. “Get him what ever he wants, and you can bring me a refill, Brianna.”

  “I’ll have a Coors, please.”

  Brianna raised one perfect eyebrow. “We don’t serve bottled beer here, only tap from the local micro breweries. Would you like to see the drink menu?”

  “Oh, sure.” He felt the heat cover his face and knew his ears were redder than shit. He took the drink menu and glanced at the vast list of tap beer, some he had never heard of. “What are you drinking, Tim?”

  “The house ale, it’s great. Just bring us two of them. He’s new to the club.”

  “Yes sir, I’ll get those for you right away.” She nodded at Tim and hurried over to the bar.

  Tim watched her, a smile lighting up his face. He turned to Logan. “That’s Brianna Mecardo. She’s a looker, isn’t she?” He chuckled.

  Logan nodded. “So, this place is different. I didn’t expect it to look like something out of an old movie. Do you know any of the people here?” He looked around again at all the beautiful people chatting and smiling.

  “Not really, just what I’ve read about some of them. Hey, it doesn’t matter who you know when you’re here, it’s the fact every one of us here has money. That’s all I care about. Enjoy it, buddy. You took long enough to get here.”

  Logan shook his head, choosing to ignore the stab at him.

  Tim leaned over the table and slugged Logan in the arm.

  Logan felt the smile spread over his face. “You’re such a dick. Grow up.” He rolled his eyes and chuckled before glancing slowly around the club once again. “Man, this place really is something. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many diamonds before in my life.”

  “Yeah, it’s a bit overwhelming at first, but once you’re here a few times, it doesn’t seem so remarkable. You’ll get used to it.” Tim downed the last of his beer just as Brianna appeared and set two tall glasses of amber ale in front of them.

  “Will there be anything else, sir?” She glanced at Tim, and Logan could see the longing in her eyes.

  Tim shook his head. “Will be ordering our dinner in a little while. Can you bring us menus so he can look at them?”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be back in a few moments.”

  Logan looked around and noticed a couple sitting at the next table. He couldn’t take his eyes off the beautiful woman who was watching the man sitting across from her. This overwhelming desire to get up, stroll over, and sit down next to her washed over him as he watched her nod her head and smile at something her companion said.

  Tim cleared his throat. “Earth to Logan. Did you hear what I asked you? What the hell are you staring at anyway?” He glanced over his shoulder before looking back at Logan.

  “Sorry, I was thinking about something. What did you want to know?” He forced himself to look at Tim when all he wanted was to keep watching her.

  Brianna walked up with two more beers, setting one in front of each of them. “These are from Rex, on the house, he’s a big fan of your team.” She smiled at Tim, her eyes never leaving his.

  Logan raised one eyebrow, watching this different side of Tim.

  “Sure. Tell him thanks.” Tim cleared his throat and fidgeted with the wrapped silverware sitting on the table.

  She placed a menu in front of each of them. “I’ll give you a minute.” Turning, she walked back to the bar, swaying her hips.

  “Nice looking girl. How long have you had the hot’s for her?” He snickered as he opened the menu to scan the offerings. “And who’s Rex?”

  “Shut the fuck up, asshole,” Tim growled. “She’s a sweet girl, and I like sitting in her section. That’s it.” He shook his head. “Rex and his brother Colt are the bartenders.”

  “Sure…” Logan put his hands up in front of him as he chuckled. “So, who’s that?” He nodded to the table next to theirs.

  Tim turned slightly. “The guy is Scott Turner. He has one of the largest gem collections of anyone in the club. He evidently just acquired one of the largest emeralds in the world. I’ve heard him bragging about it for weeks to anyone who will listen. The woman is Drew Taylor, one of the richest women in the club. I don’t know much about her other than that. She’s lovely, isn’t she?”

  “She sure is.” Logan glanced over, just as the man she’d been sitting with helped her from their table. His gaze met hers as she strolled by, causing his breath to catch. Her eyes were the color of whiskey and fringed with long, dark lashes. Her heart-shaped face was graced with flawless, alabaster skin, a dainty nose, and full, pouty lips that shimmered with bright red lipstick. Her richly hued, brunette hair fell in thick, bouncy waves halfway down her back. He’d never seen a woman so beautiful.

