Romance: Bad Boss: Billionaire Romance Boxed Set (10 page)

Chapter Three

Each day Charles managed to find a chore for me to do. Always with an air of arrogance that was growing to be more and more infuriating.

I was beginning to struggle to bite my tongue as he demanded that I scrub his bathroom, press his clothes, groom his horse and muck out its stall. All jobs that his parents had ample staff employed to do, but Charles insisted that I do for him.

Yet even so, I was finding more out about my tormentor. Charles seemed to find it easy to talk to me. Telling me what he had been doing with his day, and asking how things were at university. When we were alone together, he showed a nicer side to his personality that I was sure few people saw.

As the days became weeks, although I hated the way that Charles spoke to me sometimes, I was finding myself drawn to him. Discreetly admiring his strong muscular physique while he sat watching me as I worked. The way that his eyes twinkled when he spoke of something that he was passionate about.

It was one hot and sunny afternoon as I racked fresh hay for Charles’ horse that I suddenly found him watching me as I worked. The sweat dripping from my body in the heat as I labored hard.

“I will say something for you Alice, you do work off your debts nicely,” Charles sneered.

I remained silent, not sure how to answer his remark. Although the words were complimentary, the sound of his voice said otherwise.

“You could have easily refused the agreement, so I guess your father’s job here is very important to you and your family. And you do whatever I ask without question or argument. Yet I can’t decide if that pleases or annoys me,” Charles said in a pondering tone.

“How dare you!” I finally snapped.

Spinning around to face him, I placed my hands on my hips defiantly. Charles looked stunned by my sudden outburst. His crystal blue eyes large as he stared at me in surprise.

“I agreed to this arrangement so that my father could keep his position here. All because you surprised me and made me drop an expensive vase. Yet you have to try and belittle me even further. Making your silly demands so that you can get some kind of gratification,” I raged angrily.

Charles opened his mouth, clearly ready to defend himself. But before he could speak I continued with my tirade, unable to prevent the words spilling from my mouth.

“I don’t know who you think you are to be honest Charles? Clearly there are plenty of people prepared to run around at your every whim. But trust me, if I wasn’t doing this for my father, then I would not be here. You are arrogant, and offensive. And I am fed up of hearing your snide remarks,” I stormed.

As I gasped for breath, I could see Charles’ cheeks flush red. He lowered his gaze, shaking his head. Beginning to calm, I eyed his saddened expression.

“I’m sorry Alice. I just wanted to have the opportunity to get to know you better,” he mumbled.

I looked at him skeptically. Wondering if he was genuine, or simply playing some sort of game with my emotions. Why on earth would a man like Charles want to spend time with someone like me? A mere servant in his parent’s home.

Yet when Charles finally lifted his head, I saw a depth in his eyes that I had never seen before. A sincere look of apology that touched me. From what I had experienced of Charles until now, this was an unexpected response.

“It is ok Alice, you don’t have to do anything else for me. The debt is covered,” Charles said quietly.

“Really?” I asked warily.

“Yes. You don’t have to do anymore personal chores for me, and I will take the blame for the broken vase. My parents won’t say anything to me,” he confirmed.

Patting his horse, I left the stable. Striding away although I could feel Charles’ eyes on me. A frown furrowed my brow as I gathered my purse, ready to head home.

I had never known Charles speak to anyone so nicely before. And to simply write off the debt that I clearly owed amazed me. Rather than hearing his usual arrogance, there had been a hint of loneliness to his tone. 

Chapter Four

Now that I no longer had to do personal chores for Charles, I began to feel a little lost when I worked alongside Dad at the mansion.

I had grown used to his sudden demands. Appearing from nowhere to insist that I do something for him. Since we had spent so much time together of late, I was finding myself missing his company.

I shook my head at such a foolish notion. How could I possibly have feelings for a man who was so arrogant and demanding? A man who clearly had no respect for the women in his life.

There were still many tales circulating around the town about his antics. How he flounced into restaurants and bars expecting to be made a priority. Leaving women in tears, sobbing as he cruelly drove away.

It was the man beneath this façade that I was desperate to get to know better. Finding the time that we had spent together a true insight into the man beneath. A much more vulnerable man than perhaps anyone had seen before.

But it was silly of me to think that Charles would want to spend any time with me now. I had barely seen him since the day when he had told me I no longer had to do things for him.

