by Laney Powell
Affair With The Billionaire
Episode One
Laney Powell
Copyright © 2018 Laney Powell
Affair With The Billionaire Episode One
All Rights Reserved
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.
All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
This book is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All characters and events in this work are figments of the author’s imagination.
Affair With The Billionaire
Formerly published as The Kairis Affair
Created with Vellum
For all the amazing women authors in my life. You all have helped me more than you’ll ever know.
Contents
A Quickie…
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
The Finish…
About the Author
Written by Laney Powell
A Quickie…
Thank you so much for checking this out and taking the chance on Dane and Lilian! This story started out life under another title, The Kairis Affair. But I pulled it and worked on it some more, making my two heroes more of what I wanted to see. They’re not perfect, and both make mistakes. But both are good people and more importantly, both feel strongly about honoring commitments. I’ve always thought that was something interesting—the struggle between what we want and what we feel bound to do. The older I get, the more I realize it’s not black and white; that there are many shades of gray. It’s possible to make a mistake and really step in it and still be a good and honorable person. That’s both of my heroes; they are good, honorable, and they step in it occasionally.
AFFAIR WITH THE BILLIONAIRE will be released in five parts; make it to the end, and I have a surprise for you! As a reader, I hate picking up a serial and not knowing when the next bit is coming out, so in the back, you’ll find links for the rest of the books. After that, I have a series of novel-length books planned, with hunky kilted heroes. At least, that’s the plan for now.
But right this moment—enjoy getting to know Dane, and Lilian—and thanks for being a reader!
Finally, if you want to be in the know with all things Laney, you can join my Sign Up For Your Next Book Boyfriend mailing list. (I’m all about book boyfriends, ever since Jamie met Claire at the cottage below the standing stones…*le sigh*.)
Get Me My Next Book Boyfriend!
xoxo,
Laney
Chapter One
Dane
I walked into the restaurant, collar up. I’d never come here alone. The only time I showed up in here, I was with my parents. I shoved the thought of them out of my mind and focused on making it through lunch. Regardless of what happened next, I wanted people to know I was here. The Kairis family wasn’t all gone.
Just…diminished.
Dear fucking god. It looked like some of the same people were here. Like a time warp. Only the outfits changed. That, and a lot less hair on some of the men. I brushed a hand through my own hair. It never stayed put, and normally, that didn’t bother me. Here, I felt like it drew unfriendly attention. Defiantly, I ran my hand through it again. Neither a little more mess nor these people would kill me. At least, I hoped not.
My parents probably thought the same, and look where that had gotten them.
A hand on my arm stopped my trek to the bar.
“Dane! I didn’t know you were back! How are you?” Removing his hand, the man got up and put out his other hand. Wanting to shake mine.
Slowly, I lifted a hand, and accepted his. I didn’t expect any sort of friendly welcome. Trying to place him, to remember. Monty? Montrose, that was it. Colby, Cole…Tom. Tom Montrose. Not an enemy. Not an ally, either. Neutral, as much as anyone could be.
“Tom. I’m good, thanks. Not sure how long I’m here for. Need to…well, you know.” I shrugged and looked around. Some of the regulars were beginning to take interest. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not.
“Well, it’s good to see you!” He clapped me on the back.
I gave him a smile. Not a big one. Then my eyes darted to the woman who sat with him. He saw me look at her.
“I’m sorry, Dane. I was so surprised to see you, I forgot to be mannerly. Dane Kairis, this is Lilian Hennington, my attorney. Unfortunately, she’s only with me for professional reasons.” Tom smiled. He liked his attorney. What a concept.
She smiled, extended her hand. “Dane, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I knew your parents. I was sorry to hear of their passing.”
My gaze hardened at the mention of my parents before I could stop myself, even as I took her hand and squeezed it gently. The touch of her electrified. With her hand in mine, I forgot whatever it was she’d just said. I forgot to be pissed off. I looked directly into her eyes, and fell into them.
She was stunning. I forced a breath and pulled myself out of the pools of her brown eyes, the mane of dark blonde hair, and found words. “Thank you. It was unexpected.” That was an understatement.
“It was.” Her smile seemed genuine. “Which makes the loss even harder.”
Peachy lips, firm. Just wide enough to make my mind wander to places it shouldn’t. Like how much I’d like to see them around my cock, with my hand in her hair. And then her naked, sort of. Skirt up, blouse unbuttoned, bra ripped while I kissed from her neck down to her impressive tits.
“Are you planning on picking up the mantle, as it were?”
I blinked. Sent the vision of her half-clothed elsewhere. That was more direct than I’d been expecting. “I’m not sure. I have a lot to sort out.”
She let go of my hand. “Well, feel free to give me a call. I specialize in the shipping industry. I’d be happy to help you. I liked your parents.”
Tom laughed. “Hey, no changing teams, missy!”
Lilian patted his hand. “No chance of that, Tom. I did briefly work with the Kairises before, so there’s no conflict.”
Tom sat down. “Join us?” He indicated the seat next to him, across from Lilian.
