The Billion Dollar Baby_A Billionaire Romance

by Stella Andrews

  The three women gasp as they spin me around and shake their heads.

  Maria gasps, “Oh my god. You are one lucky lady. You obviously won the jackpot in life. Good looks, a fantastic body and now the sexiest husband that god ever created.”

  Anna nods in agreement. “Not to mention a rich and sexy husband. He’s sure gonna be stoked when he sees you waiting for him.”

  Lisette steps forward holding the dress in her arms and says softly, “Come on, honey. Let’s get this beauty on and finish the job.”

  As the silk folds around me I think I’m going to cry. This is my Cinderella moment. Any dream I ever had is coming true in the few seconds it takes to secure me in this dream of a dress. It feels as if it’s always been mine. This dress hugs me like my skin. I feel naked wearing it because it molds to my body like it isn’t there at all. There are no restrictions and I feel free and unrestrained. The softness of the silk comforts me and strokes my skin like an angel’s touch. I feel carefree and never knew a dress could be the answer to everything.

  The women gasp and nod their approval. Then Maria steps forward holding the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen in my life. Matching silk stilettos that are higher than anything I’ve ever walked in. As I step into them they hold my feet in place and it’s like I’m walking on fluffy clouds. It doesn’t matter that they are high. They hold my feet in place and give me the confidence to step forward with no worries.

  As I turn to look at myself in the mirror my world stops. The woman staring at me is someone else entirely. She is magnificent. This woman could move mountains and conquer small continents. She’s a goddess who could bring men to their knees and destroy them forever. There is nothing this woman couldn’t do, and it’s all because of the power the wrapping gives her. So what if this is a business deal and not the fairy tale the women think it is? When Tyler Donahue sees me standing before him everything will change. He will be my husband in every way because now I know what I want more than anything else in this world—him.

  16

  Tyler

  Once I’ve made myself into the dream bridegroom to compliment my princess bride, I head back into the living area. I feel strangely nervous as I wait for Sydney. I find myself looking out over the Vegas skyline contemplating the night ahead.

  My wedding night. I never thought I’d ever experience one. Why tie yourself to one woman when there are so many out there? Why lay yourself open to hurt and betrayal because that’s what women do? My mother married one man and ran off with another—my father. Look where that got them. She’s dead, and he’s been controlled ever since by the tyrant who has cast a huge shadow over us all our lives.

  Then there’s Ashton—my sister. Now married to the hardest bastard that ever lived just to save herself from another one. There was no love in that union. Just a business deal much like mine is now. The trouble is, this is fast turning into something much more—for me, anyway. I suppose it’s why I’ve gone to so much trouble.

  As soon as I could I arranged for the best designer in Paris to send her beautiful dress over and all that goes with it. This honeymoon suite was extravagant but necessary to show her the lifestyle she has been deprived of. My own suit is from the most coveted designer and the evening ahead has been arranged by the very women helping my bride now. It’s what they do. Plan the wedding of your dreams and to hell with the expense.

  Luckily, I haven’t needed my father’s money for some time now. As soon as I realized the importance of money I started earning it. It started by setting up dates for my friends via the Internet for a small fee. Then it progressed down a darker path where the friends turned into high powered business contacts and the women into desperate young girls with no other option.

  They came to me in their droves to seek a better life. I arranged for them to be ‘sold’ for want of a better word to men with more money than morals. The less experienced they were the higher the price. Events, private gatherings, and auctions followed. The demand was insatiable and the supply ever eager. Every participant was willing, and the money flooded in.

  This was just my hobby business though. Something only my sister knew about and that was by accident not choice. I hid behind an alias, Tyler Donahue. I ran my empire alongside my day job. I was drafted in to work at the oil company run by father and Marshall Emmerson. I worked hard, learning every inch of the business and put my time there to good use. Every dollar I made, I invested wisely and now money is no worry to me. I have more than I can spend but I’ll need it all for my revenge.

  My thoughts are interrupted as the door opens and the first of the women enters the room. She looks across and smiles happily.

  “Your bride is ready, sir and you’re in for the treat of your life.”

  She stands aside and then everything fades into the background. Standing before me is an Angel. My breath hitches and my world spins. I can’t take my eyes off the beauty before me and just stare in astonishment.

  Something happens to me inside and nothing else matters. The reason we are here, the path we are taking, what happened to bring us to this point; nothing matters but her.

  She looks across and I see a confidence in her eyes that calls to me. She looks proud and magnificent and walks a little taller and straighter. As she progresses across the room, she commands every ounce of my attention. I can’t take my eyes off her. I am stripped bare and turned inside out by the realization that this woman is who I’ve been waiting for all these years.

  The women around us cease to exist and I can’t tear my eyes from hers. She fixes those beauties on me with a hint of promise laced with expectation. She commands me, controls me and owns me. This woman is powerful and she knows it.

  My face reveals nothing. I hide behind a hard mask of indifference. She needs to understand this is a business transaction and no more. I have to reign in my feelings because if she sees I care then I will lose the edge of control. So, I face her with a beating heart disguised within a cool exterior.

