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Sixteen
Last Updated:
2025-03-05 16:37:15
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PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Seventeen
I wiped my tears roughly with the back of my hand, the saltiness lingering on my skin. I shouldn’t give Layden the satisfaction he wanted. I wouldn’t let him see me break. Not again. I tossed my robe to the floor, the fabric pooling at my feet as the cool breeze from the open window caressed my bare skin. I padded toward the bathroom, the tiles cold beneath my feet, the dim glow of the vanity lights flickering on as I stepped inside. Soft shadows danced along the tiled walls, the room bathed in a muted, golden hue. I paused, my gaze catching my reflection in the mirror. Dark bruises—hickeys—scattered across my neck, my collarbone, the swell of my breasts. Evidence of his touch. Of the way his mouth had worshipped me, claiming me in a way that was both possessive and reverent. The marks stood out starkly against my pale skin, a map of desire I couldn’t ignore. I should feel ashamed, disgusted. But as my fingers traced over the marks, a deep heat curled in my stomach. My pulse quic
Last Updated : 2025-03-06PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Eighteen
I tossed a bag of apples into the cart and exhaled, rubbing my temple. The store’s fluorescent lights were unbearable today, slicing through my skull like a blade. My head throbbed, a dull ache that had been my constant companion since last night. The grocery list in my hand felt heavier than it should, each item a reminder of the endless demands waiting for me at home. My phone buzzed. I pulled it out, expecting Andra, but instead, it was Layden.L: Did you get the groceries?I sighed and typed back.J: Yes.Another buzz.L: Get more steak. Mom prefers it medium-rare.I clenched my jaw. Of course. Anything else, Master?Before I could type something passive-aggressive, I turned the aisle—And nearly rammed my cart into someone else’s.A surprised gasp left me as I took a step back. “Oh, I’m so—” My words caught in my throat when I met familiar brown eyes.A stunned pause stretched between us before the woman in front of me broke into a bright smile. “Jan?”I blinked, my brain scrambli
Last Updated : 2025-03-08PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Nineteen
I busied myself preparing Eleanor’s green tea first, steeping the bag with measured patience, as if the ritual could center me. The rhythmic chop of vegetables followed, the scent of garlic and onions filling the air as I focused on dinner.I didn’t hear Layden come down, but I felt him before I saw him. The air shifted—the quiet weight of his presence settling over me like an old habit.“Smells good,” he murmured. turned my head slightly and found him standing at the threshold of the kitchen, dressed in loose sweatpants and a white shirt that clung just enough to his still-damp skin. His hair was tousled from the shower, beads of water clinging stubbornly to the ends before trailing down the curve of his neck.He smirked, stepping forward with that lazy confidence, hands sliding into his pockets.I turned back to the stove. “Excuse me,” I said, shifting to the side, expecting him to move.He didn’t. Instead, he pressed in behind me, his voice low. “Relax, Jan. Just wanted to help.”
Last Updated : 2025-03-09PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Twenty
I followed him upstairs, my heartbeat loud in my ears.He was already in the bedroom, peeling off his damp shirt, the fabric clinging before sliding down his arms. His back muscles tensed, his movements precise, practiced. Like he wasn’t just undressing but shedding the weight of whatever this was between us.I hesitated at the door, my fingers curling around the frame. “Layden.”He didn’t turn. Just unbuckled his watch and set it on the dresser.I swallowed hard and stepped closer. “I’m sorry about last night. It was stupid of me.”His shoulders stiffened—just a flicker, barely noticeable—before he exhaled and reached for a fresh towel. “It’s okay, Jan.” His voice was even.I stared at him, at the way he avoided my gaze, at the invisible wall that had been there for months, thickening with every silent night, every turned cheek.“Lay…” My voice was quieter this time, careful. I reached out, my fingers grazing his shoulder.Just for a second. Just long enough for me to feel the tensio
Last Updated : 2025-03-09PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Twenty-One
The house was dark when we pulled into the driveway, the faint glow from the kitchen window the only sign of life. It felt less like a home and more like a stage—one where I was always playing a role I never auditioned for. Layden killed the engine, but neither of us moved. The silence between us was heavy, filled with words neither of us dared to say. I should have gotten out, walked straight in like I belonged here. Like I wanted to be here. But the weight in my chest told me otherwise. Layden sighed, running a hand through his hair before finally speaking. “She’s been waiting for you.” I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. “Of course she has.” Eleanor always got what she wanted. I stepped out of the car, the cool night air biting at my bare arms. I hadn’t even grabbed a jacket when I left. Just my purse and whatever shred of dignity I had left. Layden followed, his steps slow and measured, like he was bracing himself for what came next. As soon as we stepped inside, Ele
Last Updated : 2025-03-11PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Twenty-Two
I swallowed hard, hyper-aware of the silky fabric clinging to my body, accentuating every curve, every exposed inch prickling beneath the weight of a hundred unspoken thoughts. The plunging neckline dipped scandalously low, and the open back left me vulnerable to the cool night air. What the hell was I thinking? Layden was going to kill me. Sandra’s grip tightened around my arm, her nails pressing into my skin like an anchor. “Relax,” she whispered, her voice laced with amusement. “They’re staring because you look like a goddamn goddess.” I wasn’t convinced. I could feel their eyes—lingering, assessing. Some admiring. Others leering. But my mind had already splintered elsewhere, scanning the room for Layden. Or Cassidy. I found them near one of the garden doors, heads bent close, conversation intimate. My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to look away. It didn’t matter. Not tonight. I stepped into the sea of bodies, but something shifted. That slow, invisible pull. It coiled ar
