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Chapter 41
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The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 1
Lawrence Stevens owed millions in markers to Caesars and MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He had nowhere else to turn. He had alienated his ex-wife, family, and friends ages ago. His last hope was the son of his dead fraternity brother. “Sure, I’ll help you out – for a price,” Blake said as he stood from the arm chair. They were in Blake’s living room at his penthouse. He stood tall, five foot eight. His dark hair was slicked back with a part on the side. “What do you want as collateral? My Benz? My house in the Bahamas?” “The last I remembered you had a daughter, correct?” Blake asked as he walked to the bar. “Yes. Lacey, my only child. Why?” “I’ll take her.” Blake said simply. “I beg your pardon?” “I need a wife - and an heir. Your daughter will do.” “What! You want to marry my child just so you can have children?” Lawrence was incredulous. “What else
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 2
“If I didn’t think I’d get caught, I’d kill your father for putting you in this position,” Lacey’s mother griped as her two cousins were helping her into her gown. Lacey had returned to New York at her father’s request last week. She had given up her apartment in Paris since she was going to be married to a billionaire who lived in New York. She had called her mother a day after she agreed to marry Blake Dandridge to tell her about it. Her mother, Roxanne Stevens, had asked too many questions about the quick nuptials. Lacey had no choice but to tell her the truth. “Lawrence knows you’d do anything for him,” her mother continued as she paced. She wore a blue Vera Wang dress.Lacey was surprised at how quick the arrangements had been made. She didn’t think she could have a real wedding on such short notice. But from what she had heard during the past week was when Blake Dandridge wanted something done it got done no matter what. No one wanted to be on
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 3
Lacey had grabbed her bag and raced outside. She had ignored the people who stared at her on the golf course as she ran to a golf cart for freedom.Lacey got to the back of the property and brought the cart to a screeching halt on the sidewalk.Some New Yorkers starred at her as she grabbed her bag. Others walked by casually like a girl wasn’t on a golf cart in her wedding dress.She desperately ran out into the street to flag down a cab. Two drove by her. The third one stopped. Probably because she had literally threw herself in front of the car.She walked around to get in and then he took off and blared his horn. “Crazy broad!”Lacey looked around with urgency. She would have taken her mother’s limo, but she couldn’t trust the driver to get her out of there. He was loyal to Lacey’s mother – not her.She was about to run back to the sidewalk when a bus slowed next to her.The driver opened the window. “Honey, something tells me you need a ride,” the white male said.“Ye
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 4
One year later . . . The day of her almost wedding Lacey had gotten on a flight to Atlanta, Georgia. It was tough there. She couldn’t get a job in her major or minor. So, she had to take two part-time jobs working at fast food restaurants. There was no way she was going to call home to ask for money. For one thing, her father didn’t have any. Her mother had plenty being from a wealthy family, but she didn’t want her mother to know where she was. Lacey just wanted to be left alone for a while to make decisions about her own life – not someone doing it for her. She didn’t know what had become of her father’s financial situation. She just needed to get away and stay away. After three months, Lacey was able to get a job with All-Time Language as an interpreter. She minored in French at The American University of Paris. Her professors gave her glowing recommendations. The best thing about the company was the pay was twice more than work
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 5
Blake’s jet landed at Portland International Jetport at two p.m. From there he had hired a driver. The black town-car pulled up outside of 2838 Atlantic Drive. It was exactly how Robinson described it. The townhouse was three levels with two doors in the front with a white painted porch. The townhouse was painted pale yellow. The driver opened the door for Blake to get out. As Blake walked to the townhome, he noticed a light skinned black man sitting on the porch. “Hey, man,” the black man greeted. He wore light colored denim jeans and a red T-shirt. “Hello,” Blake mumbled and took the steps to the porch. Then he quickly reached for the door knob for condo two. It was locked. “Damn,” he hissed. “You lookin’ for Lacey?” the black man asked. “Yes,” Blake answered. “Do you know when she’ll be back?” “In about a month.” “A month!” Blake yelled. “Where the hell has she gone for a month?” “Wiscas
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 6
