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Chapter 5 : Restless

Author: Amelie Bergen
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-04-03 14:14:04

Liam

I look for Ava—not even realizing she left until I glance at the text from my driver, asking if he is meant to be taking her home. I tell him, yes, my mind still buzzing with the almost-kiss that had been so close to happening.

I have to admit, I’m disappointed.

I want to finish what we'd started, to explore the attraction that is clearly there between us—but it seems fate has other plans.

As I pace around my office, I can’t shake the thoughts of Ava from my mind. There is something about her that intrigues me beyond the nearly tangible lust that always sparks between us. I want to keep her.

I have been looking for someone who can help maintain my public image, but Ava has stirred something in me that I haven’t felt in a long time. Something that I have been missing for a long time, even.

Samantha will likely be furious if she knows I’m considering deviating from our carefully crafted plan, but I can’t ignore this. I want Ava. Why can’t she be my public girlfriend?

“Because she's young enough to be your daughter,” Sam's voice chimes in my head scornfully, and I sigh to myself. The press will eat us alive if I try to take her out public—not that we are anywhere near that level of commitment yet.

I am optimistic, though.

Blowing out a breath, I pick up my phone and dial the number of the lawyer I contacted for Ava's father. I need to check on how things are progressing, and since they didn’t call me yet, I don’t mind being a bit proactive.

After a brief conversation, I learn that the bail had been set at an exorbitant amount—2 million dollars. I sigh, knowing that this is just the beginning of the financial hurdles they will face.

"I'll wire the money," I say firmly, my fingers tapping against the bar counter as I speak to the lawyer on the phone. "And make sure to arrange security for him as well. I want him protected."

There’s no doubt in my mind that whoever is setting him up will come after him again, if only to make the whole situation disappear. It wouldn't even shock me if some of the police or the judge are in on the whole thing.

Thankfully for the Williams family, money is loud—and I have more than enough to throw at the problem for them.

I haven’t told Ava that this is pretty commonplace in shadier circles of business—but she doesn’t really need to know. She’s just a sweet girl who’s worried about her dad and caught up in something that neither of them has anything to do with.

The lawyer's relief is evident in his tone. "Of course, Mr. Johnson. We'll ensure that everything is taken care of promptly."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Thank you. Keep me updated on his situation."

"I'll keep you informed," he promises before we both hang up.

Restlessness gnaws at me, and I realize that I need a distraction. I need to do something other than lay around the penthouse, waiting for the next time Ava needs me for something.

Ava.

I swipe a hand down my face, grimacing. Today has been wildly unproductive, with her lingering in my head. I can't stop thinking about her.

That’s why, when I find myself putting the address to the bar where she works in my phone, I don't immediately try to redirect myself. I know it's a bad idea to bother her at work, but I can't help myself.

Leaving the office, I take a roundabout way there, as if I’ll be able to change my mind at any moment and just go home.

As if I'm not completely distracted by my desire for her already, chasing after her like a moth to flame.

When I get there, I sit in the car for too long to seem normal, but thankfully, the parking lot is empty. I tap my fingers on the wheel, glance at the clock, and promise myself I will only linger an hour at most. Just to check on her. She'd been so upset this morning, after all, and I would hate for that to bleed over into her workday.

I scoff at myself, shake my head as I step out of the car, and head for the door.

I walk into the bar, my presence sorely out of place in my three-piece suit.

It's a dive, stinking of smoke, and I'm more than a bit shocked that this is where Ava works. I scan the room, my heart skipping a beat when I spot her behind the bar. She's focused on a few patrons sitting at the bar with her, grinning and wiggling her eyebrows as they talk. Even in her work clothes, she's breathtaking—maybe even better than the expensive dresses she'd been draped in before.

I walk over to the counter, my heart racing as I approach her. That never happens to me—I don't get nervous.

And yet.

Ava looks up, her smile and eyes widening in surprise when she sees me. "Liam? What are you doing here?"

I offer her a small smile, trying to come up with a reasonable explanation for showing up at her place of work on a whim.

There really isn't one.

"I was in the neighborhood," I say, settling on that, watching as her lips twitch in amusement.

"Is this a bad time?" The bar is mostly empty, aside from a few people who look like they spend entirely too much time here, but I don't want to interrupt her if it's going to be a problem.

She shakes her head quickly, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink in the dim light. "No, not at all. It's just ... unexpected."

I chuckle softly, my eyes never leaving hers. "Well, sometimes the best things in life are unexpected."

Ava's lips pull into a smile, and I feel a surge of satisfaction at having elicited that reaction from her. "I suppose you're right. What can I get for you?"

