BRED BY THE BILLIONAIRE
Breeding Season, 1
Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino
Copyright © 2017
Chapter One
“Where’s my fucking coffee?” Tobias Bennett sifted through the files on his desk. He was getting too old for this shit—late nights at the office and staff who couldn’t follow simple instructions. At this point in his life, he’d imagined living on a private island, a mojito in one hand and The Wall Street Journal in the other. But he was still running the family business with no sign of slowing down. He’d been termed a perfectionist, and probably a lot worse, but he strongly believed wealth was the measure of success.
A couple minutes later, one of the interns set a mug on the corner of his desk. She scurried out of his office, nearly breaking into a jog. Was he that much of an asshole?
Tobias scrubbed both hands over his face. He knew exactly what had been driving him crazy lately. His parents were riding him hard for an heir, another Bennett to carry on the family empire. The problem—he wasn’t looking for a wife. His bachelor life suited him just fine, and even at forty-five, he wasn’t ready to settle down. He would have told his aging parents to back off, but they had a point, one that kept crowding his thoughts.
Morgan peered in his office. “Why are you still here?”
“Work.”
“Go home. It’s Friday night, for God’s sake.” He’d gone to university with Morgan, and hired him to work on the Bennett Corporation legal team over a decade ago. Morgan was the only man who dared to speak freely with him.
“I’ve got that big bid on Monday. I need to be prepared,” said Tobias.
“We’ve already got it covered. Everything’s in order.”
“It has to be perfect.”
Morgan exhaled, then shook his head. “Well, I’m heading out.” Then he added, “Don’t push yourself so hard.”
“See you Monday.” Tobias leaned back in his leather chair and gave his friend a mock salute.
Once alone again, he pondered Morgan’s words. Yes, he pushed himself. It was life as a Bennett. His parents expected perfection from day one, and he’d always delivered. The company was strong, profitable, and dominating the stock market because he didn’t fuck around. He always put a hundred percent effort into everything he set out to do, and demanded the same from his staff. If one of his employees couldn’t meet the mark, he didn’t think twice about showing them the door. He had no room for weakness.
After another couple of hours, he packed up his paperwork and flicked off the lights to his corner penthouse office. As he stood in the darkness, the lights of the city sparkled with life beyond the floor to ceiling windows. He grabbed his briefcase and walked over to the window, looking down from one of the highest vantage points. It was one big party below, a city that never slept.
He’d put the Bennett Corporation on the map, made his father’s business into something multi-national, but what happened next? What would happen when he died? The legacy he’d built would die along with him, all his hard work and sacrifices for nothing. The business might continue with the family name, but without the blood of a Bennett, it would be a soulless enterprise, nothing more than dollars and cents.
“Mr. Bennett?”
Tobias snapped out of his reverie, turning to see a silhouette in the doorway of his darkened office. “Yes?”
“Would you like some company tonight?”
He narrowed his eyes as he strode to the door. “Aren’t you one of the new analysts we just hired?” Tobias had thousands of employees, so couldn’t remember many names and faces. He only allowed minimal staff on the penthouse floor of his skyscraper. He remembered this woman from the new staff tour yesterday morning, and only because she’d worn a short skirt.
“Yes, sir.”
“And why are you up here?”
“I wanted to offer my company.” She ran her finger along the low collar of her blouse. Was she actually trying to seduce him? “I have many skillsets beyond analyzing, and I thought you’d like me to show you some.”
He scoffed. “You thought wrong, sweetheart. If you’d actually done any digging, you’d know I never mix business with pleasure.”
“But—”
“Stay on the fifth floor. I don’t want to see you up here again.”
She sulked off, clearly not expecting him to reject her. Tobias wasn’t hard up. He had a long list of women he could call for a hook-up. None of them meant a thing to him. They were available for sex, and that’s how he liked it—until now. If he wanted a kid, he had to find a decent woman to be the mother. Unfortunately, most of the women he fucked were gold-diggers, and he didn’t want any baby drama. He just wanted the heir, nothing more.
He could already envision it, a life similar to his own childhood. His son would be raised by a nanny, go to boarding school, and be trained to be the best at everything. Tobias knew parenting wouldn’t take much effort on his part—he’d rarely seen his own mother and father growing up.
Tobias took the elevator down to the parking garage, trying to push thoughts of babies and legacies out of his head. This responsibility shouldn’t have fallen on his damn shoulders. He’d been the younger brother—until he turned sixteen. Maximus had been nineteen when he died of a heroin overdose. Of course, his parents made sure the real cause didn’t hit the media, appearances being more important than the truth. Tobias had seen it coming. He’d done nothing. Unlike him, Maximus wanted more, wanted the love and warmth he’d seen in other homes. Their father said he was weak, he couldn’t cut it, and that’s why he killed himself. No one ever mentioned Maximus, like he never existed.
