BILLIONAIRE’S INFATUATION
Book 2—Captivated
Scarlett Avery
Copyright © 2016 by Scarlett Avery
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.
Scarlett Avery / Absolutely Naughty Publishing
Edited by RJ Locksley
Proofread by Chrissy Becker
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental. This book is for sale to adults over 18.
Billionaire’s Infatuation / Scarlett Avery
ISBN 978-1-987943-28-3
Foreword
I can't thank you enough for purchasing this sizzling read.
I’m absolutely passionate about what I do. Once I start writing, I just can't stop.
It's taking me a whole lifetime to get to the point where I’m able to live out my dream every single day.
The captivating stories and the enigmatic characters live with me throughout the writing process. I think you'll quickly notice how much care and attention I put into each one of my romance novels.
Another thing you’ll discover about me is how much I love my readers!
To thank you for buying this romance novel, I’d love for you to lose yourself in even more sultriness, sexiness and seduction!
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***
Billionaire’s Infatuation Series
Book 1—Fixated
Book 2—Captivated
Book 3—Seduced
Book 4—Consumed
Book 5—Intoxicated
***
CHAPTER ONE
Hunter
How the hell is this even possible?
This meeting is one of the most important meetings I’ve booked during my stay in LA. I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment and until a few minutes ago everything was going so well. I was crushing it and I’ve barely had to make an effort so far.
I managed to impress the director of supply and acquisition, Jamie McPherson, who will have final say on awarding Jake and I a contract to supply Food TV with our meats for their shows. I dazzled the inventory and stock selection and replenishment manager, Joanne Chisholm, and I even charmed the skirt off of Jamie’s tough-as-nails assistant, Georgina. I haven’t even had to wheel and deal yet. Our reputation as a company is such that before I walked into this meeting, these execs knew they would be meeting with a guy who spells quality with a capital Q. When Joanne was going over the points we’ll be covering over the next three hours, I was in my element.
Never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined that I’d get sidetracked like this.
Jesus, is this about to turn into the most uncomfortable meeting of my life?
When I bumped into Miranda at Rex Harrington’s after-party, I knew within a few minutes of soaking in her ravishing beauty in that incendiary form-fitting red-hot dress that I’d have my way with her. I just needed to find a private spot on the expansive property for some alone time with her. The fifth floor gave me ample time to fully savor her sweetness and discover how passionate she is. Although she’s been on my mind since I walked her to the door and watched her walk to the limo, I never thought I’d be meeting her again under these circumstances.
I’m still on one knee at her feet staring up in disbelief at the woman I so voraciously gorged on a few nights ago. Seriously, God, how can you do this to me? From the bewildered look on Miranda’s face and how furiously she’s batting her lashes, it’s obvious I’m not the only one who’s taken aback by this coincidence. I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out because my brain is still trying to figure out how on earth I managed to step into this sticky situation. I’m utterly unprepared for this moment.
Jamie clears his voice and suddenly I’m aware that five pairs of eyes must be scrutinizing the situation wondering what the hell is going on. Think fast. You don’t want to make a fool out of yourself or embarrass her.
As the wheels in my head are still churning in search of a half-decent explanation, Riley breaks the uncomfortable silence. “Is everything okay? Hunter, did you hurt yourself while reaching out for that notepad? Because you don’t seem to be able to get back up anymore.”
I turn my head at Riley’s question, but I bring my eyes right back to the petite woman with the reddish-brown hair standing in front of me. I’m fairly certain I’ve never looked guiltier than I do right now. Ever. Like a criminal pulling off his hoodie and slipping on a baseball cap to hide his obvious involvement as he strolls away from the scene of the crime.
Everything seems to be moving in slow motion. Miranda’s gaze is locked into mine for the longest five seconds of my life. She swallows hard and all color drains from her face.
It’s weird, but it is as if I can hear her silent plea. “You know, Riley, I’m going to be thirty soon, I’m not as limber as I once was,” I throw over my shoulder, praying to God my lightheartedness diffuses this mortifying situation. My eyes are still locked with Miranda’s and I smile warmly to reassure her.
“Wait until you reach my age, then you’ll have something to complain about,” Jamie says behind me.
When I sense the mood in the room has shifted, I get back on my feet and extend my hand out to Miranda as if this is the first time I’ve ever met her. No one else needs to know the truth. “Hi, my name is Hunter Evans and I gather you’re Riley’s new assistant.”
She hesitates a few seconds, but eventually she takes my hand. “Yes. I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hunter. My name is Miranda… Miranda Reddick.”
“Why don’t I help you with your coffee, Miranda?” I reach out for her mug without allowing her to respond.
“Thank you, Hunter. I’m so sorry I’m late. First I got confused with the high-tech coffee machine in the staff kitchen and then I got lost making my way to this meeting,” she laments.
Her cheeks turn so rosy and she looks so vulnerable right now. The only thing I want to do is take her into my arms, but I can’t.
