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The Billionaire’s Pet 19.
CHAPTER NINETEENAiden's POVWhen I woke the next morning, I was surprised to find myself in the plush, leather chair in my study.With a start, I sat up and looked around, running my fingers through my hair. It took me a moment to realize I'd slept off while working.My eyes glazed over the pile of files on my table. I saw the bills that needed to be paid, the receipts from transactions, and all the rest of the useless debris that made up each of my days as the leader of a mafia gang.I smiled bitterly. Lily was right, after all. When I wasn't fucking her, I somehow found my way into this study and worked myself to sleep. I hadn't even been to my bedroom, or anywhere else in this house in ages.I rearranged the sheaf of papers, then stood from my desk. I glanced down, noting my wrinkled dress trousers, and the blue shirt that I'd worn to the hospital, unbuttoned all the way down. My tie was loose, hanging off my neck, and I was barefoot."What a mess!" I muttered to myself. I padded
The Billionaire’s Pet 20.
Aiden's POVMy heart lurched at the sound of those numbers. Nine hundred thousand dollars was a lot of money!I sighed, rubbing my eyes with the heel of my hands. "And what can we do to prevent this?""We're on our own, boss," Joe replied, his face grim now. "We have to figure out how to clear those goods before we lose any more money."A moment of silence passed before Joe continued. "You shouldn't have angered Ricardo, boss. Not even for her—"I buried my face deep into my hands. "I'm so surprised that I don't even care about the repercussions. I did what felt right at that moment, and I won't ever change that for the world."Joe eyed me suspiciously. "What was that you said about not caring about Lily Collins again...?"A third knock came at the door, and I glanced at it. Joe turned his head to look as well, and he muttered. "Who could it be? Are you expecting anyone? Or perhaps, it's Cook again."I shook my head in confusion. "Come in!" I called out.The door opened slowly and wit
The Billionaire’s Pet 21.
Lily's POVMr Blackwood's eyes bored into mine as he spoke, and my heart spiraled into my throat. His blue eyes, like glaciers set into his head, darkened as he breathed into my face.I felt trapped. Trapped in the cage that was his eyes. With his arms curved around me, I felt like I was a deer, caught in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. Only this time, the headlights were his eyes. My bones felt like useless pieces of wood, and my skin felt as though they were nothing but molten lava. A small part of my head screamed to push forward and take his luscious lips in mine, but I held myself back.Mr Blackwood didn't like to be touched first, I repeated over and over in my head. It was absurd, the number of times I had to remind myself of that.With a small grunt, Aiden Blackwood pushed away from the door, his biceps tightening as he did so. He did not meet my eyes as he spoke again."Go. Wear whatever you like to go and see your brother. But never, ever enter my bedroom again." He
The Billionaire’s Pet 22.
Lily's POVI padded down the hallway, my steps echoing faintly against the polished floors. Oddly, my clothes felt comfortable enough, and I was grateful for them.Quickly, I approached the front door, hoping to get to the hospital and head straight for a boutique as well. Mr Blackwood's dress clothes and the blue dress he'd bought for me yesterday were the only pieces of clothing I had to my name—it was either that or walking around the house naked.I approached the front door and pulled the handle, opening the door. I dashed outside, and the first thing I noticed was a well-dressed chauffeur standing outside, leaning casually against a black luxury car.A chauffeur was the last thing I was expecting. At most, I was hoping to take a bus downtown. Well at least, he didn't make Joe pick up today to monitor me. The chauffeur was a middle-aged man, balding at the middle of his head. He had a genial smile and a warm disposition, and I immediately wondered just how much this man could tel
The Billionaire’s Pet 23.
Lily's POVThe monitor connected to his failing heart continued to beep steadily, giving life to my brother.I stared at its green screen, wondering how long it would keep Lucas up. Deep in my heart, I prayed for him to be well again."Please," I whispered, holding onto his hand for dear life. If it would change anything, I would pray to all the gods I knew to bring Lucas back to me.The details of his heart failure was still unclear to me. When he'd been rushed to the hospital, all the doctor had told me was that Lucas had narrowly survived a bullet shot to his heart. The bullet had merely grazed the organ, but even the grazing was still fatal enough to give him heart failure.Ever since then, he'd been on life support. Kind, elderly Doctor Hilton, who had been the resident doctor in Beth Israel hospital, had told me that he would need a transplant, and fast too."Please, God," I whispered. Lucas was seventeen going on eighteen. He had barely lived his life!Deep within me, an uncont
The Billionaire’s Pet 24
Lily's POVI wasted no time in darting away from the aisle. Heart thudding in my chest, I leaned against the wall, trying to steady the erratic organ. I felt as though I was a criminal, running away from justice.He hadn't seen me, thank God, or I knew he would have come barrelling down the aisle, wanting to talk to me.Memories of that day at the hospital came pouring back. I remembered the way that Ricardo man had looked at me, his eyes boring into my skin as though he wanted nothing more than to peel my clothes off my body.At that point and now, I craved so much for Mr Blackwood's protection.But even then, I remembered how Mr Blackwood had frozen on his feet, as though Ricardo had immobilized him. I remember the fear that had flickered between his eyes on that day at the hospital, and I knew that Mr Blackwood had been genuinely scared.Perhaps Ricardo was the only man who could scare him so.Finally, when my heart had stopped beating a tattoo against my ribcage, I let out a loud
The Billionaire’s Pet 25.
