Warren ran slim fingers through his hair before answering, “It’s hard to explain. The best way to say it is that I make investments. Not in the stock markets, but in people and their businesses. They end up making more money and so do I. It’s not as noble as being a pediatrician. It does help a lot of people who can’t fund a business dream on their own.”
Liza was intrigued, “It sounds noble to me. Making dreams come true also seems like it would be fun. It must be profitable too. The building across the street is very high rent.”
A customer walked in and Liza began to stand. She heard Warren reply, “It’s very lucrative, however I don’t pay rent. I own the building.” Her mouth was agape as she stepped behind the counter and watched Warren exit the bar.
Liza was closing the juice bar when she heard shouting coming from the street. She glanced out the window and saw a man stumble into the back of a parked car. Two other men took off running down the alley. As she watched the first man collapsed onto the curb. Liza ran out of the bar to the man’s side. He was holding his hands to his head and blood was seeping through his fingers. As she dialed 911, she realized the man was Warren. She quickly pulled off her work apron and pressed it to his head to slow the bleeding. Warren looked up at her with dazed eyes and nodded a thank you, wincing at the pain caused by the movement.
The paramedics and police arrived. Liza backed away, allowing them access to Warren. She promised to be right back. She just needed to lock the juice bar. She knew the police would want her statement.
Liza described the pair of thugs that she saw running into the alley as best as she could. It was dark outside and she had seen little, except for some of their lighter clothing. Warren was able to give a little more information. They had taken his wallet, briefcase with his laptop inside, and the Rolex off his wrist. They had smashed him over the head with a metal pipe.
The paramedics said Warren most likely had a concussion and needed some stitches for the head wound. Warren turned to Liza and asked, “Would you please drive my car to the hospital? I’ll need it when this is taken care of. I’ll gladly pay for a cab to take you home.” He reached into his pocket and got his keys for her along with a credit card. “I always keep one in my front pocket just in case,” he stated.
Liza climbed into the beautiful BMW and followed the ambulance to the hospital. She felt proud that Warren trusted her enough to give her his keys and a credit card. After all, they had just met a few hours ago.
Chapter 3
Liza waited while Warren was treated for his injuries. A nurse came for her and brought her to a curtained cubicle. Inside, Warren sat on a raised bed with a chagrined smile on his face. He said, “I can’t believe I let two idiots get the best of me. I’m sorry you had to take part of your night to help me. I’m sure you probably have some studying to do. Thank you so much for coming to my rescue.”
Liza was quick to reply, “Don’t worry about it. I just hope you’re all right. I bet your head really hurts. Is there anything else I can do to help?”
“Not really. They’re going to keep me overnight for observation. It’s annoying, but I understand the precaution. Use the credit card for a taxi home. I’ll get it from you at the juice bar. When’s your next shift?”
Liza was once again surprised. She couldn’t believe he would allow her to hang on to the credit card. She said, “I work Wednesday evening, but I don’t need to keep your card. I can take the subway home.”
Warren protested, “There’s no way you are riding the subway alone this late especially after what I just experienced. Take a cab. I trust you with the credit card. You were my hero tonight. You even drove my car here, so I doubt you would steal from me.”
Liza finally agreed and left for home. While she was in the cab, her cell rang. It was Landon. She didn’t usually give out her cell number to clients, but Landon was different. She answered with, “Hey hotness. What can I do for you?”
“Anything you want, baby,” Landon laughed. “I know you only work weekends, but I have a proposition for you. I need a date for a friend’s gallery opening tomorrow night. I’ll pay double if you can oblige.”
Liza ran her schedule through her head quickly and answered, “I don’t have any papers due for the rest of the week, so sure I can do it. When and where?”
“I’ll send a limo to pick you up at seven. Is that okay?”
Liza thought about it for a minute and said, “Okay, I’ll give you my address. Just don’t pass it on to anyone else. I trust you. Don’t prove me wrong.”
Landon’s voice was very serious as he answered, “I would never break your trust. You’re too important to me. See you tomorrow.”
Liza smiled as she hung up. Landon was becoming important to her too. It probably wasn’t a good idea to let their relationship grow personal, but it was too late to stop it now.
***
Tuesday evening came fast. Liza slipped into a shimmering blue dress that matched her eyes. Its neckline was cut down in a vee past her breasts. It hugged every curve down to her knees, where it flared out and ended at her silver stilettos. She swept her hair up on one side and fastened in the sparkling blue clasp. Her lashes were accentuated with mascara and a dark blue liner. Her full lips shined with red gloss. Underneath the dress, she wore absolutely nothing.
The limo arrived at seven on the dot. Half the apartment complex stared out the windows as Liza slid into the car. She jumped in surprise when Landon whistled his appreciation. She hadn’t expected him to be there. He offered her a glass of champagne and kissed her lips. He declared, “I will be the envy of every man there tonight. You look glorious. I’m proud to call you mine.”
Liza squirmed a little at that pronouncement. She guessed in a way she was his, bought and paid for. She hid her misgivings and sipped the champagne.
