Billionaire Needs Nanny

by Laurent, River

  "How was your day?" Christian asked.

  "Good. We made pictures and took out the dolls again. There was talk of the pool, but in the end, I don't think either of us was up to that. Annie's washing up for dinner."

  Christian loosened his tie. "Maybe I should do the same. I'm ready to get out of this suit."

  "Go ahead, you have some time. I'm finishing everything up now."

  It was quiet for a second before Christian sighed. "Hannah, did I upset you last night?"

  I glanced up at him and saw the anxiety on his face. I immediately felt sad for him. He didn’t do anything wrong. He was honest from day one. It was me who was stupid enough to enter into this deal without thinking it through. I smiled tightly. "No, not at all. I'm fine. It's been a long day. After dinner, I'll be turning in early so you'll have to do Annie's stories."

  "Okay," he said before he turned on his heels and went out.

  I sighed and got back to stirring the potatoes. I know he felt confused, but I was allowed to take some time to figure things out. There would be no point in dumping all of my emotions in his lap.

  Both of them came back down and sat at the table.

  I sat the plates down and decided to stop sulking. Whatever happened with me and Christian I didn't want it to affect everything else. I wanted to enjoy my day. "Annie, is it good?" I asked.

  She nodded. "Really, really good, but it would be better with some ketchup.”

  “Um… how about if you have ketchup tomorrow with your chips?”

  “Yes. Will you cook that tomorrow?"

  I smiled. "Of course."

  "It's my turn to cook tomorrow," Christian cut in.

  "I want Hannah's food."

  Christian raised his eyebrows.

  Annie didn't look bothered at all by the fact she'd just insulted her father.

  Christian’s pouting was almost cute and I could feel my heart melting all over again. I reminded myself to stop thinking about him and quickly went back to eating.

  The doorbell rang in the midst of us eating.

  Christian frowned. "Who the hell is that?" he muttered as he pushed his chair back and walked towards the entrance.

  I'd noticed with Christian, his home was his sanctuary. He didn't have a ton of people over. Instead, if he needed to have a meeting or see some friends, he went out to a bar, or restaurant. The house itself seemed like a safe haven, a castle fortress against the rest of the world.

  "Annie. Come say hi to Mommy."

  I glanced up and frowned before I could stop myself.

  The woman who stood there was beautiful, tall, thin, and dressed in an impeccable black dress with a long slit up on thigh. Her red hair fell around her shoulders in thick waves and her makeup looked perfect.

  Daphne.

  Ever since he'd said her name, I'd wondered what his ex-wife looked like. She was a bombshell. Compared to her, I felt horribly frumpy. Her icy gray eyes ran over me and dismissed me in one second flat. I gritted my teeth and glanced away before I said something I'd regret.

  Christian came in after her.

  Annie still hadn't moved from her spot.

  "Come on, Annie. You don't want to give Mommy a hug?"

  Annie curled her hand around my arm and leaned her head on me. She'd gone back to being the silent Annie that I had meet when I'd first started working for Christian.

  Daphne rolled her eyes and sighed. "Always with the theatrics," she said, as she shook her head and shot me another disapproving look. "Christian, I need to speak to you. Alone."

  "I'm sure you do," I mumbled under my breath before I could catch myself. My gaze shot towards Christian.

  A grin tugged at the corners of his lips. He turned the grin into a cough when she turned and stared at him.

  I didn't want to be petty, but something about her brought it out of me. Probably the way she talked to Annie. If she had only given me such hostile looks and used that condescending tone with just me then I would have ignored her. The way she spoke to Annie however, made my blood boil. Clearly, Annie wasn't comfortable with her.

  "Christian, privately, please," Daphne said furiously.

  "Whatever you have to say to me you can say in front of Hannah."

  The woman gave a constipated smile. "I don't think so. This is between the two of us."

  "Why don't I take Annie upstairs and get her ready for bed?" I cut in. "Dinner is just about done anyway and we have a long day tomorrow."

  Christian frowned. "Are you sure?"

