Irish Billionaire's Unwanted Black Baby (BWWM Romance)

by Ciara Cole

  Knowing she had a job waiting lifted her spirits immeasurably, and she got into the party mood with the rest of her friends. She was busy laughing at something one of the girls said and barely noticed that one of the staff, Rachel, had come to speak in Ayana’s ear.

  A few moments later, Ayana was nudging Gabrielle, saying something about the club running out of VIP tables, and asking if Gabrielle minded sharing theirs?

  “They’re a couple of high rollers – and regulars, too. It would be great if we could oblige them,” Ayana said.

  “Sure, why not?” Gabrielle said, barely glancing over her shoulder at the guys. She was too busy having fun.

  But when a tall shadow crossed to her side and sat down, she had to make room by edging closer to Ayana. And that’s when she looked up and saw him.

  At first Gabrielle gave a start, thinking she’d just gotten to sit next to Shia LaBeouf. But a few seconds perusal told her he was really just a very close look-alike, complete with the bad-boy stubble.

  He looked as cozy in his suit as most guys looked in their favorite sweats. Even in clothes, his body looked ultra-cut in ways that even his perfectly tailored outfit couldn’t hide. And when he picked that moment to flash a smile, he had Gabrielle thinking of “white man” and “sex” in the same sentence for the very first time. Like, she literally went moist in three seconds flat of seeing the guy and he wasn’t even her usual type.

  No, Gabrielle didn’t really do chestnut-haired, green-eyed white men in thousand-dollar suits and Cartier watches who looked like they could be A-list celebs. The VIP section was dotted with them tonight, but none of them left her as star-struck as this handsome stranger. After all, he might be white but damn, tall and handsome was definitely her type in any color.

  He was saying something, and it took a moment for the fog of desire to clear so she could actually make out his words. Thank goodness the music in the club was just loud enough to make comfortable conversation.

  “I’m Adam, pleased to meet you,” he said, with an arched brow that seemed to leave the sentence as a question.

  “Gabrielle,” she said, returning his charming smile. With his leading-man looks and dress sense, Gabrielle could imagine it wouldn’t take much more than his charm and smile to hook the ladies. To her surprise, he then introduced Gabrielle to his friend, who was seated on the other end, on Ayana’s right side. The way they were coupled off, anyone would think they were on a planned double-date.

  Gabrielle wasn’t about to think of her present “pairing up” with this stranger as fate, but she definitely could call it a golden opportunity.

  After all, who would mind the attentions of an attractive, successful-looking male? His demeanor reeked of money, but that wasn’t all. She liked that there was an edge about him, something almost cold beneath his convivial exterior. “You got one of the best tables in the house. We appreciate you letting us butt in on you guys,” he said.

  “It’s nothing, really,” Gabrielle said with a shrug. Oh wait, did this guy really think she could afford all this? Again, she felt like it was all such a lark. Hell, why not? She could play the well-heeled socialite for tonight. Wouldn’t it be fun, flirting and letting loose with a mysterious stranger on a perfect night like this?

  “As a thank you, why don’t we make sure we keep you ladies’ glasses full?” said his friend, Jake. He was young and handsome, too, dressed in a power suit with a V-neck sweater and open-necked white shirt. His blond hair flopped in a mid-parting on his forehead, giving him an almost boyish air. Gabrielle smiled to herself as she caught Ayana giving him a speculative gaze from over the rim of her glass as she sipped. Gabrielle didn’t really think Ayana had a “type,” but this Jake certainly looked like someone she would favor for a night’s entertainment.

  What about me? Gabrielle wondered if she would consider a one-time encounter with a hot stranger. Earlier that day, she’d thrown out the comment to Ayana that she’d think about it, but hadn’t really meant her words about trying anything crazy with someone she just met.

  So where were all these notions coming from? Adam seemed nice, yes, and she liked that he treated her as an equal. But he thought she was something she was not, which held her back a bit.

  And yet, it also made her excited.

