“I like to use the word ‘unique’ rather than ‘weird.’”
I dismissed his comment and moved back to the subject of London. “I think you should do it. London would be a great place to open a new office. You can hire a new staff and they can run the place while you’re gone.”
He stopped tapping the pencil. “How would you like to accompany me to London and help me find a good location? I have some areas in mind.”
I realized that he was making the decision based on my opinion. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean, I will accompany you to the beach and to Asheville for dinner but following you to England is a bit much, don’t you think?”
“Alexis, this is business.”
“Yes it is, but how can I contribute in a professional way? Yes, I can offer an opinion on places to rent or buy, but I don’t have any experience with that. Everyone will know we have something going on. I don’t want people to think I’m just your mistress and you don’t want people to know that we have some type of personal relationship. Doesn’t that sound like a train wreck waiting to happen?” I actually loved the thought of traveling to England and seeing the country for the first time. However, I didn’t want to live with the guilt of taking advantage of the handsome billionaire.
“Again, everyone knows you as my assistant. You help out in the office and you also help out in the field. It would make perfect sense for you to join me on that trip. In fact, it would probably be expected. Would you feel better if I invited Janet as well?” he offered. I somehow didn’t believe that he would truly invite Janet to join us. At the same time, I felt slightly nervous in leaving the country with him. I still wasn’t sure of what he was hiding and that made me nervous.
“If you tell me the real reason in why you have to hide our relationship, I will go with you. Otherwise, it makes me feel all kinds of uncomfortable.” I said flatly.
“Darling, I would love to tell you the details of all of that, but I can’t right now. It’s a long and complicated list of things. Why can’t you understand that?”
I shrugged. “It is what it is.”
He sorted through some papers on his desk. “You’ve convinced me to go through with it. Please, take the time to think about it. I won’t force you to go with me, but the offer stands. I don’t know what else I can do to help you feel more confident.”
“Just by telling me the legal reasons for keeping us hidden,” I repeated.
“I tell you what,” he reached into his back pocket for his wallet. “After work, you should go shopping. Maybe you can get the nice piece of lingerie that you’ve been eyeing for so long.” He pulled out five hundred dollars in cash. I stared at the money, struggling to refrain from taking it. It took me nearly two weeks to earn that kind of cash. Yet, he was able to hand it out as if it were merely pennies.
“You know I can’t accept that. You’re my boss first. I earn my way around here. I refuse to be one of those girls that takes and takes and takes from you.” Seth’s words ran through my mind again. I didn’t think you were that type of girl. Those words struck me deeply. “Thank you anyway though, Ashton. I think I need to return to my desk.”
“Please, take it. I insist.” I stared at the cash. He was making a big deal out of it.
“I don’t want to take your money, Ashton.”
“Will you buy that red, lacey lingerie bustier? For me?” his eyes were pleading.
“Do you seriously want me to have that piece of lingerie? Because although I found it to be very nice, I don’t need it.” If it was something that he truly wanted, I would almost consider taking his money.
“Yes, I do. I fantasize about you modeling it for me,” he grinned in his charming way.
“Fine,” I caved in against my better judgment. I took the cash and stuffed it into my bra. “I don’t like doing this but only because it makes you happy.”
“So you’ll consider the London trip as well?” he pressed a little further.
“Let me know how the business meeting goes,” I replied, stepping out of the office.
Chapter 7
“Jess, I tried to refuse this cash. I don’t want to be one of those girls that are given money to shut them up, you know?” I vented as we walked down the street to Betty’s Intimates on Madison Avenue.
“The whole ordeal is shady. You know my thoughts on it,” she shared.
I knew she wasn’t against me and my fling with Ashton but she didn’t believe it would last. “If you were me, would you go to London with him?”
“Will it only be you two? Surely he will have some other people tagging along.”
“He didn’t say anything about a group. I suppose that was something I just assumed would happen. That wasn’t my brightest moment, forgetting to ask that major detail. Ugh!” I wanted to see London so badly. I also wanted Ashton to be honest about our relationship. “Jessica, Seth has been on my mind a lot in the last week. I’ve hardly heard a peep out of him.”
“Mmhmm. That says a lot. Perhaps he is letting you figure some things out?”
“But we’re supposed to only be friends. I don’t understand,” I whined. We walked into the lingerie shop. My favorite piece clung to the mannequin’s curves, showcasing the beautiful stitching and delicate fabrics. The bright red hue made the piece pop.
“You will sort it all out in due time. That’s what my Mom always says. Things will be sorted out in their due time.”
“I’m going to buy this piece although I think it’s entirely too expensive. He practically begged me to get it.” I looked at the price tag, and the price listed: $350.00. It cost as much as our rent!
“People pleaser,” she teased, trying to hide her smile. Sometimes her dry sense of humor had a lesson behind it.