  I waved a hand. "Of course.”

  Annie held out her hands to me like a baby, which kind of surprised me. I scooped her up and plopped her onto my hip. She wrapped her little arms around my throat and damn near choked me. I patted her back reassuringly. "Give Daddy goodnight kisses."

  Annie leaned over and kissed him quickly.

  Daphne puckered her lips. “What about your Mommy? Are you going to give her a kiss?”

  Annie shook her head then buried her face into the crook of my neck.

  I ran a hand down her back and turned to carry her upstairs. Why is a part of me jealous? I didn't want to dwell on it. Instead, I focused on Annie and tried to comfort the now almost tearful child. As I closed the door, I could hear Christian say, “Come on, Daphne. Say what you have to say.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Christian

  I watched Hannah carry my daughter upstairs. The fact that Annie wouldn't even kiss Daphne spoke volumes about their relationship. Daphne was no mother to my child. She hardly saw her, didn't pay her much attention when she did, Annie treated her worse than a stranger because of it.

  When they were gone, Daphne frowned. "I don't appreciate you turning my child against me," she huffed.

  I looked at her like she was stupid. "Turn her against you? I never say a bad word about you to Annie. She's a smart girl who's drawn her own conclusions and knows what you're about."

  Daphne crossed her arms over her silicone chest. "What I'm about? What is that supposed to mean?"

  "When was the last time you saw her?"

  "Easter!" She scoffed. "You know that."

  "You mean you showed up for five minutes, was annoyed with a house full of children and left after feigning a headache. She hardly even saw you."

  "I did have a headache." She pouted. "All that noise didn't help. Stop being so hard on me."

  I pinched the bridge of my nose. I knew there was no point in talking to Daphne. To be honest, I was sick of talking to her. I wiped a hand down my face and gave her a wary look. "What did you want to talk to me about, Daphne?"

  She perked up as if she'd forgotten why she was there in the first place. Her pale delicate fingers slipped through her red locks. She flicked them this way and that before she smiled at me. "I know things haven't been easy between us—"

  "Understatement of the century," I muttered.

  "But I think that can change," she continued as if she hadn't heard me. "I made a mistake. I’m leaving Gabriel."

  I blinked with surprise. What the…?

  “Gabriel means nothing to me,” she said softly.

  "You left us for him," I interrupted. "I would think he meant something to you."

  "I was young and impulsive. I didn't know what he was about. I was just swept up in it all. You know as well as I do that he went after me, Christian."

  I laughed. Strange, I didn’t feel any bitterness. If anything, I was glad she showed her true colors. "So what? A faithful wife would have said no way and told me about it. Not jumped into bed with him."

  "Christian, come on."

  “Come on what? What exactly are you asking for?”

  “I’m asking for a second chance. You and Me. We owe it to Annie.”

  "No," I stated immediately. Disgust filled my body. I’d rather stay in a cage with a poisonous snake then lie with her again. "There is nothing left between us and I don't want there to be. We're not getting back together and I wouldn't with you if you were the last woman on Earth.
"

  Daphne narrowed her eyes. "You can either get back with me the way we both know you're going to do, or I'm going to make your life hell. I know where all your buttons are. I can press them one by one."

  I stared at her incredulously. What on earth did I ever see in her? Other than her beauty, she was a vain, selfish, greedy, self-obsessed, narcissistic soulless creature. "Do you think that makes me want to be with you? If anything, that makes saying no feel so good."

  "Feel how you want. You'll change your mind by the time I'm through," she snapped.

  “You’ve had your say, now get out.”

  She turned on her heels and stormed away.

  The sound of the front door slammed and I cringed. I was heading up the stairs when I stopped. Hannah was reading to Annie and doing one of the silly animal voices perfectly.

  Annie chuckled.

  I stood stock-still.

  Suddenly, I gripped my shirt in shock. Was I? Was I actually falling for Hannah Gray?

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Christian

  "Annie, please put your shoes on," I said as she ran through the house barefoot.

  "They pinch my toes!" she complained.