Brian was meeting Lacey downstairs at eight-thirty. She wore a red halter dress. The skirt swung slightly above her knee. It tied in the back around her neck. It could pass for semi-casual. Lacey had no idea where Brian was going to take her. Hopefully, what she had on would pass muster at the restaurant. There was a knock on the door. Surely, Blake hadn’t arrived, yet. It was only eight o’clock. Lacey opened the door to see Rebecca, one of the innkeepers. “He’s not here already is he?” she asked nervously. “Oh, no, dear. I came to see how you were fairing. First dates can be a bit harrowing and you seemed pretty excited about it when you came in to tell me you were expecting someone.” “I could use an ear if you got a minute.” Lacey stood aside to let her in. “Sure,” Rebecca entered the room. As Lacey closed the door, Rebecca said, “Oh, you look nice.” Lacey had curled her blonde hair on th
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 7
Lacey walked down the stairs of The Cozy Inn. Brian was there waiting on her. He looked terrific. And his suit looked expensive, a dark blue well-tailored suit. Just like earlier today, his hair was neatly combed back from his face. “You look . . . absolutely enchanting,” he said with amazement. “Oh, thank you,” she whispered shyly. He was such a charmer. “You look very handsome. I love your suit.” “Thank you. Shall we go?” he asked as he offered his arm. Lacey wrapped her arm around his. “Are you willing to tell me where we are going now? I’ve been in suspense all day.” “Right this way,” he said as he began to escort her to the parlor. Lacey was confused at first. They were heading to the dining room. They walked through it. She was about to say something when they got to the back room, which was open. When she had eaten in the dining room with the rest of the guests yesterday, the door w
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 8
Blake walked Lacey to her door. She turned to face him. He took the opportunity to take her again in his arms. He kissed her. Lacey didn’t seem to mind because she met him stroke for stroke. Her lips, now poutier from being kissed thoroughly, were so soft. She probably never had a real man kiss her before. But, she had one now. He didn’t stop until she moaned. When he pulled back, her lids were heavy and her breathing a bit shallow. Before he could say what was on his mind she spoke. “I can’t invite you in.” He knew what he wanted and he also knew she wanted the same thing. “Why? We want each other.” It wasn’t a lie. In this moment, he did want her. More than any woman he had ever bedded in his life. “I can’t. I . . . I’m not a woman who leaps in and out of bed with people. I don’t have casual sex,” she whispered. “Who said it would be casual?” He didn’t mean to ask that. Of course, it would be casual. That’s the
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The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 41
It was almost eight in the evening when Blake carried Lacey over the threshold of his penthouse. Lacey had said he didn’t have to do it, but he wanted to make sure that everything was traditional the way she wanted it right down to a T. Lacey thought Blake was going to set her down in the living room. But instead he continued to carry her through the living room to the back hallway. “Where –” she stopped when she realized he was taking her straight to the bedroom - his bedroom. “Oh.” Blake chuckled. They were alone in the penthouse. Blake had given his housekeeper and butler the night off. Besides, their bags were already packed for their honeymoon in Paris. Of course, Blake had been to Paris before but he had said he waited to take her there for their honeymoon so he could see the city through her beautiful blue eyes. Blake gently placed her down on the end of the bed in the sitting position. He didn’t seem to be
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 40
The wedding party prepared to walk down the aisle. Father Thomas, who was in robes, waited for them at the archway ahead. His blond hair was slicked down and parted on the side. He had also conducted Lacey’s and Blake’s marital counseling which was required by the Catholic church. They had to wait for Roxanne, her mother, and Blake’s grandmother to be escorted down the aisle. Once that was done, it was Blake’s turn. Brad and Blake walked side by side up the aisle as Gladys Knight and a choir sang, I Hope You Dance. Lacey had wanted a professional singer at the wedding. It was Roxanne who had booked Gladys Knight. The three-piece band, although small, sounded beautiful. Blake noticed a few of his family members with their eyebrows up like they couldn’t believe this was it.A helicopter could be heard in the distance. Once they got to the front, Blake turned around. He glanced over to his grandmother. She gave him a
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 39
The day of the wedding . . . Nothing like a ninety-something chasing your guests out, saying she should call their wives and mothers. And how Grandmother Phillipa chided the girls. They hadn’t dared to say anything back to her. They got dressed and left. Blake didn’t have a hangover, thank god. He had drunk quite a bit of scotch last night. He hadn’t drank like that since his junior year in undergrad. Leo and Brad had come over for breakfast. They sat at the dining room table with Blake at the helm. Leo was to his right and Brad was on his left. “Well, today is the day. Are you nervous?” Brad asked. “No.” Blake answered simply. “Truly?” Leo asked with an inquisitive look. “Truly. Why would I be nervous about something I am beyond sure of?” Blake asked. “You couldn’t have picked a nicer and prettier girl that’s for sure,” Brad commented. “So, when will it be your turn
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 38