I haven't honestly thought that far. "A whiskey sour, if you don't mind."

"Not at all." Her reassurance is what convinces me to snag one of the barstools, trying not to grimace at the flaking leather. It's been a long time since I've spent my night in a place like this, but I'm making an effort not to let it show.

Someone calls for her down the bar, and she gives me an apologetic look before hurrying over, fixing them a quick drink, and circling back to me.

Ava leans against the counter, her gaze meeting mine. "So, what brings you here? I'm sure there are fancier places in the neighborhood to spend your night."

Is she flirting with me? I scan her face, wondering if I should push her like this—am I going to take this too far? Brushing off that thought, I decide to lean into it, at least a bit. If she seems uninterested, I'll back off.

At least, that's what I tell myself.

I take a sip of my drink and meet her gaze. "Couldn't get you out of my mind, I suppose."

She blinks rapidly and arches an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her expression. "Is that so?"

I nod, not bothering to hide my sincerity. "Yeah, it is."

Ava's smile grows, and I can finally relax, realizing that she's just as into … whatever this is as I am. "Well, you certainly know how to make a girl's night."

I chuckle. "I'm glad to hear that. Maybe I'll have to come here more often."

Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "I wouldn't complain."

And for the first time in a long while, I find myself looking forward to what the future might hold.

As the night wears on, I find myself enjoying Ava's company more and more. I sit there for hours, catching her in soft conversations when she flits by to make someone a drink or pops over to see if I want another. The dingy bar becomes a backdrop to our conversation, and I'm grateful for the dim lighting that seems to soften the edges of reality.

"You know," she says with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "You're not at all what I expected."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what did you expect?"

Ava has a natural charm and a way of making those around her feel at ease. She's genuine and unpretentious, a breath of fresh air in a world where appearances often matter more than substance.

She chuckles, a playful smile on her lips. "Someone more … uptight, I guess. You're different from the image the media paints of you. Even Emma, but I guess that makes more sense."

The mention of my daughter nearly drags me out of the moment. What am I even doing here? Flirting with a girl this young? Ava is watching me, and I realize this is some kind of test—she's prodding at me, looking for reassurance that this is okay.

That we're not doing anything wrong.

I wish I could give it to her.

I lean back against the barstool, crossing my arms casually. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Ava's smile widens. "Definitely a good thing. It's nice to see the real man behind the headlines."

I appreciate her honesty and a sense of camaraderie forms between us. It's refreshing to connect with someone on a deeper level, someone who doesn't seem to have an agenda or ulterior motives. It's so hard to find these days.

I haven't been this comfortable with another person in years.

As the hours pass, the bar grows livelier, and Ava's attention is divided between serving drinks and interacting with the patrons. I watch her move with a natural grace, her laughter ringing through the air, and I find myself captivated by her.

When the clock strikes two in the morning, signaling the end of her shift, Ava finally has a moment to catch her breath. She approaches me, wiping her hands on a cloth, and I notice the weariness in her eyes.

"Long night?" I ask, and she gives me another stunning smile.

She nods, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, but it's been surprisingly good. Tips have been decent tonight, and … I had really good company." Her words are pointed, and I chuckle, standing.

"I'm glad to hear that," I reply, my gaze steady on her. "Would you like a ride home?" She looks torn, and I'm so pleased that she's genuinely considering it that the slow shake of her head doesn't sting.

"No, I can't leave my car here overnight," she sighs. "Thank you, though."

"Of course, Ava. Goodnight."

We linger when we make it to her car, and I wait until she's driving off until I head for my own.

I know this won’t be the last night I come to see her. I can’t stop myself. I want her.

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 6 : Hero

    AvaHe’s back.I feel silly for even noticing, but after the night before, I haven’t expected him to come back again. He’s gone out of his way to see me, and the realization fills me with butterflies despite my best intentions. Liam drops into a seat at the end of the bar—the same one he’d been in the night before—and I try not to grin. I continue serving the patrons, my heart doing a little dance inside my chest as I steal glances in his direction.“You’re being obvious,” Ben teases on his way to the door, and I roll my eyes.“I am not!” He grins when I glare at him.Ben is the biggest man I’ve ever seen, and I don’t know why he likes to play security for me every once in a while. The owners don't usually care to pay for more than just me and the cook, but every once in a while, Ben comes in to keep an eye on things for us if something big is happening.I don’t even think they pay him, honestly.Tonight, the clubhouse where we do karaoke is rented out for a bachelor p