  "They do not pinch your toes. I just brought them for you. Please, for the love of God finish getting dressed, so we can let our guests in."

  Annie blew out a breath and I saw the impending tantrum coming. She hated having to wear the fancy blue dress and the shiny blue shoes with the white frilly socks. She and Hannah had picked them all out a few days ago, but for some reason, right now she wanted no part of any of it.

  Hannah came around the corner, picked Annie up, and sat her on a free space on the counter. She unbuckled one shoe and slid Annie's foot into it without an ounce of resistance. Then she did the other. That done, she finger combed the curls she'd done for Annie and re-arranged her bangs until she looked like a little porcelain doll. “There. You look beautiful now.”

  “But I want to wear my PJs.”

  “You can’t wear PJs to a party. Parties are special, so you have to dress up for them. All your friends will be dressed in their best. They’ll be photographers and everything. Don’t you want to look beautiful?”

  Annie nodded. “I guess so.”

  “Good. Now, why don't you go into the media room and put on some cartoons? The party is starting soon and your friends will want to watch something cool. And don't take your shoes off because someone might step on your pretty toes."

  Annie gasped. "Like how the elephant stepped on the chicken’s toe?"

  Hannah nodded her head. "It's very easy to do and I don't want you to get hurt, okay? As soon as the party is over, we'll kick our shoes off together and relax."

  "Okay," Annie agreed seriously. "I'll go pick a movie."

  "Thank you," Hannah called after her as she rushed out on her mission.

  "Thank you," I told Hannah.

  “You’re welcome,” she said with a smile.

  I lifted a brow. "Are you attending my birthday party in your towel?"

  Hannah shook her wet hair at me.

  I grinned. "Are you trying to ruin my suit?"

  She grinned back. "Don't get on my nerves and I won't shake water on your nice suit."

  "You think it's nice?" I murmured, wrapping a hand around the back of her neck.

  "I think it would be nicer on the floor,” she whispered. “While you're on top of me."

  How did she do that? Hannah always knew exactly what words would drive me absolutely insane. I kissed her and she moaned against my mouth. My hand gripped her ass and squeezed.

  She swatted my hand away. "Annie, remember?"

  I nodded. "Sorry. You're right. Guests should be here any minute, why don't you go get dressed?"

  Hannah nodded and headed upstairs.

  As soon as she'd disappeared, I heard the doorbell ring. I answered it to find a group of my friends on the doorstep.

  I chatted with them as soft music played throughout the house. Waiters circulated with silver platters of canapes, and champagne started flowing like water.

  I took a sip from my own flute and nearly choked when I saw Hannah.

  "Are you okay?" Daniel, a business acquaintance, asked as he offered me a napkin.

  "Yeah…" I cleared my throat. "I'm great. I'm really great."

  Hannah was descending down the stairs like an angel wrapped in gold. The dress showed off her shoulders and hugged her curves. It was so tight she had to move slowly, so she wouldn't trip. I could tell she felt nervous about it. She didn't need to worry. It looked like she was floating.

  Her sparkling blue eyes locked on mine and my heart hammered away. I'd seen her in so many things, but never something so formal. The necklace that touched her collarbone and dipped between her breasts drew my eyes. All of it made her seem like she was glowing. She reached the bottom of the stairs and smiled at me before I remembered the rest of the world existed.

  "Christian West, you'll catch flies in your mouth," she teased as she walked up to me. "I take it you like the look?"

  Liked it? I wanted to rip it off of her and fuck her until she couldn't do anything but moan my name from those pink lips. I wanted to hide her away and keep her to myself. Every bit of Hannah made my body kick up into a higher gear. I fucking craved this woman.

  "You look beautiful," I said honestly. "Absolutely stunning."

  Hannah's cheeks turned rosy. She tried to hide the fact, but I'd gotten used to her ways. Her fingers slipped up her cheeks to tuck away a stray hair.

  "And who is this?" Dan asked.

  "This is Annie’s nanny, Hannah."

