Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe: Refuse to Settle (Kindle Worlds Novella) (6 page)

Chapter 10

Colin didn’t know how he’d make it through the rest of the party without dragging Jilly to the nearest closet and ravishing her. He told himself it would be much better if they waited. He didn’t want their first time together to be some quickie surrounded by linens and cleaning supplies. She deserved better than that, but it didn’t mean it would be easy.

“I need a drink and some fresh air,” he said.

“That sounds perfect.”

He led her to the bar and ordered a scotch for himself and a glass of wine for her.

As they waited, he felt a slap on the back. “There you are. How the hell are you?”

Colin turned. “Mr. Bennett. How are you?” He shook the man’s hand.

“Good. I hear you’re doing well. I might have to think about buying one of those restorations you do. It would be a nice addition to my collection.”

“I’ll let you know when I have something you might like.” Colin turned to the woman on his arm. “Jilly, this is my father’s best friend, Richard Bennett.”

Her face had gone pale, her grip on his arm like a clamp. “I know who he is.”

“Jillian?” Mr. Bennett’s expression had changed as well. “I can’t believe it’s you.”

Colin looked at Jilly then Mr. Bennett and back again. “Do you two know each other?”

Jilly straightened, fire replacing her shock. “We most certainly do. Though we haven’t seen each other since my mother’s funeral.”

Mr. Bennett’s eyes narrowed. “And people are still talking about the way you verbally attacked me.”

“You deserved every word.”

“Whoa. What’s going on?” Colin stepped in, even though he had no clue why.

Jilly looked Mr. Bennett dead in the eyes. “He killed my mother.”

“Lower your voice,” he demanded.

“You may have had control over my mother, but you have no control over me.” She turned to Colin. “I’m sorry, but I can’t be here.”

Jilly didn’t give him the opportunity to say anything. She trotted across the room and headed for the lobby. He stood there for a moment.
What the hell just happened?
Mr. Bennett disappeared and Colin headed in the direction Jilly had gone. He saw her turn down a hallway and he followed, reaching her just as she ducked out through an employee entrance.

“What’s going on?”

She turned to him, tears running down her cheeks. “He killed her. That family friend of yours killed my mother.”

He pulled her into his arms as she sobbed on his shoulder. Confused and concerned, he held her close, not knowing what else to do. Her cries calmed but he continued to hold her, caress her. He wanted answers but he wouldn’t push for them.

“She worked here. As a bartender. He swept her off her feet and made her feel like a princess.” Jilly looked up at him, eyes puffy and swollen, blackened by her mussed makeup. “We were so happy, but then it all changed. He’s a horrible man. He degraded her and abused her. Nothing was ever good enough. I watched her fade away until she couldn’t take the pain anymore.”

Colin pulled her tight as she sobbed once again. He remembered. He’d only met Susanne a few times, but she’d been sweet and kind. He remembered when they’d found her. She’d been there for hours. He was at her funeral. He remembered her daughter sitting there alone. The same woman that was now in his arms.

Colin was no stranger to what some of the men in his circles were like. Power hungry animals who used people, especially the women in their lives. Some were worse than others. He’d always known Mr. Bennett was one of the bad ones, but he hadn’t known to what extent until now.

He pulled back and reached into his pocket, handing Jilly his valet ticket. “Have them bring my truck around. I’ll meet you out front. I need to take care of something.”

He turned and headed back inside, rage growing in his chest.

“Colin. Wait.” He should have known Jilly would follow him. “What are you doing?”

He stopped in the middle of the lobby and faced her, placing his hand on her cheek, his thumb rubbing away her tears. “Don’t worry, okay? I’m going to get you out of here in a minute.”

He kissed her quickly then stepped away, making a beeline for the ballroom.

“Colin. Stop!”

But he didn’t listen. He strode into the room, looked around, then headed toward one of the tables. He yanked Mr. Bennett up by his arm, amid shock and awe from guests, including his parents, and punched him square in the jaw.

“Colin!” his mother screamed.

His father grabbed him and pulled him back. “What the hell has gotten into you?”

He ignored them and glared at the asshole, blood dripping down his chin. “You’re a worthless piece of shit who deserves so much more than that.”

Colin pulled away from his father’s clutches and twisted around. The only person he cared about was Jilly. She stood there looking shocked, but no longer upset. He tucked her into his arms and walked her out of the room, paying no mind to the whispers and stares. He’d catch hell for it later, but right now, they could all go fuck themselves.

*   *   *

Jilly stayed quiet as the valet brought Colin’s truck for them. He was quiet, too. They got in and drove away from the hotel, away from the fabulous party that had become so awful. After a ten-minute ride, he turned down her street.

