Share

Book II - 46

Author: Margarette Grey
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

AUDREY

I froze. I wasn’t expecting that. Gabriel had a fiancée? Had he ever planned on telling me?

“It’s not really my place to say this, but you should just talk to Gabriel more about this matter. But you and him?” He chuckled. “Start talking.”

“Well.” I cleared my throat. I was still dazed at the bomb Coulson Stark tossed to me. Why didn’t Gabriel tell me? “I’m sorry about this morning, Mr. Stark, and I’m sorry because I know he’s the boss. I don’t want it to look like—”

“It’s fine, Audrey,” he cut me off. “I just want to hear it from you.”

“I guess.” I looked down at my lap.

“Don’t be bothered with Carla. She’s just a past case Gabriel was trying to get rid of,” he assured.

“I was just surprised, that’s all.”

“You have every right to be surprised, but hey, why won’t you just come with us for dinner tonight? Our parents want to see him, and it’s their anniversary today. Didn’t he tell you?”

Oh, I guess that’s why he’s coming home. “Maybe I shouldn’t, Mr. Stark—”

“Just Coulson.”

“Cou
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 47

    AUDREYGabriel stared back at me in surprise. I traced my fingers on the bumps of his chest, down the lines of his chiseled abs, to his navel, without breaking eye contact, then I lowered myself and began kissing his bare torso. Little by little, and slowly savored the taste of his skin with my lips. It still wasn’t enough. I ran my tongue over his stomach and continued the tease with a mouthful of deep kisses and licks. Even the taste of his skin was delicious.“Audrey…” his voice tensed.Promptly, I sat up again and caught the buckle of his belt, and he grasped my wrist too.He scowled. “What are you doing?”I bit my lower lip. “I want to.”He raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”I nodded. “With your permission?”“Audrey.” His expression darkened. “You don’t need my permission. I’m just surprised.”The anticipation made me smile. I’d always wondered what it’d look like. I unbuckled his belt, then unbuttoned his trousers slowly, but it seemed he was intolerant. He helped me undo it.“A

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 48

    AUDREYGabriel was outside the entire afternoon, and after the meeting with the designers, my desk was full of paperwork. It was pretty exhausting, in a good sense. It meant I was officially the CEO’s assistant, the employees trusted me, and I was in charge whenever he was not in the office.Jacey stopped by my desk five minutes before I shut my computer down. I was only waiting for Gabriel now to return to fetch me for dinner. I hadn’t told him about Coulson’s invitation yet.“I’m really sorry, Audrey, but your signature is just as important as Mr. Stark’s, and I might need you to sign this really fast.” She placed the documents in front of me. It was the HR’s file for the upcoming sports fest on Saturday, as they were primarily in charge of arranging it, and they needed my approval.Honestly, my eyeballs felt like they were falling off their socket from staring at too many numbers, designs, and documents the entire day. “Is this urgent?”“Collins needs it tomorrow at nine.”I nodde

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 49

    AUDREYThe Stark’s mansion in the Hamptons was a three-story private residence on an oceanfront. The house was obviously new, as the landscape was appealingly modern. The surfaces were white with graphite walls, had a garden and a pool, and anyone could see into the house from a distance, and the party didn’t seem to be simple as I was told as I could see many people inside. We headed towards the main door, and the guests instantly greeted Coulson while I jammed myself at his side, completely out of place and intimidated. My eyes were wandering around, looking for Gabriel instead, but I couldn’t find him anywhere.“Where’s Gabriel?” I asked in a whisper.“He was supposed to be here first,” Coulson whispered back. “I guess he’s just around or in his old room upstairs. If you like, I can find him for you.”“No, no. Don’t leave me alone.” I caught his arm and brought him close to me. “I’m not accustomed to being around too many people I didn’t know. I’ll call him.”I picked up my phone

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 50

    AUDREYWe walked past the guest, who seemed curious about me and why Gabriel was holding my wrist like a child, but he didn’t care.“Formal party starts in an hour. We still have time,” he said while dragging me upstairs.The Stark’s three-story mansion was probably just as extensive as my mother’s mansion in Phoenix, but this was definitely much more modern. We strolled through the French marble floors of the passage at the second level until Gabriel opened the last door on the left wing. He shoved me inside, and just right after he shut the door, he crushed his mouth with mine—relentlessly kissing like a hungry lion.Gabriel Stark was the lion, and I was the mouse.I slid my arms around his neck, and when I was going to respond, he stopped the kiss, and his eyes glared back at me.“Should I congratulate you?”I scowled. “What?”He ran his thumb over my lips. “You’re engaged to Noah now, aren’t you?”I rolled my eyes. “Seriously, Gabriel?” I lifted my finger with the ring Chelsea gave

