The Billionaire's Fake Girlfriend - Part 1 (The Billionaire Saga)

by Sierra Rose

  “I can’t—” I stammered, my eyes returning to the ice shards around my neck, “this is too much. Even for you.”

  “Keep it, please.”

  The fingers disappeared, leaving a trail of scorched skin in their wake. When he met my melancholy expression, the corners of his mouth turned up in an almost wistful smile.

  “It’ll give you something to remember me by.”

  He left before I could say a word. Left me standing there with a thousand diamond knives hanging around my neck. Left before he could see me cry. I knew none of this was real. But why was I getting so attached? I tried to stay distant. I knew who and what Marcus was all about. He was somebody no woman could tame. This was probably nothing more than a huge game to him. I had to stay strong and quit kissing him. This was all fake, I reminded myself. So it was vital that I keep all feelings out of this little arrangement. This was nothing more than an acting gig. Falling in love with your co-star was a big no-no.

  I heard the gala starting before I even made it out of my bungalow. Sounds of Stravinsky floated in through the open window, and I knew it was time. Marcus was supposed to meet me there, so I took one final look in the mirror and headed outside alone. The path to the ballroom was paved with expensive couples. I followed along behind oversized clutches and clouds of cologne until I splintered off at the top of the grand staircase.

  It was a fairy tale. And for the first time in my life, I fit right in.

  Every eye in the room fastened onto me as I walked down the stairs. Floated was more like it. In any other circumstance, it would have been a surefire way to make me fall. But tonight, my world was so surreal that I felt like I was hovering above myself, watching me too.

  It was the girl from my reflection again. It appeared that she was here to stay.

  The dress Marcus’ minions had made for me was the color of soft winter snow. It was actually rather simple, especially compared to some of the numbers I saw around me, but it was that understated elegance that made it stand out. It wound around my body like a second skin, flowing freely from my bodice to the floor. Two gauzy sashes hung down the back from beneath the shoulders, fanning out behind me like little wings as I slowly descended the stairs. Those and the diamonds glittering around my neck were the only accessories I’d opted for. From the looks I was getting from every corner of the room, they were more than enough.

  “Rebecca.”

  The second my feet touched the ground, Marcus wound his way through the crowd, smiling dismissively and moving people politely aside to get to me. When he made it through the last of them, his face broke into a shining smile, and he took my hand, pulling me closer.

  “I don’t know what you think you’re doing,” he whispered in my ear, “trying to upstage me at my own party?”

  I smiled and slipped my hand behind his neck, stretching up on my toes. “Tell you what, let’s head to a bathroom and we’ll switch. That way you can wear the dress.”

  He chuckled. “Not a chance, Rebecca.”

  I smothered a laugh as he slipped my hand through his arm and turned me to face the crowd. The eyes of every person in the room were upon us, poised as if they were holding their breath. A man came out of nowhere and handed Marcus a microphone which he held to his lips with a gracious smile.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to my humble little gathering.”

  Humble. Only Marcus would think of this as humble.

  “My special thanks to those of you whose donations made this evening possible.”

  A group of tipsy-looking people raised their glasses in salute. They were mostly congregating across the room by the bar.

  “So without any further ado, let the festivities begin!”

  A bottle of champagne popped open and the party was away. But for me and Marcus, the night was just beginning…

  He took my hand and guided me through crowd after crowd. Well over a thousand people, everyone from international dignitaries to NASCAR racing champions, had somehow squeezed into this one little ballroom, and everyone seemed to want to shake Marcus’ hand. And the second they were done with Marcus, of course, they all wanted to meet Mr. Taylor’s new girlfriend. In the course of just two hours, I think I shook the hands and kissed the cheeks of enough dauntingly powerful people to start my own army. And don’t think I wasn’t thinking about that possibility, by the start of hour two. The repetition was mind-numbing, and I honestly didn’t know how Marcus did it. But if he could manage, so could I.

  I kept a smile plastered on my face as we swept from one side of the room to another, putting on a show. But was it a show? I wasn’t sure either one of us knew anymore.

  The only thing I was sure of was that in this moment, in this crowd of people, with our fingers laced together like a life raft, there was only him and me.

  And tomorrow, it would all be gone.

  We clung to each other for dear life, smiling and laughing and toasting like we couldn’t be happier. Nuzzling into each other in “private” moments when we pretended no one was watching. Posing strategically for pictures and leaning my head affectionately against his shoulder whenever the CFO happened to walk by.

  It was the performance of a lifetime. By the time we’d completed the rounds and spoken with everyone, I could honestly say that I might have believed we were dating. At the very least, I’d think we were fooling around…

  “What do you say?” I murmured in Marcus’ ear as we finally detached from the last group of people and headed back to the center of the floor. “You ready to blow off this joint?”

  He nodded. “Absolutely. I just…have a final announcement to make first.”

  “Sure, honey,” I said.

  He kissed my cheek. “Thanks for being so supportive.”