“You’re taking me home?”

“Yeah. I figured you’d be tired and want to go to sleep.”

She faced him. “I am tired, but I don’t want to go home.” She couldn’t bear the thought of crawling onto her bed alone. “I just want to be with you.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

Colin turned the truck around and headed back toward downtown. She didn’t know where he lived, but she shouldn’t have been surprised when they pulled into a gated underground parking ramp. He escorted her to an elevator, a private one requiring a special key, and watched the numbers illuminate as it rose. The penthouse. Colin opened the door into his sleek apartment, floor to ceiling glass with a stellar view of the city. It was so him.

“Do you want something to drink?” he asked as he flipped a light switch.

“No, thank you.”

He came up behind, arms wrapping around her tight, a kiss to her neck. “I’m so sorry about tonight. I had no idea. I never would have asked you to come if I had.”

“No.” She twirled in his arms. “Don’t be sorry. I refuse to hide from him. It just caught me off guard, that’s all.”

“I hate what he did to you, to your mom. I knew he wasn’t a good man, but I didn’t know he was so horrible.” His gaze dropped. “I knew her. I was at the funeral.”

Jilly reached up, her hand to his cheek, and rubbed her thumb across his lips. “Thank you for what you did. No one has ever stood up for me like that. It took a lot of courage and I know you’re going to get in a lot of trouble for it.”

“I don’t care.” He breathed deep, then continued. “I only care about you.”

Jilly thought she might start crying again, but for a totally different reason. With words escaping her, she stretched up to kiss him instead. He returned her kiss and lifted her off her feet. She expected him to carry her to his bedroom, lay her down on his bed, but he set her down in a luxurious bathroom instead.

“This has to be the biggest bathroom I’ve ever seen, and I lived in the Bennett mansion for six years.”

Colin shrugged. “What can I say? I like baths.”

He stepped to the giant Jacuzzi tub set inside a bay window and turned on the water. Jilly happened to catch her reflection in the mirror.
Oh my God! I’m a mess!
She quickly turned on the faucet and tried to rub the black from around her eyes. It was kind of pointless. But he’d already seen her, and didn’t seem to care.

“It’s ready for you.” Colin stepped to her, a light kiss on her lips. “There’s a bathrobe on the hook for when you’re done.” He headed for the door.

“Wait. Where are you going?”

He looked confused. “Out. So you can take a bath. I thought I’d make something to eat.”

“But I don’t want you to leave.”

“You don’t?”

She let a mini smile bow her lips and shook her head.

“Okay, then.” He stepped back to her and slid a finger under each of her spaghetti straps, slowly dragging them over her shoulders. He let go and her dress cascaded to the floor around her. “I’ve been dreaming of doing that all night.”

Jilly stood there in nothing but a thong, pasties, and black strappy heels, and felt completely comfortable. It all felt natural with him. Colin caressed her body with his eyes, stopping on the nude-colored flower-shaped coverings on her nipples.

A strange expression flourished on his face. “What are those?”

Jilly put her hands on her hips, laugher in her voice. “You’re gonna stand there and tell me—after all the women you’ve been with—that you’ve never seen pasties before?”

“I haven’t been with all that many women, but no, I have never seen one with stickers on her breasts.”

“Well, in case you’re wondering, I wore them because my dress was backless and a regular bra was not an option. These prevent…protrusion.”

“Ah. I understand now. So will it hurt to pull them off?”

“Not really.”

Colin lifted his hand to her and gently peeled one of the pasties from her skin. He then bent and took her nipple into his mouth, pleasure vibrating every cell of her being. He pulled back and repeated his actions with the other breast.

“How was that?” he asked

“Um…good.” She shook her head to clear it. “But I’m standing here mostly naked and you still have a tuxedo on. A little unfair, don’t you think?”

“You wanna see me naked?”

This man… He sure liked to torment her. But she could give it right back to him. “Sure do.”

He unbuttoned his jacket and slid out of it, then gently laid it on the counter. His gaze locked on hers as he loosened his tie, which had to be one of the sexiest things she’d ever witnessed. One button at a time, an eternity to get them all undone, and she finally got to see that muscular chest she’d felt under her fingertips. It did not disappoint.

The pants were next, and she made no attempt at hiding the fact that she was watching his every move, excitement building within her. A pair of black designer boxer briefs were last, kicked to the floor with everything else.

She finally met his stare. “Nice.”

He said not a word as he stepped to her and looped a finger around the black lace of her thong. He tugged and it fell as well. As she stepped out of the circle of fabric around her feet and kicked off her shoes, Colin moved to the tub and sat inside. He offered her a hand to help her in and she settled between his thighs, her back against his chest. The warm water surrounded them, an intoxicating scent of lavender. This had to be one of the most relaxing and sensual moments of her life.

