The Billionaire's Secretary (Billionaire's Series Book 1)

by Love, L. J.

  “To good family, good food and good friends,” he said.

  “Here, here,” they all responded, raising their glasses.

  When the appetizers were served, the conversation at the table turned to the company’s Christmas formal and how Aurora was doing with the plans so far.

  “Well, we had such a grand time at the Waldorf for the awards, I thought to myself that we definitely had to top that. So this year, we’ll host the event here at Guyton, on the East lawn. We’re having the garden lit up with Christmas trees everywhere. Snow on the ground and a heated, covered enclosure for the party to be held in. What do you think about that idea, Aaron?”

  A stunned silence fell over the room and everyone looked at Aaron, waiting for his response. Under the table, Adrian took her hand and squeezed it for support as Aaron lifted his napkin to his mouth and swallowed.

  “I think you have an exquisite vision. Winter wonderland on the lawns of Guyton; it will be beautiful.”

  “Yes, that’s exactly what I was aiming for. That is a perfect description... winter wonderland.”

  There was almost a collective sigh of relief at the table when their exchange was over. Everyone had been anticipating what would fall out of Aaron Guyton’s mouth in Aurora’s direction. It was no secret anymore that he despised her and the relationship she had with Adrian. During the main course, several little conversations started around the table as each couple chatted about their day or other personal matters. Adrian and Aurora were a little quieter than the others, taking the time to listen to what was being said around them.

  “I didn’t mean for the checks to go out late, Dad,” Aaron said. “When I brought them in for your approval yesterday morning, you weren’t there.”

  “Yes, I’m sorry about that,” Andrew apologized. “But I’m not your CEO anymore Aaron. You should have had Adrian look them over. That’s his job now and he’s quite capable.”

  Aurora could not believe the blatant lie Aaron had told his father. He was in Atlanta the morning before, hugging Cheryl Smith on the curb after collecting the blackmail money from her.

  After dinner, they retired to the drawing room and Aaron once again made the rounds with the wine and whiskey bottles. When everyone’s glasses were full again, Aurora patiently waited for the different conversations to strike up before she went over to confront Aaron Guyton.

  “Aaron,” she said, “may I speak to you in private?”

  “Umm, why of course, Aurora,” he replied. “Let’s step into the study.”

  He closed the study door behind them and went to stand behind the desk, making sure to keep an appropriate distance between them. Aurora sat on the other side of the desk and placed her glass on it.

  “Why did you tell Andrew that you were looking for him yesterday morning?”

  “Because I was...”

  “We both know that you were in Atlanta; more precisely, at Cheryl Smith’s house. I saw you so let’s just move over all the B.S. Tell me why you’re blackmailing our people and whatever else you’re involved in.”

  “I can’t do that, Aurora.”

  “Oh, no. You have to.”

  “Anything you want to know about it, you will have to ask Xaoping. I cannot answer any of your questions.”

  “What does Xaoping have to do with any of this? Come on Aaron, spill it. If you’re in deeper than you can swim, we can help.”

  “No one can help me, Aurora. Especially not a grasping, upstart bitch like you!”

  Aurora was shocked, but she also knew she wasn’t going to get another word out of him so she turned and went back into the drawing room. Aurora knew she wouldn’t be able to set her mind at ease until she knew what was going on with Aaron. The police were going to arrest him that night, but if this was even deeper and it involved the yakuza-funded Xaoping Exports, Adrian had to be advised. She picked up the snifter of Bristol cream she was sipping and went in search of him. She found him leaning against the balusters of the terrace looking out over the lawns.

  “Hi,” he said as she walked toward him, “Too stuffy in there for you?”

  Aurora laughed and shook her head. Instinctively, she made her way into the valley of his shoulder and rested her head against him. His nose went to her hair and he breathed in the scent of peaches and vanilla. They stood like that for a while before she raised her head to look at the sky. Stars were shining down by the millions that night.

  “Walk with me?” she asked, pulling on his hand.

  “Okay.”

  They went down the steps from the terrace and out into the yard. After a few moments of silence, Adrian spoke up.

  “What’s wrong with you, Aurora? You’ve been disengaged ever since you came home last night.”

  She stopped walking and turned to look at him.

  “Yesterday morning when I was pulling up to my yoga studio in Atlanta, I saw your brother walking down to the street with Cheryl Smith. I was so shocked I pulled over so they wouldn’t see me. They talked for a while on the curb, then they hugged and Aaron left. When I confronted Aaron for lying to your Dad about where he was, he said he wouldn’t tell me why he was there and that I should ask Xaoping.”

  “Well, that’s too suspicious. What did he mean by ‘ask Xaoping’?”

  “I think your brother is in more trouble than we know that he caused around here. I think he’s being used by Xaoping to take us down from the inside and that he’s being threatened by the yakuza to do what they say.”

  “If that’s the case, the sooner he’s in police custody, the better. Let’s leave it to the lawyers and such now, Aurora. I think we’ve fought this battle long enough.”

  Adrian picked her up off her feet and carried her to a garden bench. He put her down on it and sat beside her.

  “Are you cold?” he asked.