Hearing lowered voices coming from the kitchen, I stopped in my tracks. Peeking through the gap in the door I saw Hattie and one of the young maids sat at the table sipping hot mugs of coffee. I was sure that I had just heard my name mentioned, so remained in the shadows to listen further.

“Josh in the stables said Alice gave Charles a real telling off. And from what I have heard he hasn’t left his rooms since,” Hattie whispered.

“Wow, she must have really laid into him.”

Confused by what they had said, I crept away in search of Charles. I rapped my knuckles hard against the room to his wing. After a couple of minutes waiting I tried again.

There appeared to be no noise coming from the other side of the door, but instinctively I knew that he was there. I took a deep breath before entering the room, straining my eyes to make out any shapes in the darkness. The room was musty and stifling, a lingering smell of uncleanliness hung in the air.

I strode across the floor, throwing open the curtains to allow the day’s sunlight to enter the room. Hearing a grunt from behind me, I turned to see Charles huddled under the covers of his bed. He rubbed at his eyes, blinking in the brightness. When he realized who had woken him, Charles immediately sat up. Looking at me with shock and wonder.

“So you are hiding out in your rooms,” I said matter-of-factly.

“What are you doing in here?” Charles asked.

“I came to see if the rumor was true. That the mighty Charles Henderson has taken to his bed just because a maid spoke her mind.”

“Leave me alone Alice. You don’t understand,” Charles replied miserably.

Before he had chance to duck back under the covers I pulled them from his grasp. Flopping down onto the bed and looking at him with a stern expression. Charles appeared bewildered by my approach. Clearly not sure how to react to my bluntness.

“Come on then Charles, explain it to me. How do a few harsh words from me result in you staying in bed as if the whole world has ended?” I asked.

Charles lowered his head, toying with the covers nervously. It was clearly hard for him to express himself, but I was determined to get to the bottom of what was wrong. For a while we sat in silence. I wasn’t sure what he was going to say but I waited patiently until he felt ready to speak.

“It’s you Alice. You are the only woman to have ever stood up to me. There is something about you that I can’t explain, but I can’t stop thinking about you,” he suddenly blurted.

I laughed shyly, my cheeks reddening. Sure that he was teasing me in some way. That this was perhaps a ploy to get me into his bed. Yet when he finally met my gaze, I could see the sincerity in his eyes. Charles actually meant what he said, causing my mouth to drop open in surprise.

Slowly Charles leant closer, cupping my face gently in his hand. The intensity of his stare causing a stir in my stomach. A feeling of both nerves and excitement as his lips drew nearer. Closing my eyes as our lips met, his tongue darting into my mouth. As his hand roamed to my breast I suddenly froze.

Although my body was yearning to feel Charles’ body against mine, I had never been intimate with a man before. This was insane. I didn’t want my first time to be with a man who could easily be telling me things to suit his own needs.

Jumping to my feet, I shook my head vigorously. Suddenly feeling foolish for having believed him. Ignoring Charles’ protests I ran from the room, trying hard to control the tears that threatened to fall. I didn’t want anyone to see how upset I was.

Chapter Five

Charles found me hiding in the hay barn. He climbed up beside me, sitting before me with a serious expression. Reluctantly I allowed him to take my hand. Putting it to his lips, he kissed my fingers gently. I returned his tender smile, butterflies fluttering inside me.

“Alice, I need you to know that I am serious about you. We don’t need to have a physical relationship if you don’t want to yet. I will wait until you feel ready, and show you every day just how much I have grown to love you.”

This was like a dream, and I was sure I would wake at any moment. The son of a billionaire was telling me that he loves me. A twenty-six-year-old virgin who was from a poor family and worked as a maid in his parent’s mansion. Charles could be with any woman he chose, yet he wanted to be with me.

“Don’t be silly. You couldn’t possibly love me. I’m just a maid, there’s nothing special about me,” I implored. “You could have any woman you wanted, and in your bed.”

“I promise I will never hurt you Alice. Although we have only spent a short time together, I can’t erase you from my thoughts and dreams.

You are like no other woman I have ever met, and I have never felt this way about anyone before. All I want is to be with you and make you happy,” Charles smiled.

My heart was racing as I melted into his arms. Hearing those words from his mouth had stirred me with passion. I had tried to fight my growing feelings for Charles, but I could no longer deny my growing love.

Gently Charles lay me back onto the hay, stroking the hair from my face. He gazed down at me with such love and tenderness, a smile playing on his lips. I reached up and took his head in my hands. Bringing his face to mine and pressing my lips to his.

