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Chapter 81

Author: Luna Hills
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-22 05:19:48

Felicia.

As I leave for work the next day, I get to my car and realize I forgot the notes I wanted to look over at home. I want to work from home tomorrow, so I need to get my notepad.

I take the elevator back to my office, and most of the team has already gone home. When I finally locate my notes and stuff what I need into my bag, I stand up. I turn to walk into the main room of our department. I'm surprised to see my cousin Cristina talking to Dave. There's something about the way she's leaning in and looking into his eyes that is almost like she's interested in him.

Cristina casually places her hand on Dave's arm while she talks. I see him look down at her hand with an almost stupid look on his face. Cristina then smiles at him, slowly turns, and leaves the department.

Could Dave be unwittingly giving Cristina information about our progress? I lean back against the wall as the truth hits me. Of course, he is!

Dammit! How could Dave let Cristina manipulate him like that? First, Tony
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  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 82

    Collins.It's the middle of the week, and my mom has invited Felicia and me over for dinner.My mom gives us a hug before we follow her into the kitchen."Can I help with anything, Bonnie?""No, Felicia, but thank you. I hope you like lasagna.""I know it's Collins's favorite, and I like it, too.""Great. Let's all have a seat. Collins, do you mind bringing in the serving dish? It's hot.""Not at all."When I set down the huge tray of lasagna, I ask, "Where's the garlic bread?""Right, here, Son.""Is it just Felicia and I tonight, no Carson?""I invited Carson, but you know him. He said he was busy. I worry about him. He works so hard. I wish he'd take more time for himself."My mom dishes me up a huge plate of her lasagna. Then, she gives Felicia and herself a smaller portion. I grab three pieces of garlic bread, and I'm set."I made salad, but I knew Collins wouldn't eat any. He never was much of a salad man. None of my boys are. I think they get that from my late husband, Carlton.

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    Felicia.I have another meeting scheduled with Ellen."Have you heard anything, Ellen, about our project?""No, Felicia. It's been eerily quiet around here. Dave has been in his office every day, and the rest of the team continues to work on the camera imaging software. They are making great progress, by the way. We're actually ahead of schedule for a change.""That's good. I came in because there's a board meeting scheduled. I appreciate the team's assistance with the data they put together. I know the board will back me if they are shown all the facts and statistics around this new software.""Well, you know I'm behind you. We were all excited about the stats. Does the data we gathered offer enough information?""Yes, that plus the information I gathered. I also hired an impartial outside third party to pull statistical information. So, wish me luck."At three o'clock, I make my way to the boardroom. I look down at my outfit and smile. This is my version of a power suit. I'm wearing

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    Collins.Felicia has on her biker babe clothes again. Damn, she looks sexy. The new pants she bought look painted on.I watch her hips sway as she walks past me, then I pull her in for a kiss and caress that same ass."Fuck, I'm getting used to being hard when you're around.""I can see where that might be a problem," she quips."Have you thought about what type of motorcycle you want?""Some. I like the Can-Am Spyder, but nobody else at the club seems to have one."I shrug, "So, who cares? You'll be the first. If that's the bike you want, we should get it for you.""Thanks, but for now, I'll just hold on tight while you drive.""Works for me. I like feeling you behind me— or under me. I like it when you're on top too, or down on your knees—""Collins! Behave. What has you in such a feisty mood tonight?"I pull her into my arms, "Well, I've been working the last three nights, and I haven't had you in my bed.""I've been sleeping in the same bed as you.""You know I wasn't talking abou

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    Felicia.I don't know if Collins can feel my anger on the ride home. I have to lean into him, but it's not in the same way I pressed against him on the ride to the club.When he pulls into the duplex, I get off the bike as soon as it's stopped.Once we're in the house, I turn on him with my hands on my hips."I can't believe you acted like such a Neanderthal at the club. At first, I thought it was exciting that you couldn't wait, but to find out you did that just to remind me I belong to you! I can't believe you. Every feminine instinct in my body is outraged right now by what you said."Collins just stands there oddly silent while I continue to rant."I understand if you're a little possessive, even a little jealous. I can handle that. Instead, you acted like it was my fault that... that... gift from the gods kept flirting with me!"Finally, he speaks."I am fucking jealous. I didn't like him ogling you!""Not my problem!""He shouldn't have been the one teaching you how to play pool

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    Collins.Today, we're having a cookout at my mom's. We never found my dad's smoker, so we ended up buying a new one. Now, we're committed to having quarterly cookouts.Carson and I will man the smoker this afternoon. We started roasting the meat very early this morning. We cheated and hired somebody to watch the smoker for most of the day. The word went out, and all of my family and the Wild Riders were invited to the event.We've invited everyone we know. We had to get the tables out of storage and have them set up to hold all the food and covered dishes people would bring. We're expecting quite a crowd.I pick up Felicia from the duplex, and we head over to the cookout. When we pull up to the house, there are already numerous cars and motorcycles in the driveway and along the strip of land beside it. My parents' house is situated on a huge piece of private property near the river. There is ample parking.Felicia has a large container of potato salad. I explained that we provide the