The thought of watching her, those lips, while trying to eat made my mouth water for a drink. “No, thanks, I’m headed for the bar.”
“It’s good to see you,” Tom said again. “Let me know if I can help you in any way.”
“The same goes for me,” Lilian added. “It was nice to meet you.” She smiled again, and I felt my cock harden.
I nodded at them both, and made for the bar. Better to leave now than to do or say something that would be tough to walk back from.
Lilian
I watched him go, taking a sip of my drink. An interesting man, and one who wasn’t sure he wanted to be here. He might as well have screamed out his discomfort with the restaurant. But he was determined to put in an appearance. Not going to let the shit get him down. I liked that. Defiance in the face of the enemy.
Sexy, too. I rarely felt the jump of heat just from touching someone’s hand. But Dane Kairis could burn a house down with the fire in his touch.
As for him not wanting to be here, I couldn’t blame him. This restaurant looked lovely, with its paneling, crisp linens, heavy silver, and fresh flowers daily. However, it was a shark tank. More blood was spilled on the tables of La Mucca e Maiale than in any natural setting I’d ever seen. If you wanted to be in business, you had to come here. It was just on
e of those things.
I looked over at Tom, and he was watching Dane Kairis walk away. He caught me watching him, and raised his brows.
“He’s got balls, coming back here.”
“I’ve heard he does indeed,” I said, my voice dry. Whatever else I knew, I did not need to think about Dane Kairis’ balls. Or anything else below the waistline.
“Well, I heard his parents didn’t die of natural causes.” He leaned back, taking a drink from his own glass. “Something hinky there, for sure. Perhaps you shouldn’t have offered, Lil.” His sharp gaze met mine over his drink.
I waved a hand at him. “Nonsense. I worked with his parents. They were lovely people. Tough, but lovely. No reason I shouldn’t offer to help out the son. If there is something hinky,” I gave him the eye, “About their deaths, I hope it’s discovered. No one deserves to die like that.” They’d been murdered, while on vacation. How does that even happen?
“Well, be careful. Before he left, I know old Kairis was hesitating handing over the reins to him,” he gestured with his glass in the direction of the bar.
“Really? Why was that?” I hadn’t heard that.
“Kid was too cocky, too wild, too unwilling to work with anyone else. Didn’t have a rep for playing nice with others,” he said, grinning at me.
“Like anyone here does,” I said, looking around and rolling my eyes. “Certainly not a reason to hate the guy.”
“Well, be careful. That’s all I ask. I don’t want to have to go through the hell of finding someone else to put up with me and keep me out of jail.”
I had to laugh. Tom was a great deal like the late Mr. and Mrs. Kairis. Hard, pushy, tough, and good at what he did. It’s why I liked him too.
We turned back to business matters. Once we’d eaten and made it through our agenda Tom excused himself for a moment, leaving me at the table. I finished my drink, and then turned to look at the bar. Dane was still there. He was not facing the bar, but sitting sideways, drink in hand, observing the restaurant. His gaze moved, although he didn’t move his head much. He reminded me of a predator, watching his kingdom.
Abruptly, his eyes met mine. Heat rushed through me. My cheeks flamed, and I could feel my panties get wet. I held my drink up almost as a shield. He kept his gaze on me even as I sipped at the dregs of my glass. I turned slightly to set down my drink, and glanced back. He’d moved on, looking away from me. I couldn’t understand why I felt so disappointed.
Tom returned, and we wrapped up our discussion. He offered to take me back to the office, but I declined. I preferred to walk after most lunches, and more so when I ate here. He waved to me as his car was brought around, and I set off.
The day was crisp and clear. A slight breeze wafted through, not yet spoiled by the heat given off by the city itself. I tilted my face to the sun, enjoying the relative peace before I got back to my office. Seeing Dane Kairis, wet panties aside, had saddened me. I truly liked his parents, and had been shocked to hear that they had died. Particularly as –
I heard steps behind me. I forced myself to keep my pace, keep the casual effect. Where is my pepper spray? Where is my--
“Lilian?”
It was him. Dane Kairis.
I inhaled deeply and faced him. “Yes, Mr. Kairis? I’ll be happy to see you in the office, if you wish.”
“Not what I wish at all.” He was taller than me, and gazed at me in a manner I could only describe as smoldering. I really needed to stop. He was not smoldering at me. Not out here, in public, when we’d only met for a few moments before.
“Then why are you stopping me on the street, Mr. Kairis?” I struggled to keep my voice cool and my words professional. All my instincts screamed – to run from this man, and also to run to him, letting him drag me off to a cave if he wished. Neither would be good form or a good decision at the moment. I hoped I’d make it away unscathed.
Dane
Why had I stopped her? I suppose saying let’s fuck probably wasn’t a good conversation opener. It’s what I wanted to say, though. A number of times. Preferably without clothes. While she screamed my name, over and over.
“Mr. Kairis?”