Charles was hesitant as he lay beside me, and although I was filled with nerves, this time it felt right. So I slowly moved his hand to my breast, allowing his fingers to brush against them. I heard his low groan, feeling his member harden against my thigh.

We were both panting hard as our passion mounted. Charles slid his hand beneath my skirt and pushed my panties aside. Inserting a finger inside me, causing me to gasp and throw back my head. I clung to a handful of hay as my dampness grew, my loins eager for him.

I arched my back to meet him as Charles slid his manhood into me. Both of us groaning with each slow push. It was as if every sensation in my body was alive, relishing the feel of his thrusts. Lifting my legs, I wrapped them around his waist. Allowing him to go deeper, causing us to moan in ecstasy.

Charles’ brown hair was damp with sweat as he quickened his pace. My hips moved against him, my muscles gripping every inch of him. I could feel a fire begin to burn with me. Sensing that Charles felt the same as he smiled down at me dreamily.

Gently I tightened my grip around his back, digging my nails in slightly. Pressing my whole body against him as my climax drew ever closer. Sensing his warm fluids surging into me as my own began to flow.

Our chests were heaving as we nestled in each other’s arms. I had never felt such overwhelming emotions all at the same time. Fear of being hurt, or people not accepting our relationship. Alongside a lustful desire to be with this wonderful and mysterious man.

GRABBED BY THE SHEIKH

Stephanie Lex

Chapter 1

His family unanimously agreed. He was to leave Dubai and take over the investments in the United States, in none other than Las Vegas, Nevada.

The young man, twenty-seven year old wealthy and suave Sheikh Ali bin Malik Al Mubarak, felt singled out by his family. He was the youngest of four intelligent and handsome brothers, but the least able to be tamed.

His brothers, all contributing to the multi-billion-dollar business, had all settled down with a wife and children after spending years as investors, but not Ali. Life was a never ending party, he blew money left and right and never spent more than two days on the same woman.

Ali’s oldest brother, Ibrahim, warned him of tarnishing his name and the family name, but Ali paid little mind. It was Ibrahim who brought the family together and decided Ali needed to leave Dubai and take over in the United States. Alone.

“Fine,” said Ali in the family meeting.

“But first thing I’m doing when I get to Las Vegas is buying a Lamborghini and driving it to the Strip.”

Ali stormed out of the meeting, leaving his three brothers alone in the conference room. Ibrahim turned to his siblings and reassuringly said, “Don’t worry. He will get it out of his system soon. This will be good for all of us.”

Ali took the family’s private jet and flew to Las Vegas the following week. Although a bit bitter and upset with his family, he really was quite excited to start a new life in Vegas.

He’d only been there once prior, his brother Hamza took Ali there when he turned twenty-one, and they played Blackjack all night long. This would be a whole new experience and lifestyle for the young Sheikh.

Ali quickly found a luxury loft and paid for it in cash that day. He knew the whole purpose of being in Vegas was for his family’s company, but he figured he still had a few days to get settled in and have some fun.

He flew a few of his staff members down with him and told them to completely furnish his loft while he went out to buy his dream Lamborghini. When he drove back to his new home in his dream car, Ali found it completely furnished with the finest furniture his staff members could find, he kicked off his shoes and poured himself a glass of Johnnie Walker Blue.

“I love America,” he said to himself and took a sip of the scotch.

Ali’s phone rang, it was Ibrahim.

“Hello, brother! I just wanted to make sure you made it to the States alright.”

“I did,” said Ali. All is well.

“Good to hear. I expect you will begin working right away, correct?”

Ali took another drink of his scotch. “Give me a chance to get settled in! These things don’t happen overnight, you know!”

There was silence for a moment as Ibrahim tried to not lose his temper on his youngest brother.

“Don’t blow this, Ali. I mean it. You know why you’re there.”

Click. Ibrahim hung up the phone.

Ali wasn’t going to let his brother ruin his first day in Vegas. He decided he was going to the Strip that night, play a few games at a casino, maybe meet a few women. He showered and changed into a suit and rolled up to the Vegas Strip in his new car.

He first stopped at a popular casino and when he entered, people stopped what they were doing and stared. Ali carried himself so confidently around the casino, and his striking features caught the attention of many.

He could see out of the corner of his eye, as women would whisper together about him, watching him until he was completely out of their sight.