  I clapped his arm and grinned. “Go get’em, tiger.”

  He nodded shortly and turned on his heel.

  I stared at him, but before I could say a word, he’d disappeared once more through the crowd. I clapped politely as Marcus took to the stage. The band stopped playing at once, looking surprised, and I glanced at the minions, wondering what was going on.

  “I’m sorry for the interruption,” he said, suddenly amplified as the same little man rushed forward with another microphone. “I just couldn’t let everyone leave without making one final announcement. As most of you know, I’m here tonight with a person who’s very near and dear to my heart. A person who’s new to my life, but has caused me to see things through a different perspective.”

  Time slowed to a dead stop as he lifted his hand and beckoned to me through the crowd.

  “Rebecca, would you please come up here?”

  I smiled as everyone clapped and cheered me on. I felt myself walking slowly toward the stage, keeping my eyes on Marcus the entire time. Why did he have up his sleeve? Was he going to expose us?! Come clean in some final act of contrition to prove he’d actually developed a conscience over the last few weeks?

  Thoughts raced half-formed through my mind as I came to a stop beside him. He wouldn’t do that to me, would he? I stared anxiously into those ocean eyes. Eyes that, for the first time, looked almost as anxious as mine.

  Marcus sank down onto one knee, hand reaching around in his pocket.

  “What are you doing?” I whispered.

  My voice came out quick and low, and for a moment, there were no pretenses between us. He flashed me his signature smile.

  He stared deeply into my eyes and said, “Rebecca, you know me better than anyone else in this world, yet you still you manage to love me. You are my best friend, my one true love. I’ll never forget the moment we first made eye contact in that little coffee shop. The chemistry was explosive and powerful, far deeper and inexplicably beyond any calculation of time and place. I can’t even describe a feeling like that, and it is not something that can be replicated or forced. It just flows in us, around us, and we go where it takes us. It is that feeling that has brought us here, together, today in the Caribbean. You stole my h
eart that day at the coffee shop, and I want you to keep it forever.”

  Numb with disbelief, I just stared at him.

  He slid a glittering diamond ring on my finger. “Rebecca White…will you marry me?”

  Oh, that son of a bitch!

  To be continued…

  Part 2: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0168PSMMS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  Part 2 UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0168PSMMS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review. I really appreciate all of your support, and thank you from the bottom of my heart! Thanks! ((hugs)) Part 1 for review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01691UD4G?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  Part 1 for review UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01691UD4G?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  Other books by Sierra Rose:

  Click here to read a sample!

  Available now! http://www.amazon.com/Seduced-My-Billionaire-Boss-Book-ebook/dp/B0185Z25TK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

  UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0185Z25TK?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  Jenna Harks left Goldman Sachs. Left the two hundred thousand starting salary on the table. She left to make her name with something bigger, better. Even if it did mean starting out as a low-level assistant without recognition or the chance of dental. But when mistaken identity gives Jenna the job of her dreams, she isn’t sure what to make of it. She knows she has the skills and determination, that’s for sure. So she rises to the challenge.

  There is Michael Larchwood, younger son of the legendary Abe Larchwood. Second heir to the keys of the castle. He was also a notorious playboy who flirts with Jenna. The thing is, not only does the company have a zero tolerance policy toward inter-office fraternization, but Michael was well known for flouting those rules. At least four women in the last two years were fired after being seen leaving his apartment, and Jenna was in no way interested in making that list.

  And then there’s the serious brother, Thomas Larchwood, who is a brilliant financial tactician and the youngest person ever to be named on Forbes most influential people’s list. All that and he was only a few years older than Jenna.

  The more Michael flirts with Jenna, the more Thomas takes notice. Both brothers are off limits. But during this Christmas season, one of them steals her heart.

  Click here to read a sample!

  My Despicable Ex Part 1 – US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FXAG6MS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  My Despicable Ex Part 2 – UK

  http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FXAG6MS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  She thinks he’s despicable. He wants her back…with a vengeance.

  BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ8m9f7JDzk

  Short blurb: A woman must travel around the globe with her despicable ex in order to get her hands on her inheritance.

  My Despicable Ex longer blurb:

  Ashly Roberts and Jake Connors are barely twenty when they decide to take the proverbial plunge and walk down the aisle to exchange vows in front of the dearly beloved. Basking in bridal bliss, Ashly feels she is living the perfect fairytale, until she’s faced with a runaway groom, dumped at the altar by bad-boy fiancé, Jake Connors.

  Five years later, Jake steps back into her life…

  He realizes that being a no-show for their nuptials was the worst mistake of his life. A little older and more mature, he is ready to fight for Ashly’s love once again. When Ashly sees him, she can’t deny the attraction she feels, but her hormones are overruled by the horror of what he did to her in the past. Nevertheless, Jake’s most potent weapon, those dazzling baby blues, ignites a spark in Ashly, no matter how angry she wants to be. She cannot deny the spark, and she only hopes the inferno it ignites will not consume her heart again.