  As she walked away, he took note of her curvy figure as she glided on long, shapely legs carrying her too far away from him. She turned and glanced over her shoulder, catching his eyes with hers once again. He stood as she stepped into the elevator and when the doors started to close, he saw the man pull her to him. Jealousy slammed Logan hard. What the hell? He sat down. Where did that come from?

  He cleared his throat and turned back to Tim, who was looking at him with the corner of his mouth quirked up. “I think she may be a bit more than you can handle, man. You better leave that one alone.”

  “Can’t a guy just look without you making a comment? Where’s that waitress? I’d like to see about a glass of water.”

  “Ah, come on, you were looking. I could have knocked you out of your chair, and you wouldn’t have noticed you were on the ground.” He laughed that deep, rolling laugh of his and instantly everyone in the vicinity turned their heads smiling.

  Logan laughed as he punched Tim in the arm. “Score one for the asshole.” He leaned back in his chair, wondering if she came here often, and what he’d have to do to catch her eye. He wasn’t a player by any means, not like some of the other guys on the team. “Yeah, well you haven’t got the nerve to ask out that waitress you like so much. Why don’t you?” Logan gave him a lopsided grin, changing the subject. “You must really like her since you’re this nervous about it.”

  Tim shrugged his shoulders and turned red.

  “So what’s good?” He studied the menu, noticing the prices listed by the meals. His gut churned at the cost, still not used to the fact that he had money and shouldn’t be worried about it.

  “Anything on the menu.” Tim leaned closer, “And later, if you’re up to it, I know a place that has things off the menu that will have your toes curling.”

  “No thanks, man. If you’re up to it, go ahead.” His thoughts went back to Drew. Now, he could think of some things he would like to do with her that would curl his toes.

  “I don’t get you. I don’t know why you don’t let yourself have some fun once in a while. Would it really hurt?” Tim huffed, tossing his menu on the table.

  He could tell he’d pissed Tim off, but he didn’t care. If he didn’t want to screw prostitutes, it was his business. Frankly, the thought of meaningless sex did nothing for him.

  2

  Drew Taylor glanced over at the next table, having overheard the banter between the two men. She’d seen the darker haired one before, but the man sitting with him was new. She noticed his hesitation and nervousness. From the way he acted, she presumed he must be new to money. He was smaller in stature than the other one, with short blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, bronzed skin, and a square jaw. His deep baritone voice sounded soothing to her ear. He smiled at something the other one said and a dimple appeared on both cheeks. He’s hot.

  “Drew?”

  St
artled, she turned back to her companion. “I’m sorry. What did you just ask me?” Don’t lose focus now! She scolded herself, and then lowered her lashes just enough to look demure to her mark. “My thoughts wandered for just a moment. I’m so embarrassed.”

  “Don’t worry. I understand one’s thoughts can be distracting from time to time.” His mouth turned up in a sly smile. “Thank you for seeing me again. I’ve been mesmerized by you for a long time.”

  “Oh, how sweet of you.” He sat up a bit taller as she fluttered her lashes coyly. “Why don’t we take this back to your place?” Touching his arm lightly, she gave him a promising caress.

  “Sure. Let me pay the check.” He motioned to the waitress as he pulled his wallet from his suit pocket.

  Drew cringed at the thought of going home with Scott. He was easy on the eyes but not very smart. She’d spent months watching him, listening to him brag about his wealth and some recently acquired jewels. It wasn’t hard to catch his attention, she just played hard to get. This was going to be fun, if she pulled it off as quickly as she hoped.

  She’d learned early on to never work a mark if she had an attraction toward him. She figured it would be harder to steal from a man if you desired him. Not that she would know, she’d never really had more than casual interests in passing gentlemen.

  She picked up her purse and allowed Scott to help her up from her chair. He offered her his arm, and she slipped hers through his, forcing a smile on her face. Drew glanced at the blonde as they moved by his table. He looked up and their eyes connected for the briefest of moments. Drew inhaled sharply, something passed between them in that short moment. She broke the gaze, turned to Scott, and whispered, “How far do you live from here?” She knew he lived exactly eighteen minutes from the club.