  Sydney

  My legs are shaking so much as I walk toward him. My breath hitches as I regard the man waiting for me. He looks so hot, and yet so cold he could freeze water. His eyes lock onto mine and draw me toward him, controlling me, capturing me, owning me. He reaches out as I draw near and smiles, his eyes betraying the cool expression. They contain a fire out of control. They promise me so much and provide me with the reassurance I need.

  For all his front I see the man behind the cool facade. That is what gives me the courage to see this through. For all his pretense, Tyler Donahue is a man on the edge. He needs me to stabilize him, steer him through a rough sea and pick up the pieces when the wreck spits us out. Tonight, that journey begins.

  He grasps my hand and pulls me close. Leaning down, he whispers, “You are beautiful, Sydney. I knew you would be. Are you ready for this?”

  I smile softly. “Yes, Tyler. I won’t let you down, you know you can count on me, don’t you?”

  I hold my breath as a flicker of sadness passes across his face. He nods. “I just hope it’s not me that lets you down.”

  He leans forward and his lips briefly touch mine. It’s the lightest of touches and feels like an Angel’s breath on my face. It makes my legs tremble and my soul shatter. Just one touch is enough to claim me as his. I am lost to this man, and he knows it.

  Anna coughs discreetly behind us. “Ok, we need to get this show on the road. The chapel’s waiting and as it’s Vegas, they are fully booked. We mustn’t delay if you want to marry tonight.”

  Maria and Lisette rush forward and start fussing with my gown. Tyler shakes his head and looks amused as Anna pushes him toward the door.

  “Put her down, Mr. Donahue. You will have time enough for that later. Now, you can ride in the first car with me and Lisette and Maria will take care of Sydney.”

  She bundles him out of the room and I laugh at the surprise on his face. The door closes behind them and I laugh softly. “I’m guessing he’s not used to being told wh
at to do.”

  Lisette laughs. “Anna takes no prisoners. It’s why she’s in such demand. Your wedding is her baby and her reputation relies on it. Blessings in Disguise is number one around here for a reason.”

  Maria smiles happily. “You look beautiful, Sydney. I am so jealous. How are you feeling?”

  I look at the two women with surprise. How am I feeling? This is certainly not what I expected my wedding day to be like. It suddenly hits me that I have nobody but the two strangers tending to my every need. There are no friends or family, not that I had any, anyway. With a pang I realize how much I miss Lucy being here and just shrug.

  “I feel fine. A bit nervous maybe but I’m sure those will fade.”

  Lisette grins. “I don’t think you have anything to be nervous about, honey. I saw the way that man looked at you when you walked in the room. He is lost to you forever. I’ve seen too many of these weddings to count and this one, my fabulous friend, is the stuff of fairy tales.

  As we set off for the chapel her words ring in my ears. Is this a fairy-tale? Will we live happily ever after for eternity? Only time will tell and what happens after Vegas will be the decider.

  17

  Sydney

  The car that takes us to the chapel is a sleek, white, limo. I’m not surprised. It’s typically Vegas and I push away the part of me that wishes it had been something a little different. I’m not the sort of girl who likes to draw attention to herself. I’ve never had much, and this seems like such a waste of money when it could be put to better use. I think of the children back at the studio who have so little. The fee this limo charges would pay for a lot for those kids.

  I try to push this thought away and hold on to the spirit behind the gesture. Tyler is trying to make this a magical wedding and I must be grateful for the lengths he has gone to.

  Lisette and Maria sit either side of me and Maria hands me a flute of champagne. They take one each for themselves and raise them in a toast. Lisette says, “To you both. May you live long and happily together.”

  We clink our glasses and I take a sip of the cool liquid. It slides down my throat like a river of reassurance giving me the courage I need to see this through.

  I shake myself out of my loneliness and smile. “So, what happens next, what’s the plan?”

  Maria leans forward. “Well, first you get married. We will act as your witnesses and once the legal side has been taken care of you’ll be whisked away for a wedding feast fit for a queen. After that, we will leave you to return to the hotel and continue your celebrations there.”

  Lisette giggles. “That’s the best bit.”

  Maria grins and a shiver runs through me as I think about the night ahead. The best bit. They’re not wrong. Just the thought of Tyler as my husband leaves me breathless. Just for a moment, I imagine it to be a fated union. One that was written in the stars and always meant to be. Then I remember the harsh reality and fight the disappointment rising up within me. A business arrangement to get us both what we want. What if what I want is waiting for me now in the chapel? What if his revenge drives us apart?

  The sound of the women giggling beside me brings me back to the present. As the bright lights of Vegas speed past, I try to concentrate on just one thing. My wedding.

  The car stops in front of some stone steps leading up toward a beautiful white chapel. I look at the girls in surprise and Maria winks.

  “Vegas isn’t all about plastic and vulgarity. It has a romantic side too and you are about to realize that dream.”

  Lisette exits first and helps me from the car. While they fuss around me smoothing out the dress and arranging the train, I look up in awe. This is beautiful. The little white chapel is seated above an impressive entrance. Lights embedded in the steps signal the way and as I reach the top, my mind is blown away by the beautiful archway decked with beautiful flowers and greenery. My breath hitches as I step inside and see a beautiful church filled with flowers and candles. They line the entrance and lay a trail to the altar. Soft romantic music plays and the air is warm with a comforting breeze, caressing every step I take into serenity.