  *This is a two-book series* (All of your answers won't be answered in book 1)

  Click here to read a sample!

  Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZGUNZE2

  Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosss-Son-Office-Romance-My-ebook/dp/B00ZGUNZE2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438948547&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Boss%27s+Son+%28An+Office+Romance%29+%28My+Office+Romance%29

  This is a 3 book novella series. 18+ due to sexual situations.

  Britt woke up in Jack’s glorious arms.

  Jack…whatever his last name was. She hadn't a clue who he was. Kicking her way out of the sheet, Britt got to her feet and clutched her head instantly. It pounded like an unsuccessful road construction project and her teeth hurt, actually ached from the hangover. Stumbling to the bathroom with annoyance, she drank water and took a shower and drank more water, chastising herself for letting it get this bad.

  She knew to drink water and take aspirin before bed to help curb this hideous feeling. She needed a full breakfast, something big. But she was stuck with this guy who thought it was socially acceptable to hang out after a one-night stand. Britt didn’t have any experience with a one-nighter except that time in college with the one guy in her women’s studies class, the one with the tattoo of a hard drive motherboard on his chest. That hadn’t ended well but for sure he had at least had the courtesy to leave her dorm immediately afterward. Were they supposed to have breakfast together? Bond in some way? She had work. He had…probably the unemployment line or guitar practice or something. Mainly, she needed head-space to get ready for her day and try to forget what she’d done the night before, namely some guitarist whose last name was a mystery better left unsolved. The guy was HOT! But she knew she would never see him again.

  Or would she?

  Click here to read a sample!

  ***

  Groomless - US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X1SKBU2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  Groomless - UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00X1SKBU2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

  WARNING: This is a novella. 18+ due to sexual situations. This is a 3 book series. This ends with a cliffhanger and the story will be continued in book 2.

  When Julia finds out her father is dying, she is devastated. He tells her his biggest regret is not getting the chance to dance with her at her wedding reception. So what does Julia do? She creates the perfect wedding reception. But there’s one problem. Julia doesn’t have a groom. Nonetheless, she plans a small wedding reception for close friends and family so her father will get his last dying wish. But when the press hears about the heartwarming story, Julia creates a media buzz. The story goes viral and her simple wedding reception goes from a backyard event to being hosted at one of the most elegant ballrooms in New York City. And when billionaire, Luke Ellison, enters the mix, the press goes wild. Can Julia fight her attraction toward a man who broke her heart so many years ago?

  Click here to read a sample!

  Addictive Collision: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TPSC6AA

  UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Addictive-Collision-contemporary-romance-story-ebook/dp/B00TPSC6AA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436650841&sr=8-1&keywords=Addictive+Collision+-+Part+1

  Addictive Collision tells the story of twenty-five-year-old Morgan Tyler, who works as a receptionist at Belmont University and also takes classes on the side. She journeys through the pain of being trapped in a sexless marriage. Tired of having a roommate for a husband, she explores her options. Should she stay in the confines of her unhappy marriage or make the painful decision to leave? As she debates what direction her life should take, sparks begin to fly with a hot, hunky mailman named Foster. Is it time to move on with her life, or should Morgan fight for the man who is ignoring her?

  My Despicable Ex (part 1)

  She thinks he’s despicable. He wants her back…with a vengeance.

  Ashly Roberts and Jake Connors are barely twenty when they decide to take the proverbial plunge and walk down the aisle to exchange vows in front of the dearly beloved. Basking in bridal bliss, Ashly feels she is living the perfect fairytale, until she’s faced with a runaway groom, dumped at the altar by bad-boy fiancé, Jake Connors.

  Five years later, Jake steps back into
her life, realizing that being a no-show for their nuptials was the worst mistake of his life. A little older and slightly more mature, he is ready to fight for Ashly’s love once again. When Ashly sees him, she can’t deny the attraction she feels, but her hormones are overruled by the horror of what he did to her in the past. Nevertheless, Jake’s most potent weapon, those dazzling baby blues, ignites a spark in Ashly, no matter how angry she wants to be. She cannot deny the spark, and she only hopes the inferno it ignites will not consume her heart again.

  According to the terms of her mother’s will, Ashly cannot cash in on her inheritance until she and Jake travel to nearly a dozen locations around the globe. The thought of pairing up with her old flame makes her blood boil, but she has little choice other than to put up with her despicable ex.

  Can Ashly put up with Jake through her globe-hopping scavenger hunt to get her family fortune? Will she ever be able to forget or forgive being dumped on her wedding day? When wounds run so deep, is forgiveness even possible between old lovers? Or is it, “Goodbye!” all over again, after everything is said and done?

  Both versions together are available now.

  Stormy Love (Complete version of My Despicable Ex Parts 1 & 2)

  Amazon link to Stormy Love: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXJRXAQ

  Amazon UK link to Stormy Love: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HXJRXAQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0