Lily's POVAiden Blackwood kept peppering my phone with calls, all the way home. I could feel a headache coming already, and I wanted nothing more than to be alone, to process my thoughts and sieve through them.The events of today were draining, to say the very least. Suddenly, I was scared for myself and my brother as well. Ricardo Gambino didn't look like the man who took no for an answer. And even if I kept evading him, he would keep coming back, until I gave him what he wanted.I glanced down at his business card, running my shaky fingers over and over the glossy surface. I turned the card over and over in my hands, pondering on that scene at the boutique. What was I to do?I did not know whether to tell Aiden Blackwood about the incident or keep it to myself. From the little I knew of Mr Blackwood, I could guess that he would blow things out of proportion and do something that would invariably hurt me in the process.I felt as though I was sandwiched between two decisions.Anoth
The Billionaire’s Pet 26.
Lily’s POVThe fact that this man was on top of me did strange, delicious things to my insides. He stopped kissing me and opening my eyes, I found him gazing down at me.“Trust me?” he breathed into my face.I nodded, wide-eyed, my heart bouncing against my ribs, my blood thundering through my body. I was too stunned to speak.He moved away from my body, standing to his feet, and the sudden exposure left bitter air clawing at my skin. I craved his warmth again. "Stay still, Lily." He called out. "If you move, I will know, and your punishment will be even greater."I smiled. "Is it weird that I am anticipating your punishment?""Haha, stay still." Mr Blackwood replied, his face staying passive. "I'm coming back."Ooh, fun! A voice spoke in my head, and I tried to shush it. Even as goosebumps of excitement erupted on my skin, I tried to assure myself that this was not fun.Leaning down, he kissed me again, his lips tender against mine, and his weight shifted on the bed. Giving me a sm
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The Billionaire’s Pet 127; Epilogue
EPILOGUEAiden's POVSeveral months later found me rushing down a corridor of Doctor Turner's hospital, my heart in my throat. Behind me, I could hear Lucas' hurried footsteps as well.We met Mira halfway down the corridor, and I stopped panting. "Where is she?" I asked. "Tell me!""I....she is....in the labor room right now!" Mira stammered. "Doctor Turner has assured us that she will be fine—""I don't bloody care!" I roared. "Take me to my wife now!"Mira nodded vigorously, then began to race down the corridor, Lucas and I closely behind her. She stopped before a door, from which I could hear labored wails and the soothing murmurs of the doctors.Without waiting, I pushed open the door and walked right in to see Lily on a bed with her knees up in the air. Her dress had been raised all the way up to her chest, and I could see about half a dozen doctors and nurses gather around her.Doctor Turner turned to me, and his eyes widened. "Mr Blackwood! What are you doing here?""What....wh
The Billionaire’s Pet 126.
Aiden's POVAs I held the bullet in my hand, fury ignited within me like a blazing inferno. This was Ricardo's doing, I knew it in my bones. He was the only one brave enough to try to harm Lily so openly; the only one who was the thorn in my flesh.I turned to face Mira and Lucas, and I saw the curiosity in their eyes. Mira's voice cut through the tense silence, her concern evident. "What did the doctor say?" she asked.Without a word, I lifted the bullet, its engraved surface gleaming ominously in the dim light of the hospital. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the sinister detail. "That bullet..." I began, my voice heavy. "It bears Lily's name. Ricardo's twisted way of sending a message. He wanted to kill her?""Why would he do that?" Lucas asked. "From what I know, he wanted her for himself.""I don't need to know why he wanted to kill her." I declared. "Because today, I will put an end to Ricardo's reign of terror. Once and for all.""You're not....going to Ricardo alon
The Billionaire’s Pet 125
Aiden's POVI turned away from Lily, walking to the corner beside the window of Lily's living room. I dialed Joe's number, my heart racing with urgency. The events of the evening replayed in my mind like a nightmare. Two beeps told me that Joe had picked up the phone. "Hello, boss." He called."Joe, listen carefully," I began, my voice urgent. "There's been a shooting at Lily's house. Mitch is dead, but there's a sniper outside. Send backup immediately!""Okay, wh...what?" Joe stammered; he sounded as though he was half asleep. "What's going on?""Wake the fuck up!" I snapped. "Come to Lily's house with six men. There's a body to clean up!"Before Joe could respond, a piercing scream cut through the air, freezing me in place. I whipped around just in time to witness another gunshot and a spray of blood. Lily crumpled to the ground, her body convulsing in agony.Time seemed to slow as I watched in horror. Lily lay bleeding before me, her body splayed on the ground. The phone slipped f
The Billionaire’s Pet 124
