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Book II - 20
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Bad Boy Billionaires Book II - 21
AUDREYShortly, Anton joined our conversation. He told us Dad was currently sleeping upstairs, but he would usually come down at dinner when he woke up, so he suggested or even requested that I could stay low from his sight. “I can’t run forever from him, Anton. Not after what Cecile has done to Mom’s house,” I said firmly.“City life definitely suits you, Audrey,” Anton commented with a chuckle. “This has become your home too. I mean, I hope you understand that.”“Audrey, this is probably your mother’s house, but this is basically where we all grew up,” he pointed.I heard Chelsea sigh. “If I may, and I hope I’m not getting too involved, how much did your stepmother take for the mortgage?”“It’s three million, not quite for the value of this mansion. It’s vintage, and it’s been here for seventy years, but Audrey’s grandfather had preserved it, so it’s still pristine. Its value is more than that, but where else can we get three million dollars? I don’t even have a million right now.
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AUDREYCharles invited me for a walk that afternoon in the town park. Strangely, for someone I hadn’t seen for a long time, I didn’t feel like he was a stranger. He’d follow Samuel wherever he went when they were kids, and he’d always give me a popsicle.He was saddened at Samuel’s sudden death but still managed to ooze charm with his smile. He was such a serene and gentle speaker. How he walked was mirrored with grace, yet with his broad shoulders, you’d still find a solid physique. His cobalt blue eyes looked as if it was speaking to me. Though we still hadn’t talked about the house, I was still planning to open it up.“After Dad divorced Mom, I went to Berlin with her and continued my studies. But as an only child, Dad’s legacy was passed on to me. I had no choice but to go back.” We stopped by a bench beside the swing and settled on it. He exhaled a breath lightheartedly and breathed in the air again. “It’s a quiet night, isn’t it?”I smiled as I watched him look over the dark sk
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AUDREYI jumped at the sound of his voice. I wasn’t sure what he would be mad about. It’s not like I had to tell him wherever I went. But wasn’t he supposed to be back in Manhattan? And how long had he been in my room?“I don’t know why I should explain to you,” I decided to just leave him be.He caught my hand and gripped my wrist tight. “Aw!”“Don’t play with something you know you can’t win, and that’s not the answer I’m expecting,” he growled.I knew I wouldn’t win, of course, not when I couldn’t understand his sudden behavior. The past few days have been a roller coaster for me. I needed a break from all of this. I yanked my hand away and caressed the part where his grip lingered. “Why are you even here? I believe I asked first.”He briefly shut his eyes, and then he stared back at me furiously, shaking his head. He rushed his fingers on his hair harshly, and then he marched away to fill a drink in his empty glass. I watched him drink it straight, then he poured another shot ag
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AUDREYThe next morning, Chelsea invited me for breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. Apparently, my conversation with Gabriel last night was still bugging me. We had already been in an avoidable situation, and I had wanted my boss ever since my first day at Stark Apparel. I was holding back because I thought it would be indecent. I wouldn’t want him to know that I was ogling him, but I wouldn’t deny that a part of me was thrilled having to know that he was interested in me too. “Stark came back last night and asked me about you. I told him the truth, but maybe I shouldn’t have,” Chelsea stated, then ate a bite of her crepe. I told her about the incident last night with Stark, but not so much. And I wasn’t planning to, but then she was the only one I could talk to about it, or I’d be crazy otherwise.“I’m confused, Chels. Stark is out of my league,” I professed. “But he wants you. Gabriel Stark wants you! You should be happy. That man is every woman employee’s dream in our company,”
Bad Boy Billionaires Book II- 25
AUDREYToday was the day we all had to finally say goodbye to Samuel. It’s like the pain I had tripled as I watched Anton putting the ceramic jar of his remains in the internment. Though I could no longer shed tears, my heart was broken into tiny pieces. The day was so serene that only the closest friends and relatives attended, but Dad wasn’t present. He locked himself in his room, and Anton couldn’t convince him to come.It was a beautiful day with clear skies and the sun, but I couldn’t appreciate it. I felt empty. There was no chance in this life that I’d ever see Samuel’s face or hear his voice again.“Audrey, wait!” Charles called from behind us and tried to catch up. Chelsea and I stopped.“Charles.”He was still panting when he reached us. “Can I speak with you?”“Yes, of course. What is it?”“I know it’s a bad time,” he breathed, “but can we talk?”“I was planning on giving this day a break, Charles.”“I know. I know, as I said, this might be a bad time but hear me out. This
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AUDREY“Are you ready? Got what you need?” Anton appeared at the door of my old room in the mansion in the afternoon before we left.“Yes, just a few things. Come in.” I packed my old books in my bag that I hadn’t had a chance to pick up when I left home. Anton came in and sat on the edge of the bed.“Hmm. This is Perry.” He picked up my brown teddy bear lying on top of my suitcase. “You carried this around when you were a little. You cried when I accidentally stepped on it.”I chuckled. “Mom’s first gift. I’m taking that,” I said.“And now you are leaving again. Aren’t you going to talk to Dad?”“There’s nothing to talk about with him, Anton. I have nothing to say to him.”“Stubborn man, is he? Yet you are keeping this house so that he could stay in here.”“Where else would he stay? He still calls this mansion his pride after losing everything.” I sighed. “He doesn’t want me in his life, I know the same goes with me, but he’s going to stay here without his children for the rest of hi