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    Felicia.On the ride back home, my thoughts are so jumbled. I overheard what Collins said to one of the guys at the cookout.I already knew how he felt about kids. One night after we got the backyard fixed up we were sitting out on the deck. We somehow got around to discussing children. Collins shuddered and said he wouldn't know what to do with a kid. He felt he was too immature to raise a child. He didn't think he'd be a good father. He was vehement.So, why did his remarks bother me today? It's not like we're really married. Well, we are, but it's temporary. This marriage will all be over in one year, and then we'll get a divorce.The sex has been so great. I've been sticking to our deal and just enjoying the pleasure we can give each other. In the back of my mind, though, I've allowed myself to believe that this could become a real marriage. How foolish. How naive.I sternly remind myself: this has an expiration date. In one year, it will be over.What guy wouldn't be fine with gr

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  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 88

    Collins.I frown as I drive to the office. Something is off with Felicia, and I don't know what it is.She's been acting differently for the last week. I think it started around the time of the cookout. Did someone say something to her that upset her?When I try to ask her what's wrong, she just shrugs and says nothing.Bullshit. Something is wrong. Why won't she confide in me? She always has before.Unless— unless I'm the problem? I mean, she really couldn't turn me down when I offered to marry her. She would have been crazy to turn down a cool five million and the stock shares. Let's not forget about the fucking stock shares. Suddenly, I'm feeling frustrated.Things were going so great. I mean, the sex is off the charts. But lately, when I take her, she's been closing her eyes. Does that mean anything?Hell, if I know. I slam my hand against the steering wheel. Who knows what's on a woman's mind? I sure as shit don't. Women!Then, I stop short. This is Felicia. And well, she's diffe

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  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 89

    Felicia.It's been over a week, and Collins hasn't acted any differently toward me. Maybe I overreacted. Everything else has been going well.At work, we're still ahead of schedule on the new software. And my uncle appears to be leaving us alone. The closer we get to completing all the testing, the more the excitement in the department builds.There's also a higher level of stress the closer we get to the go-live date in case anything goes wrong. It's like this every time we launch a new software, but it's still hard to get used to.This Friday night, Collins and I will be attending a charity event downtown. I vaguely remember my parents used to attend some of the bigger galas around town.My mother-in-law and Ellen both volunteered to go shopping with me. So, I meet the women here at the Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille and then Bonnie said we could walk to the different shops.When the women walk through the door, I wave them over."Were you able to find a parking spot, okay?""I lef

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    Felicia.We both stand and see two police officers exit the doors as we approach. We follow the nurse to a room.We see Collins sitting up in the bed; his arm has a big patch of gauze, and his shirt is bloodied, but he's alive.He looks up and smiles at both Carson and me."So, you got shot, little brother. I'm glad you're okay. You scared the hell out of us.""You just missed the police. They already have the men in custody.""Good. How are you feeling?""I'm fine. And so is Dale. He did well for a recruit.""Good. Felicia said you were wearing one of the new vests.""I was. But, I went by the office and grabbed one of the older ones before I went downtown."Carson gives me a searching look then looks over at Felicia, "Well, I'll leave you two alone. I'll go check on Dale."Collins looks over at me and then opens his arms. I walk over to him and wrap my arms around him being careful to avoid his injured arm, but I forget about his back."Ouch.""Oh, Collins, I'm sorry.""Don't worry

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    Felicia.My cell phone rings, "Hello?""Felicia, it's Carson. There was some trouble downtown. Collins and a guard have been taken to the hospital. I don't know the extent of their injuries.""Oh, my God," my head swims with the news. I weakly sit down."Are you home?""Yes.""Look, I'm headed to the hospital; why don't I stop by and pick you up?""Okay, thanks, Carson."I look down at my hot pink lingerie, I had planned on opening the door to Collins wearing it. I go into the bedroom and throw on the first clothes I touch—a pair of jeans and a black shirt. I slip on some shoes and hear a car pull up in the drive. I pick up my purse and rush out the door.As I approach Carson's car, my eyes land on my Can-Am Spyder. I see the word 'Bella' airbrushed on the side of my motorcycle. I give a small smile, then turn and hurry to the car where Carson is waiting.Once I'm in the car and Carson is driving to the hospital, before I can ask, he looks over at me grimly, "I wish I could tell you m

  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 109

    Collins."Good," I say with relief."You're not? Then who is?"Ellen and Dave both ask at one time.Felicia gives a proud smile, "I recommended to the board that it be a shared responsibility. Two Co-CEOs. While most companies only have one CEO, some are having great success with Co-CEO positions. I think a good balance of work and family is important.""That's a great idea. So, who will be Co-CEO with you?" Asks Ellen."Who do you think they'll pick?" Dave asks Felicia."I don't know who the board will select. Even though I have a controlling interest, I feel the board should make most of these types of decisions. However—"Felicia stops and looks at Ellen, "I made a recommendation. I recommended Ellen Stone and Beth Smith from gaming for joint leadership."Ellen looks stunned, and then her eyes begin to light up at the thought, "Thanks, Felicia. I love the idea of joint leadership. Beth knows the gaming side very well. We've worked on other projects together. She and I get along gre

