Bait: Alpha Billionaire Romance Boxed Set Read online

  “You’re breaking the rule,” she reminded me. “A very important rule.”

  “A very stupid rule,” I countered. “We’re both consenting adults. We both want this.”

  I want you. In every way possible.

  “I don’t want to complicate things,” she argued, even as she lifted her chin to give me better access to her throat. “That’s why we have the rules. To keep it business. Just business. Ahh…”

  I kissed her again. Mostly to shut her up. Damn her and her constant lawyering. We could be here all night, arguing our case back and forth. My tongue pressed into her mouth, exploring every crevice. After a few seconds, I felt her surrender, felt her tongue join mine as they danced together.

  My cock swelled to full-length and I ground against Charlie’s thong for some relief. A slow, hot desire built as our bodies pressed together. My heart hammered, my head clouded. It all felt so good. I knew by the way Charlie continued to lean hard into my body that she wanted me too. Oh, I could get used to this.

  My balls tightened as I realized we were about to bust that rule wide open.

  I nibbled at her collarbone. “You taste like Château Lafite-Rothschild, Pauillac. Vintage, 2005.”

  At first, she looked confused but then her eyes widened. “Damn, the wine soaked through the dress to my skin. I’m going to be a sticky mess.”

  “Tastes quite lovely, actually. I recognize it from my mother’s wine cellar. That wine is two grand a bottle. Such a waste.” I ran my tongue across her collarbone, dipping down into her cleavage. “Then again, maybe not a waste. Very delicious.”

  “I need to clean up.”

  “I can do better.” I pointed to the oversized Jacuzzi tub. “How about a nice hot bath? That thing hasn’t been used properly in a long time.”

  Her mouth fell open and she shook her head. “What about our guests? Your parents?” The panic stirred within her again, boiling right below the surface.

  I waved her question away. “It’s our party. They’ll wait for half an hour. I’m sure my mother is having a grand time showing off.”

  “What about my dress?” she asked in a small voice, her eyes glistening again.

  The incident had really brought Charlie to her knees. In that moment, it hit me. Just because I didn’t give a shit about my parents or their opinions, didn’t mean others felt the same. Charlie cared. She wanted to make a good impression because she cared about me.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out,” I assured her.

  This whole damn situation was my fault and I had to make it right. Even though my mother had invited the exes out of spite, I’d been the one who couldn’t keep it in my pants when I should have.

  I turned the knob and started to fill the tub with steaming hot water. I added a few drops of Japanese bath oil that was made with white sake and some other expensive ingredients I couldn’t pronounce.

  Charlie continued to watch as the bath filled, steam rising from the tub.

  Looking deeply into her eyes, I slowly unfastened her bra, and ran a thumb over her nipples as they puckered under my touch. I then reached down and eased her pink lacy panties down her thighs. I wrapped my arms around Charlie, picked her up and set her gently into the warm embrace of the water. I placed a fluffy towel under her head.

  “Comfy?” I asked, doing my best to only stare at her face.

  She pulled her hair on top of her head and did something to make it stay in a knot there. She leaned her head back on the pillow, her bottom lip wedged between her teeth. After what seemed like forever, she looked up and a tear slid down her cheek. She swallowed hard and asked, “Are you joining me?”

  Everything in my world stopped in that moment. I knew what the question had cost her. Knew she wouldn’t ask if she didn’t want me. Knew this changed everything and I couldn’t fuck it up.

  I was damn close to crying when I lifted a finger. “In just a sec. I’ll go explain what happened and that we’ll be out as soon as we can. I’ll be right back. Relax.”

  Closing the bathroom door, I went over to the house phone. I called down to the kitchen and asked the staff to find Birdie. When the longtime housekeeper picked up the phone, I gave her instructions on what I needed her to do.

  Running back to the bathroom, I skidded to a stop in front of the tub. Charlie lay there, her eyes closed, looking serene.

  “You okay?”

