Billion Dollar Bad Boy (Big City Billionaires)(39)

“What did she say?”

Laughing, he nuzzled my cheek and kissed my ear. “She was relieved to hear you were finally dating someone. She insisted I show you a good time in LA. Your mom is very nice, Pet.”

Pushing my hands against his jaw, I forced him an inch away from me. My emotions bubbled together in a vat, I couldn't tell one from the other. In retrospect, it made sense that my mother would be happy for me. She'd been pushing me to meet people forever.

But keeping Silver a secret wasn't just for her. I didn't want anyone to know that I was falling for a man that was more questions than answers. He'd been stalking me, how did I tell people how we met?

Just imagining that conversation was giving me hives. The instant the world cracked the shell around us and saw what we were becoming... what I was becoming...

I'd have to admit it.

Was I ready for that?

In the window over his shoulder, I saw I was smiling. I hadn't felt my lips making the shape, but now, the sensation of joy slid into the rest of me. Pushing my mouth to his, I rolled my tongue over his teeth.

The animal-sound he made set my nerves on fire.

Just as quick, I pushed him away. He was breathing hard, coiled and ready to spring back on top of me. “What are you waiting for?” I asked. “You're supposed to show me a good time in LA. Get to it.”

His rich eyes were glowing. I half expected him to ignore my request. Brushing his hair back, he straightened his jacket and smiled. “I'm going to blow your world apart this weekend. When we get back to this city, you won't be the same.”

And I laughed, and I smiled, because in that moment I was happy.

If only I'd known how right he would be.





- Chapter Sixteen -


Alexis

The jet was, quite possibly, the most luxurious thing I'd ever been inside of. We were the only occupants, minus the pilot. When I'd met him, he'd grinned so wide I'd seen his fake gold tooth.

The interior of the jet was creamy caramel. I wriggled into the heated seat, stretched it all the way out, and then looked at Silver in amazement. “How do you do it?”

“How do I do what?” he asked, sitting next to me.

“Not just fly around in this thing all the time?”

Laughing, he poured himself a drink from the small bar that was set securely into the wall. “I'm rich, but fuel isn't free.”

Nodding sagely, I accepted the glass he offered me. When he raised his, I copied him. “What are we toasting to?” I asked.

“How about... to good times, future adventures, and two whole nights away to ourselves.”

That last part was said with slow, deliberate words. I blushed, clinking my glass on his. “That sounds wonderful.”

It was a smooth flight. In fact, the only thing that startled me was when Silver's phone rang while we were high in the clouds. It scared me so hard that I dropped my water bottle. “You get reception up here?” I asked. Then, more importantly, “Won't that crash the plane?”

Silver leveled a doubtful look on me. “Yes. We're definitely going to crash.”

When he didn't start panicking, I gave him a shove. He turned it around, pulling me close and kissing my neck. He whispered, “I'd never let anything happen to you, Pet.”

His promise made me dizzy.

Untangling from me, he waved his phone. “Give me one minute, it's work.”

It had been too easy to forget that he had any responsibilities beyond lavishing me with his time and his money. But of course he had to work, and I was glad he couldn't tell how ashamed I was to have forgotten that.

“Hello?” he said, shifting to face the window. “I'm in the middle of something.” Silver went quiet, his eyes narrowing a hair as he listened. “Yes, I know the spare key is gone.” He glanced at me. “Florian, I'm going to be gone all weekend. You don't need to get into my office, just send them the design notes on Monday.”

His office? Hugging my purse close, I listened to the muffle jingle inside. Did he actually give me a key to his workplace?

Digging his fingers into his scalp, Silver bit out his next sentence. “I don't f*cking care. I'm not turning around. I'll be back Monday, understand? Or do you want me to email that to you, too?” He shut his eyes, breathing out. “That's what I thought. Bye.”

I waited until he'd put the phone away, but his eyes were still closed. “Is everything okay?”

Silver blinked at me, like he'd forgotten I was there. “It's fine.” Circling me with his arm, he guided me into his lap. “It's even better, now.”

****

Walking through LAX, I gazed at the giant airport in wonder. It was insanely busy, people shoving here and there while we headed towards the exit. As we were passing one of the millions of gift shops, I slowed down.

Hanging on racks were a few generic “I Heart LA” sweaters.

“Did you want a souvenir?” he asked.

“Oh, no, it's fine.”

He studied my face, then turned towards the woman behind the kiosk. “We'll take one of those.”

She nodded quickly, jumping up to grab for them. “Pink or blue?” she asked.

I'd gone silent, marveling at Silver's quick decision to buy me one of the sweaters. They both waited on me, so I cleared my throat. “Pink is fine.”