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AUDREYThe office was, as usual, welcoming in the morning and packed with early birds flocking around each other’s cubicles. I walked straight through the hallway, being greeted by colleagues, and some extended their condolences. Overall, it was the same environment I left with, but I missed the atmosphere. I missed being in the office, feeling the air conditioner, and the smell of newly brewed coffee in the pantry.I first poured a cup of coffee for Gabriel, expecting that he was already inside, given that I was already five minutes late.“Hi!” Someone appeared next to me that turned out to be a new face with brown hair and green eyes. He looked young and was wearing an intern ID.“Um, hi?”“You must be Miss Hopkins,” he said with a smile.“Yes, Mister…?”“I’m Noah, the new intern. Noah Stark. Nice to meet you, Miss Hopkins.” He reached out his hand to me, and I shook it. But what got me was his surname.“S-Stark, you said?”“Ah, yes. Noah Stark.”“Curious. Are you just the same name
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AUDREYI understood the reason behind Gabriel’s outfit, the place where he brought me was the last thing I would expect. He took me to the coast of the Classic Harbor Line, where I found a beautiful view of the Hudson River. Jones was already waiting for him, standing by a fine-looking yacht.“Mr. Stark, Miss Hopkins, “ he greeted his boss, and Gabriel approached him with a pat on his shoulder.“Jones.” I smiled at him.“Is she ready?” Gabriel asked Jones, probably referring to the yacht behind him.“Whenever you are, Mr. Stark.” Jones gave way to Gabriel first, and he hopped onto the majestic boat, and then he reached out his hand to me.“Come.”“Are we riding that?”He cocked his head. “Yes. Give me your hand.”I clasped my palm with his, and while he was pulling me to him, Jones helped me step onto the deck, but he didn’t come after us,“Enjoy your sail, Mr. Stark, Miss Hopkins.”“What is going on? Are we really?” I cleared my throat. I was still confused. “Is this okay?”“Don’t wo
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Bad Boy Billionaires Book III - 38
JULIA I came to Le Grandi at exactly seven as Henry instructed. I was already guessing that he and his brother were up to something—and this beautiful lilac dress Adam sent to my apartment was the indication. This was going to be our first official date. We had been fighting all our lives because of endless misunderstandings after all. I realized that Adam and I were always in a situation neither of us could stop. This time, fate brought us back together.Excited and nervous as well, I proceeded to the main entrance. The door attendant greeted me with a wide meaningful grin as if he was expecting my arrival. The lights abruptly shut off the moment I stepped inside, then a single spotlight flashed on.My palms caught my mouth instantly when I found Adam standing next to an elegantly arranged table with candlelight, a floral centerpiece, and linen drapes. He was dressed in an impeccable navy-blue tuxedo, holding a bouquet of white roses. Two violinists stood behind him, playing a soft r
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He kissed me as he continued to pound inside me. He looked at me as if I was the most desirable woman he’d ever seen. There was no one else I could want this bad—only him.It was already nine o'clock in the morning when I woke up, and Adam's arms were still wrapped around my waist. Though incredibly exhausted and sore, I felt great for the first time in years. His face buried in my hair. We were having sex nonstop, and if it weren't for my exhaustion, he probably wouldn’t stop.“What time is it?” Adam whispered, finally awake.“It's nine.”“Then, I'm late.” He gave me a tender kiss on my forehead, then swiftly stepped out of the bed. Still undressed, he walked straight to the bathroom, letting the blanket fall on the floor, revealing his round, full butt I’d been gripping with my palms all night. He was ridiculously sexy. I couldn’t get enough of him. My insides were beginning to flare up again.He disappeared into the bathroom for several minutes, and then he came back dressed in a t
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ADAMI have to tell Bianca now.Damn it. It wasn't that hard. I could just let them take my site in Thailand, ask her parents to sign the transfer papers, and it’s all done. I just couldn't find the right time because I didn’t want to make a scene. I knew Bianca too well, and I knew that it wasn’t going to end well.I had to, though. Immediately. I couldn’t wait to get Julia back, especially with my possessiveness issue. I was always jealous. I wanted to keep her by my side and shove all those men away, even if it's my brother who was now dragging Julia to the dance floor.I clenched my fists.“Don't you want to dance?” Bianca said. She fucking couldn’t stop holding me in public. “Or do you want to get back to the suite?”“Bianca, please...” I moved her hands away from my neck. “Don't.”She sighed and drank another shot of red wine.“When are you going to stop making this harder for us? Hmm? Or maybe I could just tell Dad to let us get married right away? Isn't that what you wanted fo