  A corner of her mouth lifted. “I was finding my happy place, trying not to remember there’s a throng of people waiting on me. Trying to forget I have nothing to wear and that my hair and makeup are ruined. Trying to forget…”

  I took a step closer. “Forget what?”

  Her eyes met mine again and she inhaled deep and long. “Trying to forget how much I want you in here with me.”

  Without saying a word, I removed my jacket while simultaneously taking off my shoes. My fingers ran down the length of my rumpled dress shirt, sliding buttons through the holes as I shrugged it off. I watched Charlie as she watched me. I wanted so badly to touch her; feel the soapy bubbles against her soft, supple skin.

  My pants and boxers dropped to the floor in one smooth movement. My cock was already hard as I reached down to stroke it. I stared at her as my mouth watered, eager to feel her touch.

  “Are you waiting on a formal invite?” she asked softly. “I’m sure your mother could recommend a really talented engraver.”

  While I appreciated her attempt to lighten the moment, I shook my head and stepped into the water. Grabbing a washcloth from the towel bar, I dipped it in the suds as I sat down next to my girl.

  “You can have a party in this bathtub,” she said.

  “Shall I invite a few of your friends from the party? I don’t mind…”

  She blew a mound of bubbles at me. “If it’s the girls you’re thinking of, no thank you. Now your friend, Chase…”

  I splashed at her even though I knew she teased me. The washcloth traveled gently over her chest, paying special attention to her ample breasts. She bit her lip while laying her head back on the makeshift towel pillow. I slid the washcloth down her stomach, moving slowly to her legs, sliding the terry fabric up and down, paying particular attention to the backs of her knees.

  Her eyes were still closed as I stroked her thighs, one at a time. “This feels so good,” she moaned and let her legs fall open.

  Accepting the invitation, I abandoned the cloth and allowed my hand to glide up her smooth thigh until it reached her center. I couldn’t tell where the heat and moisture from the tub ended and Charlie began. I watched her face as I pushed a finger inside, then added another and moved it slowly in and out. Charlie jerked and her eyes fluttered closed. She spread her legs even further, granting me deeper access. Her hands roamed across my back and then to my chest, leaving a soapy trail down my abs. I sucked in a deep breath as she wrapped a hand around the base of my shaft.

  Damn. So good. What I’d been dreaming of in my lonely bed ever since I’d had her the first time. The night that assured me that my life would never be the same.

  I groaned, squeezing my eyes shut as my head rested on Charlie’s shoulder. I left a trail of kisses there as she worked my cock harder and faster. The pressure and speed were exquisite. She knew me. Exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it.

  “You’re fucking amazing,” I growled into her ear as I continued to pleasure her with my fingers.

  “You're so fucking sexy,” she whispered back. “I try to resist you, Nolan. I can’t. Maybe I never wanted to.”

  “Wait,” I said, covering my hand with hers. “Let’s move to the bedroom. I want to show you something.”

  I took her hand and pulled her out of the tub. We walked to the bed, leaving a wake of soapy footprints all over the tile floor and rug, not even giving her time to grab a towel.

  “Sit down on the bed,” I instructed Charlie.

  “You aren’t going to do some weird, kinky shades of gray shit are you?” she said, clearly feeling self-cons
cious outside the comfort of the suds. “Require me to sign a contract and beat me senseless with a whip?”

  I paused and looked at her. “You like that shit?”

  She shrugged. “Maybe.”

  I stared at her and my dick twitched at the thought of my hand spanking that beautiful ass. Tying her up. Forcing her to…

  Focus, I told myself and walked over to the table where Birdie had left the things I requested. I picked up the sterling silver tray and brought it over to the bed where Charlie was patiently waiting, her arms crossed over her breasts.

  “Hmm, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, caviar… and what’s this?” she asked holding up a black velvet box. “How did all this get here?”

  I ignored her question. “Open it.”

  Charlie gasped when she saw what was inside.

  The necklace was eighteen karat gold with forty-four vibrant blue sapphires with alternating round brilliant diamonds in a semi-bezel setting. There was a matching sapphire ring and earrings.

  “What is this?” she asked softly.