The gallery was fantastic. It was light and bright. The wood floors were a silvery color instead of the usual dark wood. There was an industrial style bar with sheet metal covering the top and reclaimed wood on the sides. The sculptures were on various metal stands of gold, silver, and bronze. The paintings were lit by spotlights in the same hues. Liza loved it all. The crowd was young and stylish. Landon made sure she had fun and met everyone. Her misgivings fled.
The limo was waiting outside with more champagne. The privacy window was up, leaving Landon and Liza alone in the cocoon of leather seats. Landon drew her in for a deep kiss as his fingers slid up her leg under the dress. He drew back long enough to pull a blindfold from his pocket. He gently covered Liza’s eyes as he said, “I want you to feel every touch and imagine my enjoyment.” He began sliding the dress from her shoulders, kissing his way over her breasts and dipping the tips in the glass of cold champagne. Liza helped remove the dress and dropped it on the limo floor. She heard Landon’s gasp of pleasure upon discovering her lack of undergarments. She felt her way to his crotch and caressed the hardness she found there. She worked her hand inside his waistband and grasped his member. She felt it growing in her hand and reveled at the thought that she was the cause. Carefully, she unzipped his pants, allowing his powerful erection to be released. Its hot smoothness brought an answering wetness between her thighs. Liza felt herself being lifted onto Landon’s lap. He spread her legs over his thighs and sat her down slowly on his erection. He took her nipples into his mouth and suckled while she rode his hardness. The sensations proved to be more profound with the blindfold covering her eyes. She came first causing an answering climax from Landon. He held her close and whispered, “Mine. All mine.”
As Landon continued lavishing attention to her breasts, letting him grow hard once again, Liza felt a lone tear run from her eye. If only she could truly be his due to love, instead of money, her life would feel complete. Landon began moving and her heart slowly cracked just a little. The loneliness inside her was overwhelming.
Chapter 4
Liza stopped in front of the juice bar. Her gaze traveled to the building across the street. Warren’s car was
once again parked at the curb. It caused a shudder to run down her spine. The violence of the attack on him had shaken her confidence. The neighborhood no longer seemed safe. Liza closed her eyes and counted to ten before opening the door. Her anxiety eased slightly. The sight of Warren at a table calmed her further. He appeared to be back to normal, hair combed to cover the stitches. She had 10 minutes before her shift, so she headed straight to his table, placing the credit card in front of his drink.
Warren had watched as Liza hesitated in front of the building. He saw her shudder and then close her eyes. He recognized the gesture as a way of gathering courage. He understood perfectly. It had been difficult for him to return to the crime scene as well, but he refused to allow the thugs to have that kind of power over his life.
Liza sat across the table and inquired, “How are you doing? Is the headache gone?”
Warren tried to smile as he answered, “I’m doing okay. The headache is down to a dull roar and there’s some dizziness. Mainly, I’m angry for not being able to defend myself. I intend to remedy that as soon as possible. When I get back to the office I’ll be researching places to get self-defense classes.”
Liza held back briefly, then decided it wouldn’t hurt to speak up. “I know someone who could help with that. Landon Forester owns martial arts studios in the area. They also give self-defense classes. I hear they’re very good.”
Warren perked up at the news. “Is he a friend of yours? Could you give me a phone number? I’m really serious about learning to defend myself. This can’t happen again.”
“How about I call him and set up a meeting. I have his cell number.”
Warren handed her his business card. He had written in his cell number. “Call me when you get the appointment. Thanks for your help. I have to get back to the office.”
Warren slowly walked back toward his car. He was contemplating turning back to ask Liza out. He was drawn to her sincere kindness and her trustworthiness as well as her beauty. The ridiculous uniform couldn’t hide her lovely face or the curves of her body. Something stopped him from going back. He wasn’t sure what, but he felt that Liza was holding back an important detail in her life. Warren made it his mission to find out exactly what she was hiding.
Liza waited until her break and then called Landon. He answered with, “My love, what do you need other than me?”
Liza couldn’t help but laugh. Landon always managed to make her happy. She replied, “I need some information. A businessman across the street was mugged on Monday. He was hit over the head with a pipe. I saw the guys running away and went to help him. He’s okay now, but he wants to learn self-defense. Do you have any openings in a beginner’s class?”
Landon paced the floor in frustration and anger. He finally asked, “Are you hurt? Did they touch you?”
“They were long gone before I made it across the street. I just followed him to the hospital in his car so it would be available when he was released. He paid for a cab to bring me home. As I said, he wants to take a self-defense course.”
Landon tried to hide his fear from Liza. He didn’t think she was ready to know how much he loved her just yet. He was afraid that the thugs would come back to punish her. He replied,” All the classes are full and in the middle of a cycle. I’ll personally give him lessons, but only if you agree to learn along with him. Your vulnerable closing that store after dark.”
Liza knew that Landon was correct. She just wasn’t sure where to find the time or the money for that matter. She reluctantly agreed, “I’ll give it a try. I have to find time in my schedule somewhere and Warren’s schedule has to match as well as yours.”
“I’ll do whatever I have to. Don’t worry about my schedule or the cost of a class. It’s on me. I can’t let anything happen to my best girl. Call me with a time. Tonight’s fine, if you want.”
