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No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 28
Lirael's POV Marigold brought our drinks, passing Zephyra’s juice with a warm smile. When she met my gaze, the smile she gave was perfectly professional and polite. She must have thought Zephyra was my girlfriend. As the engines spun up and the jet roared down the runway, Zephyra closed her eyes, her fingers tightening around the armrests. I wasn’t expecting this reaction from her. “Are you scared of flying?” I asked. She blinked a couple of times, then focused on me. “A little. It’s manageable. Just the takeoff and landing, really.” A minor bump as we rose through an air pocket had a gasp falling from her lips. It bothered me that she was scared. “Our pilot’s an ex-naval pilot. He’s incredibly experienced.” The corners of her mouth lifted. “That’s reassuring. Thank you for telling me.” But her fingers didn’t relax until the plane leveled out and the engine noise dropped. “Better?” I asked. She gave me a smile. “Better.” I relaxed as well. “So tell me, why did you decide to be
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 29
Zephyra's POV I checked my reflection in the mirror one more time, smoothing my fingers over the silky material of the floor-length red dress I was wearing. Hopefully with an outfit that gorgeous, and expensive, I should fit in with all the other guests at the gala. I turned away from the mirror and checked the time. Lirael would be there soon to collect me. The thought had a whole kaleidoscope of butterflies beating their wings in my stomach. I hadn’t seen him since we got back from the hotel site. He had told me I could do whatever I wanted for the rest of the day, then disappeared into his room for a conference call with his brothers. I spent a couple of hours wandering around and indulged in a delicious deep-dish pizza for lunch, then returned to my hotel room and distracted myself by sketching out my ideas for the hotel’s revised design. I had tried hard to forget about what happened in his office, but it had been on repeat in my mind since I slid into the car that morning a
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 30
Zephyra's POV Lirael stared out the window, and I sat in stunned silence, trying to figure out exactly what I should do. I could whip out my phone and message Freya, but I didn’t want to interrupt her time with Jaxson. Plus, I already knew what her advice would be. Something along the lines of, “Ride ’em, cowgirl.” I was mercifully distracted from the overwhelming chaos in my mind when we approached the hotel. The building was lit up, with an honest-to-goodness red carpet out front. Photographers stood on each side, snapping photos of the people walking on it. “I didn’t realize this was such a big event,” I murmured. “Some of the richest people in the US are here tonight,” Lirael said. “And people with that kind of wealth and power want to make sure everyone sees them.” I turned to look at him. “Do you go to many of these?” “Usually it’s Nathan or my father.” The line of his jaw sharpened. “Or it used to be, anyway.” I considered asking him about his father, about how he felt ab
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 31
Zephyra's POV We were spared further conversation with Scottie and her date when the emcee took to the stage to talk about the schedule for tonight, which included numerous courses of food and a lot of mingling, followed by the silent auction and then dancing. A casual Friday night for billionaires. Once everyone was seated, the first course was brought out. It was caviar, artfully dolloped on some fancy-looking lettuce leaves. I tried it because I’d never had it before, then did my best not to screw up my nose. I quietly panicked. Was it considered rude if I didn’t eat it? Lirael’s thigh pressed against mine as he murmured in my ear, “Don’t eat it if you don’t like it. It’s an acquired taste.” “Let me guess.” I tilted my face up to his. “You’ve acquired it?” He shrugged. “I wasn’t given much of a choice when I was a child.” I looked down at the pile of shiny black fish eggs. “I can’t believe your parents gave this to you as a kid. I used to kick up a fuss when Mom made me eat my
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 32
Lirael's POVI wait for as long as I can—until I’ve bid on, and won, a weekend in Aspen—and then I get us out of there. I messaged our driver to tell him to meet us out the front, and he’s waiting when we come out. I glance at Zephyra out of the corner of my eye. Her cheeks are beautifully flushed, and it’s not the heat that’s causing it. She knows exactly what will happen as soon as we’re in the car.After getting her so close to orgasm earlier, she’s probably been feeling every bit as frustrated as I have.Fucking Scottie. I don’t know what game she’s playing, but I’ll have to talk to her when we get back to New York. I’ve dismissed the signs I’ve noticed recently—the reluctance to leave after we’ve finished fucking, the attempts to make me jealous. Either she’s started to get attached or she has some other ulterior motive. I need to find out which it is and address it either way.But it’s not something to think about now. Not when the driver is opening the door and Zephyra is slidi
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 33
Lirael's POV As soon as the car pulled up outside the hotel, I hustled her out and up to my room. Even as the door swung shut behind us, my hands were cupping her ass, and I was taking her mouth again. I couldn’t seem to stop. The way she moaned had me deepening the kiss. She tasted so sweet. If I were any other man, I might get addicted. I lifted her and pressed her against the wall, rocking into her, pressing my cock against her pussy. She whimpered and bucked against me. Her dress was pushed up, and she wrapped her legs around my hips. My need to devour her flamed higher as her nails dug into me, holding me close. If she was worried I was going somewhere, she shouldn’t be. There was nowhere else I wanted to be. I lowered her to the floor, letting the silky material of her dress fall around her legs. “All the way down,” I growled as I unzipped my pants and pulled myself out. She looked at where my fingers were wrapped around my aching shaft, and understanding flared across her fac