They talked and laughed until the water turned cold. She donned his fluffy white bathrobe and he a fluffy white towel around the waist. They ordered take out and ate it on his couch, then settled into his giant king-sized bed.

“Thank you for tonight,” Jilly said.

“You don’t have to thank me for anything.”

“Despite what happened, it’s been one of the most amazing nights of my life.”

The moonlight lit his features, so perfect. “Mine, too.”

How had Jilly gotten so lucky? She never thought she’d find love. Didn’t think it actually existed. But here she was, falling for a man she’d started off hating. Funny how that had worked out. The last person she expected to fall for was the one to fill her soul with more peace than she’d ever imagined.

Chapter 11

Colin lay next to Jilly, completely at ease. Had he ever just lay in bed with a woman? He ached to touch her, but not in a sexual way. He just wanted to be close to her, feel her skin on his. But after everything that had happened, he didn’t want to push for more than she was ready to give.

“This bed is seriously the most comfortable thing ever. Should I even ask how much it cost?”

“Probably not.”

“This is a pretty comfortable pillow, too. Is yours just as nice?” She lifted up and scooted toward him, resting her head on the edge of his pillow, only millimeters away from his face. “Yep. Just as comfy.”

“You’re unbelievable,” he said, amused with her tactics.

“What? Am I too close now? I’ll move back.” She started to roll away but he grabbed her. She squealed as he pulled her on top of him, his hands tangling in her hair, their lips finding each other’s in the dark. He helped her shed her robe and ditched his towel as well, their bodies fitting together perfectly.

Colin caressed her body, and kissed every curve. He took his time exploring her, from tight perfect nipples to rounded hips, long thin legs and an ass he wanted to sink his teeth into.

He lay with her wrapped in his arms, his fingertips tracing the ridges of her ribs, the dip of her waist, the line of her hip. He circled her nipple, the rim of her belly button, then lower. She spread her thighs for him and he plunged his finger into her heat. The sigh of pleasure made his member throb and ache to be inside her. He moved his finger in and out, then flicked her swollen bud. She gripped him tighter, a moan escaping her lips. He loved the sound. He wanted to hear it over and over. With gentle movements, he continued to rub her, and the more frequent her moans, the harder he got. When she shattered with orgasm, he thought he might have one as well.

Jilly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. She kissed him then spoke against his lips. “Make love to me.”

Colin sat up and retrieved a condom from his nightstand and when he turned back, she lay there waiting for him, arms above her head, legs spread wide. The crisp white light from the moon illuminated her body.
Amazing
.

He crawled to her, a kiss to her belly, her breast, her lips, before he sank deep within her. Her thighs squeezed against him as she breathed out his name, her hands now on his body, clinging to him, tighter with every thrust. He felt her move beneath him, meeting his movements.

Colin pulled up. He wanted to see her face, her beauty. He slowed and then stopped completely, so he could just look at her. She touched his face, ran her fingers through his hair, never once pulling away from his gaze.

He’d never felt like this before. His chest tightened, silly flutters in his gut. This woman was setting up shop in his heart and he had no desire to rid it of her. He bent his head to her, capturing her mouth, a slow and sensual dance, just like at the gala. They both began to move again, each thrust pushing the intensity higher, until he fell over the edge, pulling her with him.

*   *   *

Jilly lay with her back to Colin, his arms around her, safe and warm. This was how one should wake every morning. She could lay like that all day for at least a week and not give one care what was going on outside that bedroom. An impossible dream, but at least they could stay that way for a couple more hours. She was thankful she’d asked Charlene to fill in for her at the café for the first few hours of operation. Sometimes it really sucked being the only employee of a business. Maybe someday she’d have the funds to actually hire people.

Colin stirred and kissed the nape of her neck. “Good morning.”

“Good morning to you, too.”

“I think that was the best night of sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

She turned to face him. “You don’t sleep well?”

“Not really.”

She ran her fingers through his hair. “Got a lot going on in that pretty head of yours?”

“Actually, yeah.”

She’d meant it to be silly, but realized she’d caught onto something. “What’s wrong?”

He rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. “It’s my dad.”

Jilly’s heart sunk. “I’m really sorry about last night. He’s going to be pretty mad at you, huh?”

His head spun toward her. “Don’t apologize. I don’t regret anything I did. The situation with me and my father is so much more than that. Don’t get me wrong, he’ll ream me out for it, but it’s nothing compared to what’s to come. I’m just not sure how to tell him.”

“I’m sure you’ll find the right words.”

