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

by Calinda B

  Shaking his head, he leaned forward. “I heard she’s on vacation, and how many times do I have to tell you, I’m not going to a whorehouse. I don’t do that. Furthermore, what the hell does her not being here have to do with the entire thing?”

  “Okay, sorry. Don’t get yourself worked up.”

  Brianna appeared at the table. “Tonight’s specials are the lobster bisque served with a baby green salad. The second special is a pepper-coated pork tenderloin served with black truffle mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. The chef has made a Dutch apple pie and warm cherry cobbler.”

  Tim smiled. “Everything sounds great. I’m going to have the pork tenderloin. I’ll add the cherry cobbler for dessert.”

  Brianna turned to Logan, waiting for his order.

  “I’ll take the tenderloin and the Dutch apple pie, warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.”

  “Very good. Rex made the ice cream this morning. I’ll get your meals out shortly. Would either of you like another drink?”

  “Just coffee for me, please.” Logan glanced up to see Ramsey and the young woman with him leaving. His phone pinged. A text from Ramsey. Game on. Fishing expedition went as expected. Will let you know when the fish is reeled in.

  Great news. Be happy when the fish is caught. He locked his screen and managed to catch Scott out of the corner of his eye, leaving with a cocky walk and that same nasty smirk on his face. Logan chuckled, knowing it wouldn’t be too long before that smirk and cockiness were gone forever as he sat locked up behind bars. No qualms over what this guy had coming. If it went as planned, any woman he’d mistreated would be avenged in some small way.

  Dinner arrived and he made small talk with Tim as he waited until he would be able to make his escape and head home to Drew. He felt the smile turn up the corners of his mouth just thinking about her. This would all be over soon.

  “What are you smiling about?” Tim asked between bites.

  “Just something the taxi driver said the other day. Just puts a smile on my face when I think about it.” Logan motioned for Brianna.

  “Yes sir?” She glanced at Tim and blushed a little.

  “Could you bring me a box for the rest of my meal?”

  “Yes sir. Do you want your dessert to go as well?”

  “Please. Hold the ice cream.” He patted his mouth with his napkin. “Sorry to cut out on you, Tim, but I’m suddenly rather tired.”

  “Hey, it’s okay. I’ll just finish up and head home tonight, I think.” He looked wistfully after Brianna.

  Logan leaned closer toward Tim. “You should ask her out. She seems like a nice girl. She likes you.”

  Tim glanced at him, a smile spreading over his face. “I just might take your advice on this one.”

  As soon as Brianna boxed up the rest of his dinner and placed it in the bag with his dessert, he bid Tim good night and headed out of the club. He called a cab on his way down the elevator. When it pulled up, Logan was pleased it was Gus. “Evening, Gus.”

  “Good evening. Heading home early tonight, I see.” His eyes crinkled in the rearview.

  “Yes sir. I’m tired so I’m calling it an early night. How about you?”

  “Just finishing up my shift for the day. You’re my last fare. What do you have going on this weekend? If you’re heading out anywhere, I’ll be off, but I can let my friends know so they could be on the watch for any calls from you.”

  “Thanks Gus, that’s nice of you. I’m going to be hanging at home this weekend.” Logan glanced out the window and prayed whatever scheme Ramsey cooked up happened quick and got Scott locked up before the weekend was over. He wanted to get on with his life with Drew, if she was serious.

  When they pulled up in front of his house, he was glad to see all the curtains closed tight, and the driver’s car in the drive. “Thanks Gus. I’ll see you next week. I hope you have a good weekend.”

  “You too. It’s been a while since I’ve had one off and I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I hope you have a relaxing one.” Logan leaned climbed out of the cab and leaned forward to hand Gus the usual fare and tip.

  “You know you don’t have to keep giving me such a big tip each time. But it is appreciated!”

  “It’s not a problem. You’re my favorite cabby.”