  Had to be all that champagne and her happiness over her new job making her feel so reckless. It was all in her head, of course. She pictured it already – giving in to the handsome Adam. With just a look from those piercing green eyes, he’d own her submission. He wouldn’t need to say a word, but would take her hand and lead her away, through the crowd to a private place. No one would find them there – no one would hear her moans, when he’d push her back against the wall, grab her hips and wrap her legs around his waist as he drove into her in one thrust.

  Just as quickly as the fantasy started, Gabrielle snapped out of it with a hard blink. Her vision cleared, and she realized she’d been staring at Adam. He gave a smirk. Could he read her sinful thoughts? Gabrielle shivered and looked away with hot cheeks.

  But then came his lips against her ear. “Dance with me.”

  Instant tremors hit her core, making Gabrielle aware of how tight her bra suddenly seemed beneath her clothes. It felt almost as if her breasts had swelled, the nipples puckering in response to that husky invitation.

  He’d drawn back a safe distance, resting against the sofa and arching that dark brow at her. Gabrielle wanted to say no. Adam looked like the type who had his way all the time. Gabrielle had had her share of attractive, cocky males and knew they expected you to feel grateful they even spared you a moment’s attention.

  “Sorry. I can’t leave my friend,” Gabrielle said by way of explanation. But then Ayana just had to go ruin everything, as she picked that moment to stand up along with Jake and follow him off to the dance floor.

  Hiding her embarrassment, Gabrielle spun round with a big smile. “The truth is, I can't dance. I've got the worst coordination skills, all limbs and awkward moves.”

  “Then you'll just need to follow my lead.” His smoky voice sounded like silk temptation, and Gabrielle couldn't get over the vast depths of green in his beautiful eyes. Gabrielle had never used the word beautiful for a man before, but Adam struck her in so many strange ways.

  “You're always the one in control, aren't you?” she asked in sudden insight. “You like it when a woman lets you take charge.”

  His eyes gleamed. “If we're about to get personal, I'd say I sense a correlated essence in you to let the right man dominate your needs, your fulfilment. You're confident and independent, but you also take pride in the soft, submissive side of your femininity.”

  Gabrielle stared at him for a few moments, the room fading back as his words streamed into her consciousness. Suddenly, she burst out laughing, diffusing the tense atmosphere. “What were we talking about again?” she joked.

  Adam smiled and lifted his tumbler to take a deep swallow. Gabrielle watched him with an inner groan. Every single thing he did was sexy.

  “Getting you to say yes to dancing with me. It would be a great way to get better acquainted.”

  “Sure, because I came here for that,” Gabrielle said drily. “I'm not really looking for anything tonight, Adam.”

  “Even better,” he replied with rumbling approval. “Because neither am I.”

  Gabrielle turned to stare at him. He met her searching gaze fully. Something passed between them. His eyes held a crackling sexual awareness.

  This mutual attraction was unexpected. To physically feel in tune with someone you didn't even know or have anything in common with. A primal understanding that flashed like a moment's lightning, frightening and exhilarating.

  Almost as if in a daydream, Gabrielle asked, “Has anyone ever told you…?”

  “Don’t say it,” he growled. He frowned and looked like he knew exactly what she wanted to ask. “Shia LaBeouf?”

  Gabrielle grinned. “Yes, just a whole lot buffer and well, hotter. But defin
itely a huge resemblance.” Her teasing smile seemed to bring a slight tug to his own firm, sexy lips, as she added, “You get that a lot, right?”

  “At least a few times a day,” he huffed, then narrowed his gaze on her lips with a disturbingly exciting fixation.

  Gabrielle’s smile faded. “Why do I have a feeling I’m going to do something really crazy and out of character tonight?” she asked almost to herself.

  “It depends on who you do it with,” he said, refilling her glass and his. He handed her the drink, and their fingers brushed. Yep, the electricity was no joke. Instant sex karma. Was this what Ayana felt all those times with her random bedmates? A flash in the pan attraction that went cool in the light of morning, but blew a furnace of satisfaction while it lasted?

  Oh, Gabrielle would love to give in to something like that just once, but it was always only in her head. She just didn’t have that kind of daring.