  "Hello,” she said shaking his hand. “Speaking of Annie, I better go check on her and her friends before they burn down the house or something. I'll be back in a minute."

  She turned and I stared at her back hungrily. The dress showed off her delicious ass. I wanted to reach out and grab it, but we were in a room full of people. I had to remind myself of that, or I'd be climbing on top of her in no time.

  "Happy birthday, Christian."

  I turned around and didn't even try to suppress the frown that tugged at my lips.

  Gabriel. He wore his hair slicked back, which made him look slimy. Like a pimp or a gigolo. He was smiling at me, but the expression in his eyes told me he dreamed of seeing me burn in hell.

  "What are you doing here?" I asked.

  "I came to wish you a happy birthday, of course. What kind of brother would I be if I didn't do that?"

  "A self-aware one," I shot back. "In no way, do I want you to be here. Why don't you turn around and leave?"

  Instead of listening, Gabriel snagged a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and delicately sipped from it as he glanced around.

  I knew he was just trying to get to me, and I was a little irritated that it was working.

  "Mmm… this shit is good,” he said tipping the glass back and completely draining it. “I think I'll stick around for a bit," he drawled. "There's nothing better than being with family, right?"

  "You and I both know we're far from family," I muttered. "If you think I'll make a scene and ruin my own party though, you're wrong. I'll let you stay here and mingle with your betters. It will be the best punishment for you."

  “You’re a piece of shit, you know," Gabriel said levelly.

  Despite the tone, I could see that I had wounded his pride. I smiled. “Yes, I am.”

  "Where's Daphne? I assume she's somewhere socializing and happy to be back home?"

  I raised a brow at him. "Daphne? What the fuck are you talking about?"

  "I know she came to get back with you, so let's just cut the shit. I know how much you want Daphne. You wouldn't leave her alone when we got together."

  I laughed. "You couldn't pay me enough millions to get with her. Why would I want her? Actually, the real question now is why would you want her?"

  Gabriel stepped toward me. His gaze was filled with hate.

  I didn't move, didn't blin
k as I stared back at him. If he thought he could scare me, he was dead wrong.

  "I love her," he growled. "And I want her back. I know you convinced her to leave me. Finally."

  I burst out laughing in Gabriel's face.

  He looked shocked as he pulled back some and I could no longer feel his breath on my face. Thank God for that. I was pretty sure I would have had to punch him if I had to deal with it much longer. At that second, however, I was much too entertained by the fact that he really thought I'd taken her from him. That he loved her, a selfish bitch like her. It was hilarious.

  "What the fuck is so funny?" he snapped.

  "You're right. Daphne came around here last night and asked me to take her back. I told her to fuck off. See, Daphne doesn't love anyone, but herself. And money. Trust me, you can have her and keep her. I don't want anything to do with her."

  Gabriel glared, but I was done with the situation. Why did I want to spend my party talking about the woman I would rather not see again if possible? If she weren’t the mother of my child, I would take a restraining order on her.

  Before he could say another word, Hannah had arrived at my side. "Annie is running that room like she's a sergeant and all of the kids are her subordinates. I swear she's a little dictator waiting to happen," she said with a laugh.

  I snagged her a glass of champagne. "Have some."

  Hannah shook her head. "I shouldn't. I'm watching the children."

  "A few sips won't hurt," I said. "Loosen up a little."

  She took a sip and smiled. "Okay, it is nice to relax a little."

  Gabriel stared at us.

  I willed him to go away, but he wouldn't budge.

  Hannah must have felt his deep glare too because she turned around and smiled at him. She held out a hand. "Hello, I’m Annie’s nanny."

  "This is Gabriel, my half-brother. He's leaving," I said, my tone clipped. "Isn't that right, Gabriel?"

  I watched as he reached over and shook her hand. The minute his slimy skin was touching hers I wanted to punch him in the face until he was bloody and bruised.

  Hannah pulled away first. "Nice to meet you," she said quietly. Her mouth was set in a straight line and a nerve jumped in her temple. She looked like she was ready to sock him one.