Seduced by the Billionaire: The Complete Collection

by Lee, Nadia

  When he stayed quiet, she retreated. Maybe she was being too presumptuous. “If you don’t want to talk about it right now, that’s okay, too. It can wait.”

  “It’s not like that.” He took a long breath. “I just don’t know where Catherine got that idea. She never met Lisa, and I never talked about her once everything was over.”

  “Oh. Then…yeah. What the hell was Catherine thinking?”

  “Maybe Jacob mentioned something about it.”

  “But it’s not like she knows me well enough to make the comparison.”

  “True,” Ethan said. “Lisa was my girlfriend in college. We were…infatuated with each other. We even got an apartment together, though I didn’t know until later that she hadn’t told her folks about me. Two months after we moved in, she cut her wrists.”

  “What? Oh my god. I’m so sorry, Ethan.”

  “Her family was grief-stricken, of course. And really, really angry. Looking for someone to blame. The idea that Lisa might kill herself was just…unacceptable to them even though there was no evidence of a struggle or break-in. Long story short, they blamed me.”

  “That’s ridiculous!” She clenched her hands. Though it had happened years ago, it infuriated her. How dare they!

  “Boyfriends and husbands are always number one on the list of suspects when a woman dies. That’s what the cops told me as they investigated. My family hired the best lawyer available as a precaution. That made Lisa’s family even angrier. They thought if I had nothing to hide, I wouldn’t need a lawyer.”

  “That’s dumb. Either way, you have the right to an attorney.”

  “I also had an iron-clad alibi since I was with one of my professors to discuss midterms at the time of her death. But they didn’t think that was good enough since some of his research money came from a big grant from my family about a month before the investigation started. If it hadn’t been for the PI we hired, things could’ve gotten a lot more complicated.”

  Kerri wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so sorry about what happened,” she said, doing her best to modulate her tone. She was furious with herself for making Ethan relive this horrible nightmare. It was like when people asked her about her childhood.

  “It was a long time ago.”

  “I can’t believe how stupid I’ve been.”

  “Honey, you’re never stupid. Except maybe when you insist on facing the world on your own or try to get a ‘manageable’ man.” Ethan gave her a small smile. “I’m glad I was able to talk about this. I never did with my family. They only knew what the police decided to make public, nothing more. It makes me feel… I don’t know, lighter to share it with you.”

  “Still…” Kerri scowled. “Catherine must’ve mentioned Lisa just to upset you, and I fell for it. And to think I felt sorry for her.”

  “Did you?”

  “I admit it’s kind of hard to feel sorry for someone who’s that gorgeous. But her life’s falling apart, and she wanted to lash out at somebody. I can relate. But that doesn’t mean she gets to be a bitch. She’s lucky she’s not here.” She wanted to hurt Catherine for hurting Ethan. The woman had no right, even if she thought she might be facing jail time.

  “Actually, Gavin said something similar. About you and Lisa, I mean.”

  “Why would he think that?”

  “He did meet Lisa, and you seemed so sad at times.”

  This was news to Kerri. “How so?”

  “Well, for example, when you see children, you get this distant, pensive look.”

  “I do?”

  “You do. And Gavin doesn’t miss much.”

  She blinked. She had no idea she’d been that obvious or easy to read.

  “But that isn’t quite right either, because Lisa was never really sad. Just depressed from time to time…but then she’d be perfectly fine and full of energy again,” he said, thinking out loud. “It wasn’t until after her death that one of her friends said Lisa’s doctor wanted her to see a psychiatrist, but her family refused to seek proper treatment for her. Her father thought it was something she could just get over, except it didn’t work out that way. But I think that’s where Gavin might have thought you were like Lisa. He only saw her a few times and didn’t know her that well.” He shook his head. “He thought I might be overcompensating for Lisa, but I wasn’t. Kerri, you know how much my family means to me. I vowed never to put them through another crisis like that. If I hadn’t seen the strength in you, I never would have asked you to move in, work for me, nothing.”