  “It was my great grandmothers. It’s a family tradition to pass on to the new bride to welcome her to the Banks family. Normally, it’s given to the bride on the day of the wedding, but I wanted to see how it looked on you.”

  “I can’t wear this,” she gasped as her hands flew to her neck. “It’s a treasured family heirloom. And I am not treasured family.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  She put the jewelry back in the box and set in on the nightstand. Tears were in her eyes when she patted the spot next to her. “Come here.”

  I swallowed. This was man up time. Time to tell her how I feel. “You mean more to me than you’ll ever know,” I said. “I want you to know this is more than just a business deal for me. I care about you…”

  She put her finger on my lips. “Shh.”

  I pulled her on top of me and flipped onto my back, pulling her up my body until I closed my mouth on a dusky nipple, sucking hard. Licking, teasing, biting and then soothing it, over and over as she whimpered.

  Running my hand slowly down her stomach and between her legs, I found that sweet spot again. I explored every inch of her folds, circling slowly around her clit before plunging a finger deep inside. It made me so hard to feel how wet I could make her. How much her body wanted me in spite of her brain’s logic. Her hips bucked every time I flicked her clit with my thumb.

  “Do I make you feel good?” I asked.

  “Oh, Nolan,” she purred, reaching for more pressure. Fucking my hand. “Don’t stop. Please.”

  I flipped our positions until she was on her back and slid down the length of her body, kissing her silky skin everywhere. There were still little beads of water that hadn’t been soaked up by the bedding and I sipped those along the way.

  Nestled between her legs, I put my mouth on her sex, loving the slick heat and the way she bucked underneath my tongue. Charlie squealed and lifted her bottom. Ever closer. I licked and teased her clit. She continued to squirm and clutch the sheets as I thrust two fingers inside and pulled her clit into my mouth, sucking hard. She cried out as release rocked her body.

  “Holy shit, Nolan!” she panted. “I need a minute. I’m seeing stars here.”

  I did that.

  I joined Charlie in bed and laid my head on the pillow, shutting my eyes for a moment. I felt her lips on my chest, kissing me. Sweet butterfly kisses that started at my abs and moved slowly lower. God. I’d dreamed of this moment since the first time I’d laid eyes on her. Those lush lips wrapped around my cock. And it was about to happen. I squeezed my eyelids shut because I just wanted to feel. To see right now would be too much.

  The first touch of her lips and tongue caused me to twitch upward. It was exquisite. Whenever Charlie and I were together like this – shit – nirvana. Like we’d been doing this for years and knew each other inside and out. I’d never been this in tune with a woman.

  She wrapped those perfect lips around my cock and went deeper and deeper, humming and moaning as she took me all the way. I began to rock my hips as she tugged and sucked, using her hands to stroke me. My balls tightened and I knew I was close. Too close.

  I finally peeked down and saw her with her glorious hair swirling around me in a halo of silk.

  “I need to be inside you, Charlie,” I croaked, not recognizing my own voice. “I want to fuck you until you beg me to stop. I won’t stop until you’re screaming my name.”

  She just kept going, didn’t even look up. I reached down and pulled her hair away from her face so I could see her even better. Finally, her eyes locked with mine and she released me, sliding up my body to my lips. Our mouths smashed together in a collision of passion and desire.

  I wanted her on top of me. Riding me. Sliding up and down my throbbing member until I exploded inside her. She seemed content to deepen our kiss when I was simply on fire and I couldn’t wait another second. I grabbed her tapered waist and lifted her. Higher. Until my tip was positioned at her sleek wetness. I waited, enjoying the heat and moisture. Wanting to savor that perfect moment when I dropped her.

  I leaned forward, taking her left breast in my mouth and suckled it. She moaned and cried out as she sank down. My cock filled her completely. Hmm. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t think.

  I could only feel.

  “That’s my baby,” I whispered as I finally found my voice. “You know exactly what I need – how I need it. Harder, Charlie. Faster.”

  “Oh, Nolan,” she moaned, her eyes closed.