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 7 : Girl Talk

    AvaI’m off today, and the luxury of a free day stretches ahead of me like an inviting haven. After a leisurely morning of warm sunlight filtering through my curtains and the gentle rustle of leaves outside, I decide to take advantage of this rare moment to catch up with Emma. She's busy packing for her upcoming trip, and honestly, I’m going to miss her while she’s gone. It's not like I won't be checking up on her while she’s gone, but it's times like now I wish I had more friends. She's jetting off to Colorado with her boyfriend for a week-long skiing escapade.I find myself envying her freedom to take these trips whenever she wants. It’s not as if I’d grown up dirt poor, but we definitely didn’t make enough money to take off on a trip to Colorado. One year, when I was a kid, we’d made a trip to Virginia to see some family, but that was the only major vacation I can recall having taken.“Hey, Ava!” Emma’s voice chimes as she drags her suitcase out of her bedroom and eyes it s

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 8 : You Taste Good

    *Ava*Liam’s fingertips edge up under my shirt and every inch of skin he touches burns like fire. We stop the kiss briefly, staring intensely into each other’s eyes, realizing at the same time we are wearing far too many clothes.I raise my arms deliberately and Liam peels my t-shirt off. His eyes zero in on my breasts – I hadn’t been wearing a bra underneath my lounge clothes – and my nipples peak under his gaze.“Jesus,” Liam breathes, and palmes my breasts, sending wave after wave of sensation through my body as he thumbs my nipples.“G-Glad I could help you find him,” I moan, fumbling with the front of his pants.Liam chuckles, then groaned as my hand found his big, hard dick inside silk boxers. I stroke him, all the while grinding against his thigh with need.Then we’re on the floor. Liam rolls up his fancy jacket and puts it behind my head, wrinkling thousands of dollars worth of Armani for my comfort. Obviously, he didn’t care, and neither did I.We both fumble wit

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 9 : The Competition

    *Ava*My bed shifts, and suddenly I don't feel as warm. I scootch over to Liam’s side, only to find him gone.I sit up quickly and see him dressing. Feeling self-conscious, and wondering if a day and night of rocking good sex has finally gotten me out of his system, I pulled the covers up over my chest, pinning them under my arms.Liam turns around and gives me a goofy grin, and I smile back, feeling relieved. I have nothing to worry about. He is still just as into me as I am him. “Sorry, darling. I don't mean to wake you.”“You left me all cold,” I reply with a dramatic pout.Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Liam cups my jaw and pulls me in for a kiss. “I know, sweetheart, but I was hoping you wouldn’t wake up. You looked so angelic in your sleep.”“Not much of an angel when I’m awake, huh?” I tease.“Not hardly,” Liam rumbles, kissing me again, this time with enough passion to make my toes curl. “No, you’re my little wildcat.”“Right back at you, tiger,” I laugh.

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 10 : The Devil You Know

    *Liam*In truth, I don't want any man putting their hands on what is mine. But if we are going to keep our cover with my daughter, then I have to find someone suitable for Ava. Someone Emma wouldn’t think to question me about.Hence, James Kincaid. As a business competitor, Emma wouldn’t even have the slightest inkling I had anything to do with setting them up. This would keep us well under the radar, which is exactly what Ava wants. And, if I am honest, what I want as well.I could fantasize all I want to about parading Ava around on my arm during the day and then filling my nights fucking that luscious body, but ultimately, I don't want to hurt my daughter any more than Ava does.Though I am loath to speak with him, I pick up the phone and call James.“Liam, it’s been an age,” James says after his assistant puts him through.“James.” I sound terse. I clear my throat and try to take on a more friendly tone. “I heard you are in the market for some arm candy. It turns out, a

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 11 : My Sugar Daddies

    *Ava*I wonder just how many of Emma’s dresses are curve-hugging the way the last two have been, because, once again, I’m wearing a perfectly form-fitting dress, this time in burgundy. It has a low-cut V in the front that plunges between and past my breasts, yet still manages to stay classy.As I apply my make-up, all kinds of misgivings wash over me. James clearly has a taste for gorgeous women. I saw it online. Am I really going to be able to measure up to his standards?I fluff my blonde hair, leaving the long locks loose today, falling around my shoulders in gentle waves. A matching clutch purse and borrowed stiletto heels complete the look.My opinion is that I look pretty good, but who knows what someone rich and famous like James is going to think?To bolster my confidence, I walk over to the kitchen and run a fingertip over the soft petals of one of the two dozen roses Liam sent me. The card still made me laugh.A buzz let me know someone is waiting downstairs. I sw

