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Book II - 51
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2022-10-18 21:54:23
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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
Last Updated : 2022-10-18Bad 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
Last Updated : 2022-10-18Bad 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
Last Updated : 2022-10-18Bad Boy Billionaires Book II - 55
AUDREYAt least two hundred employees of Stark Apparel were invited to witness and join the sports fest, which was being held at Valley Golf and Polo Club in Southampton—another property of the Starks. The acres of land were spread beyond my sight’s reach. I couldn’t tell anymore where it ended. The place was also said to be featured in the Exclusive. As expected for the Starks. They always just astound people with their wealth.The sports fest would take two days, so night lounging was provided for the players and important guests inside the estate. While the first team started warming up for the first game, my job was still to make sure everything was in order and faultless. We had visitors from the media other than the people from the magazine and guests from another firm we had a partnership with. I was practically occupied, walking here and there, I didn’t notice I bumped onto Gabriel and stumbled, but he caught me. “You okay?” he asked softly, and I almost melted to earth’s c
Last Updated : 2022-10-18Bad Boy Billionaires Book II - 56
AUDREYAfter getting warmed up, Bryan Jameson and I went back to the arena, saving energy while the volleyball teams were on their last set. Unfortunately, Chelsea seemed to be on the losing side, with the opposing team having five points ahead, and everyone seemed exhausted. At the side where Gabriel and Redhead were seated, I realized I never saw him smile and laugh like he did whenever he was with her. It was making me damned too jealous. On the other hand, I couldn’t wait to know about her either, so I guess I would come to the dinner after all. Then I spotted Coulson on the ground, who had just finished his soccer game earlier, greeting the woman as well. The referee blew the last whistle and gave the last point to another team, and Chelsea’s team lost. The team who won came from the financing department. “Come on, Audrey!” Bryan stood up, and I walked after him for the next game. Both men greeted each other at the field, and Bryan shook hands with the redhead, then she turned
Last Updated : 2022-10-18Bad Boy Billionaires Book II - 57
AUDREY“I don’t remember agreeing yet, Gabriel,” I said.“I wasn’t waiting for you to agree because you will, eventually. She flew here from Rome for this,” he explained.Oh, how convenient. “Don’t worry, Audrey,” she said so softly. “He’s exaggerating. I’m here too because my boyfriend has an overseas project in Manhattan.”Boyfriend. The woman had a boyfriend. I didn’t know how but the pricking in my chest slightly loosened. Phew!“Honestly, I’m very excited to see you,” Francesca went on. “Gabriel has never asked me to do this for him before. When he told me he wanted a painting of someone, I was astonished, but now that I see you, I understand why.” The pleasant smile on her face remained, and I was slightly embarrassed at myself for the coldness I gave her. Then again, did I misunderstand the situation? “Why do you say so?” I asked.“But I’m more curious how Gabriel asked you to pose for him.” She answered differently and chuckled. “What’s so complicated about that?” Gabriel s
Last Updated : 2022-10-18Bad Boy Billionaires Book II - 58
AUDREY“Well, it’s because we’re communicating. How easy it is, right?” Gabriel said as we continued to walk.“It’s true when they say communication builds trust. So, what happened then?”“The Starks found me. I was lost, and there I met Coulson. He was once an introverted kid. He didn’t speak to anyone and sat almost his entire life in a wheelchair. As a child, he was frail, and we found and helped each other. We’ve become brothers. He started walking again, and he’s the reason why I am who I am now.”“That explains your very close relationship. But what do you mean, he started walking again? I didn’t realize he was ill.”“He had a knee failure from bone cancer, but he’s all better now. He’s healthy, and our bond somehow drove him to get surgery. He trusted me. I trust him. That’s how it works. But don’t tell him I told you.” He winked at me.“Don’t worry.” I genuinely grinned. “And you are brothers. That’s why.”“Yes.” He exhaled in relief. “The Starks saved me, Audrey, and gave me
Last Updated : 2022-10-18Bad Boy Billionaires Book II - 59
AUDREYThe place where Gabriel brought me was absolutely stunning. It was a log house—a very exquisite log house erected by the bay, and I couldn’t believe they were still inside the estate.The living room was by the fireplace. It was a little freezing tonight, so Gabriel lit up the hearth, and he would let me sit on the couch and provide me a blanket.“Better?” he asked as soon as he was done with the fire.I nodded and smiled. “Who uses this place?”“Only a caretaker.” He grinned, and he settled next to me. “I asked him, and we’ll be staying here tonight.”“It’s well maintained.” I looked around. “Thanks for taking me here.”“There’s no need to thank me.” He slightly brushed my cheek. “I wanted to bring you here anyway.” He stared back at the fireplace. “Audrey?”“Hmm?”“I don’t think I can take you out of my sight anymore.” He flashed out an amused smile, but for himself. “I never wanted anyone. It was always you.” He shifted his gaze at me, and then he took my hand. “Stay with me
Last Updated : 2022-10-18
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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
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