Later that evening, Ashton invited me to his mansion. I always felt odd driving through his gates by the security guard. I wondered if I would ever get used to it. I had the new bustier in the shopping bag next to me. I also had the remaining money in there. The valet took my car as I got out. Ashton was waiting for me upstairs in his bedroom. I often wondered what the mansion staff thought of me and the situation. It was a miracle that they didn’t spread rumors about me. Again, I couldn’t seem to rid myself of Seth’s words, I didn’t think that you were that type of girl. However, Ashton had promised me that his staff was sworn to secrecy.
“What do you think?” I tried it on and modeled the lingerie piece for him.
“It hugs your every curve and I absolutely love it. You’re a beautiful woman and that was money worth spent.” He walked over to me and softly traced my curves with his hands. “I can see why they make lingerie with the most delicate fabrics.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because they make it for the most delicate of creatures--the human female. Not to mention, it is not meant to be worn long thus it doesn’t need to be sturdy.” He laughed at his own thought.
“You’re something else,” I laughed. His hands found their way to my backside. Kissing the side of my neck, I couldn’t help but succumb to his roving hands.
“You’re sexy,” he whispered in my ear. Gently, he pushed me onto his bed. It was a large California king sized bed with the most comfortable mattress I had ever felt. “I want all of you,” he whispered again, this time kissing my chest. His lips felt warm and my nerves immediately stood at attention. I pressed him closer onto me. His began to breath faster. He was getting excited. “Oh Alexis, you’re truly wonderful.” His kisses had trailed down to my hips.
“You’re turning me on again,” I whispered back. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him tight to me. “You can take off the lingerie.” His tongue entered my mouth and he investigated it thoroughly. I could feel the fullness of his tongue as it traveled deep into my mouth. I wanted more. I kissed back, giving him my tongue. The deep, heavy kissing was preparing us for more.
“May I?” he asked while pulling down my new bustier.
“Please,” I sighed. He couldn’t drive
into me fast enough. With that first thrust, I wanted more. And then more. In and out, I could feel him filling me up. I wanted to scream because the pleasure was that profound. Instead, I bit my lip or chewed on his. That’s how he measured my pleasure.
Moments after we climaxed, he pulled out a paper from the side table and handed it to me.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“Your ticket to London. We leave next month if you want to come. I can have your passport expedited if you don’t have one.”
I stared at the ticket. Before I could say anything, his phone rang. When he disappeared into the bathroom, I knew I was on the outside again. What on earth was I thinking?
The Billionaire’s Release Book 5
Bella Rayne
Chapter 1
I had two large suitcases laid open on my bed. They were full of wardrobe pieces and toiletries. My plane ticket and passport caught my attention from the bedside table. Reaching for the ticket, I picked it up and studied it for the millionth time.
“How many times are you going to study that small piece of paper?” Jessica startled me.
“I’m just letting it sink it. I never thought I would ever go to London.” Truthfully, I was nervous. Ashton’s secrets made me paranoid.
“What does your family think about this trip?” She crossed her arms while leaning against the doorway.
I knew what she was thinking. “They think it’s a great business opportunity and told me to be careful traveling but to enjoy and Skype them.” I didn’t want to look her in the eye because I knew she would call me out.
“So, they don’t know about the affair and his odd behavior?”
I was so nervous that I shut the first suitcase too hard. “No, they don’t know about our relationship. I wouldn’t call it an affair because we are both single, Jessica. Come on, now. Don’t be so weird about this.”
She bit her bottom lip and slowly shook her head. It was clear that she was fighting hard to maintain self-control. “Look, I’m just trying to look out for you. I know I supported the relationship in the beginning; it seemed like a fun and harmless adventure. He’s a billionaire and sexy as all get out, but knowing that he is hiding something from you but still sleeping with you is a huge red flag. Now you are going overseas with him. I wouldn’t feel as concerned about it if another person from the office were travelling with you.”
I pulled the suitcase off my bed. “Phew, that’s heavy,” I breathed, trying to change the subject.
“Alexis?” she pressed.
“I heard every word, Jess. No, I haven’t asked if I can bring someone else along. Foolish, I know. I feel like I will get answers this way, though. I promise that I will be as careful as possible. I will stay in touch with you and my parents every day and probably throughout the day.”
“You better,” she said sternly. “How does Seth feel about it?”
I knew that question would come up at some point. “He understands that business is business.”
“Riiiight…”
I didn’t like her attitude but knew that her concerns were valid. Honestly, I was concerned as well. However, the need to find answers overrode than the need to be wise. “Thank you for supporting me. My parents wanted to take me to the airport, but I insisted that they didn’t. I’m not ready for them to meet Ashton.”
“Your Dad would read Ashton’s motives immediately.” Her tone remained sharp. I secretly worried if I would leave the country on bad terms with her.
“Probably.”
“But you just can’t resist him, can you?”
When she put it that way, it sounded like I was addicted to him. “I suppose I’m struggling with that,” I admitted.
“What time do you need to be at the airport?”
“Four o’clock in the morning,” I answered.
London was beautiful. Big Ben was far more impressive in person than in photographs. From the Tower of London to the black swans in St. James Park, I treasured each moment of my visit. Ashton didn’t pay much attention to me publicly since we often had a realtor with us. In one way, I was relieved, but in another, I yearned to share the sights with him like a normal couple would.
