All Chapters of Naughty Nikki: A Billionaire Romance: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

~ Nikki ~I know the precise moment when he leaves the bed. I’m asleep and Jameson is stealthy enough to not jar me awake. Subconsciously, though, I sense the loss. I roll over from where he’d been spooning me and stare at the empty space next to me, only dimly illuminated by the soft blue glow of the alarm clock. I sigh with resignation and tell myself I at least got a few hours with him. Then I reach for the alarm and set it.When the gentle chimes rouse me later, I toss off the covers and stretch. I slip into the hotel robe Jameson has left for me and gather up my clothes. I literally peek around the door to ensure Simon isn’t afoot just yet. The coast is clear, so I scurry off to my room and hang my dress. I also peel back the covers on the bed and even go so far as to pound on the pillow a bit, so that it appears as though I’ve slept here.Not that I should obsess over what the butler thinks, but then again… I’ve already established that I do, indeed, obsess over what butlers thi

~ Nikki ~ It’s one thing to receive sexy gifts from the man who’s fucking you.It’s an entirely different thing to find your career soaring because—and not because—of that erotic association.And then there’s these highly personal gestures that are too symbolic to ignore.Like… For him to remember, word for word, what I’d said about Shakespearian plays and know which books to buy me.Yes, I know it was Mari, not Jameson, who made the purchases. The onsite store was closed to visitors at that point. But she was able to reach someone and have a special delivery sent, probably with the dollar signs flashing for the “above-and-beyond” service by the staff, after hours.Regardless, I am admittedly wracking my brain as to why Jameson goes to certain lengths where I’m concerned.Granted, some are easy to figure out. Primarily, those pertaining to our professional relationship. I know he’s confident enough in my abilities. He even tells me before we leave for this evening’s dinner, with the

~ Jameson ~She’s ecstatic, and somehow… That is priceless to me.I’ve not put someone else’s happiness or accomplishments before mine, ever. That’s a lesson my parents taught me. My mother was the one who asserted that there’s no pleasing another if you’re not pleased, yourself.I can stomach that adage.My father, however, was much more cutthroat, believing you set your sights on your own goals and achieve them, regardless of who or what stands in your way.I’ve followed both their golden rules over the years, though more acutely leveled up and accepted his concept.Yet… Every step of the way in creating my own legacy has been about a current and a future vision. I don’t think you can be a singular entity when forming an empire. You need infrastructure, and it’s not just IT-based. It’s not just fundamentally and ideologically shored up by one individual.You need people surrounding you. Genuine, genius people.That was where my father fell flat. He kind of didn’t give a shit about t

~ Nikki ~ The Christmas decorations and the cloud cover add to the romantic atmosphere. I’d read that it rarely snows in Paris, but rain can be expected this time of year. Fortunately, that’s not currently the case.All in all, I am completely mind-blown.Even as we come upon a large park where a huge crowd is gathered and people are waving the French flag and some are popping corks on bottles of champagne, there is a fantastical, mystical ambience that permeates the entire city.“What are they celebrating, do you think?” I ask Jameson. I tear my gaze from the park and look at him over my shoulder.He’s quiet a moment, as though he’d been lost in thought as he’d watched me take in the scenery.He seems to catch himself and chuckles.“What’s so funny?” I press, which deepens his laugh.“They’re probably celebrating losing the World Cup.”My gaze narrows. “I’m confused.”He tells me, “The French are celebratory people, in general. They also think quite highly of their country. Second,

~ Nikki ~I’m definitely swept away.I can’t describe how I’m feeling about a breakthrough happening—on many levels—amid disaster.I know I fucked up today.But Jameson is right… How am I to suddenly be a pro at everything, all at once, overnight?I take a few breaths and try to ground myself.We have the work-related stuff under control for the time being, I think.We’re on the same page and I’m willing to do whatever the hell I have to in order to exceed expectations. Also, I already have a good rapport with Molly, so I’m not terrified with having to broach the topic of a mentorship with her. I actually believe she’ll glom onto the concept, particularly knowing I’m a devout student, eager to shine for the “greater good.”What I’m currently most curious about, though, is Jameson’s contemplative expression.He’s ruminating over something deeply profound, and I’m the dying quail in this scenario, with no direction, no clue as to what has suddenly consumed his thoughts.I want to prompt