  “I see.” She sighed. “Kinda sorry I asked.”

  Ethan’s lips quirked into a lopsided smile. “Well, I’m not. Earlier, when you didn’t, I was pretty pissed off.”

  “Why?”

  “Because…” He looked into her eyes. His were so dark and beautiful, she thought she might sink into them and never come out. Never want to come out. “Not asking made it seem like you didn’t care. Like what we had wasn’t worth even a tiny bit of curiosity about Lisa on your part.”

  She swallowed. “Well…we were supposed to be having a fling. Doing a lot of probing about Lisa seemed too, I don’t know, intrusive and demanding.”

  “Uh, we’ve been in an exclusive relationship.”

  “Which is—was—supposed to end.”

  He shook his head, resting his forehead against hers. “When either of us finds someone else we’d rather be with. Don’t you get it? That’s how all relationships are. They always end when either party finds they’d rather be with someone else.”

  Her mouth parted. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t caught that part of his proposal. Or had her subconscious ignored it because deep down she wanted to be with him?

  “Otherwise, it’s forever.” he murmured. “Don’t you agree?”

  Forever.

  Her heart hammered. “So why all that contract stuff? Why didn’t you just say ‘hey, let’s have dinner’ like a normal person?”

  “Because if I’d asked you out in a more traditional manner, you would’ve run off to California or something.”

  She couldn’t deny his logic. He was absolutely correct. She would’ve run. She hadn’t wanted a complicated relationship. And she’d convinced herself he wasn’t her type because he would’ve left an indelible mark on her.

  “You’ve been hurt by the people who should’ve loved you and protected you the most,” Ethan said. “That part of your life is over. You can trust me to keep you safe.”

  He kissed her, his lips firm and sure, and joy suffused her with warmth. Then the kiss became something more, deeper, as though he wanted to devour all her secrets and thoughts and emotions. She clung to him, her body heavy with a sweet ache for him, relief making her head light.

  This wasn’t just heat. Her heart throbbed with emotions, the wall she’d used to keep them out destroyed and blown away. She felt vulnerable, yet surprisingly safe. She trusted Ethan; he’d keep his word and protect her.

  He finally broke off the kiss. “Tell me you love me again.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” He trembled against her, his thick and powerful arms holding her tight.

  “By the way,” she said against his shirt, her voice muffled. “Barron said he wanted to meet you sometime soon. If he hears that we’re together, he’s going to want to see you before leaving Virginia.”

  “That’s fine. I want to see Barron too.”

  “You do?”

  “Oh yes. I have a few things to tell him.”

  She tensed. “You aren’t going to pick a fight with him, are you?”

  “No. But I’m going to let him know he better treat you right. You never had anyone before, but now you have someone to watch your back.”

  “I have a feeling he’s going to like you quite a lot.”

  Ethan shrugged. “He can like me or not, so long as you love me.”

  “I do.” She kissed him again, letting her lips go soft and tasting everything: hope, future and love. “I do.”

>   Epilogue

  One month later

  ETHAN CAME OUT of the kitchen with a tiramisu that looked sinfully delicious. The man never stopped amazing Kerri with his culinary masterpieces. Doctor’s orders were to cut back—and yes she should, for her own sake—but she could never resist his desserts. Thankfully, Ethan didn’t believe in American-sized servings…or maybe he did it for her. In any case, the three beautiful plates in his large hands sported only a few small bites’ worth of sweetness with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.

  “God, you people,” Justin said, staring at his tiramisu. “You may be used to European portions, Kerri, but I didn’t grow up there. I’m American.”

  “I’m sure Ethan will let you lick the bowl if you ask nicely.”

  “Haha. Very funny.”

  “Kerri’s been cutting back on sugar,” Ethan said, sitting down and putting a warm hand on her shoulder. “So we don’t usually eat dessert, but since you’re here, I figured we could splurge.”