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 12 : I Can't Help It

    *Ava*“Now you’re just being mean,” I complain, poking him in the arm.“What?” Liam asks, his fingers stilling halfway up my thigh. The delicate fabric of Emma’s dress is pushed almost up to my hips now. I want his fingers to keep going, which almost frustrates me more than his attitude.“Calling it a date,” I remind him. “That’s mean.”“It wasn’t a date?” Liam replies.“Was it with you?” I ask.Liam frowns. “No.”I splay my hand across his wide chest, slipping my fingers between the buttons of his shirt. “Then it wasn’t a date.”“I like the way you think,” Liam murmurs, kissing my neck as his hand moved up my thigh once more. He hooks a finger in my panties and pulls them aside, then brushes his thumb over my clit.“Mm!” I gasp, clinging to him already.“What do you call it, then?” Liam whispers in my ear.“Executing our plan,” I moan as Liam teases two fingers inside me. “So Emma has some explanation of where I’m getting the money from.”At the mention of Emma

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  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 13 : The Fifteen-Thousand Dollar Question

    *Ava*“So, what time are we studying today?” Noah asks on the phone the moment after I say hi.“Because otherwise, I have no idea how I’m going to pass this damn final.”I find myself smiling and shaking my head at his words. Noah’s no idiot. He’s much smarter than he gives himself credit for. After all, he’s always had my back through the years, and we’ve managed to get this far together. Studying with him sounds like a great idea. It’ll make sure that I’ve gone over the material and feel ready for this final.I look over at the clock, thinking. “How about we do it in a few hours? Come over, and we can set up in my room to get ourselves organized.”“You’re a lifesaver!” Noah booms. I can hear his smile coming through the phone. “Awesome, thank you, Ava. I’ll be over soon.”I shake my head again but hang up the phone before laughing. He’s a good friend to me, and I genuinely don’t know where I’d be without his help. It’s the least I can do to study with him before this s

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    *Ava*My arms have fallen asleep.I peek my eyes open and follow the long line of one arm as it goes up over my head, and realize I’m tied to the headboard.Panic gives way quickly to a blush of embarrassment. Ah yes, we did that last night.My blush deepens when I remember it in detail, Liam tormenting me while my wrists were tied to the bottom of the headboard with my own scarves. We must have both fallen asleep without remembering to untie me.I wiggle my arms and blood begins to circulate again. I can probably get out of this – I’m only loosely tied – but I don’t want to wreck my nice scarves and besides, I want to see Liam’s reaction when he wakes up and sees me like this.Since he isn’t awake yet, I take the opportunity to watch the rise and fall of his muscular chest and memorize every line of his face. He looks so peaceful in sleep.As though he can feel my eyes on him, Liam wakes with a yawn. His eyes lazily wander my body up and down, flaring with desire when he

  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 48 : Looking for a New Place

    *Ava*Two days. Two days and I still haven’t returned to EduRide.I can’t stomach the idea of walking past the bathroom, remembering when Noah jumped me there. How could anyone jump me there?Memories of the bathroom lead to memories of the warehouse and suddenly, I can’t breathe.Maybe it would be different if they’d caught Catherine. But no, she’d gotten away.A dark shadow left to lurk in the corners of my life.Lilian understands, though, and told me to take my time coming back to work.Noah made a plea bargain and is now sitting in prison for kidnapping me. He’s going to spend less time in prison than I want, but I suppose a few years is better than nothing. I just don’t like that he can get out early for good behavior.I shudder, thinking of him trying to kiss me. I’m glad I bit him.“Hey, baby, are you okay?” Liam asks, crossing to the sofa with a tray of hot cocoa.This man always knows what I need. And hot cocoa with a smiley face in marshmallows shakes me

  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 47 : The Aftermath

    *Ava*The cops ask me a multitude of questions, and I do my best to answer them. It’s frustrating trying to explain everything. I insist that Noah took me from my office, that someone was supposed to be watching over me. Even with all the precautions we still ended up in this situation.The female cop talking to me, who tells me her name is Kierra, is patient. “You’ve been through some serious trauma. I want you to take your time talking to me because otherwise, we’ll miss important details. Can you do that, Ava?” Her voice is soft, and I can see in her eyes, and posture, that she truly wants things to be easier for me. I have my hand still wrapped in Liam’s, but Kierra’s encouraging words surrounding the other cops listening make things easier.We only talk for about ten minutes, Liam insisting after that he’s taking me straight home. “If you’d like to talk to Ava anymore, then come back to my place and you can ask your questions there.”Hearing Liam think of me like that,