  “No, it’s not bad tonight. Winter’s coming, but it’s surely not in much of a hurry this year.”

  Adrian laughed at her comment.

  “Do you remember the way we used to wait for the first snow every year when we were kids?”

  “Yeah, I don’t remember a winter when it didn’t snow. There are holidays now when snow that sticks to the ground is a rarity in these parts rather than a guarantee.”

  “Global warming,” Adrian quipped.

  Aurora laughed and put her head on his shoulder and tried her best to clear her mind. They didn’t even hear when the sirens made their way up the driveway to take Aaron away.

  ***

  In the warmth of the living room in Guyton Cottage, Aurora and Adrian sat down to watch the evening news. As soon as it started, the anchor announced that they had breaking news in the Hong Kong espionage case and that they would be going live to the Alpharetta Police Department for the press conference.

  “As a result of weeks of reconnaissance and fact checking, we have reason to believe that Cheryl Smith, an executive assistant at Guyton Investments, is a viable suspect in the blackmailing of several key executives at the firm, and that these illegal activities are what indeed led to the previous implication of Alan Guyton in the Hong Kong corporate espionage scandal. At present, we have Miss Smith in custody and the interrogation process has only just begun. But we are confident that we will be getting a break in the case very soon, which will lead us to the spy and ultimately, justice for those directly impacted as well as the people of Alpharetta and Hong Kong. Updates will be furnished as the case progresses, but due to the sensitivity of the investigation, I will not be answering any questions from members of the press tonight. Thank you.”

  Adrian switched off the television and turned to Aurora on the couch. He took both her hands in his and sighed.

  “I have to say, I’m starting to feel relieved that I won’t have people looking at me like the rich boy who sent his brothers to jail.”

  “Yeah, I’m glad they agreed to keep Aaron’s name out of it, if only for his own safety. We’re almost at the end of it, Adrian. Soon all this will be over and life can go back to n
ormal.”

  He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, kissing the top of her head and then resting his cheek there.

  “My life will never be the same again, but I certainly won’t be regretting that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If all this had never happened, there’s a big possibility that I would never have met you in the flesh, Aurora. I wouldn’t have you here like this and, even though it hasn’t been like this for a long time, I still can’t imagine having it any other way.”

  Aurora looked up at him with an expression of complete devotion as he bowed his head and touched his lips to hers. They kissed passionately for a long time, holding each other as if there was a possibility either one of them could fade into thin air at any moment.

  “I couldn’t either, Adrian. You completely blindsided me with this whole relationship, but I just couldn’t say no to you. It just feels so natural to me.”

  “We do have a lot of drama to build on. That makes it easy,” he said, smiling playfully. “Hey, I have something cool to show you. Wanna see?”

  Aurora gave him a skeptical look, then cocked her head to the side.

  “You know what? I do wanna see.”

  In the loft Adrian pulled Aurora down gently into the bed with him and he kissed her and touched her all over her body, restraining from going any further. They fell asleep in each other’s arms, having confirmed to themselves that what they shared was far more than the physical. It was a connection of their hearts and their souls more so than their bodies and that the sheer ecstasy of being in each other’s company was more than enough to sustain their love.

  ***

  “It’s quite important that the menu is light but robust,” Andrew insisted, as Aurora and the caterer decided what food they would serve at the party. “It’s not dinner, but it should still be sturdy.”

  “What my boss is saying is that it should be able to stand up to the morose amounts of alcohol his colleagues are used to consuming.”

  Aurora continued talking with the caterer while Andrew got up to watch Adrian make martinis at the bar. He placed four glasses on the countertop and watched him pour.

  “I know all about you and how you feel about her and about us; Aurora told me everything.”

  “I knew she would, Adrian. You two have a special bond. It’s not dissimilar to what your mother and I had. Aurora knew who I was before I knew myself and even now, she still knows me better than anyone. I’ll never give her friendship up, Son; you and your brothers can have anything that I can give that could possibly make you happy, but I’ll never allow anyone to let Aurora down again.”

  “I understand Dad; believe me, I do.”

  ***

  A few weeks later, Guyton Estate was a hive of activity as party planners and suppliers came and went through the ancient wrought iron gates, delivering floral arrangements, tableware, stemware, flatware and exquisite linen. A sparkling white marquee tent was erected on the green manicured front lawn and people were setting up tables and chairs while others draped the roof and sides of the tent in luxurious chiffon in all shades and tones of white and silver. A giant crystal chandelier was poised to be raised to the highest point under the marquee.

  More than enough assistants buzzed around, placing things and making fine adjustments while their bosses shouted at delivery people who were forming a constant stream into the tent. Adrian watched patiently from the terrace, trying to make out the form of Aurora among the hustle and bustle. As soon as he saw her, he started to descend the steps toward the lawn. He placed both hands on her waist and held her rooted to the spot while he placed tender kisses on her shoulder. She jumped with surprise, but melted under his touch.

  “Calm down, darling. Take deep breaths.”

  “Oh, hush up, Adrian. I’m beginning to think this whole thing won’t be coming together before dark, much less before the guests start arriving.”