  “Though, if just the thought of dancing with me has you running scared…” mused Adam, which got Gabrielle’s defenses up.

  “I’m not scared. I just think there are plenty of willing females here who could easily afford you the amusement you seek.” She looked away with a slight toss of her hair. This man. He made her so angry, on no other grounds but that she was really, really tempted by him and didn’t know what was happening to her.

  She’d gone a long time without, but after a few months of abstinence, you sort of got used to it. Gabrielle had definitely never had this great white-hot itch between her legs just for breathing in some handsome man’s sexy cologne.

  “I was right; you are scared.” His tone held a trace of humor, causing Gabrielle to turn on him again with a glare. “And you know what, that makes me glad. I’d take that over indifference.”

  “Why would you care either way?”

  He paused, then glanced into his tumbler with a frown of contemplation. “Because, for the first time in a while, I’m intrigued by a woman and the best thing is she doesn’t seem the type to throw herself at me at a minute’s notice.”

  Gabrielle huffed, concealing a smile. “You really thought your fat wallet would impress me? I mean, I can tell you’re wealthy, but it’s not a determining factor when it comes to what attracts me. You show up throwing your money around, and I’m supposed to be all over you, right?”

  “Hardly. Since you got a table close to all the action and so kindly consented to having my friend and I join you, I saw no harm in showing a little appreciation.”

  A little? Gabrielle shook her head internally. He called picking out the most expensive selections from the bottle service menu little? Their table now boasted the choicest spirits and even rare vintage champagne. She didn’t even want to think about the cost of the personal cocktail server who’d come over to mix their drinks, all thanks to Adam.

  He’d said something earlier about being in a celebratory mood tonight, and Gabrielle had wondered what the big occasion was. She’d been about to tell him she was celebrating, too – but cringed at letting him know it was for a new job. It wouldn’t do to seem lame, would it, especially when he looked so accomplished himself. A banker, maybe? Or someone in entertainment? He certainly had the “hip” look and could easily make the cover of GQ with his chill corporate style.

  Not that Gabrielle was surprised. This was one of the most exclusive champagne bars in the city and was owned by a celebrity rapper. It was a place to enjoy some people-watching as well as to be seen. The perks of having her best friend on the staff meant they could roll up in style and breeze right past the waiting lines.

  Tonight had been extra special with the free bottle service added on, but then Mr. Gorgeous had to show up and tip the scales to the point of insane good fortune. Gabrielle had never seen Ayana in such high spirits, but then who could blame her? They’d struck gold to be joined by a couple of guys who definitely knew how to party like VIPs. This would be a perfect night to loosen up and just live for the moment, so what was holding her back?

  Her friends came back, including Ayana and Adam’s friend. More bottles and other refreshments appeared on the table, while a performance started up. Ayana and Gabrielle excused themselves to go to the ladies’ room and freshen up. Once there, Ayana teased Gabrielle for not trying out the dance floor yet.

  “That’s not even a real dance floor,” Gabrielle snorted. “Hardly great for dancing. Well, at least it’s not loud and hectic, so maybe I’ll give it a go if I like what the DJ spins later.”

  Ayana shook her head at Gabrielle. “I thought we came to have fun? Seriously, I’m feeling a tad guilty for enjoying myself this much. Jake’s cool, and I’m really feeling him. How about you and Adam? Now he’s super-hot. What did you guys talk about anyway?”

  “This and that. I’m all for socializing, but seriously, these are random men who showed up at our table. How can you be so casual about it?”

  “What do you mean? The other girls I work with know them – I told you they’re regulars. Besides, when I go out, it’s about the shared experience of all the crazy fun and music. Getting to meet someone hot and spend time together is an added bonus.” Ayana sent Gabrielle a look of resignation. “It’s so messed up how you keep being so inhibited. We’re only young once and right now we’re single, so what on earth’s stopping you?”

  Gabrielle expelled a breath and shrugged at her reflection in the mirror. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, it’s time to find out.” Ayana grabbed Gabrielle’s shoulders and brought them face to face. “I want you to shed the uptight and overly cautious Gabrielle I’ve always known and surprise yourself. You already have a great subject just waiting to experiment on.”