  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 46 : Cocky Doesn’t Look Good

    *Ava*It’s gotten much later, and the warehouse is mostly shrouded in darkness. Catherine and Noah refuse to turn on any lights. The only reason I can see anything at this point is because of the windows allowing moonlight through. There’s wood nailed to most of the windows, however, not allowing enough light through to really see well. The dilapidated building just stands silently.I’ve been doing everything to keep myself together. Hours of sitting in this chair have me sore in so many different places. My arms have gone numb at this point, same with my ass. My legs are screaming to stand, and my face is still tingling from the duct tape being ripped off. But it’s keeping myself from crying that’s been the most challenging.I refuse to give them the satisfaction of my tears, of my fear. These two really thought they could do this to me? Well, I won’t let them see me break. I’m nothing if not resourceful. Noah has been trying to talk to me, ask me questions, get my attention,

  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 45 : I Have Her

    *Liam*Ava’s gone.The man I had guarding her didn’t notice anything. But when I went to pick her up, she didn’t answer my texts, didn’t show up, nothing.Now I’m on the verge of having an aneurysm, no clue if Ava’s safe, or…I swallow, knowing dwelling on the what-ifs is dangerous.The cameras in the lobby of her building have been tampered with. I spend a solid five minutes screaming at the man who’s supposed to be protecting her, but he just stands there, stoic, taking the insults and anger.It’s not very often I raise my voice like this. Keeping something of a cool head around others is important to me. Ava’s really been one of the only people I’ve allowed to see me lose even something of a temper.But the tail, Victor, just listens. He understands the severity of the situation, and when I finally take a breath and have nothing left to say, I point to the building. “Go find her!”He does what I say, and I groan, running my hands through my hair. I can’t believe this

  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 44 : The Million Dollars Question

    *Ava*“Ah, Ava,” Catherine says, a bite to her tone. She’s wearing her Louis Vuitton heels, which I know from the flashes of red I can see when she walks. She wears a black tank top and a pair of black jeans to match, looking much more put together than Noah does in his dirty t-shirt and jeans. “It’s not nice to see you, but whatever.” Of all the people Noah could have brought into this, how did it end up being Catherine? They’re from completely different walks of my life. What would have brought them together in the first place?Even though I have no idea how she got here, I’m genuinely not even a little bit surprised Catherine has found a way to insert herself into something in my life that might benefit her. She was always very good at that.She continues talking, looking off to the side as if pulling from a memory. “But, I’m very happy you’re here. Now instead of trying to use your nothing father, I can use you. I mean, he was never worth anything to me. Good riddance to h

  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 43 : The Grand Finale

    *Ava*Once I’ve gotten ready for work, I say goodbye to Liam.“I’ll have a tail on you while we figure all of this out. We’ll figure out this entire thing once and for all, put it all behind us,” Liam tells me before I’ve left the house. “I love you.”I kiss him, telling him I love him, too. Feeling more secure now, I head out to work feeling lighter. I don’t notice the tail Liam put on me, thankfully, which made it easier to concentrate on my work. If Lilian knows anything about my ‘tail,’ she doesn’t say anything. She treats today like any other day, which is … nice. I don’t want my job to know I have a stalker.Maybe I’ll meet Liam for lunch today. It would be nice not to eat alone.As though summoned by my thoughts, my work phone rings, and a familiar voice that seeps through me like warm honey comes on the line.“Hello, my love,” Liam says and I find myself blushing at my desk. “How is work going today?”“Liam!” I hiss into my phone, looking up to see Lilian just

  • Dominated by the Dark Billionaire Daddy   Chapter 42 : Still with the Secrets

    *Ava*It feels good to get ready for work. I may still be staying at Liam’s, but it’s all temporary. I’d love to discuss staying here, but only if he wants to. I’m not sure how to broach the subject, honestly. But I wouldn’t have been able to get through any of this without him. So, somehow, I’m going to have to figure out my way to the question.Once I’ve reached the building, I look around for Noah. Since I’ve been in Chicago, I haven’t worried too much about him. But now that I’m back, I can’t stop wondering if he’s lurking around every corner. I don’t spot him anywhere. I check over my shoulder and try to notice anything suspicious periodically. Nothing. Maybe Liam really did scare him away. I wasn’t sure it could be done, but I’m glad I finally have a moment to exhale. One less thing to worry about. I get back into the swing of things, chatting it up with my co-workers, enjoying the work I’m doing. I’m feeling myself thaw little by little. It’s a great feeling, one I

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