Leo had called to ask Blake if he wanted to play a few sets of racquetball before they had to meet Brad at Blake’s penthouse. It had been a few years since Blake played racquetball. Nevertheless, he accepted the invite and hoped he didn’t lose as badly to Leo as he did to Lacey at tennis. As the saying goes, hope springs eternal. He lost three sets of singles to Leo at the New York Athletic Club. They went to the tap room for drinks before showering and changing. “You’re a happy man these days, brother,” Leo remarked and sipped his imported beer. They were sitting at the bar. “That’s what the love of a good woman can do for a man,” Brad bragged proudly. Leo smiled. “Lacey is lovely. I’m sure you’re excited about tomorrow. Since we have a few minutes alone, I would like to say –” “Ugh, you’re not going to get mushy on me, are you?” Blake jested. “Not too much. I just want to say
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 37
Four months later . . . It was early April. The sun was shining. The winter snow had melted. The birds were chirping – Spring was officially here. And it was the day before the wedding. They had the wedding rehearsal that morning followed by a rehearsal luncheon at Lacey’s home. Since her mother had planned her bachelorette party for tonight, they had a rehearsal lunch instead of a rehearsal dinner. After the luncheon, Lacey led Blake into the den blindfolded. She had a surprise for him and she didn’t want him to peak. “We’ve stopped,” Blake stated. “now can I take this pink thing off?” Lacey laughed. She had blindfolded him with the pink scarf she had been wearing. He liked the color on her but not him and he had let her know it. “Yes,” she reached up and untied it from around his eyes. He was in perfect position to see his surprise head on. Blake blinked his eyes open and then stilled as he got a loo
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 36
“Hey, everybody look who stopped by!” Brad shouted. Everyone turned to see Santa Clause in the doorway next to him. The adults smiled and the children cheered. Santa walked to the middle of the room with his red sack over his shoulder. Brad followed. “Santa has gifts for all the good boys and girls,” Brad said. The kids happily surrounded St. Nick as he crotched in the floor. “Now, how hold on. Have you guys been good?” Brad asked. “Yeah,” the children chimed. “Are you sure? Most of you are Dandridges. We can be naughty by nature,” Brad said with a grin. “Just the adults are,” Moxley, his second cousin, said. The adults chuckled. Santa started pulling wrapped gifts out of his sack. The names of the children were on the packages. The words. Thanks, Santa, rung around them as the kids trotted off with their gifts to open them. Their parents slow
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 35
Three months later . . . The past few months had been the happiest of Lacey’s life. She was hopelessly and totally in love and it seemed like Blake felt the same about her. They had spent almost all their free time together. Blake had attended mass with her and her mother several times even though he wasn’t Catholic. They had dinner at least four times a week. He made a conscious effort to get along with her father. Blake had even volunteered with her at the Catholic soup kitchens and orphanage. Blake really had changed. He treated people with respect no matter what their station was in life. And it turned out he was pretty good with children. The kids at the soup kitchen and orphanage naturally flocked to him and he didn’t seem to mind. He had also taken Lacey’s suggestion, going to therapy to work out any relationship issues with women. He had his last session last week. While Blake was at work, Lacey would paint and draw. She was st
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 34
One day later . . . Lacey sat across from Will at the New York County Country Club. Will wasn’t a member, but as Lacey’s guest he could come in. As they looked over the menu, Will said, “I take it you invited me out to let me down easy.” Lacey looked up. He was staring at her with a slightly sad expression. “I . . . yes,” she admitted. “Do you love the dirt bag?” he asked flatly. “Yes, and he’s not as much of a dirt bag as you think – not anymore at least,” she said softly. “Will, I am sorry. At the time we met again, I had every intentions of putting Blake behind me.” “I know. But, he’s smarter than I am.” “What do you mean?” “He was smart enough to fight for you. To not let you go. If I wasn’t such a fool while we were in school . . .” he trailed off. His tone was full of regret. “You were young. We both were.” “We’re not that ol
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 33
Blake had showered and slept in Lacey’s room. She woke in his arms. He had waken her because according to him they had a full day. That’s when she remembered she had agreed to let him plan their last day in Bora Bora. When Lacey emerged from the bedroom, she was surprised to see Blake had prepared breakfast. “You know how to cook?” she said with shock. Blake chuckled. “A little. Enough to get by in a pinch.” He had grapefruit, sausage, and eggs on the table along with orange juice. After breakfast, they went on a morning tour in a helicopter. They flew over the main island, the lagoon, and coral islets. An hour after that, they went jet skiing. Blake had hired a boat man to drive. They had a late lunch and then they had gone to the Four Season’s spa. Blake had arranged for them to have dual massages in an overwater suite. The beds rested on glass panels above the lagoon. The outdoor tub overlooked Mount Otemanu.