She should be really talking to everybody else in the room, but her eyes are still glued to mine. “Those Swiss are brilliant,” I say.
Miranda looks up at me, confused. “I’m sorry?”
“Nestlé got it right when they invented the Nespresso system. You’ve got to love those dummy-proof espresso machines, don’t you think?”
She bursts out laughing. Soon I join in and everyone else follows suit.
“Miranda, honey, I told you to text me if you needed help,” Riley says. “I could’ve easily come to get you.”
Miranda turns to face Riley. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this.”
“Sweetie, I’m certain you can, but you don’t have to do it all in one day. When I tell you to call me, call me. Isn’t that right, Hunter?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I answer enthusiastically.
“He should know. We’ve been living together for the past four—or is it five years now? Anyways.” Riley waves her hand in the air dismissively. “I’m surprised he hasn’t strangled me yet.”
Shit. I frown at Riley’s words because they don’t match the reality of our current living arrangement. Miranda’s eyes widen and she immediately looks away. I want to explain, but now is neither the time nor the place.
“Bless your heart for being such a gentleman an
d helping my new assistant. It’s good to see you haven’t forgotten your manners back at the ranch.”
“It’s nothing, really,” I respond, hoping we can change topics.
“Miranda, honey, you should be so lucky as to meet a guy like Hunter. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers. Don’t let that rugged exterior fool you, he’s a teddy bear at heart. He’s practically a father to my kids.”
Too much information.
As much as I love Riley, I have to agree with Jake. I’m sure she doesn’t mean it in a bad way, but she has the knack for saying things at the most inappropriate times—and this couldn’t be a more perfect example. It’s as if she doesn’t have a filter. This moment is awkward enough, she doesn’t have to give Miranda the impression that there might be something going on between us when Riley’s just a little sister to me.
“Riley, didn’t you say you needed to get out of here really quickly after the meeting to pick up the kids?” I hope my question will veer the conversation back to the matter at hand instead of our personal lives.
“You’re right, Hunter. If I keep talking like this, we’ll never get out of here.”
There’s a round of laughter around the room and just like that the focus shifts back to business. Thank God.
I glance up at Miranda, but she’s avoiding my gaze, preferring to keep her eyes glued on the document set in front of her. I’m very tempted to text her, but any distraction might bring too much attention to her. And me. This is her first day and I’d hate to be the one to screw things up for her. I need to be patient. Once this meeting is over, I’ll catch up with her to explain things.
This is going to be an excruciatingly long three hours.
CHAPTER TWO
Miranda
That’s it. I knew God would punish me for allowing Hunter to make me feel so desired that I willingly succumbed to his irresistible charms. One mind-blowing orgasm that shook me to the core on Saturday night and now my world comes crashing against the shore like a wave in the middle of a raging storm. I’m not amused one bit by this coincidence. Considering my pitiful history with men, I thought you could’ve given me a break. I silently speak to God as if she can hear me.
I expected my first day to be challenging. I’ve been pedaling to keep up all day and doing my best not to let my unavoidable mistakes get the better of me. I surely never expected to walk into a meeting and face the man who was down on his knees a few days ago ravenously devouring my pussy. Thank God Hunter didn’t sell me out. He’s been playing the role of stranger to a T since I walked into the boardroom. I was nervous at first, but now that we’re three quarters of the way into this meeting and no one seems to be paying me any attention, I breathe easy in the knowledge that I dodged a bullet.
Joanne grills Hunter with questions about the guarantee to deliver his meat on time, since it’s coming from out of state. I’m doing my best to focus, but I find myself staring at Hunter while he pleads his case, absentmindedly rubbing my finger over my bottom lip, remembering how turned on I was after he licked the fingers he had slipped into my pussy before sucking them clean and crushing my lips in a heart-stopping kiss. Holy Jesus. I swear my pulse hasn’t calmed down since—because it wasn’t just an ordinary kiss, it was freaking amazing. Damn, the man is gifted.
My mind has been crammed with unfamiliar thoughts and my body has been vibrating with new feelings since Hunter kissed me goodnight just before I ran to meet Kevin and Jess, who were waiting for me in the limo. I was certain a day away from LA would cure me, but boy, was I wrong.
Yesterday morning at six a.m., Jess and Kevin picked me up in their sleek Jeep for our drive north of Los Angeles to enjoy a full day of hiking. During the entire ride up, I stared at the back of their heads as they jabbered on animatedly about the parade of celebrities at last night’s gala, Kevin’s meetings with hotshot directors, Jess’ lucky encounters with a bunch of A- and B-list actresses she’s been dying to work with and tons of other stuff that goes in one ear and out the other. There’s no more room in my head since Hunter has taken permanent residency. I figured that once we got to our destination, I’d shake this foreign need to relive an event over and over again and I’d eventually enjoy myself. That never happened. I was half present during the entire excursion. Thank God Kevin was there or else Jess would be all over me wanting to know what’s gotten me in this bizarre mood.