  I stand at the entrance and see him waiting for me with Anna by his side. A chaplain waits with them and beams at me expectantly.

  I start to walk slowly with Maria and Lisette bringing up the rear. I can’t look anywhere but at Tyler. He watches me with an intensity I can taste from here. His dark eyes flash in the dim flickering light and the power surrounds him like a force field. I see nothing but him.

  I move toward him like the earth around the sun. He guides me home and offers me the world. My legs tremble but my mind is clear. My husband - how good that sounds.

  I reach him and he moves toward me with no words spoken. His eyes hold mine and strip me bare. I can’t hide from him, he is inside my head, my heart and my soul.

  The chaplain coughs softly and beams as he starts the service. I register nothing. We face each other with a hunger that threatens to consume us both. We repeat the words required with strong voices that show no doubt. The music plays and the words of the service bounce around us. There is a stronger force at work here than just words. We promise each other so much more with just one shared look.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

  My heart beats rapidly as Tyler steps closer. Still, our eyes connect and I see the promise flashing from them. He runs his hand around my waist and pulls me close, showing a possession that fills me with warmth. His hand runs around my head and fists my hair and then he holds my head in place and lowers his lips to mine. As his lips touch mine, I welcome him in. The warm sweet breath of dreams come true fan my cheeks and as he tastes my lips I lose myself in his kiss. He is demanding and punishing and as kisses go this one is powerful. He doesn’t stop and I shift even closer, wanting to feel his body against mine without the irritant of the clothing in our way.

  We hear muted applause and still, we continue. The music carries on playing and the guests giggle around us. Nothing else matters but this moment. Man and woman, husband and wife—lovers in waiting.

  Tyler

  I’m like a man possessed. I couldn’t stop kissing Sydney if I tried. Just the thought of putting just a hint of air between our lips drives me to distraction. What is this, what’s happening? I never expected to actually have feelings. This is unexpected but cannot be ignored.

  Reluctantly, we pull apart and my heart dances as I see the heightened color in her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. My wife. How good that sounds.

  Reaching out, I take her hand in mine and feel a sense of ownership as I see the gold band circling her finger.

  She looks down and smiles. “So, we did it then.”

  I nod and laugh as the women surge forward offering their congratulations.

  Anna claps her hands. “Oh, my, that was so romantic. You make such a lovely couple. I’ve seen some weddings in my time but none as romantic as that one was. Congratulations to you both.”

  Lisette hugs Sydney and says excitedly, “Be happy both of you. Don’t let the fairy tale end.”

  Maria nods. “Yes, always remember how you felt in that moment and you will never falter.”

  Sydney laughs and my heart melts at the happiness in her eyes. I never want to see that fade.

  She turns and says excitedly, “What happens now?”

  I grin. “We head back for a wedding feast followed by our honeymoon.”

  I smirk as Sydney blushes and the women giggle. Turning to the Chaplain, I shake his hand as he hands me what I came here for. Our marriage certificate. “Congratulations to you both. Now, if you ever need our services again, remember we are open 24 hours, 52 weeks a year.”

  Pulling Sydney beside me, I grin. “Do you do christenings then?”

  The women laugh and Sydney looks at me in surprise as I wink. Then she giggles and my heart lifts and my balls tighten. Fuck this charade, I want to get to the part I can’t stop thinking about. Ripping this br
ide from her dress and sampling the delights within.

  So, I pull my bride from the chapel like a demon possessed. This is about to get interesting.

  18

  Sydney

  As I sit beside Tyler in the limo, there is a strange atmosphere between us. We are touching but there’s a barrier between us. The business arrangement is the elephant in the room reminding us we are not the blissfully wedded couple in love. We have just sold our souls in front of God in the name of revenge.

  Tyler is brooding beside me and I look at him and smile awkwardly. “Um... thanks for the lovely wedding, Tyler. You really didn’t need to go to so much trouble.”

  He looks across and smiles softly. “I wouldn’t have wanted any less for you, Sydney. You deserved the dream wedding. You’ve been deprived of everything all your life because of two hard bastards. I wanted to show you that not all men are cut from the same cloth.”

  His words hit me and my heart sinks a little. Of course, he’s just dressing up the reality. It was just a business arrangement after all.

  I stare out of the window and blink away the tears. How I wish it was different.

  I feel a strong hand grasp mine and look around in surprise. The look he shoots me takes my breath away as he says softly. “You deserve so much better than me. I won’t hold you to this when it’s over. You say the word and I’ll set you free to find the happiness you deserve.”

  I nod, feeling my heart dying a slow death inside me. Then he raises my face to his and says thickly, “Even though it will tear my heart out to watch you walk away.”

  Blinking in surprise, I see the need within him. He looks vulnerable and exposed at this moment and I see the lost look of a man close to the edge. Reaching up, I stroke the worry away and say softly, “I don’t want to go anywhere.”