“There aren’t any right words. How do you tell your father you don’t want the legacy your family has been building for generations?”

“He wants you to take over Rutherford Enterprises?”

Colin nodded. “In a few years when he retires. But I don’t want it. I don’t want that life. I love my company and I love the work I do. I don’t want to give it up. But he’ll never understand and he’ll probably disown me.”

“I’m sorry. That’s really hard to deal with.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m just dreading it.” He pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head. “But what about you? Do you have plans for the café?”

“Yes. Definitely. I’d love to expand a bit, more seating. Maybe hire a few employees, but I really need more customers for that.”

“Have you ever thought of mass producing your cookies? I bet you could rake in tons of cash by doing that.”

“I’m working on getting some restaurants to buy my desserts on a weekly basis, to serve to their patrons. Haven’t heard back yet. I never thought of going into the cookie biz though. You think I could give Keebler a run for their money?”

“Definitely. Those elves got nuthin’ on you.”

Colin pulled her on top of him, giving kisses and caresses, hands roaming to ticklish places. Making love in the moonlight had been sensuous, but in the light of morning, able to see everything, damn…this was going to be even better.

*   *   *

Jilly gave Colin the last of about three dozen goodbye kisses then stepped out of his truck. She ran up to the apartment, changed into work clothes, and made it to the café by eleven.

“Hey, babe! How was it last night?” Charlene asked as Jilly joined her behind the counter.

“Interesting. How are things here?”

“Not too bad.” Charlene handed over the latte she’d just made and rang the guy out. She wasn’t a chef. Not even close, but had filled in enough to know how to do many basic things. Plus Jilly had made her a cheat sheet with step-by-step instructions for every beverage, sandwich, wrap, and salad on the menu. “I even got a few tips this time.”

“You really are the best. Thank you so much for stepping in for me.”

“So, did you do it?”

Jilly checked the café before she answered, just to make sure. It was indeed empty. “Yes.”

“Yay!” Charlene actually jumped and clapped her hands. “I need details.”

She obliged, reveling in the story.

“Oh my God! This is so awesome. Do you think he’s the one?”

“Whoa! We just started dating.”

“But I know you. I know you feel it.”

Jilly couldn’t deny it. She did feel it. She told Charlene the rest of the story, about seeing her stepfather and what Colin did to him.

“Jilly, that man is definitely crazy about you.”

She hoped so. “They way he took care of me last night…I don’t know. No one has ever made me feel that special before. And it had nothing to do with the sex.”

Charlene smiled. “That’s how you know it’s real.”

*   *   *

Colin went home after he dropped Jilly off, but when he got there the door was unlocked.
What the hell?

He stepped cautiously. “Hello?” A few more steps and he found his father sitting on the couch. “How did you get in here?”

“Did you forget that this penthouse was mine once upon a time?”

“But it’s mine now.” He tossed his keys on the table in the foyer, making a mental note to have the locks changed.

“Who’s that woman you were with last night?”

“My girlfriend. I introduced you.”

“Don’t be daft.” His father stood. “Who the hell is she?”

“She’s Susanne’s daughter. You remember Susanne, don’t you? Bennett’s wife who killed herself? It’s all his fault. Did you know that? That worthless piece of shit treated her so badly that she committed suicide to get away from his abuse.”

“That’s ridiculous, and for you to turn your back on a lifelong family friend for some random woman off the street is unacceptable. I demand that you stop seeing her immediately.”

“He’s
your
friend and I don’t have to do a damn thing you say.”

Colin’s father stepped to him. “You better listen right now. You have a responsibility to this family. If you don’t stop this bullshit, you’ll ruin us.”

“I don’t care. The company can go bankrupt. I don’t want it.”

“What?”

“I won’t take over for you. I love my company. The one I built. That’s what I want to do with my life.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “You don’t have a choice.”

“You can’t make me take a job I don’t want.”

“No, but I can make your life pretty damn miserable. How do you think it will feel to be completely cut off from the Rutherford billions?”

“I don’t care. I have my own money, remember?”

His father shook his head. “You think you’re so smart. That you have it all figured out. Just wait until that little hobby of yours goes under. Do you think I’ll help you when you come crawling back, begging for the life you once had? Do you think I’ll help the ungrateful child who turned his back on his legacy?”

That hurt, but Colin stood up to his father. “I’ll create my own legacy.”

“Then I hope you have a son who’s not a selfish prick.” He stepped toward the door. “You have a week to get out of my penthouse.”

Colin should feel sad or depressed or angry. Some kind of negative emotion. But he didn’t. He felt relief. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, and had expected this reaction from his father, but he was ready to build his future the way he wanted it.

And he wanted it with Jilly.