I had been looking forward to going to the San Gabriel Mountains for a long time. Their legendary acres of rugged mountain terrain aren’t for the faint of heart, but since Jess and I have been hiking so many different trails around LA for the past two years, I felt I could easily take this one on. Well, that was the plan before I crossed paths with the mighty Hunter. Post-Powerball, I was barely able to put one foot in front of the other.
Yesterday turned out to be an excruciatingly frustrating day. I usually lose myself in nature. California is a gorgeous state and offers some of the most magnificent scenery in the country. Usually, I look forward to shutting out LA’s craziness, but it was impossible for me to be at one with Mother Earth when the only thing my mind and body were craving was Hunter’s tongue communing with my pussy.
Snap out of it. The guy lives with your new boss, I scorn myself, remembering Riley’s words. Given their complicity, I’m pretty sure Hunter must’ve also made her come screaming her head off all over his skillful tongue. Is there still something going on between the two of them? Let’s be honest, I’m no one special.
I’m still wrestling with questions about Hunter and Riley’s relationship when I hear my name. I blink and do my best to focus on what Riley is saying. “Miranda, honey, it’s already been such a long day for you. We just have a few more minutes before we wrap things up, but you can definitely call it a day. Go home, have a drink and a bath.”
Damn right I need booze. “Are you sure?” I ask, worried. I don’t want to jeopardize this new job.
“Absolutely. If you don’t pace yourself this week it’s going to be impossible for you to keep up.” Riley’s words reassure me.
It’s only Monday and it’s already more than I can handle.
I’m fully aware of Hunter’s gaze on me. As much as a part of me is dying to lose myself in his deep espresso-colored eyes, I’m terrified everyone in this room will read me like an open book if I dare to face him.
I quickly gather my things and stand up. “Thank you so much, Riley, for a wonderful first day.” I do my best to plaster a smile on my face so as not to let her know how freaked out I am about the past three hours locked in a room with a man I did unspeakable things with.
“Honey, you’re amazing. Thank you for being part of my team. You did good today.” Her encouragement means a lot to me.
“Thanks for saying that. I’ll see you tomorrow, Riley.”
“Absolutely.” She smiles.
“Well,” I start hesitantly, “it was a pleasure meeting everyone.” I bounce my eyes from one person to another, carefully avoiding Hunter. “Have a good evening.” Everyone in the room nods and smiles warmly. That’s my cue to scram. I walk towards the door on shaky legs and ignore my phone vibrating in the pocket of my grey skirt. I don’t have to look to know who’s texting me.
It’s finally over, I tell myself when I grip the door handle. I run towards my car as if the building is on fire. I so need to get the hell out of here.
* * *
Christ, this is brutal.
I wish I had the superpower to blink and instantly be in front of the place I’m housesitting in Santa Monica instead of being trapped in gridlock traffic on an LA highway, but I’m only human. I desperately want to get back to the house because I’m afraid Hunter might come by looking for me since he knows where I’m staying. At least once I’m safely indoors, I can pretend I’m not there if he comes by. I’m in no position to confront him right now. I need some space to get my thoughts together. Heck, who am I fooling? I need to pack an overnight bag, rush to Jess’ house, spill my guts and beg on my kn
ees for her to help me make sense of this mess.
I’ve been on the road for an hour already and during this time I’ve done my best to distract myself from the incessant vibration of my phone, to no avail. I’ve tried the radio, I’ve tried singing, I’ve tried memorizing license plates of the other cars, I’ve tried counting to two hundred in Spanish, I’ve even tried spelling the names of every single member of my family backwards. Nothing works. I mean nothing. Every time I peek down at my iPhone on the passenger’s seat, Hunter’s number is flashing back at me. Fuck.
Just when I think I’ll for sure die of old age in this car because we’re moving at snail’s pace, traffic starts flowing enough for me to take the first exit to the right. Yes. Free at last. This is not ideal because this route will force me to take a longer way back to the house, but at least I’m moving.
Ninety exhausting minutes after I left the Food TV studios, I’m finally approaching the house. I’m going down a list of items I need to pack, because I’m pretty sure I won’t have much time to spare, when my heart stops as I get closer to the driveway. I blink a few times hoping my eyes are playing tricks on me, but there’s no mistaking the very tall, broad-shouldered, extraordinarily handsome man in an impeccably well-cut suit staring at me. How the hell did he get here before me when I left before he did?
Hunter is leaning against his SUV with his arms crossed and a victorious smile on his lips. Now that I can shamelessly take him all in, I admire him fully. God, he’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m so screwed.
CHAPTER THREE
Hunter
From the look of disbelief on Miranda’s face, I can tell she thought the head start she had on me would be sufficient for her to outrun me. She didn’t count on the horrendous traffic slowing her down. Thank God I grew up in this city. I know my way around and I was able to avoid the painful bumper-to-bumper grind.
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