  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 108

    Felicia.I give Collins a nod. Then I turn toward Ellen and Dave, "All of us will be attending the meeting," I inform them firmly."We will?" Ellen and Dave both look at me wide-eyed.I then hand them each a small stack of papers, "Yes, Ellen, you helped prepare these for me. If you and Dave could pass them out to the board members while I review the numbers, it would be helpful. Then, we will all be available to answer any questions that might be asked. Okay?"They both nod. I turn back to Collins and take his hand. Then, with a spring in my step, we walk out of the copier room and cross over to the boardroom.When I open the conference room door, I give everyone a wide, friendly smile. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Board catch my eye, and they nod solemnly to me as I enter. I nod back."Good morning," I walk toward the head of the conference room and gesture for Collins to take my normal seat. I remain standing between Collins and my uncle, who's at the head of the table. I notice

  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 107

    Collins.When I arrive home later that night, the house is dark. Felicia would always leave a light on in the house, so I know she's not in the apartment before I even open the door. I grimace as I flip on the light switch. I look around and everything looks exactly like it did when I left. Except Felicia isn't here. The empty apartment seems to mock me.I can't believe how the night ended. How arrogant I was to believe that she wanted something more than friendship. I pull out my cell phone and look down at the red beating heart that made me think she might feel the same way about me as I feel about her.I go to delete the heart, but at the last minute, I don't. I can't. It's the last text I may ever get from Felicia. I'm not only losing my wife, I'm losing my best friend. She gets me. She always has.I could tell earlier tonight that she felt bad. She probably didn't know how to tell me how she's been feeling. She wants to move on with finding someone she can love. And it's not me.

  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 106

    Felicia.When Serena and I walk out of Donovan Security a little after one o'clock, we both feel satisfied with the contract.Serena looks over at me, "I think everything went very well. That was one of the smoothest negotiations I've dealt with. Both you and Carson were flexible and fair. I think both sides basically got what they wanted, leaving Hayford Software in a very good position.""I'm glad the negotiation part is behind us. I can't wait to tell the team we have a signed contract from a major buyer, and we're ready to launch."We say our goodbyes, and then I drive to Hayford's.When I enter my department, every single member of the team watches me walk in. I can tell they've all been waiting. I give a huge smile and then hold the signed papers up over my head like a trophy."We have a signed contract, and we're ready for launch!"There are hoops and hollers as everyone gives a cheer. Then comes a lot of backslapping and high-fives.Ellen comes over. "So, are you nervous abou

  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 105

    Collins.It's Thursday morning, and I'm early. I want to be at the ten o'clock meeting to show Felicia my support. She's worked so hard on putting this deal together.The night before last, I started training one of the supervisors to be Hawkin's backup. Smitty, the guy I've been training, appears to be catching on quickly.I really don't want to work another night shift ever again. I'd rather be home at night, in bed with my wife.Damn, I can't believe how much I've missed being with Felicia. It's only been since Monday night, but I've gotten used to spending our evenings together.It doesn't matter if we're sharing stories about work, watching a movie and eating popcorn, sitting out on our deck, or riding our bikes. What's important is doing all of these things together, doing them with Felicia.I pull out my phone and look down at the last text she sent me. I saved it like some love-sick teenager simply because Felicia sent me a red beating heart. Damn, I've got it bad.I haven't h

  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 104

    Felicia.It's Wednesday, and I've been on pins and needles, waiting for everything to come together.Our department has been working around the clock to get the changes to the software ready. It's come a long way from the rough draft that Carson was originally shown.The team took my ideas and ran with them. They came up with some very innovative improvements on their own. Excitement is high.I've barely seen Collins as we're working opposite shifts.I'm getting ready to grab some lunch because I'm hungry. I skipped breakfast again this morning. My stomach has been acting up. Maybe Ellen was right, and I'm coming down with something."Felicia, it's Jaxson Gibson. Would you be able to stop by my office today?""Hi, Jaxson. Yes, I was getting ready to leave for lunch in a few minutes. I could be there in about fifteen minutes if that works?""Great. I'll see you then."When I walk into Jaxson's office, I'm shown into a small conference room in the back.Jaxson comes in. "Felicia, thanks

  • I Hate you Mr. BILLIONAIRE    Chapter 103

    Felicia.It's Monday, and I spent most of Sunday looking up information about ReConstruct.Collins suggested I hire Jaxson and his team to look into the company's finances and bank records. I called Jaxson from the parking lot before I entered the building, so I'm running a little late.When I enter our department I find Ellen waiting for me in my office."Uh oh, are you here with good news or bad news?""You decide. Here are the projected sales from the third-party company. They re-ran the numbers based on the new marketing and pricing plan."I carefully put down my briefcase, sit down, and only then do I pick up the file in front of me.I quickly skim through their findings. Then I look up with a beaming smile."Let's get these over to Donovan Security.""Already done."After Ellen leaves, I lean back in my chair and just sit there with a smile on my face for a few minutes until I get a text from Collins.'I bet you're smiling!' With a smiley face emoji. My response is just a row of

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