Quartet Complete Series: Billionaire Romance Box Set (An Alpha Billionaire Romance)

by Michelle Love

  The woman at the door had a kind face and a rounded, well-fed body. Max wanted to hug her immediately. He told her he was a friend of Jess’ from college. The woman – Camilla – had squinted at him doubtfully but invited him in anyway. He soon found he couldn’t lie to her for long, and gave a shrug of his shoulders.

  ‘I’m Theo Storm’s best friend – so that makes me a good friend of Jess too.’ He gave her the woman a grin and she smiled back, won over.

  ‘That’s better. There're too many lies in the world - and definitely too many in this house.’

  She ushered him into the kitchen. ‘Have you had breakfast?’

  She made him a huge stack of the most heavenly blueberry pancakes and sat down with him, a huge cup of coffee in her hand. ‘So, Mr…?’

  ‘Max. To tell you the truth, I’m not supposed to be here. Well, Theo would kill me. But he’s worried. We both are. There have been incidents between your employer and Jess that have left her scared and bruised. It has to stop but she won’t press charges. It would help to know how to help her if I knew something of her upbringing…what the dynamic here was.’

  Camilla was silent for a moment, looking out of the window, then she sighed. ‘Jess came here fifteen years ago when Mr. Gachet Sr. married her mother. Julien was away then but he came back a couple of years later. He claimed Jess straight away, was possessive, drove her friends away, was always with her. We just didn’t realize how bad his…fixation was. When the parents died and Jules was left to run the estate…that’s when things got really bad. He tried to control every part of her life and she had to move out. He still never leaves her alone. He uses money to control her – which makes it worse and the other day, I found him…’

  She fell silent and Max waited, patting her hand. The woman struggled to speak for a time.

  ‘Camilla?’ Max’s voice was gentle. ‘Do you think he abused her? Sexually? Physically?’

  Camilla burst into tears. ‘I should have protected her…I should have…’ She was sobbing now and Max put his arms around her to comfort her.

  Driving away from the house a short time later, Max’s heart was thumping unpleasantly against his ribs and he felt guilty about invading Jess’ privacy. But Julien Gachet was a sick and twisted fuck that she’d been forced to live with and who was still trying to control her. Max was betting that once Theo Storm – international billionaire came along – Jules had panicked at the thought of losing Jess to someone who could help her gain freedom from him. He smirked humorlessly – Jules was exactly the kind of misogynistic asshole who would think Jess would find ‘someone better’ just for the money Max may not have known her long but he knew for sure that Jess loved Theo despite his great wealth.

  Max decided he would try and warn Julien Gachet off. If he’d learned anything growing up a fat gay Jewish kid, was that bullies were ultimately the worst kind of coward. Theo’s wealth and influence far outstripped this little piece of human crap.

  I owe you, Theo, Max thought, this one’s on me. He pressed his hands-free on the dash. His assistant answered.

  ‘Jenny? I need you to arrange a meeting.’

  They ate breakfast in a comfortable silence, Theo lacing his fingers with hers as they sat at a little table on the deck outside. The ocean crashed sedately onto the white sand a few feet away and Jess sat back, shaking her head slightly and smiling.

  ‘What?’ Theo grinned at her expression.

  She turned to him, her eyes shining. ‘This week has been heaven. Actual heaven. You know something? I never wanted money, it wasn’t something that we ever had before Mom married my stepfather. She didn’t marry him for it, she fell in love and it actually took him three attempts to get her to say yes. She was worried we’d get too attached to the good life, that it would make me lazy and unambitious as far as my education went. It didn’t, of course, she’d raised me right and despite our new wealth, we didn’t do over-the-top stuff. I mean we got to travel and I’m so grateful for that but today, here with you, I can see how having money can give you little peeks at what the good life could be. Of course, if we came here too often, it would ruin it.’ She glanced back at Theo and grinned. ‘Sorry, I’m rambling. What I meant to say was thank you. Without you, it would mean nothing.’

  Theo was moved beyond words so he leaned over and kissed her. ‘Want to go for a cheesy romantic walk on the beach?’

  ‘Hell yes, I do.’

  Theo laughed and stood, offering her his hand. ‘Come on then.’