While on our trip, I secretly observed his mannerisms and conversations for answers. I desperately wanted to know the truth behind his “legal reasons” for being unable to publically recognize me as his girlfriend. Unfortunately, things seemed relatively normal, and I began to doubt my suspicions.
He found the perfect location for a London office. It overlooked the Thames River, resting just west of the London Eye. My eyes grew large when I heard the rent for the office but for Ashton, it was little more than pocket change. I messaged and video called my family and Jessica throughout the week. Even though I hated that they were being so overbearing, I wanted them to know that I was safe and having a great time.
On Friday, we were packed and preparing to leave for the airport. Staring out the window of our hotel room, I soaked in the view of London. I didn’t want to leave! Ashton approached me from behind, placing his arms around my waist.
“You know that we will be back soon,” he whispered into my ear.
“I know that you will be, but I’m not sure that I will,” I pouted.
“Nonsense!” He chuckled. “You know better than to think that, Alexis. You're my right hand man except that you're a woman--and one heck of a woman at that." His smile was huge and could've lit up the entire city.
"Aww, do you really think so?" I was flattered by his words. He kissed me on the cheek and held me tightly.
"I know so." I held onto his strong arms that still firmly held my waist. My feelings for him were growing. Perhaps he was my knight in shining armor and all of the suspicions and doubts were something I needed to let go. After all, he had given me more opportunities than any other boyfriend I ever had. I caught myself thinking of the 'boyfriend' title.
"I wish I could say that you are my boyfriend," I muttered without thinking.
"Alexis, we've covered that many times," he reminded me with the slightest hint of frustration in his tone.
I didn't want to venture into that same fruitless argument again, so I let it slide. "I was just thinking out loud. I didn't mean anything by it."
He loosened his hold on me and sighed. "I'm going to use the bathroom before our limo arrives. The driver should be here any minute now."
"Okay," I forced a fake grin. He left his phone sitting on the table next to me. I glanced at it but turned my attention back to the spectacular view. It started to vibrate loudly. A strange number appeared on the screen. Realizing that Ashton would miss the phone call, I answered it.
"Hello? This is the Ashton Jackson's assistant. May I help you?" I was professional and polite. Silence lingered. "Hello?" I said again. I heard a hesitant stutter.
"Just have Ashton call this number back please. He should see it in his call log." It was a woman's voice. She sounded less than friendly.
"May I get your name please? It wasn't saved into his phone."
The woman firmly repeated herself. "Ashton needs to call me back on this number. If he doesn't call back in reasonable time, I will call him again." The call ended. I pulled the phone away from my face and stared at the screen. It was definitely from the States, so whoever the woman was, she knew that he was overseas. Otherwise, how else could they have made the phone call without dialing the country code? My doubts and suspicions resurfaced in full force. Something was very off.
"Are you ready to go to the airport?" Ashton asked in a chipper tone as he exited the bathroom. "Phew, I won't miss that toilet." If I hadn't had just received a disturbing phone call, I would've laughed at his reaction. However, it took every ounce of self-control I had to keep my mouth shut. I didn't want to mention the call while we were preparing to board the plane back to the States.
"Yes, I'm ready to get home. Let's get out of here." I extended the handle on my suitcase and approached the door. I couldn’t get there fast enough.
Chapter 2
Once the plane landed, I was relieved to be back on American soil. I went from not wanting to leave London to wanting to leave immediately after that strange phone call on Ashton's phone. It was time to start seriously figuring out my relationship with him.
"Ashton, do you ever see yourself starting a family? Or are you so satisfied with your lifestyle that you don’t want kids?" My question was random. For some reason, I felt more confident asking deeper questions while on American soil.
He looked as if I had caught him off guard. "Well, that's a pretty deep question."
"I just want to know for curiosity's sake. That's all." I tried to cover up my motives.
"I do think about a lifestyle change sometimes," he answered after a moment.
"Does that involve a family or not?"
"I suppose it does," he replied.
"Suppose?" I repeated. Yes, I was overanalyzing his words, but it felt necessary in order to uncover his true motives.
"No one wants to be alone forever. We were created to be part of a group."
"I see," I smiled. The plane was slowly coming to a halt. I wondered about the strange woman that called his phone. "Don't forget to return the phone call from that strange number on your phone. That woman sounded very strange." I reminded him. I wasn't trying to play mind games, but at the same time, I hoped that it lit a fire under his butt. I wanted him to know that I was more suspicious about his behavior now than ever before.
He reached about our heads and pulled out our carry-on bags. "Of course I won't forget. I actually dread making that phone call. It sounds fishy," he said, concerned. I wondered if his tone was sincere or not.
"Well, whoever she was, she knew that you were in England because she knew to dial the country code."
"I'm sure that Janet informed her of my location. I told them to inform all of my clients that they would have to go through the international calling process if they really wanted to get in touch with me."
Hang Em' Up: A Bad Boy Sports Pregnancy Romance Page 140