Last Updated : 2025-03-11PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Twenty-Three
A sharp clink of glass sliced through the hum of conversation, silencing the room. All heads turned to the woman standing at the front of the stage—poised, regal. Andrea Dubuton. Even with age etching fine lines into her dark skin, she exuded elegance, her high cheekbones and sharp eyes giving her an air of timeless grace. She was one of my favorite writers—if not the best in New York. She lifted her glass, the crystal catching the light as her voice, smooth and commanding, filled the room. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, her gaze sweeping over the glittering crowd, “tonight, we celebrate a brilliant mind—one that has shaped the literary world in ways many of us could only dream of. A man of quiet power. Of undeniable influence.” She paused, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “And so, without further ado, it is my honor to welcome to the stage—Mr. Icarus Adonis Sebastian.” Applause swelled, a deafening roar of admiration, but I barely heard it. My breath caught, my pulse ha
Last Updated : 2025-03-12PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Twenty-Four
Sandra shoved open the grand doors, and the night air hit my skin like a slap. The distant hum of the city stood in stark contrast to the muffled music still seeping from the hall."Where the hell do you think he went?" Sandra asked as we reached her car.I shook my head, arms wrapping around myself. I don't know.Sandra unlocked the car, and I slid into the passenger seat, the silence between us thick. She didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, she turned to me, her dark eyes searching mine."Are you okay?"A bitter laugh slipped from my lips, weightless and hollow. "Do I look okay?"This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go.I was supposed to be with Layden. We were supposed to leave together, hands intertwined, our lives seamlessly stitched together like they had always been but he wasn’t here.And I had no idea where he was.The valet handed Sandra her keys, and we climbed into her car, the silence between us thick.She didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, she turne
Last Updated : 2025-03-12
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PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty-Seven
Icarus had been insufferable today—condescending, controlling, and, worst of all, completely unreadable. If he thought he could push me around without consequence, he had another thing coming. By the time we arrived, the high-end boutiques on Avenue Montaigne gleamed in the afternoon sun. I stepped out of the car with confidence, smoothing my dress and sliding on a pair of sunglasses I found in my purse. Alessio fell into step beside me, ever the gentleman. "Stay close," I told him lightly. "I might need an extra pair of hands.""Naturally, ma’am," he replied, amusement dancing in his voice. And so, the spree began. I moved through the stores with precision—silk dresses, designer heels, exquisite jewelry—each item swiped onto the black credit card with satisfaction. The attendants were eager to please, their tones hushed with reverence as they recognized the name on the payment method. Alesso trailed behind me, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his sharp eyes scanning th
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty-Six
I pushed into one of the stalls, closing the door behind me as I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps in the restroom. My breath hitched, my body stiffening instinctively.I couldn't let anyone see me like this.Not Layla. Not some stranger.Not even Icarus.Especially not Icarus.I pressed a hand over my mouth, swallowing down the emotions threatening to spill over. The tightness in my chest was unbearable, but I forced myself to stay silent, to breathe through it.Just a few minutes.Just long enough to pull myself together. Then I'd walk out of here like nothing had happened.The restroom door banged open, laughter spilling in like a cruel, creeping poison. I barely had time to stifle my breath before the voices followed."God, I still can't believe it," one of them sneered, her voice sharp, slicing through the quiet like a blade. "I mean, we knew she was shameless, but this? She's an actual slut."“Not even a high-class one,” another voice chimed in, dripping with mockery. “I mean,
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty-Five
"Padrino, ho trovato qualcosa su—(God father I found something about—)"Alessio."Oi, serpente, stai buono. Sto sistemando la tua regina, (Oi, snake, stay put. I'm handling your queen.)" Icarus said, his voice steady yet unfazed.Alessio froze mid-step. His breath hitched, his entire body going rigid as if something unseen had just wrapped around his throat. Then, as if on instinct, he took a step back."Pardonimi (Forgive me)" His voice wavered slightly.What just happened? What had Icarus say? And how had he known Alessio was coming—had he heard his footsteps, felt his presence before the door even opened?The weight of my situation crashed over me. I was naked. Two men in the house.Heat flooded my face as Icarus moved, his broad frame still a barrier between me and Alessio's gaze. Without looking away, he reached down, fingers finding the towel on the floor. His chest brushed mine as he pulled me with him, the contact sending a dizzying pulse through me—whether from the wine or th
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty-Four