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 34
Zephyra's POVThe limo pulled up outside my apartment, and I looked over at Lirael. He had been distant throughout our return trip, and I wasn’t sure why. It’s not like I’d been a chatterbox, but that’s because I’m not used to this type of casual affair, and I’m trying to wrap my head around what comes next.Nights like last night must be familiar territory to someone like Lirael.It had been hard for me to slip out of his bed in the early hours of this morning. Harder than I thought it would have been. I probably should have left after he gave me my fifth orgasm of the night, but I’d been so relaxed, filled with the gentle hum of residual pleasure, that I’d fallen asleep with my body still draped over his.When I’d woken up a few hours later, I’d been shocked to find myself on my back with Lirael’s hand spread over my stomach as he slept next to me. I expected he would have woken me and told me to go back to my own room. I really didn’t want to have that conversation, so I slipped ou
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 35
Lirael's POVFirst thing Monday morning, Nathan asks me to come to his office. I drop into one of the chairs on the other side of his desk and grab a chocolate chip muffin from the tray his assistant lays out for him every morning. He Never eats any of it.“I’m assuming you want to know how the trip to Chicago went?” I say when he doesn’t look up from the papers in front of him. It’s a classic Nathan power play that he learned from Dad. I became immune to it long ago.He finally looks up. “Among other things, yes.”“The site is good,” I say. “Zephyra had some thoughts on maximizing the view.”His cool gray eyes take me in. “She did, did she?”I meet his gaze unflinchingly. “Yes. She’s a very talented architect.” “I’m sure it’s her architectural talents you’re interested in.”I won’t confirm I’m sleeping with her, even if he suspects it, but I won’t let him disparage her skills, either. “She’s excellent at what she does, and you’d know that if you bothered to look at any of the plans.”
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No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 79
Zephyra's POVLirael continues, unperturbed. "Your company has been facing difficulties for a while now—mismanagement, apparently. Your shares are at the lowest price they've been for a decade. I saw you come in, and I decided now was the right time to make the call. So no, you don't have some investments for me. You are an investment. And unfortunately for you, as of," Lirael checks his watch, "ten minutes ago, you're no longer CEO of Apex Industries. My brothers and I will appoint one of our own people to take over first thing tomorrow."My father stares at Lirael, shock and disbelief warring on his features. "Y-You can't be serious. That's... That's preposterous."Lirael turns his back on him, dismissing the conversation with a curt statement. "Are we all done, ladies?" Mom stands up gracefully, and I follow suit, mirroring her movement. "Yes, thank you, Lirael," she says with genuine appreciation. "The meal was absolutely delicious."Lirael responds with a smile that lights up hi
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 78
Zephyra's POVMom reaches over the table and squeezes my hand, a gentle smile playing on her lips. I could get used to this, I think to myself, the warmth of her touch a comforting reassurance in the midst of the elegant ambiance surrounding us.I take a moment to look around the restaurant where we're dining tonight. It's opulent, even by Lirael's high standards. While he and I frequent such upscale establishments often, we've also developed a penchant for cooking together at home. Surprisingly, Lirael has proven to be quite the adept home chef. Our late-night grilled cheese sandwiches remain a favorite indulgence.Yet, tonight marks a special occasion—it's Mom's birthday. Lirael's thoughtful gesture of sending his private jet to whisk her away to New York for the weekend speaks volumes about his generosity. The fact that we're hosting her in one of Lirael's luxurious hotel suites, with all expenses covered, adds an extra layer of appreciation for the privacy and comfort we can offer
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 77
Lirael's POVHer hand reaches out, coming to rest on my chest, right over my wildly beating heart. The warmth of her touch seeps through me, comforting and electrifying all at once. "And I really, really like what I see," she confesses, her eyes locking with mine in a moment of shared vulnerability.Relief floods through me, a weight lifting off my shoulders as her words sink in. Without hesitation, I take a step closer to her, my hand instinctively finding its way into her soft hair, fingers curling around the back of her neck as I pull her gently toward me. The closeness between us feels natural, inevitable, as if we've been dancing around this moment for far too long."I like what I see too," I murmur, my voice low and intimate, filled with unspoken promises and desires."Is that so?" Her voice is a breathless whisper, anticipation hanging in the air between us.I nod, a smile playing on my lips. "Yes, it is. In fact, I don't just like what I see," I confess, my gaze never leaving
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 76