  “Yeah, and you’re my favorite fare! Stay warm, kid.” He laughed as he rolled up the window.

  Logan hurried to the back door and unlocked it to find Drew and her driver sitting in the kitchen drinking tea and laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” He tossed his keys on the counter and hurried to the table to lean over and give her a kiss on the cheek.

  “He was just telling me a joke.” She started giggling again.

  “You know jokes?” He felt the heat cover his face when he realized he’d asked it aloud. He started to apologize when they both looked at him, and then back at each other, just before they both broke out laughing so hard that she was wiping tears off her cheeks.

  28

  Drew couldn’t stop laughing at the look on Logan’s face. More than that, it felt so good to actually laugh with abandonment. Something she couldn’t remember ever doing. She grabbed his hand and tugged him to her, kissing the tip of his nose. “You’re so cute when you blush like that.”

  “Sorry if I offended you.” He shook Timothy’s hand. “Thanks for staying with her tonight. I’d have been nervous with her here alone.”

  “No problem, sir. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Ms. Drew. I enjoyed tonight. It’s been fun getting to know her again.” He stood and grabbed his jacket off the hook by the back door. “You let me know if you need anything, Ms. Drew.” He tugged his jacket on and glanced at Logan. “Let me know if you need me again, sir. You have my number.”

  “You got it.” He smiled at Drew. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to walk with Timothy to his car.”

  Drew suddenly didn’t feel like laughing anymore. She nodded at Logan and carried her teacup over to the sink, pouring the golden liquid down the drain. She rinsed it out and turned the teakettle on. Nibbling on her bottom lip, she wondered what the men were talking about and why Logan felt he couldn’t talk in front of her. She prayed everything was going all right with the plan. Drew knew she had to trust whatever was set in motion, but she’d never had so little control over her life before.

  She slammed her hand down on the sink. “Damn it,” she yelled at the ceiling. Never had she been afraid to leave the house. What the hell was she doing hiding in Logan’s house and allowing everyone else to figure things out for her? She should have gone to the police and pressed charges against him.

  The back door flew open. Logan’s eyes were wide and searching the kitchen. “What’s wrong? Who are you talking to?”

  “No one. Myself. Damn it, Logan. I’m mad at myself. I’m acting like a scared idiot, hiding in your house and letting you and Ramsey plan what is going to happen next.” She shook her head before turning to look him in the eyes. “I feel like I’m losing part of me by not standing up for myself. I think you were right about me reporting Scott. What am I doing, Logan?”

  “You’re finally allowing yourself to be who you truly are. A beautiful, warm, funny woman who is no longer hiding behind a façade. I don’t think you’re losing yourself. I think you are finally finding yourself. Don’t you see that?”

  “You honestly don’t see me as weak and compromising?” She bit her lip again, moving a step closer to him. Cocking her head, she tried to see herself through his eyes. Was she really all those things he said?

  Logan smiled and moved a step closer to her. “How can I think of you as anything but brave? You were right when you told us that Scott would never see one moment of jail time for kidnapping you. What proof did we have other than your word against his. Some lawyer would have been paid off to make it disappear. I think Ramsey is right. This way, we know he will pay for what he’s done. It might not be the best way, but whatever Ramsey has planned, it is supp
osed to put him in jail for a very long time.”

  She took another step closer. “And where does it leave us once this is over?”

  He moved another step closer so their bodies were touching. “It leaves us wherever we want to be. Seeing where this new love takes us.”

  She reached out her hand and ran her fingers down his arm until she entwined her fingers with his. “Can we go to bed now?” She saw a small smile cross his lips.

  “If that’s what you want.” They made their way to his room.

  “Tonight, I just want to be here with you, without overthinking everything. Without worrying about what is going to happen tomorrow.” She watched his face and prayed he would do as she asked.

  Taking her face in his hands, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss as he whispered three little words. “Yes, I can.” He lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed.