The hum of the engine filled the silence between us. City lights flickered through the tinted windows, casting brief flashes across Alessio's face, but he remained unreadable. He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on the gear shift, as if he hadn't just dropped a man to the pavement without so much as a second thought. My hands curled into fists in my lap. I was still breathing too fast, still feeling the phantom weight of Layden's grip on my wrist. Still hearing his voice, sharp and venomous, curling around my mind like smoke. Alessio didn't look at me, but I knew he was aware. He had been watching me all night. Hell, he was probably watching me now, even without turning his head. I forced my voice to steady. "You didn't have to do that." His fingers flexed against the wheel, but he didn't respond right away. Then, with quiet finality, he said, "Yes, I did." I let out a breath, leaning back against the seat. The scent of leather and something subtly spic
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty-Three
I took a deep breath, finally allowing myself to settle in. I wasn’t going to keep waiting for Icarus to arrive. Waiting would mean I had a thing for him—which I absolutely did not.Or you’re just lying to yourself, my subconscious taunted.I ignored it.Lying back on the bed, I stared at the ceiling. The room was silent, pressing in around me. It was unfamiliar yet oddly soothing. Maybe I should start getting used to it—after all, this was home now.My gaze drifted to the suitcase on the floor. Lupe had brought the rest of my bags earlier, stacking them neatly in the corner. I knew I should start unpacking, but the idea of a hot shower was far more appealing. A quiet thrill stirred in me, a flicker of curiosity I couldn’t ignore.I stood, gently undressed, and made my way into the bathroom.It was stunning—simple yet elegant. Soft white tiles stretched from floor to ceiling, reflecting the warm glow of recessed lighting. A deep soaking tub sat against one wall, next to a sleek glass
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty-Two
I left work early—per Icarus’ instructions, of course. A few minutes after I walked out of his office, he sent Layla to deliver the message.And I quote: "Tell Ms. Janice she’s excused for the rest of the day so she can get her things in order."The audacity.It was just a move-in, not a life-altering event. It wasn’t like we’d be sharing the same bed.Still, the whole situation felt entirely too personal for my liking. I wasn’t thrilled about it, but there was no point in dragging my feet. I’d pack my things, get this over with, and remind myself—this was strictly professional. Nothing more.It couldn't be that bad, I tried to convince myself—but I knew better. My mind drifted back—to the time we were assigned as project partners in college. We spent almost every moment together, and somehow, those moments always ended in stolen kisses and tangled limbs. I jammed the key into the door, twisting it in frustration before pushing it open. Icarus had said the driver would arrive by 5pm
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty-One
The blaring alarm jolted me awake. A quick glance at the clock—just past six. Andra was probably already getting ready for work.I wasted no time, jumping into the shower and brushing my teeth. For a brief moment, I considered leaving my hair in its natural state, but one look in the mirror confirmed that was a terrible idea. With a sigh, I stretched, then gathered my hair into a messy bun, letting a few strands frame my face. A touch of makeup later, and I looked somewhat presentable.My gaze flickered to the shopping bags still sprawled on the floor as I contemplated what to wear. Rummaging through them, I finally settled on coffee-brown pants and a dark brown bodysuit, pairing them with simple blue-lens glasses. Satisfied with my reflection, I grabbed my laptop, phone, an extra copy of the divorce papers, and my new office bag from yesterday’s chaotic shopping spree.Black flats. Silver accessories. An eternity necklace, matching earrings, and a bracelet.Just as I was about to hea
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Thirty
After the call with Icarus, I sat there for a moment, staring at my phone like it had personally offended me. Andra, still buzzing from whatever that conversation was, flopped onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh."Alright, Miss Special-Assistant, what are we eating?"I rolled my eyes, setting my phone down. "I don't know, you pick.""Say less." She grabbed her phone, scrolling through the takeout options. "Burgers or Chinese?""Chinese," I said absentmindedly, my thoughts still spinning."Good choice," she nodded, placing the order before tossing her phone onto the couch. "So, you gonna tell your parents about your new fancy job?"I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, I guess I should."I dialed my mom’s number. She answered on the second ring, her voice warm and familiar. "Janice, baby! How are you?"I smiled, leaning back against the headboard. "I'm good, Mom."There was a pause, then her tone softened with concern. "Are you still having those dreams?"I hesitated, my
PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE Twenty-Nine
The door clicked shut behind me, but I still felt him on my skin.I exhaled slowly, adjusting my grip on my bag. The air outside his office was cooler, quieter, but no less heavy. Like stepping out of a storm only to realize I was still soaking wet.A sharp sound pulled me from my thoughts.Layla.She stood a few feet away, polished and composed, a folder in her outstretched hand. Her smile was professional—warm, but with an edge of unreadability that reminded me she worked for Icarus. That she had likely seen dozens of people walk out of that office before me, though perhaps not in my position."Welcome aboard," she said, handing me a folder."Thanks," I murmured, gripping it tighter than necessary.She didn’t waste time. "Come with me. I’ll show you around."Without waiting for a response, she turned briskly toward the elevators. I hesitated only for a second before following, matching her pace.We stepped inside, and she pressed a button."This building has ten floors and three ele
