The Wager: A Billionaire Romance

by Kyle, Calista

  "You are amazing," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.

  He rolled us over until I was lying on top of him, our bodies still connected. He looked at me so affectionately and with such tenderness in his eyes, I felt a surge of warmth flush through my whole body.

  "You weren't half bad yourself," I said, teasingly.

  He smiled up at me, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. He didn't say anything else, and quite frankly I wasn't in the mood to talk either. We both remained silent as we lay there. I had no idea what he was feeling or thinking in that moment, but for me, a feeling of such contentedness swept through me, I knew I could stay like that forever.

  ***

  When I woke up the next morning, I couldn't help the satisfied grin I wore on my face. Truth was, I think I'd slept with that smug look on the whole night. Making love to Roman was everything and nothing like I'd ever imagined. He was so tender and gentle but so skillful and insatiable. We'd made love two more times before we both fell into an exhausted sated sleep.

  I gently rolled over to turn and face Roman. He was lying on his back with one arm thrown over his head, while the other rested on his stomach. His breath was deep and steady, and I lay there and watched mesmerized, as his chest rose and fell. He looked younger and more innocent in his sleep. The lines around his eyes and mouth were smoothed out and a lock of his dark hair fell rakishly over his brow. My fingers tingled with the urge to brush it off his forehead, but I resisted.

  It was hard to believe that Roman Conrad was lying in my bed this morning after such an amazing and passionate night together. It almost felt like a dream and I was about to wake up at any moment. On a whim, I reached out to graze my fingers over the rough stubble covering his jaw. He definitely felt real. Once I'd touched him, I couldn't resist moving my fingers down his neck and over his hard chest where I lightly ran my fingers through his chest hair.

  I could see him move a little at my touch but I kept my fingers there, reveling in the feel of him. It had been so long since I'd had a man in my bed, and I knew without a doubt that Roman was the best I'd ever had. He was so skilled, patient and giving. He made me feel beautiful and desirable. There wasn't any shy awkwardness when I was with him; I didn't even bat an eye when he insisted we keep the lights on. Something about him made me want to open up and be fearless.

  I absentmindedly moved my fingers lower, tracing the muscles on his stomach before pausing on his Adonis belt, that delicious bit of V-shaped muscle under his hips. I bit my lip, wondering if I should go further, before a light chuckle snapped my attention back to his face. He lay there looking at me, amusement lighting his eyes while a lazy smile spread across his lips.

  "Well, have you decided what you're going to do?" he asked.

  I blushed at being caught, but held his gaze. Silently, I moved my fingers lower until the heel of my palm brushed up against his rapidly lengthening member. The contact stirred something within him. Suddenly the playful look in his eye turned heated, and he reached his hand down to hold mine still against his growing excitement.

  "See what you've done to me," he said, moving my hand over him in slow undulating circles.

  "Here, let me help you with that," I said boldly.

  I pushed Roman flat onto his back and slid down the bed until I was on my knees between his legs. When I looked up, Roman gazed at me with such a heated intensity, I felt my skin burn. Slowly, I licked my lips before I took him into my mouth. Roman threw his head back and let out a soft moan as I ran my tongue down the length of him.

  "That feels so nice," he sighed.

  I picked up the pace, stroking the base of his shaft while I teased the sensitive tip with my tongue. Roman grabbed a fistful of my hair as he began to grind his hips in rhythm to my hand. Soon I felt his body tense and he stopped. I looked up at him questioningly. He pulled me off of him and rolled me onto my back as he covered my body with his own.

  "That was too good," he said, planting soft kisses against my neck.

  "So why stop?" I asked.

  "Because I want to savor you," he said, continuing to nibble my cheek.

  My response was swallowed by a gasp as I felt him move lower down my body and swirl his tongue around my nipple. He laved and lightly scraped his teeth against my sensitive breast while his other hand moved down between my thighs. I arched up against his fingers as they rubbed delicious circles against my clit. He slid two fingers inside me and began to move them slowly.