Liza took a moment to call Warren with the information. He agreed, saying, “Tonight sounds great. I want to get started on this. You can ride with me and I’ll see you get home safely. By the way, I have tickets to the theater this weekend. Would you like to go with me?”
Liza hated when this happened. She didn’t go on personal dates because of her professional ones. She usually just said no and didn’t explain herself. She felt an obligation toward Warren to either accept or explain. She compromised with, “I don’t date on a personal level anymore. Sorry about that. I’ll see you tonight.” Liza hung up before Warren could ask questions.
Warren sat staring out the office window toward the juice bar. He could see Liza behind the counter. His mind was racing, trying to figure out what she meant by not dating on a personal level. It was very confusing. She hadn’t said that she didn’t date at all. What kind of date wasn’t on a personal level? He would definitely quiz her on that. He was too attracted to her to let it go.
Liza stayed busy, not allowing her mind to wander. She knew that if she thought about her life too much, she would second guess all her previous decisions. Landon was becoming important to her and now Warren was getting close to her too. Her chosen profession was getting in the way, but she desperately needed the money or she would have to wait years for medical school.
Chapter 5
Warren was waiting out front when Liza closed the juice bar. She climbed into the passenger seat with reluctance. She was sure he would start asking questions about her cryptic refusal for a date. She was right. Warren almost immediately asked, “Would you please explain what not dating on a personal level means? It has kept my mind whirling all day. I’m an intelligent man and I’ve heard many expressions, but that one has me very confused.”
Liza sighed. She really didn’t want to get into this, but Warren gave her no choice. She began with, “I have lots of college loans to pay off and I intend to go on to medical school which means more loans. Working at the juice bar doesn’t even begin to cover anything. I know that I’m not required to pay on the loans until after I’m done with school, but the cost is so astronomical, it’s frightening. I’m working an extra job to pay them down. It makes real dates impossible. I work as a high-end call girl on the weekends. Please don’t judge me. I only do it because I feel it’s necessary. If you want to dump me on the next corner, I understand.”
Warren took some time before answering. His first instinct was to argue that it wasn’t necessary to work as a call girl at all. The loans could wait. He then realized he was thinking from the point of view of a privileged upbringing. He had never needed to worry about money. If this was what she felt she needed to do, then he would stand behind Liza’s decision and not pass judgement. He eventually replied, “I get it and I won’t judge you for your decisions, but I still want to take you to the theater. If I have to pay you, then so be it. Please say yes.”
Liza nodded. How had she gotten so lucky finding both Warren and Landon? They were exceptional people.
Landon greeted them in the lobby of the studio. They could hear shouts and thuds from several of the rooms. Landon led them to a smaller room where they saw stacks of padding along the wall. He explained, “The padding is to protect me from the hits you’ll be giving me. I won’t need it tonight. I’ll just demonstrate some defensive moves for now. You both need to dress differently for a real class. Sweats or workout clothes will be fine.” He turned to Liza and said, “I’m happy to see you here. I need to be sure you’re safe.”
The class went well. Liza enjoyed the feeling of power that learning to defend herself gave her. It was important. She realized that there could be men that would try to take advantage of her as a call girl and she might need to fight back. Warren seemed to be getting the hang of it too. She left the men alone and went to wash her sweaty face and neck.
Warren spoke up instantly, “Thank you for the classes. I’ll pay for both of us. Liza was a big help to me.”
Landon eyed Warren, looking for ulterior motives. “Liza’s classes are free. I already told her that. I won’t allow her to risk her life for you or anyone else again. She’s t
oo important to me.”
“Is she family or just a friend?”, Warren asked.
Landon cautiously replied, “She’s more than a friend. I’ve known her for several months now and we’ve grown close.”
Warren frowned, “I didn’t think she allowed anyone to get close. She told me all about her extra job on the way here. She made it clear that personal relationships are not something she can deal with right now.”
“I know what she says and I’m aware of her job. We’ve been on many so-called dates. I don’t see her as a call girl anymore. She’s too special for that. I pay the money so that she can pay her bills and I can spend time with someone I really care about. My feelings for her are real.” Landon finally ran out of words.
“I get it. I really do,” Warren answered. “She’s one of a kind. I like her a lot and I asked her out. She explained her situation and I still want to take her to the theater. I’ll pay for the privilege of her company. She’s worth it.”
Landon glowered and said, “Don’t get your hopes up. I plan on making our relationship exclusive. I love her and someday she will quit the business and hopefully marry me. She’s just not ready to realize that yet.”
“What if she quits and doesn’t want to see any of her clients ever again, including you?”
Landon’s sad smile said it all as he replied, “I love her enough to let her go. She deserves to be happy. She’s taken care of herself and her family for years now. If she needs to put it all behind her, I’ll understand. You better understand it as well. Don’t hurt her or judge her.”
“I would never hurt her in any way. I’ve only known her for a few days and I already feel the need to protect her. She’s definitely different from anyone I’ve ever met. She gets under your skin with just a smile. Here she comes. Let the subject drop.” Warren stepped back and waited for Liza. “Are you ready to go?”
A Sugar Daddy’s Secret: Billionaire Romance Page 34