  “Look at it, Aurora; they’re almost done. All I can see that needs doing is to lay out the food and bring in the ice sculptures, and that can’t be done as yet anyway. Go inside and start getting ready. Rebecca and I will take care of everything else.”

  He took the clipboard from her hand and shoved her in the direction of the house. With a beckon from his hand, Liz approached to lead Aurora inside. When she was out of sight, he turned with a serious look on his face to Rebecca.

  “Now, don’t be alarmed, just tell me; is everything running according to schedule?”

  “Yes, Mr. Guyton,” she replied confidently.

  “I like a sure response. There is absolutely nothing that can be allowed to go wrong tonight. So if you need more people, bring them in, but get it all done perfectly.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Adrian left her there on the lawn barking orders at some workmen and went inside to get dressed for the party. As he walked up the marble staircase of Guyton’s main house, he wondered to himself what his father and Alan were doing at that moment. Were they feeling as blessed as he was now to be looking forward to such a perfect night of good food, friends and family that lay before them? He knew Aaron would be thinking of different things this Christmas; hard and difficult things, unless he decided to come clean about what had happened. They would let him out on house arrest if he agreed to testify against the real criminals. He knew Aaron would do the right thing soon enough.

  Adrian smiled and shook his head. He knew that of all the things the Guytons were or could be from time to time, one thing they weren’t was ungrateful.

  ***

  As the clock struck eight, people started arriving at the estate and handing over their Buicks, BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes to the well-dressed valets that stood in a perfect line in the main entrance portico. The night was clear with not a wisp of a cloud in the sky and the winter stars shone brightly. Adrian stood on the terrace, watching the guests arrive and waiting for his brother to pull up. When he saw the car, he went down to the garden.

  Quickly, he went around to the passenger side and opened the door for his brother’s lovely new fiancée. He had been more than a little curious about what she would wear since Rayna was well known for her fashion forwardness as an Atlanta heiress.

  “Wow!” was all Adrian could say when he saw the oxblood red satin gown she wore. It was sleek and smooth and hugged her every curve before falling into a sexy flare.

  “Thank you, Adrian. I keep telling your brother that winter is either for daring colors or white, and for the life of me, I can’t pull off a white dress against my pale skin.”

  Alan took his fiancée’s hand and led her toward the tent with Adrian following behind. He took a glass of burgundy from a waiter walking past him and settled in at a table set for two to watch the door until Aurora came through it. The band tuned up and started the first song of the evening, which was Winter Wonderland, as she had insisted. Andrew took Rebecca’s hand and led her out onto the dance floor where they danced gracefully as some of the guests joined them on the dance floor. When the song came to a close, Andrew Guyton took the microphone and addressed his guests.

  “Friends, colleagues and family: it is with the warmest wishes of the season that we invite you into our home to celebrate with us the joy of the holidays and the turn of another year along with all the hopefulness that it will bring with it. We ask that you eat, drink and be merry with us for as long a time as we may have in each other’s company. Welcome!”

  Applause went up throughout the party and the band struck up a jazzy rendition of Let It Snow, calling many guests back to the dance floor. Adrian smiled as he saw his father dip Rebecca very dramatically and wondered when he had last seen Andrew Guyton dance like that. Just then, he caught sight of her silky skin as she paused at the doorway, searching the room for him. He couldn’t move at the sight of her, but stood still until their eyes finally met. Only then could his feet leave the ground and it was as being pulled in by a magnet how he gravitated toward her.

  Aurora was upset that she
was late. She always prided herself in being on time, but as she had been stepping out onto the portico, she had caught her heel and broken it. Luckily an impulse shoe buy on a planning trip into Atlanta the day before had been her savior since its silver tone was the only thing she had with her to match her dress. But she had finally made it and she had found Adrian as well. When he took her in his arms, she held her breath. His chest felt so good against her, she had known this feeling for so many years and yet every time it felt as if she were coming home again. Adrian kissed the cool bare skin at her shoulders and held his lips there as if he meant to spark a fire in her.

  “Good evening, Mr. Guyton,” she whispered seductively in his ear.

  She felt the shiver run down his spine as he raised his head to respond to her greeting.

  “Good evening, Miss Aldridge.”

  He swept her onto the dance floor and they danced closely and slowly for quite a few songs before taking their seats at the little secluded table that Adrian had chosen earlier.

  “What are my parents doing here?”

  “They’re invited to all Andrew’s big parties. Didn’t you know that?”

  “As a matter of fact I didn’t,” she replied as she accepted a glass of red wine from a waiter. Adrian took another glass as well of the warming burgundy. “I’m never usually in attendance; always in the background planning and executing.”

  They engaged in more of the easy conversation that Aurora had come to adore until Rebecca approached the table and pulled over a chair.

  “Hi, Adrian,” she said as she sat down.

  “Hi Rebecca. Are you enjoying yourself?”

  “I sure am. Everything is just fantastic. Now if someone could just point me in the direction of the eligible bachelors, I would be satisfied.”

  Adrian laughed and then said, “Do you smoke?”

  “I quit a few years ago. Why?”

  “Well, the bachelors... the good ones at least... all smoke and they will be out behind the tent, chatting it up by now.”