  They walked for miles along the bright white sand, Jess taking in the wild beauty of the hills that rose in the center of the island, seeing tiny houses dotted occasionally amidst the palm trees.

  ‘Is there a town here?’

  Theo nodded. ‘A small one but it’s pretty lively. They have a great little music venue of you feel like dancing…again.’

  She laughed and hugged him. ‘Always…in fact…’ She grinned wickedly and skip away from his reach.

  Theo gave her a bemused smile. ‘What?’

  She kissed him. ‘Take me dancing tonight and you’ll see…’

  Jules Gachet waited at the restaurant of Theo Storm’s new boutique hotel, feeling edgy and irritated. Camilla had given him the message quickly then made herself scarce without explaining who had called and why.

  But it piqued his interest. ‘Your presence has been requested for lunch at the Stormfront Seattle Private Restaurant at 1pm, Thursday. I look forward to meeting you. Maximillian Zeigler, Vice President, The Stormfront Corporation.’ For a second he’d been confused until he remembered it was that bastard’s company, the one who was screwing his Jessica. Still, it was free lunch and he’d listen to whatever empty threats Storm’s muscle made and then ignore them. He’d punish Jessica for the threats when she returned from wherever she’d gone with that asshole. Maybe his goon he was meeting would tell him where.

  Max Zeigler was impeccably dressed in a suit that was tailored to fit his slightly rotund body. His face was soft, doughy but there was no mistaking the steel in his dark gray eyes. He shook Jules’ hand very briefly then gestured for him to sit.

  Jules smirked, picking up the glass of Lagavulin he’d ordered and draining it. ‘So, how I can I help you, Mr. Zeigler.’

  Max’s smile was chilly. ‘Mr. Gachet, I’m not one to mince my words so here it is. You will end each and every claim you think you have to Jessica Wood. You will not contact her at any time in the future. You will continue to honor the commitments you have made to Jessica’s chosen projects.’

  Jules was almost speechless then he burst out laughing. ‘Did that actually just happen? Or is this some elaborate joke? What possible business is my relationship with Jessica Wood of yours? I mean, apart from the fact your boss is screwing her. What on earth makes you think you can tell me what to do?’

  Max leaned forward and the anger in his face made Jules rock back a little. Max cleared his throat. ‘Because, Mr. Gachet, if you don’t then I will have no option than to ask the police to investigate you. You, Mr. Gachet, are an abuser, a manipulator and I’m pretty certain you’re a pedophile. You have repeatedly assaulted Jessica over God knows how many years. I believe it began when Jessica was twelve years old? Statutory rape would give you twenty-five to life. Attempted murder – sorry, I mean repeated attempted murder, man, you would never see the outside world again.’

  Jules stared at the man in front of him, barely believing what was happening. That fucking bitch. He gritted his teeth.

  ‘Whatever Jessica has told you…’

  ‘She has told me nothing. Mr. Storm asked me to have you investigated after the last time you tried to kill Jess.’

  ‘’Jess’ now is it? You screwing that whore too?’

  Max went dangerously quiet and Jules noticed his fingers tapping the table. For once in his life, Jules was actually scared. ‘Fine,’ he said, standing. ‘You get your way. She’s pretty much all used up now anyways,’ he added spitefully and was gratified to see Max’s expressi
on of disgust.

  He stalked out of the restaurant, snapped at the valet to bring his car around. He’d never felt this kind of smoldering white hot rage before. Of course Jessica had told Storm everything; she clearly had some sort of death wish. I’m going to help you out with that real soon, Jessica…

  Whatever. Right now, he wanted to get trashed and laid and forget everything about this afternoon’s humiliation. There would be plenty of time to plan his revenge.

  Max needed three showers to get the lunch meeting off of him. He dried himself off, listening to the television from the other room. He’d just grunted at Josh when he got home, his mind still whirling, and now he felt guilty.

  His husband was sprawled on the couch and Max bent over and kissed him.

  ‘Sorry.’

  ‘Forget about it. I ordered pizza, come sit with me and chill. You look like Frodo at Mount Doom.’

  Max snorted with laughter and slumped into the couch. Josh threw his arm across his shoulders and studied him.