  "Mmm," I moaned throwing my head back against the pillow.

  I pushed up against his fingers, grinding myself against him. Roman slid down over my body, trailing kisses down my chest and stomach before dipping his head down and flicking his tongue against the heat between my thighs. I could feel my body start to tense, the tingling spreading from deep within my belly towards my fingers and toes. Roman increased the pressure until I felt the earth shatter and my body bucked up under his unrelenting assault. Roman pinned my body down, as wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over me.

  My body was still coming down from the heights of pleasure when I was vaguely aware of Roman kneeling between my legs. He grabbed another gold foil from the side table and slid the condom on before he lifted my hips. His shaft was positioned right at my opening, and in one smooth long stroke, he plunged himself into my hot wet core.

  His hips rocked against mine in a demanding pace. I moved with him, losing myself in the intense friction of our hard and steady rhythm. I closed my eyes as I concentrated on the sensation of him moving in and out of me, the pleasure focused on that one little point. My body exploded with my second orgasm in as many minutes. I cried out Roman's name as I clenched the bed sheets under me.

  His body stiffened as I heard him cry out my name. "Oh God, Lily," he panted, before he exploded inside me. His hips slowed to a shallow languid thrust, before he stilled. He pulled out and lay down on the bed next to me, pulling me up against him. I closed my eyes, exhausted and spent after such a vigorous workout.

  When I opened my eyes again, it was already noon and the bed beside me was empty. I sat up and looked around, wondering if it was all a dream. A movement in the far corner of the room caught my attention. Roman was there, sitting on my rocking chair as he put on his shoes. He wore the same black suit but the tie was nowhere to be found and he had left the top two buttons on his shirt undone. His face had a day's growth of stubble and his hair still looked slightly tousled from sleep. In short, he looked gorgeous.

  "Where are you going?" I asked.

  He looked up, smiling at me as he slipped on his shoes. "I didn't know you were up, darling. I hate to leave like this, but I've got some things I've got to take care of. As much as I'd love to spend the whole day in bed with you, duty calls," he said. He walked over to the bed and sat on the edge next to me, tucking my hair behind my ears.

  "Oh," I said, biting my bottom lip.

  "Don't give me that look. You make it very hard for me to leave as is," he said, eyeing my naked body up and down and sending a flush up my skin. "I promise you I'll be back as soon as I'm done."

  "What do you have to do?" I asked.

  "I've got some things to take care of before my cousin arrives from London this afternoon, then I'll be free to spend the rest of the evening with you," he said. "Besides, I need a shower and a change of clothes."

  "Oh right, that makes sense," I said, feeling a little bit foolish.

  "Good, I'll see you tonight."

  He bent down and kissed me. Before the kiss could turn into something more, he pulled away and ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know what it is about you, Lily, but I can't seem to get enough of you," he said almost to himself. He shook his head and smiled at me in that charming way of his and stood.

  "I'll see you tonight," I said.

  "That you most definitely will," he said before walking out the bedroom.

  I heard his footsteps down the hall and the sound of the front door clicking shut as he left my apartment. Once
he was gone, I lay back in bed and covered my body in the sheets and squealed. It had been such an amazing night and morning. I almost couldn't believe everything that had just happened in the last 24 hours.

  On top of it all, he had promised to come back tonight! It was almost too good to be true, but a part of me had started to believe that this could be real. That Roman Conrad really did care for me and it wasn't some cruel joke. There was no way he could deny his attraction to me. The evidence of that was plain to see.

  I had decided that Roman was someone I could really care for and finally open up to. He was unlike any guy I'd ever been with before. It was a liberating feeling to throw off those old shackles of doubt and suspicion that had always held me back. And honestly, it was finally nice to have someone special in my life.