Lily's POVLucas nodded in agreement with my words. "You're all the family I need, Lily."A warmth spread through me, filling me with a sense of belonging and reassurance. He was all the family I needed too, especially in moments like these, when it seemed as though we were moving from problem to even bigger problem.With a wide smile, I stretched out my arms and pulled Lucas into a tight hug. At that moment, as we stood together in the dimly lit room, I felt a sense of peace settling on me like never before. Despite the scary things that had just happened, I felt calm and happy.But just as I began to relax into the embrace, the sound of banging on the door shattered the silence. My heart raced with fear as I ducked down, instinctively seeking cover from the unknown threat on the other side."Hey! Open the door!"Relief flooded through me when I heard Mira's familiar voice calling out from behind the door. With a shaky breath, I rose to my feet as Aiden crossed the room to open the d
The Billionaire’s Pet 123
Lily's POVAiden's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he seemed unable to speak. Then, a wide smile spread across his face, and he stepped forward, his arms outstretched as if to embrace me. "Lily, that's... that's incredible!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with joy and disbelief.I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the sight of his genuine happiness. But beneath it all, a gnawing sense of uncertainty stayed inside me. "I... I know," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "But Aiden, I don't know if I can do this. Not now, not in this... this situation. With Ricardo, and all. If he knows about this, he will—"Aiden's smile faltered, and he reached out to gently take my hands in his. "Lily, I understand that this isn't ideal," he said softly, his voice tinged with concern. "But we'll figure it out together. We'll make it work, I promise. To hell with Ricardo!"Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked into his earnest gaze. "I want to believe you, Aiden," I whispe
The Billionaire’s Pet 122
Lily's POVThe rest of my day—and week—seemed to go by in a blur. I couldn't recollect the meals I had or the conversations I endured. All I could think of was this baby. My baby.Before slipping into bed on the very last night, I closed the bedroom shades against the New York moon. In the day, I hated the sunshine because It reminded me too much of Aiden and the time we'd spent in Pennsylvania, but this moonlight was almost as bad. It was so cold. And felt so strange. As odd and unfamiliar as this house, these people living with me and my own skin.Finally, I rolled onto my side and rubbed my stomach. When I found that I was pregnant, I had tried and failed to find some outward sign of my condition. But in only the past few days, I had detected a slight rounding of my belly. This child was growing.This child. My baby. A stranger, like its father had grown to be. How I yearned to know how this child had been conceived. Was it when Aiden and I had survived the battle with Ricardo? Wa
The Billionaire’s Pet 121
Lily's POVIt was exactly two weeks after I met with Ricardo, when I woke up one morning feeling unusually bloated and disoriented. Later I would remember that day and think about how suspicious it had been, how I should have known something was terribly wrong.My head throbbed with a dull ache, and a wave of nausea washed over me as I struggled to sit up in bed. The room spun around me, and I clutched my stomach, willing the queasiness to pass.Just then, a gentle knock echoed through the room, and I mustered the energy to call out. "Come in!""Good morning!" Mira chirped. She stepped in with her characteristic cheerful smile, carrying in her arms a tray of breakfast.She closed the door with her foot. "I noticed that you slept in today, so I decided to wake you up with your favorite.""Thank you, babe," I murmured. My voice sounded as though a whole pond of frogs had decided to nest in my throat.Mira's smile faltered as she observed my lack of energy."Lily, you don't look so good,
The Billionaire’s Pet 120.
Ricardo's POVI placed the telephone on the polished wooden table, its weight settling with a resounding thud. Sliding into the leather-upholstered chair, I reached for the crystal decanter, pouring a generous measure of brandy into a crystal glass. The amber liquid swirled, casting an enticing glow in the low-lit room.With a flick of my wrist, I lifted the glass to my lips, savoring the rich, smoky aroma before taking a sip. The fiery warmth spread through my chest, momentarily killing the cold reality of my surroundings.I turned in my chair, and my gaze fell upon the lifeless form of Liam sprawled across the floor, spread-eagled and looking stupid. He was stupid. He had always been. I couldn't forget the first day he strutted in here, acting as though he owned the place. I didn't do well with men who thought they were better than they really were.I despised men who talked too much and pretended to have a confidence that they didn't truly possess. Liam had been a loose end, a nu
The Billionaire’s Pet 119
Ricardo's POV"Boss! Good afternoon!"Liam strolled into my office, a sly grin playing on his lips. I couldn't shake the feeling that his visit was laced with ulterior motives. I leaned back on my chair, watching the man as he strode over to me. Everything about him simply set me on edge. His curly, blond head of hair, baby blue eyes, and dimpled smile made him look like some innocent kid, but I could see through that facade.I knew exactly what he was. A con. I'd known from the first time my men had led him into my office, some three or four days ago.However, I pushed my angry thoughts aside and plastered a smile on my face. I extended my hand for a handshake, a customary greeting. "Good morning, Mr. Liam." I greeted.Liam ignored my outstretched hand as though it was the nearby file cabinet. I watched with mounting annoyance as he breezed past it as if my office were his domain. He slumped into one of the chairs in front of me with a great groan of satisfaction."I cannot say th