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 51

    AUDREY Gabriel’s eyes gleamed, a smile curved on the sides of his lips, and the tension on his shoulders relaxed. “Oh, angel. Are you sure?” I searched for his eyes. “I am. Because there’s no one else, I want.” He moved close to me and brought me into his arms, squeezing me tight in his body. “God. You don’t know how glad I am to hear that.” Because I fell in love with you, too, Gabriel. I mentally confessed. Then I saw a hint of tears pricking his eyes, and I could already tell that he felt the same. I knew Gabriel Stark loved me, too, even if he didn’t say it. He smiled briefly, making him look younger than he really was. He brushed his thumb on my cheek. “But my angel, there’s something you don’t know yet about me.” “I’m all ears, Gabriel.” “I didn’t mean to hide it from you.” “Is that serious?” “Very. You might run away from me.” I touched his face. I couldn’t imagine myself not being near him, much more running away. “What is this? A secret child?” He chuckled. “No.”

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 52

    AUDREYIt wasn’t a surprise that the Starks siblings were well-mannered. They were raised by two wonderful parents. Elazar and Helen Stark were the definitions of a perfect parent. After the toast, the family and some close friends and relatives gathered in the spacious living room while the other guests were gone. “It really is a misunderstanding,” Noah explained to everyone present about the earlier incident. “I’m sorry about earlier.”I was now sitting in the living room with Gabriel and his family, his grandmother, Diana Stark, the Garner brothers, and the Williams.I was not new to this kind of family gathering, but seeing Gabriel’s ex-fiancée with us was slightly hitting a nerve in me. I had to admit that this was much calmer than being in front of my paternal relatives. The other Hopkins could be snobs. “You’ve been repeating that many times, dear,” his mother, Paulina, slightly patted her son’s arm. “I know because you wouldn’t do that without introducing the girl first, and

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 53

    AUDREYLiam Gabriel Cross. Was I hearing things?My head was suddenly spinning, and I felt colder than ever. There was pressure building in my chest.“Maya…” I whispered with a hitched breath. “Is everything all right?”I held on to the counter, so I was losing balance. My legs felt numb. “Liam… He’s Liam,” I stated.Maya appeared next to me and held my arm. “Audrey, what’s wrong? You suddenly look very pale. Do you want me to call Gabriel?”“No!” I refused instantly, almost screaming at her; I didn’t mean to. “No… I’m sorry. I’m going to be fine. I’m just dizzy, I think.”What I heard was right. I didn’t hear things. All of a sudden, evidence came sparkling in my mind like a storm. Come to think of it, I was already aware. From the moment I saw his face during my interview, from the way he spoke as if we’ve known each other for a long time, Anton’s curiosity, and the way he mistook him when they first met (or met again) and how his interest in him lingered. I was blinded by his new

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book II - 54

    GABRIELA few hours ago…“Son, is this girl who I think she is?” Dad whispered when he brought me to the corner so others wouldn't hear. Apparently, there was no point in denying it. If there’s a family member who knew my situation, it was Dad and Coulson. Mom knew where I came from, but she didn’t thoroughly know everything, and so did Maya.“She doesn’t have anything to do with her family. She’s also a victim. I found her again, Dad—or she found me.”Elazar Stark, the man I looked up to the most and who accepted me for who I was, patted my back, consoling me. “Are you going to tell her?”“Soon. I’m afraid that she might run away from me. I can’t have that.”His eyes gleamed. “You love her. Still. Does she feel the same?”“Yes.” I nodded. “That’s why I’m more afraid. I will tell her everything when she’s ready. She’s not, and we’re still new.”He looked at me. “You’ve grown up to be a great man, Gabriel. Your father would be so proud of you.” He grinned. “Well, I was raised by two g

Latest chapter

  • 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

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book III - 37

    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

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book III - 36

    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

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book III - 35

    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

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book III - 33

    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

  • Bad Boy Billionaires   Book III - 30

    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

DMCA.com Protection Status