  “Well. In that case, I feel honored.” Justin winked.

  He’d decided to make a special trip to northern Virginia to visit Kerri after a five-day vacation in Curaçao. His dark hair and bright green eyes were set off by the tan he’d acquired. Most importantly, he looked relaxed. She hadn’t seen him this loose in a while.

  When she commented on it, he grinned. “It’s because I no longer have to cover for you with le roi soleil. You have no idea what it’s like to lie right to his face.”

  She cringed. “I actually do know.” Barron could make you feel small and pathetic for deceiving him. Before he completely destroyed your future, of course.

  “Who’s le roi soleil?” Ethan asked.

  “That’s our code name for Barron. It’s, uh, kind of classified, though,” Justin said.

  Ethan’s lips twitched. “Of course.”

  Justin polished off his dessert in two large spoonfuls, while Kerri savored hers in small bites. Who knew when she’d get to indulge again?

  “By the way, when’s the happy date?” Justin asked.

  Kerri choked and reached for her water. Ethan patted her back gently.

  “We aren’t sure,” Ethan said.

  “We aren’t even engaged yet, Justin,” Kerri said when she found her voice again.

  “You planning on living in sin forever?”

  Kerri stole a quick glance at Ethan. They’d never talked about it, and she didn’t want to pressure him into anything. Marriage was a huge step.

  “Just, ah, don’t plan anything concrete other than the date,” Justin said.

  Kerri narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

  “Yes, why?” Ethan asked.

  “Because Barron’s going to want to overcompensate.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “You know how he doesn’t just ruin people? He ruins people, right? This is going to be the same thing. He won’t just compensate for what he considered the lost time. He will compensate.”

  “Uh oh,” Kerri said. “What exactly does that mean?”

  “I honestly don’t know.” Justin shrugged. “Maybe buy a small country and name it after you?”

  Ethan chuckled, while Kerri made a face. “That’s so not what I want.”

  “Enjoy the fact that he loves you, Kerri.” Justin’s voice grew serious and affectionate. “He’s trying to make up for everything. I know you didn’t want to hear it before, but he’s been hurting, too.”

  “Fine. But he doesn’t need to buy a freakin’ nation to make amends.”

  After Justin left, Kerri helped Ethan load everything into the dishwasher. As she rinsed the wine glasses, she said, “I’m sorry about that.”

  “About what?”

  “You know, Justin putting you on the spot about a wedding date and all that.”

  “He didn’t do anything wrong. I might have wanted to know if I were in his shoes. He looked more like a brother to you than a cousin.”

  “He practically is. I spent most of my summer vacations with him and his family.”

  “I like him.” Ethan dried the glasses and put them away. When she turned from the sink, he was right before her, his eyes serious and unreadable. “Wanna go out to the balcony?”

  “Okay.”

  They held hands and looked at the glittering night sky. The cool breeze ruffled her unbound hair. Ethan embraced her tightly from behind, his breath tickling her ear.

  “I love you.”

  Her insides grew soft and languid. He told her every day, but she could never get used to hearing it. “I love you too, Ethan.”

  He turned her slowly until she faced him. His hand caressed her cheek, and she closed her eyes at the aching sweetness.

  “Will you marry me?”

  Her eyes popped open. In front of her, in his hand, was the most gorgeous diamond ring she’d ever seen. “Ethan…”

  “I thought I should propose in some spectacularly romantic and grandiose fashion, but I couldn’t think of anything that felt right. Then I realized that it should be just you and me, with nothing else to distract us from declaring what we want.”

  His face grew blurry as tears sprang to her eyes.

  “Say yes and make me the happiest guy on the planet.”

  She smiled. “Yes,” she replied against his lips. “Yes.”

  ——

  What’s been making Gavin so difficult and moody? His wife is pregnant and wants a divorce. Turn the page for Gavin and Amandine’s story, The Billionaire’s Baby..