  ‘What’s up?’

  Max was silent for a minute then grabbed the t.v. remote, muting the sound. ‘I need to talk this out with someone but I need to know it won’t go any further until I say it can.’

  Josh, his usually merry eyes flat and worried, nodded. ‘You have my word, babe, always.’

  Max drew in a long breath and told him everything from Theo telling him of the attacks on Jess to the meeting with Jules Gachet this afternoon. Josh listened with obvious horror in his expression. When Max finished, he got up and grabbed a bottle of wine from the fridge, pouring them each a glass. After a moment, Josh looked at Max.

  ‘You have to tell Theo. Even if you did overstep the mark. Jess could be in serious trouble if this asshole decides to punish her for involving you and Theo.’

  Max rubbed his hand over his face. ‘I know, I know, it’s just…crap, Josh, should Theo really be dragged into something for a girl he’s known for so little time? No, don’t answer that. The bottom line is he loves Jess – hell, I love Jess and unless this asshole is removed from her life once and for all, I can’t see them being able to live happily…’

  ‘Ever after…’ Josh finished but he wasn’t smiling. ‘Look, they’re still away. Let’s give it a few days and see what this jerk does. But, Max, if he’s really as dangerous as you say…’

  Max leaned back, staring up at the ceiling and wondered what it was he had started.

  As they walked the mile from town to their little island haven, Theo and Jess were laughing so much they had to keep stopping. The night in the sweaty, sensual club, dancing and drinking and kissing had been an incredible turn on. Jess wore a silky gold dress which ended six inches above her knees and showed off her beautiful tawny skin

  In the dimly lit club, they’d found an unlocked back room and as soon as they were inside, they were on each other, kissing, biting, clawing at each other. Theo pushed her back against the wall as she freed his diamond-hard cock from his pants and he ripped her panties from her. Jess gasped as he scooped her up and plunged into her, using his entire body to thrust, making her scream. The unlocked door and the thrill of being caught were exhilarating, Theo grinning as Jess entreated him to screw her hard, please. It was a dirty and quick and sweaty white-knuckle fuck and they’d come together and returned to their booth, giggling, kissing.

  Theo looked at his love, the pale light of the moon making her flimsy dress almost silver, her skin glow. Jess grinned back at him, pulling him along by the hand, down onto the sand.

  ‘It would terribly wrong if we didn’t skinny dip at least once.’

  She pulled her dress over her head in one quick move and beckoned him on. Theo didn’t hesitate, stripping down and chasing her into the warm waters. Jess shrieked with laughter as he caught her around the waist and spun her around in the waves, splashing the waves. They fooled around, kissing until Jess was shivering. Theo wrapped his shirt around her as they hurried home but barely got in the door before he was sweeping her legs from under her. He laid her on the edge of the bed and lifted her ankles over his shoulders.

  ‘Tilt your hips up, baby,’ he whispered and she complied, moaning as he slid into her, oh-so-slowly.

  ‘Christ, you make me so hard when you make that sound, beautiful…’ He thrust deep, rubbing her clit as he did, feeling her damp thighs quiver, her body damp with sweat. So turned on were they both, that they came quickly and collapsed together, dragging great lungfuls of air into their exhausted bodies.

  Jess grinned at him. ‘Man, you’re really good at that.’

  Theo laughed. ‘I’m only good ‘cause you make me good, woman.’

  Jess rolled onto her side and looked down at him. ‘I have a confession.’ She tried to keep her voice light but Theo could see something else in her eyes. He reached up to cup her cheek in his palm.

  ‘You can tell me anything.’

  Jess hesitated. ‘I wasn’t a virgin when we met but…I’ve never had sex with a man I loved…before you.’

  That floored and horrified him at the same time. She was telling him what Jules had done to her. She was confirming it. Oh god, my lovely broken Jessie… His chest began to hurt.

  ‘I wasn’t sure I would ever want to be physical with someone…until that day at Commencement. As soon as I saw you, I got this rush of feelings I never knew I was capable of.’

  He studied her face. ‘Are you okay?’

  She nodded. ‘Yeah. I think I am.’