Lirael's POV "Of course," I reply without hesitation, a hint of hurt tugging at my words. Didn't she believe me when I assured her that I wasn't going anywhere? "And you're helping Mom plant beets?" Zephyra inquires, her gaze flickering to the spade in my hand. I glance down at my fingers wrapped around the tool. "It would seem so," I confirm with a faint smile. Zephyra descends the steps towards us, and the sight of her approaching leaves me momentarily breathless. The way she moves, the way the sunlight catches her hair, it's all so mesmerizing. "Zephyra, do you mind finishing this off while I get dinner started?" Beth interjects, her tone carrying a hint of mischief as she exchanges a knowing look with me. My lips quirk up in response to Beth's subtle gesture, understanding the unspoken message. Zephyra stands gracefully, brushing the dirt off her knees, and takes the trowel from Beth, settling down next to me.The air is filled with the sweet scent of sunshine and wildflowers
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 75
Lirael's POVI pull up outside Zephyra's mom's house and shift the car into park. The decision to rent a vehicle instead of relying on a driver feels like a small step toward independence, a gesture of my commitment to staying here for the foreseeable future. The sunset paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting warm beams of light through the car window as I sit and contemplate my next moves.Recalibration is necessary. The impulse to buy things for Zephyra's mom, while well-intentioned, feels like a misstep now. She doesn't need my money; she needs genuine connection and support. It strikes me that perhaps my efforts to provide material comfort were more about easing my own guilt than truly helping. Zephyra, given time and opportunity, will undoubtedly be able to provide for her mom in ways I can't.Yet, despite this realization, I haven't formulated another plan. Every idea I entertain seems to circle back to money, a reminder of the limitations of my solutions. For now, al
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 74
Zephyra's POVHis eyes darken slightly, a mix of frustration and longing evident in his gaze. "Because it's the only thing I can offer you—the only thing I can give you that you need," he admits, his voice tinged with desperation.I meet his gaze, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me as I shake my head slowly. "No, Lirael. It's not. I don't need your money or what it can buy me. A relationship isn't supposed to be transactional like that. It's about being with someone because you can't imagine not being with them. It's about sharing your heart and soul with someone, knowing they see you for who you really are, that they understand you in a way no one else can."His jaw tightens as he absorbs my words, a silent acknowledgment of the truth in them. "Okay," he finally responds, his tone subdued yet accepting.I'm taken aback by his unexpected acquiescence. "Okay?" I repeat, searching his eyes for any hint of defiance or argument.He nods, taking a step closer and gently brushing a stra
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 73
Zephyra's POVThe next evening, I return home after my jog, my feet stuttering to a halt as I pull out my earphones, my mind racing with questions about the unfamiliar car in the driveway. What the hell? My first thought is that Lirael's back, having driven himself this time, but I know that's not it. The shiny red car is brand new, untouched by the usual signs of a journey. It's almost surreal, like a prop dropped into a scene.I walk up the path, each step heavy with curiosity and apprehension, and let myself into the house. There he is, sitting on the couch just as he was yesterday, his dark head a stark contrast to the muted colors of the living room. Mom sits opposite him, her demeanor calm as she sips her tea.Taking a moment to compose myself, I drop my keys on the sideboard with a clatter, drawing their attention. "Please tell me that's your car outside," I say, my voice a mix of surprise and disbelief, directed at Lirael.He stands immediately, his deep blue eyes raking over
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 72
Zephyra's POVI parked Mom's battered old car in the driveway, the familiar creak of its doors bringing back childhood memories. Gathering the groceries from the back seat, I carried them up the path to the house. Before I can put the key in the lock, the door swings open, revealing Mom's warm smile."Hey, Mom," I greet her, my own smile fading as I notice the serious expression on her face. "I got all the ingredients you wanted, and I picked up some ice cream for dessert. Do you..." I trail off, sensing something amiss.She reaches to take the bags from my hands, her touch gentle yet firm. "Lirael's here," she says quietly.My heart almost stops at the mention of his name. "What?" I manage to utter, disbelief and a tinge of panic creeping into my voice."Yeah, he's here," Mom confirms. "But it's up to you if he stays."I throttle the feeling of betrayal that swells in my chest. Mom wouldn't have let him in if he hadn't given her a good enough reason. I just don't have a clue what tha
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 71
Lirael's POV The driver pulls up, and I sit there for a moment, absorbing the nostalgic aura emanating from Zephyra's childhood home. Despite its modest size, the front yard boasts meticulous landscaping, with a delightful array of flowers and shrubs thoughtfully arranged in beds encircling the welcoming front porch. It's a curious feeling. While I struggle to visualize myself growing up in such surroundings, I can easily conjure images of a young Zephyra, carefree and radiant, darting through the sprinklers on sweltering summer afternoons. I can envision her kneeling alongside her mother, their hands digging into the soil as they lovingly planted flowers together, or lending a hand to carry groceries up the familiar porch steps. These seemingly mundane moments, ones that Zephyra may have taken for granted in her youth, are now treasures I yearn to have experienced firsthand. Perhaps then, understanding how to be present for her and fulfill her needs would come more naturally to me.