He first stopped at the bar and sat down. It was crowded with all types of people, older and younger and wealthy and poor. The poor bartender, a young woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties, was bustling around trying to keep up with all of the drink orders. It seemed to be a busy night.

The Sheikh tried waiting patiently, however, waiting was not something he was good at. Ali was so used to being served privately and immediately, that he whistled at the bartender to grab her attention as his patience grew thin.

“Miss! You’ve forgotten me!” he called.

She came up to him with two drinks in her hand for other customers, beads of sweat on her forehead. Her eye makeup was beginning to run slightly.

“I haven’t forgotten you, I promise. I just have other people to take care of.”

Ali slammed his fist on the bar. “Do you know who I am?”

She shrugged. “Sorry, I don’t. Tonight, you are a customer like everyone else.”

The young bartender turned away to serve the drinks in her hands, and this angered Ali. He followed her across the bar until he was standing in from of her again, and he waved to get her attention.

“Miss, I need a Johnnie Walker Blue. Now.”

She sighed and realized she needed to tend to this man if she wanted a decent tip. She reached for the bottle and poured him a generous portion. As she handed him the drink, he handed her a one-hundred-dollar bill and told her to keep it all. Her eyes widened.

As the young woman stared at her tip, she realized it was time to turn on the charm and be nice to this man. Chat him up. Make him order more drinks. She unbuttoned the top buttons of her polo and leaned forward toward the Sheikh.

“So, what brings you here?” she asked him with a pouty grin in her face.

Ali took a sip of his scotch, letting the fiery drink coat his tongue before taking another sip.

“My business brought me here. I am from Dubai, my name is Sheikh Ali bin Malik Al Mubarak, I’m sure you’ve heard of me and my brothers.”

The bartender shook her head.

“Do you live in a box, American woman? How have you never heard of me or my family?”

She stood straight up and raised an eyebrow at Ali.

“I am just as American as you are, Mister Sheikh Ali. My name is Mei Frigg Jonsdottir. Can you guess where I’m from?”

Ali squinted his eyes at the girl.

“From your beautiful face, I would say you are from China. But that accent, it’s from somewhere else. Where are you from, Mei?”

She smiled coyly.

“My mother is from China. My father, and then myself, we are from Iceland. I am just as American as you are.”

He slammed his drink on the bar, scotch droplets flying, and he laughed.

“I have been in the country all of one day! You certainly are more American than I am!”

Mei rolled her eyes. “Finish your drink, sir. I think you need another one soon.”

Ali spent several hours at the bar, talking with Mei and ordering drinks, never once stepping away to play at a table or a slot machine.

Mei ran back and forth between customers, taking tips and smiling and casually chatting with the drunk tourists. Ali watched her closely, his own head becoming fuzzy with alcohol.

“American woman, come pour me another,” he called.

“I told you, I’m not an American woman,” she said as she poured him another drink,

“How long have you been in the country?”

“Well, almost eighteen years now,” she replied.

He laughed. “Then you are American!”

Mei stifled her own laugh and shook her head. She was amused by the tipsy Sheikh.

He leaned into her.

“What time do you get off here? You should come back to my loft. I could keep you entertained all night long.”

She looked up at him, her eyes startled by the proposition. “I get out at two… but I shouldn’t. I couldn’t.”

“Come on, beautiful girl. No woman says ‘no’ to Ali. You should feel privileged I’m asking you.”

Her startled eyes grew stern. She looked at Ali, his eyes half-lidded and a crooked smile stretching half his face. There was no denying she found him very handsome.

He was dark skinned and muscular with shiny black hair and dark, dancing eyes. She knew he was the type that could get any woman he wanted, and probably always did get any woman he wanted. But she stuck to her guns and decided to reject the invitation.

“Sorry. I don’t go home with strangers.”

Ali was shocked. No woman in his entire life had ever turned him down before. Whether they were after him for his looks, his wallet, or his wit, they all melted into his hands so easily like a puddle. Rejection was not something he’d ever experienced, and he wasn’t entirely sure how to handle it.

Ali set his drink down on the bar and set two hundred more dollars down on the table for her.

“Fine, but I will be back, my gorgeous Mei. And you see this tip? There’s more where that came from if you decide to ever see me. Have a good night.”

With that, he stood up and left the bar, stumbling over to the Blackjack table where he parked himself for the remainder of the time in the casino.