  Later, as she lay in his arms listening to him breathe, she closed her eyes and said a prayer. Please let everything go all right. Please put Scott where he belongs so he can never hurt another woman again. She wasn’t sure if God would listen to her prayer. She’d never prayed much before, but she sure was doing it a lot lately. She lay for a long time with sleep eluding her. If she were home, she could just pick up her phone and call her chef to make her some scones and tea. It seemed so long ago her life had been…empty. That is what it was, empty. As she finally felt herself drifting off, a smile crossed her lips. It wasn’t so empty anymore.

  Her eyes flew open. What was that noise? Holding her breath, she listened for a moment, trying to determine what had woken her. There, she heard it again. She tightened her arm around Logan and whispered in his ear. “Logan. Wake up. Something is wrong.”

  She felt him tense and she quickly put her hand over his mouth. “Shh. I think someone is in the house. Listen.”

  They lay, holding their breath as she strained to hear the noise again. Suddenly, there it was, the faint sound of someone moving around. “Did you hear it?” She breathed in his ear.

  Shaking his head, he threw off his covers and motioned for her to stay put. Grabbing for his arm, she shook her head for him not to go. Leaning close, he whispered, “It’s fine, you stay here, and I will go check it out.”

  Drew knew if he could see her face, he’d see the damn fear in her eyes once again. She hated this feeling. Pulling the blanket up around her, she found herself praying for the second time that night.

  Logan moved deftly to his dresser and silently pulled out the top drawer. She watched as he pulled something out and checked it before glancing over to the bed and moving quietly to the door. He looked out and pulled his head back, gripping both hands on the gun he was holding, before slipping out into the hallway.

  Drew couldn’t stand it. She could no longer hear him and had no idea what was going on. Throwing the covers off, she slipped out of bed and walked softly to the door, using the moonlight to guide her. She peeked her head around as she’d seen him do before quickly pulling back and to get her thundering heart under control. Just as she was ready to slip through the door, she heard Logan.

  “Drew. It’s fine. There’s no one here.”

  She turned on the light and grabbed his robe, pulling it tightly around her before making her way softly down the hall toward his voice.

  Drew leaned against the doorframe and looked at him. “I’m sorry. I thought I heard something.”

  Logan glanced over at her and smiled. “It’s okay. I’m sure none of us will rest until we know Scott is locked up.”

  Moving forward, she slid her fingers through his and smiled. “Thank you.”

  “We’re up now. You want some coffee?” He led Drew to the table and pulled her chair out.

  “Coffee is fine. I feel bad I woke you for no reason.”

  “Never feel bad about waking me for any reason.”

  29

  He finished making the coffee and turned to her. “Do you think Ramsey is up yet?”

  Drew giggled. “Most certainly not. Normally, those of us who don’t work for a living, sleep in. I don’t think he is an early riser.”

  “I wish this was over.”

  She stood and made her way over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I wish this was over too. Why don’t we call Ramsey in a couple of hours and see if he knows anything?”

  “Sounds good to me. What do you want to do? I know I can’t go back to sleep now.” He pulled her closer. “I was having such a nice dream.”

  “I won’t go back to sleep now either. Would it be all right if you took me to my house so I can pick up some things?”

  “Can’t we send for what you need?”

  “I don’t want anyone going through my personal drawers, and I will be with you, so I’ll be safe. I doubt Scott is out of bed either, and I don’t think he’s worried about what I’m doing. It’s not like he’s looking for me around the clock.”

  “Okay. We’ll shower and run over. I’ll call a cab for us.”

  “A cab?” She raised a brow. “I’ve never been in one before. Aren’t they dirty?”

  “Not the company I use. Well, not the drivers I have. I’ll see if Gus will be available. He’s a nice, old fellow. Lost his wife a few years ago and he sometimes works double shifts for the younger drivers when they have something going on.”

  “Why?” She laced her fingers through his hand as they walked to his room.