  The Billionaire’s Baby

  Seduced by the Billionaire, Book 3

  Nadia Lee

  It’s love or nothing…

  All Amandine Monroe ever wanted was to fit in with her glamorous and wealthy in-laws and live happily ever after with her irresistible husband Gavin Lloyd. Three years after the wedding, she’s still nowhere near fitting in with her in-laws, and Gavin has given her everything—except his heart.

  When she finds out she’s pregnant, she decides she can’t raise her child in a home devoid of love. If she can’t have Gavin’s heart, only a divorce will do.

  Gavin won’t let the only woman he truly cares for walk away without a fight. He demands full custody of their child or a chance for them to reconcile.

  Saving their marriage will require more than expensive gifts and a second honeymoon. If Amandine and Gavin can’t overcome their pride and private fears, they’ll have to let go of each other forever…

  For May.

  Chapter One

  AMANDINE MONROE LLOYD SAT with her legs pressed together and ankles crossed in Dr. Silverman’s office. The good doctor had a prosperous practice in Los Angeles, catering to the significant others of the rich and famous. The waiting room was decorated in soothing sage and creamy yellow, just like the office. Instead of posters warning women about the dangers of various illnesses, the clinic walls had tasteful prints of modern art, the kind that people in Amandine’s husband’s social circle would easily drop a few million dollars to own. If they had been the originals, of course.

  Until her marriage, she’d never been able to afford a gynecologist who had a private practice, much less one as high-class as Dr. Silverman’s. She squirmed in her seat. Her pink chiffon Oscar de la Renta dress and matching Manolo Blahnik stilettos cost more than what most people made in a month and should have been enough to make her feel like she belonged in the office. But they were something her personal shopper—one her husband had hired—had bought to ensure she looked the part of Mrs. Gavin Lloyd. She would never have spent that much on something she’d end up wearing only once or twice, but her shopper bought something new every other day. Maybe the woman was trying to compensate for the fact that Amandine didn’t want her clothes custom-tailored in Europe like Gavin.

  She studied the little pots of aloe on the window sill, counting their spiky leaves. What could be taking Dr. Silverman so long?

  A few minutes later, the doctor walked in and took her seat at the desk. In her early forties
, Dr. Silverman was model-thin and short—shorter than Amandine’s five-five—with a friendly face and warm green eyes. She wore a white doctor’s lab coat over a peach tunic and a skirt as brown as her hair. Her shoes were sensible pumps, unlike Amandine’s impractical stilettos.

  “Congratulations again.” She handed Amandine a discreet ivory envelope made of expensive paper. There was nothing on the outside except the clinic’s logo. “Here’s the sonogram so you can share it with your husband. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled.”

  “Thank you.” Amandine put it in her purse, her hands less than steady. She and Gavin had never discussed having children. But it’d been three years since they’d gotten married, so wasn’t it about time they thought about the next generation?

  Okay, so their third anniversary was tomorrow. Almost three years.

  “By the way…” Amandine began.

  Dr. Silverman put her hands together. “Yes?”

  “Does it matter that we used birth control all this time?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Is the baby” —Amandine put a hand on her belly— “going to have a problem because of that?”

  “Not at all. Don’t worry. No birth control works one hundred percent of the time. But that doesn’t mean that pregnancies occurring during usage aren’t viable, or that your baby will run a higher risk for any particular condition.”

  “Okay.”

  “The most important thing for you right now is to relax, eat healthy and do some light exercise three to four times a week,” the doctor said, ticking off the points on her fingers. “The receptionist will give you a booklet with everything you need to know. It has two copies of Nutrition, one for you and one for your staff. I’m sure your cook can come up with something acceptable based on my recommendations. If you need more information or have any other concerns or questions, feel free to contact me at any time.”

  “Thanks.” The reassurance made her feel a little better. Gavin paid a hefty fee every year to ensure that Amandine could remain a patient at the private concierge service clinic, and unlike some physicians, Dr. Silverman really was available at all times via phone, email or text.