The Billionaire's Secret (BDSM Erotic Romance) (His Submissive, Part Six) (8 page)

I turned from the computer screen, giving her my full attention. Not because she deserved it mind you, but because I had to be on the ball around her. She’d sent me five press releases riddled with grammatical errors and incorrect information, clearly hoping I’d miss it and would crash and burn.

“That depends on the favor, Missy.”

“It’s nothing hardcore and you’re clearly very capable.”

I rolled my eyes. There was no way I was going to write this chick a blank check so she could screw me over. “Tell me what you need and I might be able to help.”

She let out a loud, obnoxious sigh. “I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, considering you’ve been the go-to during the Wallace project.”

My stomach clenched. “W-Wallace project?”

“Right. I’m supposed to be meeting him in ten, but something came up and I need to leave the office.”

I knew that Jacob and I had an agreement. A verbal understanding that I’d keep my distance as far as Cade was concerned, but it wasn’t public knowledge because it would bring up a host of questions.

“Me? I, uh--”

“You’re just going over the damages and giving him the information for the gift bags we’re sending over to Jon’s studio.” She cleared her throat. “He’s insisting on delivering it in person.”

I bit my lip, Cade gaining some much needed respect points. Delivering those packages was the least he could do for the mess and inconvenience he caused. Still, I didn’t want to break the deal with Jacob. “Is there someone else?”

“What?” she barked, not letting me off that easy. “I didn’t hear you.” She let out another dramatic sigh. “Look if you can’t handle it--”

“I can handle it.” I said, my ego doing the talking. CrapcrapCRAP.

“Cool. I’ll just send him up to your office.”

The line clicked. Of course she hung up without a thank you. But I had bigger fish to fry. Like how I’d just agreed to meet with Cade.

I jumped up from my chair, my eyes shooting to my purse and jacket hanging near the door. I could sneak out and claim I forgot. That might work with Cade, but my last minute amnesia would raise all sorts of red flags with Missy. She already had me in her sights, undoing my efforts at making friends as soon as I introduced myself. Even Snap Girl from the research department didn’t want anything to do with me. When I tried to eat lunch with her she trashed half her sandwich rather than being seen talking to me.

I crossed my arms against my chest, pacing back and forth as I tried to convince myself that Jacob would understand. At this stage, I had no problem putting the whole thing on Missy.

I put on a mask of indifference as she pranced into the office without so much as a knock. She handed over a folder and a card with the address where Cade could pick up the gifts.

“Thank you so much for covering for me,” she said batting her spider lashes. “You are a lifesaver.” She turned on her heels, pausing at the door. “I’ll definitely let Jacob know that you were indispensable.”

“That’s not necessary,” I blurted, panic gripping my voice. I let out a choked, nervous laugh when she glanced back at me, eyeing me strangely. “I mean I appreciate it.” I scoured my mind for some way to explain why I didn’t need her to speak up for me without drawing any more attention. “I mean, I appreciate the gesture but I’m just being a team player.”

It must have been enough to throw her off my scent because she breezed out of my office with a shrug, I dropped my painful grin and started freaking out.

It’s going to be fine, I breathed in and out, gripping the edge of my desk. You’re a professional, remember? You kept it together when he--

“Ahem.”

I exhaled, clearing everything from my face before turning to him. Gone was the leer in his eyes and the eau de drunk. In its place was the cool, collected guy I’d met. He stepped into my office, decked in a white button down shirt and light jeans that hung low on his waist. His eyes raked over my face and he must have seen something I couldn’t hide away because he stopped just inside, giving me space.

“I’m sorry you had to see me like that,” he said, visibly embarrassed.

I gave him a tight smile. “It’s quite alright.”

“Alright?” He shook his head. “I was out of line. I embarrassed myself and put the movie in jeopardy and by extension, all the people who worked on it. I know I can’t take it back, but I truly, sincerely apologize.”

“Missy left notes but if you just say what you just said to me, you’ll be good to go.” I held out the folder, just wanting to send him on his way, but I could tell from the way he shifted his weight that he was holding on to something else. I couldn’t stand the way he was looking at me, especially when I thought about that kiss. I didn’t trust my voice to not shatter into tiny little pieces so I pleaded with my eyes. Just take the folder and go.

“There’s something else.” He didn’t see my request or chose to ignore it. “I want to apologize to you most of all, Leila.”

“That’s alright.” God, it was like that was the only word in my vocabulary. “Really.”

He rubbed his chin, drawing my gaze to his mouth. I turned away from him, going to the file cabinet and shuffling through the folders, trying to give off the appearance of being busy and mask the fact that I was fighting to keep my emotions at bay.

“Don’t worry about it. Water under the bridge.” My stomach flipped and flopped as I heard him move and it was definitely not the way he came. “I really have a lot to take care of here.”