  “Seriously?” He chuckled again. Sometimes this woman shocked him with how she perceived the world. “Because he’s a nice guy. He helps others without expecting anything in return.”

  “Why?” She tugged his hand and stopped him. “Everyone always expects something from you.”

  Drew’s words shot a pain through his heart. “Oh baby. Do you really believe that? Have you never known anyone who didn’t expect something from you for something you did for them?” She shook her head. “Even Ramsey?”

  “We always expect something in return for things we do for each other. I thought everyone did that. My employees do everything for me, and I pay them well. They are expected to keep my private life private. In return, they are rewarded.”

  “And me?” He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “What do I expect from you?”

  “You expect me to change.” She blinked and challenged him to deny it.

  Crossing his arms, he nodded his head. “I can see how you think that. I don’t expect you to change. I told you that I can’t live with you stealing from people. It’s dishonest, not to mention risky. Look where we are right now. You got yourself mixed up with an evil man just because you wanted to risk stealing a stone no one else wanted to attempt.” He held up his hand when he saw the storm brewing in her eyes. “You know it’s true. I’m asking if you can set that part of your past aside and live honestly. It breaks my heart to think of you getting involved in dangerous games like that.”

  “Isn’t that expecting something in return for your love?” She lifted her chin defiantly.

  Logan threw his head back and laughed as he pulled her into his arms. “I guess I never looked at it that way. I’m so sorry you have such a jaded outlook on people. I hope us being together gives you a different outlook.”

  She sighed and snuggled closer. “I think I already do. Let’s get that shower.” She put her hands on his chest and pushed herself back, looking up at him with worry on her face. “I didn’t ask you if it was all right to bring some of my things here. Am I being pushy?”

  “No, you need things of yours here. It will make you more comfortable. I don’t mind.”

  “Thank you for everything you’re doing for me.”

  “Listen, you take a shower in my room, I’ll use the guest shower.” He chuckled as she cocked her head, brow raised. “Only because we won’t get out of here for hours if I take one with you.”

  Drew walked into his room, glancing over her shoulder as she dropped his robe on the floor.

  Groaning, he ran his hand down his face. “Not f
air woman.” He heard her laughter as he went down the hall to the guest room.

  Logan found her ready to go, sitting in the kitchen on her phone, brows drawn, and a frown on her beautiful lips. He sat down next to her and she slid her hand into his.

  “Good. Uh huh. He took possession of it when?” She laid her head on his shoulder as he pulled her against him. “Yes, he’s sitting right here. Okay, hold on.” She pulled the phone away from her ear and put it on speaker. “He wants to talk to both of us.” She sighed. “It’s on speaker now, Ramsey.”

  “Morning, Ramsey. What’s going on?” Logan pulled her closer.

  “My source let me know Scott took possession of them as soon as the job was completed. He was parked outside of the home in his own car. The police were tipped off about the heist and were watching so they followed him home. He got out of his car and asked what they wanted. The advised him that they were going to search him and his vehicle because of a tip they had received, apologized to him for the inconvenience, and asked him to cooperate. Scott got mad and started calling them names. One of the officers pulled his gun and told him to calm down.”

  Drew gasped as her hand flew to her chest. “What? Did they handcuff him? How do you know all this?”

  “Aw, my source had someone keeping watch and that person witnessed what was going down. The officer told him he was under arrest, and Scott shoved the officer, making threats about his lawyer suing the department if they didn’t get off his property. Unknown to me, my source went a bit further with the plan because they had some more Intel on him, which I won’t go into right now.” They heard him pause and clear his voice. “There are more stolen jewels planted in his home. The department was tipped off about those as well, and I’ve been informed there has been a search warrant issued to search the entire home.”

  “Well, that’s good.” Logan pulled her into his lap. “It’s perfect, isn’t it?”

  “What do you mean? He’ll probably claim he was framed. According to him, he has pull in this town.” Drew pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.