  I reached up to pinch her erect nipples. “Come for me, Charlie. Now.”

  My own orgasm was building as I drove into her one last time, her release causing me to follow. The gripping sensation was exquisite. I never wanted it to end. I never wanted to let her go.

  I wouldn’t let her go.

  “Oh god, Nolan!” Charlie moaned one last time, collapsing on top of me.

  I tried to catch my breath as I pushed a piece of hair away from her forehead. Kissing her on the lips, I loved the taste. Salty, sweaty, sexy. It was incredible.

  “Are you ready to go back to the party?” I said, hating to say the words.

  You’d think I’d pinched her, Charlie bolted up so fast, her eyes wild. “I don’t have anything to wear!”

  I pointed to the mound of fabric draped over an occasional chair that faced the fireplace. “Over there.”

  She slowly made her way out of bed and walked over to the chair. I heard a rustling of fabric as she picked it up and examined the dress. “What is this? No way. Valentino! How… when did this arrive?”

  “Birdie brought it up with the food and jewelry box,” I explained. “I asked her to raid my mother’s closet for a dress. I figured you were both around the same size.”

  “This is absolutely gorgeous! It even has the tags still on it.” She twirled the navy blue dress around, inspecting every inch. “But I can’t wear something your mother bought. She already hates me.”

  “Why not?” I slipped out of bed and went to her. “I think she would rather you wear the dress than nothing at all. Besides, in a bizarre way, she caused the whole damn thing with her warped guest list.”

  “Are you sure it’s okay?” Charlie asked, still clutching the designer dress to her chest.

  “Positive. My mother may be a tyrant when it comes to certain things, but she would never say or do anything that would put her in a bad light. I’m sure word has traveled through the entire party about ‘winegate.’”

  “I need to get my purse,” she argued. “Touch up my makeup. My hair must resemble a rat’s nest.”

  “Already taken care of. It’s over there,” I nodded toward the desk.

  “Is there anything you haven’t thought of?”

  I grinned. “Probably not.”

  She leaned forward and kissed me. “Give me fifteen minutes.”

  ***

  “Well, there you two are finally,” my mother exclaimed as we made our way back to the
party, which was still in full swing. She paused for a moment and looked Charlie over. “It seems that you two have been busy. Her cheeks are flushed, Grantham.”

  My dad gave me a wink as he puffed on his cigar. Either for fucking Charlie or pissing off my mother. Probably both.

  “Father, this is Charlene de Monaco.” I introduced the two. “Charlie, this is my dad, Grantham Banks.”

  Charlie shook his hand. “Please call me Charlie.”

  “Nice to meet the woman who stole my son’s heart,” my father said, kissing her hand. “I’ve been keeping tabs on the office. Everyone tells me what a difference you’ve made since coming to work with us.”

  “It’s been a challenge,” Charlie admitted. “But I love what I’ve been doing.”

  “I know Nolan keeps you on your toes,” he said with raised eyebrows. “I guess it’s like they always say, ‘like father, like son.’”

  “Yes, that is true,” she answered.

  “What do you think about the housing project?” my father asked. “Will we be able to get all the necessary paperwork done in time to open by next holiday season?”

  Charlie nodded. “I hope so. As soon as the land is closed, I’ll start preparing the documents needed to begin construction.”

  “Well, there’s the happy couple,” a booming voice said behind us. I felt a slap on my back.

  “Raminsky,” I said. “I didn’t think you were going to make it.”

  “I wouldn’t miss the engagement of my godson! I told your mother that I was cancelling my anniversary trip so I could be here.”

  “Well, this is surprising and completely unnecessary,” I said as I was engulfed in a bear hug. “But I’m glad you’re here just the same.”

  “Charlie!” Raminsky gave her a hug. “I’m so happy for the two of you.”

  “Thank you,” she said, returning his warm greeting.

  There was a commotion near the terrace. Everyone turned to see what was going on.

  “… I know they’re here.”

  “We have every right to report on…”

  “What is all this?” my mother asked walking toward the noise.