  Chapter Eight: Roman

  Somehow everything felt different as I stepped into my apartment. The Roman Conrad that had left yesterday was not the same one returning this morning. Being with Lily last night was a revelation. I'd never expected things to go so far or be that amazing. Sure, I was attracted to her and found her more and more desirable, but the feelings she had begun to awaken in me were unexpected and rather nice.

  I had thought that time and distance away from her would cool my lust for her. When she had opened the door last night and I got a glimpse of her in that seductive little red dress, I was speechless. She was even more beautiful than I'd remembered. I just wanted to skip the opera all together and spend the night discovering all the delicious curves of her body.

  I had almost embarrassed myself with my obvious desire for her. I couldn't take my eyes off her and the way the dress clung to her luscious figure, or the way the slit on the front of her dress showed peaks of her soft creamy skin. Even now, in the comfort of my own home, I still couldn't get her out of my mind and my body was already craving her again.

  In all my 33 years, I'd never met a woman who brought out these feelings in me. I could hardly believe that I had so easily dismissed her that first evening that I saw her. To my mind, I couldn't think of another woman whom I found more desirable or attractive.

  She wasn't the typical woman I normally went for, but then again, those relationships went nowhere and were ultimately unsatisfying. They'd start off with a burst of excitement, but quickly fizzled out once the novelty wore off. I even began to think I wasn't made for long term relationships, but now that I had found someone like Lily, I was very interested in exploring where it would lead.

  In a way, I had to thank Warren for all of this. If it weren't for the wager, I would have never even bothered to talk to Lily in the first place. Thinking about the bet sent a bit of uneasiness through me. I knew I couldn't continue with it now, not after last night. I wondered if I should confess it to Lily when I saw her again, but then I thought of her reaction. She'd be upset, angry, and rightfully so. What person wouldn't be? But if she did find out from someone else, I knew she'd be even more upset.

  I had to call Warren as soon as possible and let him know the bet was off. There would be no need for Lily to find out any of it ever happened. Once I had made the decision, I slipped my phone out of my pocket and dialed Warren's number.

  Hey, it's Roman. I just wanted to let you know I'm calling off our little wager. The car doesn't hold the same appeal to me as it once did. I'm sure you'll understand.

  Beep.

  I felt a sense of relief to have that out of the way. Before I could put my phone away, it started buzzing, letting me know I had an incoming call. I look at the screen to see my cousin Rob's number pop up.

  "You're here," I answered.

  "Hello to you too, Cuz," he laughed good naturedly. "I just got off the plane and am headed over to the hotel right now."

  "Good. Did your parents come with you?" I asked.

  "No, Dad's still getting over his bout with pneumonia and Mum couldn't bear to leave him," he said.

  "Ah, I hope he's getting better."

  "Yes, no worries in that quarter. You know how anxious she can be though."

  "That I do. So it's just going to be you at the Halcyon this year?"

  "Don't sound so excited," he drolled. "What are you doing for dinner? I'll come over and we can head to Bolo to catch up. I haven't been to the club for ages. I almost wonder if they've revoked my membership," he joked.

  I hesitated. "Uh, not tonight Rob. I've got plans," I said.

  "Ah, I see how it is. Got a new lady love already, is it?"

  "That's none of your business."

  "Mm hmm. Can't believe you're ditching your own cousin for some new fling."

  Even though he was just joking his words irritated me. I didn't like the way he was talking about Lily like she was some new piece of ass I was just using. Granted, my reputation didn't do me any favors, but the way my cousin was talking about her rubbed me the wrong way.

  "Watch your mouth, Rob. This is not just some fling," I said.

  "Oh really?" He sounded surprised. "It's serious then?"

  "I'm not discussing this with you right now," I said. My tone said I was done with this line of conversation, but Rob didn't seem to get the hint.

  "It is serious! Oh my God, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd finally settle down. Who is this miracle worker?" he said.

  "You're annoying," I said, half exasperated.

  "You didn't answer my question. And when do I get to meet her?"

  "If I had my way, never."

