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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.”
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 36
Lirael's POVAs I flicked through the messages Samson forwarded to me, I sensed Zephyra enter the meeting room. I glanced up to see her gorgeous green eyes land on me. She looked as sexy as hell in a white silk blouse that was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a hint of cleavage, and a pencil skirt that emphasizes her slender waist and the curve of her hips. Her lips tipped up before her attention darted away, as if worried someone would catch her smiling at me.Jovan walked in next and decided to sit next to her. My eyes narrowed. Zephyra didn't look at him and deliberately angled her body away. I swept the room and found Bruce, Paradise’s new project liaison, sitting at the end of the table. Luckily for Jovan, he did what he promised, and Rachel quietly disappeared from the office. I was half-expecting to get a call from one of Paradise’s senior partners about the request, but none came, so he must have thought of a convincing enough reason for her removal.I would have thought he wa
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 37
Alex puts down her wineglass. “You turned down a night in a billionaire’s penthouse for me? I’m flattered, but you shouldn’t have.” “Yes, I should,” I say, taking a sip of my wine. “He’s very . . . overwhelming, you know? I mean, doing something like this in the first place is not like me. I can’t let myself get completely sucked in by him, because he’ll just chew me up and spit me out. I also really can’t afford to screw up this job.”Freya’s brow crinkles. “Then why are you doing it?”I run my finger around the rim of my glass and let out a sigh. “I’m not sure. I’ve never felt anything like this, you know? I’ve never been . . . swept away by anything or anyone. I’ve always done the smart thing.”I’ve spent my life achieving one goal after another, but there’s a price for that level of commitment. One I wasn’t sure I’d thought twice about paying until the first night Lirael touched me. He showed me another side to life I’d been missing in my single-minded drive to secure financial fu
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 38
When I walk into the architectural team’s office space that evening, it’s late enough that the place is empty. Except for Zephyra. She’s sitting at her desk, and I pause for a moment to watch her.Her long, dark hair is drawn back in a ponytail, with a few loose tendrils falling forward to frame her face as she looks down at what she’s doing. Her lower lip is caught between her teeth and her brow is slightly furrowed as she concentrates.She’s fucking gorgeous, and my dick stirs in my pants as I anticipate the hours to come, but I don’t move from where I’m loitering at the doorway. My behavior this afternoon is confusing me. I decided to rein in my attraction to her, but after not seeing her last night, the urge to see her today had taken control of me. I canceled my planned dinner meeting with one of my old college associates and did something I hadn’t done since her team moved into the building. I went down there to see her.The looks I received when I walked in reminded me why I ra
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 39
Lirael's POVI tie a knot in the condom and drop it into the trash. As I turn to leave the bathroom, I glimpse myself in the mirror. A fine sheen of perspiration coats my body, and the satisfied gleam in my eyes has everything to do with the orgasms I’ve had over the last two hours. And even more, the ones I’ve given Zephyra.Although I came only a few minutes ago, the thought of her lying stretched out and naked in my bed has me hardening.It’s late and she’s probably tired, but I think I can drag another orgasm out of her before I send her home. I exit the bathroom, only to stop when I see Zephyra standing by the side of the bed, pulling her skirt over the curve of her ass.She already has her bra on, and as I watch, she reaches for her blouse.I cross my arms and lean my shoulder against the doorframe. “Going somewhere?”She glances at me over her shoulder, a tentative smile playing on her lips. “I think five is probably my limit. And I didn’t want to . . .”“What?” I ask.She turn
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 40
Zephyra's POV “What are you doing this weekend?” I tuck my phone between my cheek and shoulder as I drop the tea bag into my cup and pour in the hot water. It’s Friday night, and with Lirael having plans, I decided to leave the office at a normal hour, relax at home, and give Mom a call. Considering how distracted I’ve been with work and Lirael over the last two weeks, we haven’t spoken as often as usual. “A book I’ve had on hold for weeks at the library has finally come in, so I’m going to pick it up tomorrow morning and spend all weekend devouring it,” Mom says. I laugh. “Sounds perfect.” She sighs happily. “Doesn’t it? One day, when I have my dream house, I’m going to make sure it has its very own library. One with a ladder to reach the top shelves.” “And a window seat?” “Of course. A window seat is essential for any home library. Oh, and it needs to be a bay window looking out over a beautiful garden.” This is a game my mom and I play. It started when I was young and one of
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 41
Lirael's POVA s I step out of the limo, camera flashes explode in my face. I extend a hand back into the car to help Scottie out. Her cool fingers wrap around mine and she smiles at me as she emerges, looking stunning in a dress cut nearly low enough to be indecent. She tucks her hand in my elbow and sweeps along at my side as we make our way to the entrance.“It’s good to know you remembered my phone number,” she says as we finally get inside. I knew she was stewing about something. Scottie has never been the warmest person. It’s not something that’s ever bothered me before, but the ice coming off her in the limo was palpable.Considering there has never been anything between us—apart from the benefit of convenience—I don’t know why she’s pretending to be upset about it.“Is there something you want to say?” I don’t hide the boredom in my voice. She’s been pushing things lately, and she knows I’m not interested.She pouts, but all I do is raise a brow.A breath huffs out of her. “It
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 42
Zephyra's POVI put the finishing touches on the interior plan I’m working on and try to keep my mind off the fact Lirael canceled on me this weekend. After all, as I told Freya, this is only meant to be casual. I need to take things as they come instead of investing too much time and effort on trying to figure out what’s going on in his head.Still, disappointment followed me around for the rest of the weekend after he called on Saturday morning and said something had come up. I’d been looking forward to seeing him.I draw one final line on the plan and click print. I’m unpleasantly aware of Jovan lingering on the far side of the room. I can sense his eyes on me, and I’m not sure why. He’s mostly kept his distance since our meeting in his office, apart from when he’s had something work-related to discuss with me.My stomach rumbles and I check the time. It’s well past lunch and I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast. I head to the kitchen to get the salad I made this morning, but j
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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.