“About the kiss--“

I slammed the drawer closed with a bang. “Just let it go, Cade. You were drunk, you kissed me for like five seconds and then it was over. It’s not a big deal.” Oh but it was. It was a huge deal. Why else would I be dialed up to a hundred?

“If I could just explain, Leila.”

Goosebumps raced over my skin as he put a hand on my shoulder and I lunged away, almost tumbling over my chair in an effort to get away.

“You don’t get to touch me. Not after what you did.” I stared him up and down. “You’re sorry—duly noted. I don’t need you to say anything more than that. I don’t care about your explanation. I just want you to leave.”

“But I—“

“Are you deaf?!” I shrieked, my cool, my sanity slipping right through my fingers. “Maybe you’re used to ignoring everyone’s feelings but your own. Kissing who you want. Fucking who you want. But I said that this conversation is done. Over. I don’t want you. I don’t need you. I’m not your wife!”

He reared back like the smack I’d attempted last night finally landed and blew him away. He’d gone too far when he pressed his mouth against mine, but I’d just bested him. Using her name as a dagger, sinking it deep in his chest, was lower than low.

I’d gone too far.

The cool he’d exuded melted as sweat exploded at his temple, shooting past bulging veins. His green eyes were flints of ivy as his nostrils flared. He edged closer and panic gripped me tight, pinning me in the corner. My back was pressed against the file cabinet and I realized that maybe there was something to those rumors about his temper. There was no alcohol in my system to screen any of this. This was pure, unfiltered Cade…and I didn’t know whether he was going to explode and knock me out flat.

I put up my fists. I didn’t stand a chance, but at least I’d go down swinging.

He ground to a halt, all the color draining from his face. “You don’t think—“ The anger in his eyes became something else…shame. “Oh God. Leila I would never…” His voice was pinched and painful. “I would never, ever hurt you. You have to know that.”

I relaxed my fists, but I still held them out, creating a barrier. “I’m not so sure, Cade. I don’t think I know you.” I dropped my hands to my side, but I wasn’t done. “You’re smiling, you’re charismatic, then you’re depressed and a hack. You’re a sage, telling me about the pitfalls of fame and then you court it by snapping up photographs. You lose your shit at the studio in true rock star fashion then tell me you miss simpler times. It’s confusing, Cade. And I don’t want any part of it.” I took a breath. “I’m not sure why you chose me, but un-choose me. I can’t bear anymore of this.”

He moved to the door, his face hooded and unreadable.

Before he could turn the doorknob I added, “And I’m off your case. We have no reason to communicate. Ever.”

He glanced back at me. “You’re right. You don’t know me. I can tell you that I can be an asshole. I can be a guy that no one wants to know. But I’m certain of one thing--you make me want to be better.”

He left without another word, dropping the bomb. Leaving me to deal with the confusing fallout.

I knew Jacob was in a meeting, but a glance at my watch told me he should be back. I was glad that Natasha wasn't at her desk, because I knew my run in with Cade would have been all over my face.

His door was open and the office unoccupied but I stepped inside, hoping that just being in Jacob's space would help me calm down.

Standing up did me no favors so I sunk into the chair in the lounge area. I dropped my hands off the side, running my fingers along the fibers of the rug until something sharp cut into my finger.

I brought the finger to my mouth, the grating sting obviously a paper cut. I searched for the culprit, thinking maybe a document fell from a folder, but there was only a single, white envelope.

I brought it up to the light, my heart jumping in my chest when I saw it was addressed to Alicia Whitmore.

Jacob's mother.

You know that voice in your head whose whispers you hear during important points in your life, trying to steer you onto certain paths? Mine was telling me to just put the letter back. It wasn't for me. It was none of my business.

I ignored it, untucking the flap and pulling out the note. I told myself I'd stop after I read the first sentence.

I appreciate the offer to come to the Hamptons. Just a few more sentences. And I’m glad that you’ve come to a decision about giving me Nan’s wedding ring-

My mouth went dry.  Wedding ring? My head spun and I couldn't help but squeal with delight. Jacob was talking to his mom about proposing to me?!

-but I think I may have been a little premature asking for it.

Dread crept in and locked its fingers around my throat.

You told me about your regrets, and how I should never take marriage lightly. If I'm being honest, I'm not sure if I'm ready to take that leap. I'm not sure about a lot of things.

I’m not sure where Leila and I stand.

I let go of the paper, watching it flutter to the ground. I tried to convince myself that my eyes deceived me. That he'd written those words out of anger, when the wounds from Cade were still fresh.

But there was a date at the left corner of the paper.

Yesterday's date.

###

Thank you for taking the time to read The Billionaire’s Secret. Please consider leaving a review. xoxo A.C.

About the Author

Ava Claire is a sucker for Alpha males and happily ever afters. When not putting pen to paper or glued to her e-reader, Ava likes road tripping, karaoke, vintage fashion, and searching for her own brooding billionaire.

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http://avaclaireromantica.blogspot.com