  “I do?” Gabrielle shivered as she thought of Adam. What if he wasn’t even there when she got back? Or worse, had some other woman wrapped around him? She really liked him, and yes, even that side of him that seemed so unattainable and hard-edged. It all added to his indisputable sex appeal, even as it sent up a warning signal that he’d be dangerous to play for a fool.

  “Think of it as harmless flirting. I saw the way he was looking at you, so your job’s already half-done,” urged Ayana. “He didn’t even notice any of the starlets and fashion models seated all around us. What’s the harm in exploring tonight’s options, whatever they bring? This is your best chance to make tonight as memorable as possible. So don’t even try to talk yourself out of it.”

  “But…”

  “I know you aren’t about to spout some shit like he’s white, too rich or whatever,” Ayana growled while wagging a warning finger. “Both guys think we’re heiresses out for a night of blowing our rich daddies’ money. It would be crazy to pass up a chance to play princesses for the night. Now let’s head back – I’m dying for some more of that premium vodka Adam ordered. The guy sure knows his liquor and doesn’t mind spending on it, too.”

  She spun Gabrielle around and hustled her out the door, giving no chance for protests. They were back to the VIP section and the energy levels were as high as ever. Gabrielle’s heart was thumping from Ayana’s words, and more so when she saw Adam’s distinctive profile as she headed back for their table.

  He looked suave sitting there casually talking to Jake. Other women were checking him out openly and giggling with their friends, but he didn’t seem to notice or care. Could what Ayana said be true, and he had his sights set on Gabrielle? He’d spent the good part of an hour trying to convince her to dance with him, so there was that. Could she really get herself to stop being so angsty and just take a chance?

  Explore tonight’s options, whatever they may be. Ayana’s words rang in her ears now, just as Adam chose to turn his head and glance around as if in search of her. Gabrielle kept striding forward and yet in that moment that their gazes met, it seemed like time stood still. That one look they shared as she closed the space between them spoke volumes, sending her stomach lurching.

  Little could she have guessed that single moment foreshadowed the outcome of the night – sinful, wall-b
anging sex in the club with her mysterious green-eyed stranger.

  If only she had known, would she have run the other way?

  Maybe it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. From the moment she’d set eyes on him, it was already too late. His animal magnetism and effortless aura of dominance had triggered a switch inside Gabrielle. Only now, as she walked back to him, could she fully admit it to herself. Would succumbing and letting nature take its course be so terrible?

  Gabrielle shook off the doubts swirling in her head. Reaching their section of the club, she saw Ayana slip easily next to Jake, settling back against the arm he’d placed behind her on the leather couch. Gabrielle hid a shiver as she took her place next to Adam.

  She liked how he easily struck up conversation again, and though she knew she shouldn’t, Gabrielle accepted the offer of something more to drink. She’d had more than enough already, but hey, whatever. She had a new job, a hot guy vying for her attention, and her excitement mounted with each moment they spent around each other. Her demeanor had eased from polite to warm, and she could tell he noticed.

  She didn’t mind at all when their thighs seemed to brush too close, or when he made light contact. A touch on the shoulder, a flicking back of her hair from her cheek, or even a brief time when his hand rested on her knee as they talked.

  In turn, Gabrielle grew more and more daring. Her lips brushed a little too close when she said something in his ear. Did he seem to give a slight start or had she simply imagined it? When she crossed her legs once or twice and her dress rode up a little higher, did she see his eyes go a deeper range of green as they momentarily swept over her bared golden-brown skin?

  He seemed to do everything right. Unlike other guys who made themselves so obvious, Adam wasn’t about superficial compliments or overbearing come-on signals. The topics they covered were never personal or too deep. He was certainly an intellectual, but he didn’t try to impress her with any lofty conversation. Comfortable topics like music and other leisure interests punctuated the conversation they shared in between enjoying the performances or the scene around them. And yes, she did get to dance with him.