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I let the running water flow continuously as I washed my hands, letting myself cool. I looked up and then looked at my reflection.What are you doing, Julia? Haven’t you had enough of this? Why did I have to be caught up in this situation all the time? I shook my head, then took a handful of water and wet my face.“You're marrying him?” a deep, dangerous voice abruptly spoke behind me. I looked back in the mirror and found Adam’s perilous stare. He was seething.“Do I need to get your permission?” I asked as I continued to dampen my cheeks.“Is that true what he said out there?”“Why does it matter to you?”“It does matter to me,” he said tightly. “You said you wanted me, but when I didn’t answer, you’re already running to Henry?”I dried my face with a napkin, then I faced him. “Then what is your answer, Adam? No matter what we do, we can’t be together.”“But you can't marry him.” He grasped my shoulders, shaking his head.“What made you think that I will? Now, please leave me alone
Bad Boy Billionaires Book III - 34
JULIALouis ushered me to his table, and since I was already aware that Adam will be right next to us, I prepared myself not to look surprised when I see him with his ex-wife-slashed-fiancée. Why was our world so close? Why did I have to see him in every corner of the world?His answer to me last night was clearer than diamonds. He was not going to choose me. He would not break up with Bianca because they had a deal. There was no way he was going to cut their deal because his company was at stake. I was getting pissed with myself already. Should I talk about it with Henry?As expected, Adam and Bianca were there—only a few feet away from our table. Damn it, and she was wearing the same shade of dress as I was, but her hair coordinated more with her dress than mine.I almost wanted to scream. I tried not to look at them, but damn, I couldn’t help it. Adam was wearing a matching suit, and he was fine-looking as always. Unfortunately, they looked so good together. I did not want to appea
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JULIAI didn’t go to the site with Luke the next day. I stayed in my room, and fortunately, I needed to make gazillion calls and check the paperwork for the new hotel. I had breakfast and then ate lunch by myself. Luke and Adam would be working together at the site until the next day. My boss did not call, so I guessed it was fine.It was five o'clock when I finished the paperwork. I was suffering from a backache, but I still needed to prepare for the awards night in the evening. Henry hadn’t called yet, but I was preparing for the event anyway.I opened my suitcase and unfurled the only dress I could bring. It was a strapped, long, crimson-red dress. The neckline was a low V cut. I only wore it once, when Claire celebrated her twenty-first birthday. I would match it with my nude heels.I did not care if I look pretty in front of Henry, unlike before. However, he deserved a friend to be with him, and I didn’t want to embarrass him. He might be expecting an award, and I would be walkin
Bad Boy Billionaires Book III - 32
JULIAThe meeting began in the afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton—the hotel we had checked into along with the staff. Adam came, and fortunately, his fiancée didn’t. I was so nervous since he didn’t even reply to my message.What if ignoring it was his answer?Luke enlightened us about the contract, and then we were now officially in business with Cavendish Enterprises. They both signed the deal and sealed it for legalization. Adam’s company was going to be our contractor for the establishment of the new Hotel B in Los Angeles.As stated in the contract, they would be in charge of the resources, workers, and structural design. Adam initially showed Luke the plan for the new hotel, but we were still going to discuss it precisely with the whole team. My new boss still needed to meet Adam’s architects and designers when we return to New York.“It’s a great pleasure working with you, Mr. Cavendish.”“It’s mine as well. Thank you, Mr. Alejandro.” Adam shook his hand, and then the members of our
Bad Boy Billionaires Book III - 31
The door attendant took her cashmere-made cardigan as she and Adam entered the restaurant. She whispered something in his ear while she was slipping her hands on his arm. Adam smiled slightly at her. My heart suddenly felt like a bomb that was going to explode at any moment.“Cavendish said he was traveling alone,” Luke spoke, “but he brought the blonde. This is interesting.”I rolled my eyes at Luke, heaving out a sharp breath. “Really now?”He chuckled, noticing my boredom. “No, seriously. You're so defensive. Who wouldn't notice her long legs?”“What is wrong with you?” I slapped his shoulders unintentionally.“Aw...” He grabbed his shoulders. “What? I was only joking.”“It’s not a good joke. Er… sorry about that. I almost forgot that you're my boss.”“I'm just so glad Jake isn't here. Sit next to me, Julia,” he instructed.“Why?”“Just do it. Cavendish’s fiancée's with him. Sitting next to me would look like you're my date.”“You are clearly having fun with this.”He laughed. “Why
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JULIAThese are the important documents we need for our trip to LA. Have you tried calling—” A knock from the glass door interrupted Luke from finishing his sentence. His secretary was standing at the meeting room door.“Excuse me, Mr. Alejandro. There's a visitor in the lobby, and he said it’s important. It's actually for Ms. Taylor, sir,” Ms. Craig informed.“For me?”Luke frowned as he gazed at me. “Expecting someone?”I shook my head. “Did he say his name?”“Oh, his name is Henry.”Henry. How did he know where to find me? “What did you say to him?” I queried. “We’re in a meeting.”“Ms. Craig, we're about to finish here,” Luke prompted. “Tell him to wait five minutes.”“Yes, sir.” She left.“It's okay, Luke. I could just meet him outside.”“Julia, it's eleven fifty-five. Take a break. Come to my office when you get back. And oh! Please contact Cavendish. I’ve got to tell him something about this project.” Luke grabbed the binders and stood up. He held the door open. “Julia?”“Oh, t