  ‘Don’t be scared, baby.’

  She smiled at him. ‘I’m not. I’m mad. I’m pissed that I was denied this for so long.’

  He grinned. ‘Good.’ He moved his body onto her hers. ‘Gotta tell ya, woman, you’re hot when you’re angry. Sorta like the anti-Hulk.’

  ‘Smooth.’

  He laughed and starting kissing her neck. She ran her hands over his arms, down his back, over his buttocks. She tightened her arms around him, wrapped her legs around his hips.

  ‘Theo?’

  ‘Yeah, darlin’?’

  In the moonlight he looked so much younger, his big green eyes on hers, his easy smile. She thought he had never been so handsome as he was this night. She smoothed his cheeks with her thumbs.

  ‘I love you.’

  He kissed her, crushing his mouth against his. ‘I love you too, baby. Just me and you now. For all time.’

  She smiled but her eyes were sad. ‘Make the world go away, Theo.’

  He pressed his lips to her forehead, kissing away the crease and ran his hand down her stomach. ‘Anything for you, darlin’. Anything.’

  He gathered her to him and they made love for the rest of the night.

  The girl he’d picked up at the club unzipped his pants and bent over him.

  Jules leaned back and relaxed while she worked on him, touched her red hair as her mouth enveloped his cock. He closed his eyes and imagined darker hair, darker skin, a sweeter touch. When he was almost there, he pushed the girl back to the floor and thrust into her, ignoring her little cry of pain. She had Jessica’s face and he was fucking her hard, punishing, a raging hatred and lust inside him. He wanted to kill her for sharing their little secret with that fucker. Scratch that, he just wanted to kill her, period.

  But an idea had come to him earlier, as he drank one drink after another, and now he was certain it hadn’t been Jessica who blabbed to Storm or Max Zeigler. It was someone else, someone who he’d thought would never betray him or the memory of his father. Someone who should know better.

  Jules had gotten drunker when he realised what he had to do and now, fucking this girl whose name he hadn’t bothered to learn, he forgot about that and instead imagined he was Theo, with Jessica in his arms, and as he imagined her skin against his, he came, grunting and sobbing until he was exhausted.

  ‘I refuse to go. I say to thee, sir, I refuse.’

  Theo started laughing as Jess pouted on as Theo started to pack. It was their last full day before flying back to Seattle at an ungodly hour th
e next morning. He leaned over and kissed her.

  ‘Beautiful, nothing would make me happier than to stay here forever with you. However, to pay for this haven, I have to work. We still have tonight to enjoy.’

  Jess sighed and dragged her case over to the bed. ‘And I have to look for another job.’

  They packed in silence for a while before Theo, with uncharacteristic shyness, spoke.

  ‘You don’t have to. Work, I mean. I’m not trying to be…but, you know, you could finish your Ph.D., concentrate on that, take some time to figure out what you want to do next. You have a big brain, you could do anything.’

  Jess’s face was blank. ‘Theo, I have to pay my way. I love you but unless it’s occasional treats like this place, I wouldn’t feel right. It’s my responsibility, not yours.’

  Theo felt stung. ‘Jess, I never want you to think I’m trying to run your life for you. I’m not Jules.’

  Distress crossed her lovely face and tears sprung to her eyes. She dashed them away impatiently. ‘I know that.’ Her voice was thick and he wanted to reach for her, but her body had tensed and he felt the distance between them.

  ‘Jess…I’m just saying, take some breathing space. You deserve it.’

  ‘Can we talk about this later?’

  Theo sighed inwardly. God, the damage Jules had done to her that she couldn’t accept any kindness. ‘Sure.’

  They packed a little more, in silence, then Jess slipped from the room.

  He found her looking out at the ocean. He slid his arms around her, relieved when she leaned into his embrace.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ she said softly, ‘I’m an idiot. I know you were trying to help and it’s incredibly generous. I just don’t want to be one of ‘those’ women.’

  He turned her to him and took her face in his hands. ‘You will never be that kind of woman, you will never be the type of woman who sees men like me as a meal ticket. It’s not in you. I do get it, you know, I really do. Can we talk about this seriously, as a business venture for both of us, when we get back?’