  "Ouch. You hurt my feelings. No matter though, I'm sure I'll meet her soon. And then there's always the Halcyon," he said, undeterred by my growing irritation. "You are bringing her to the ball aren't you?"

  "I haven't asked her yet," I said.

  "We'll, you'd better do it soon."

  "What I'm going to do is hang up this phone."

  "You can run but you can't hide," Rob said laughing.

  I shook my head and smiled. Rob was the only one who could get away with talking to me like this. We'd grown up together and he was more like an annoying brother than a cousin. I hung up the phone, agreeing to meet with him tomorrow afternoon for lunch. It would be good to see him again, I admitted to myself. I was sure to get bombarded with questions about Lily, but somehow I found I really didn't mind.

  ***

  I arrived back at Lily's apartment six hours after I had first left. It had been a long six hours. I kept thinking about her and how she looked as I left her lying there naked on her bed, her hair tousled and sexy with the sleep still in her eyes. It had been hard to leave, but I was more than happy to be back.

  Lily opened the door and greeted me in a skimpy little dress I knew she wore just for me. She looked nervous, innocent, and yet so seductive. It was a miracle I didn't just rip her dress off and take her right there up against the door. I felt like some horny teenager, letting my hormones control me.

  "You look beautiful," I said, pulling her towards me.

  "Thank you," she replied. "You don't look half bad either."

  "High praise coming from you," I laughed.

  It was sweet the way her face blushed whenever I complimented her. She had no idea how gorgeous and radiant she really was. It wasn't the type of beauty that was shallow and obvious, not that she wasn't physically pleasing. But Lily's beauty was something deeper. There was a natural grace and elegance about her and her wit and intelligence brought a spark and liveliness to her eyes that was mesmerizing.

  "You're staring again," she laughed. "Do I have something on my face?"

  I shook my head slightly. "Sorry, I was lost in thought," I said.

  "Well, I hope you're hungry. I made us dinner."

  "You cooked?" I asked, surprised.

  "Why do you sound so shocked? I do know my way around a kitchen, for your information."

  "Not shocked, just impressed," I said.

  I took a sniff and inhaled the delicious aroma of a home cooked meal. I couldn't remember the last time someone not on my payroll had cooked for me. Probably my mother when I was la
st home for Christmas five years ago. She led me to her small dining table set up between the kitchen and living room. It was set for two with candles and a small vase of flowers.

  "Have a seat," she said, pointing out my chair for me. "Did you want anything to drink? I've got some red wine--,"

  "That will be fine," I said.

  Lily went into the kitchen that was opened up to the dining area. I could see her tasting whatever was cooking on the stove before she reached up to grab a wine glass. I didn't know what it was about watching this domestic scene, but it felt right. I felt like I could do this every night--come home after work to Lily, and sharing a meal together. It seemed so cozy and comfortable.

  Lily came back out with my wine and placed it on the table in front of me. "Dinner should be ready in a few minutes," she said.

  "Smells good, what is it?" I asked.

  "Beef Bourguignon."

  "My favorite," I said.

  "Is it really?"

  I shrugged my shoulders. "I think it will be my favorite after tonight," I said.

  She rolled her eyes at me and gave me a playful punch on my shoulder. "Or you know, you could swear off it after tonight," she said.

  "Hmm, now which is it. Are you someone who knows her way around a kitchen or someone who's cooking is so bad it will turn me off of my favorite meal after one taste?" I teased.

  She opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it again with effort. Instead, she pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at me. "You keep this up and there'll be no soup for you," she said.

  "Technically it's a stew," I replied, ignoring her Seinfeld reference. I enjoyed pushing her buttons, and liked the way her chest heaved and her lips thinned with her suppressed irritation.

  "God help me," she muttered, looking heavenward as she turned back and headed into the kitchen.

  I sat back and watched her ladle out the stew, and sipped my wine. "Did you need any help?" I called out watching her balance the two bowls in her hands.