“I wanted to take you up on your offer. But not in such a public place,” I finally managed. That sounded professional enough. This was irritating. My libido didn’t normally rule me like this. I wasn’t twenty, for fuck’s sake.
Her eyebrows rose. She smiled, that devastating smile with the split peach lips, and let out the breath she’d been holding. That was interesting. “I understand. In spite of the fine china and finer manners, La Mucca e Maiale is a primal atmosphere. Rather like a herd of angry gladiators.”
“It is. Since I’m unsure what direction I want to go, I’d rather not make any moves in front of an audience.” That was also true. It just didn’t feel comfortable saying it out loud. It sounded weak, and one thing I’d learned from an early age was to never, ever show weakness. So why was it was being so open with this woman?
“Of course. Here’s my card.” She slid her hand into her bag and came out with a creamy square, which she offered me. I took it, making sure I brushed my fingertips along her fingers. I couldn’t help it. I wanted to grab her hand and see if she fit me like I thought she would. The feel of just her hand nearly brought me to my knees.
She’d taken my breath away seated, but watching her walk in front of me had been an exercise in mind as well as body control. Not to mention I felt like the world’s biggest creeper. I was also sure my cock was waving like a flag, and I forced myself to pretend it wasn’t there.
“Call my assistant, and we’ll set something up. What sort of time frame were you thinking about?” Simple words, but watching her lips form them might be the death of me.
“Thank you. Soon, I think. I appreciate it. I know that my parents weren’t exactly high on anyone’s list when they left.” The thought of my parents, why they left, and how they died strangled my thoughts of naked, writhing sweaty bodies for a moment. I felt my face slide into a frown, into anger.
“Rumors are not proof, Mr. Kairis. Surely you know that.” Now she was gazing at me with a tinge of pity.
Fuck that. I didn’t want her pity, great ass and lips aside. “I do, Ms. Hennington. Damage is done long before there’s ever proof of anything. Surely you know that.” My tone mocked hers.
I felt, rather than saw her pull back, just a fraction of movement. Maybe the fallback into my Dane Kairis, Asshole persona wasn’t the right road to take. Well, shit. That couldn’t be helped now.
“I deal in damage all the time, Mr. Kairis,” she said coolly, removing her hand from mine, leaving me with holding the card. “Perhaps I can help you. I don’t know. Call and make an appointment. Then we’ll see.” She smiled briefly, and walked away from me.
I was left holding the card and watching her ass glide away. I looked down at the card. I guess I’d need to call and make a damn appointment. I wondered if I could convince her to meet me in a bar. Dark, cozy, within walking distance from my brownstone. I took a few quick steps towards her. She turned.
“Is there something else I can help you with?” Polite, yet annoyed. Not afraid to let me know it.
“Yes, there is.” I could hear my voice growl. “I didn’t stop you just to talk business.” I caught her wrist, and pulled her to me. Pulled her hard, so that she slammed into me. She fit. Just as I’d thought she would.
“What are you doing?”
Thank god there was an alley right next to where I’d stopped her. I walked backwards into it, still holding her. My eyes met hers, and I could see surprise and hesitation.
“Mr. Kairis?” No panicking, just low and angry. Her voice was husky and it made me want to rip her clothes off.
“Dane. Call me Dane. You know you want to.”
She didn’t answer. I pulled her head to me, and bent my lips to hers. It wasn’t soft. I couldn’t be soft. I was hanging on by a thread. This woman stirred all the feelings that I’d been working hard to ign
ore.
She didn’t do anything at first, which was both bad and good. Bad because I wanted to know if she felt what I did, and good that I didn’t get her slapping the shit out of me.
Suddenly her arms came up and grabbed my head, pulling me even closer. Her tongue mingled with mine, darting in and out of my mouth like she was fucking me. I groaned.
“Dane,” she whispered.
“You want me to stop?” I asked next to her lips.
“No.”
That was definite, and that was all I needed. Cupping her head with one hand, I ran the other down her leg and hiked it up towards my waist. I heard the skirt she wore rip. Her head fell back as she moaned with me, and I bit down the line of her neck.
I picked her up and wheeled her around, walking her to the wall of the alley. Once she was up against the wall, I lifted her other leg, and wrapped them both behind my back. She tilted her head towards me and I grinned. “This is how I want to fuck you,” I whispered. I ground my cock into her pussy. I could feel it, hot and wet, through my pants. I leaned back slightly, and put my hand between us, feeling her panties. As I thought—hoped—they were wet. I gave them a yank and ripped them off her.
“God, you’re beautiful,” I said, pinning her to the wall, keeping my hand between us. I let my fingers curl into her, watching her face as I did so.
Her eyes widened, her breath hitched. “Like that? It’ll be better with my tongue,” I say to her lips, kissing her again.
I slide first one finger, and then two into her wetness. God, this woman is maddening! It’s all I can do not to tear off my pants and let my cock take the place of my fingers. Even more so when her head falls into my chest and her breath hitches. I can smell her, floral, primal, like the heat rising off a sidewalk on a scorching day.