The elevator dinged, and Tobias stepped out into the secure garage. He dug the keys to his Mercedes out of his pocket, turning off the alarm system. Once behind the wheel, he tossed his briefcase onto the passenger seat and squeezed the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. Reflecting on a past that couldn’t be undone was pointless, and like his father taught him, emotions were for pussies. He needed to block that shit out, forget about the brother taken from him too soon. Trying to imagine an alternate reality would only break down his carefully maintained exterior.
He turned on the radio, hoping the music would drown out the noise in his head. Right now, he wished he could have fucked that blonde bitch over his desk to release the tension, but he refused to get involved with women in the office. Nothing was worth risking the reputation of the family business, certainly not a piece of ass.
Tobias hit the gas as he drove, the streetlights and bright signage disguising the fact the sun had set hours ago. At least leaving late thinned out the downtown traffic. His condo was only ten minutes from the office in one of the waterfront condos owned by the Bennett Corporation. There wasn’t much they didn’t have their hand in.
He nodded to the doorman as he walked to the elevator. Normally, he’d go out for a drink on Friday, maybe choose who he wanted to take home with him for the night. Today, he just wanted to crash. He’d pour himself a scotch on the rocks and drown out all the insecurities. Friday meant he could sleep in tomorrow, so he’d drink enough to keep all his nightmares at bay.
****
Adora Garcia had three major assignments due in the next two weeks, so her desk and laptop were going to be her best friends for a while. She’d been studying all morning, empty coffee cups and balls of scrunched up paper hiding her cellphone. When it began to ring, she remembered the promise to pick her mother up from work while her car was in the shop.
She drove out to the waterfront where her mother worked cleaning Tobias Bennett’s condo three days a week and every Saturday. Adora hated driving in the downtown core, but it was the least she could do for the woman who raised her single-handedly, working her fingers to the bone to provide the basics.
“Can I help you?”
Adora had been wandering around the massive lobby of the condo, admiring the modern architecture, use of glass, and difficult angles. The security had apparently had enough of her presence. She was used to being questioned in stores when they assumed she was stealing something. Her absentee father had been a blue-eyed, white businessman who’d used and dumped her mother twenty years ago, leaving her alone and pregnant. Although Adora didn’t have her mother’s skin color, she had many of her Latin American features, including her long dark hair.
“I’m looking for Tobias Bennett,” she said.
The security guard sauntered over, his thumbs hooked in his pockets. He looked her up and down. “Is he expecting you?”
She was going to give him the whole story, but decided to keep it simple. “Yes.”
He tilted his head. “You’re not his usual type, but who am I to judge? Top floor.”
Adora bit her tongue and hit the elevator button. She’d grab her mother and get the hell out of this overpriced neighborhood. It was hard enough getting by without all the judgmental stares and stereotypes.
She wasn’t one of Mr. Bennett’s whores.
Her mother had told her all about the old bastard’s weekly escapades. There wasn’t enough money in all the world to pay Adora to sleep with him—not that he’d want her. She imagined a man in his position could have whoever he wanted. It made her sick thinking of all the beautiful young women who gave themselves to him in exchange for money or status. That would never be her. A degree in architecture would be her way out, a chance to make a real life for herself.
When she reached the penthouse suite, she softly knocked on the door. When no one answered, she turned the handle. She decided to slip inside and find her mother for herself. If she knocked too loudly, she could wake Mr. Bennett. Adora was used to finding her mother on the job. When she was younger, she’d helped her clean the condos and offices so they could get home sooner.
The condo was huge, and not what she expected. She knew he had money, but nothing like this. Adora whirled around in slow circles as she admired the vaulting ceilings, massive windows, and impressive collection of artwork. She couldn’t even imagine living like this. It would be like stepping into a fairy tale. Mostly she craved the security that money could offer, not the luxuries. When she was a kid, she’d pretend to live in the homes her mother cleaned, role-playing and escaping into her imagination. Now she was an adult, and knew the only way she’d get ahead was working her ass off.
She studied the streets below from the massive floor to ceiling window, the people and cars scurrying about like tiny ants, when a throat cleared behind her. Adora paled, slowly turning to the sound. She swore her heart stopped when she saw a man standing there wearing an open robe. He wore navy pajama pants underneath and no shirt, an empty coffee mug dangling in his hand.
It couldn’t be Tobias Bennett. She’d already envisioned exactly what her mother’s boss would look like, and it was nothing like the man in front of her. This man wasn’t haggard with sweaty palms and balding head. His chest was hard, with a light sprinkling of dark hair, and chiseled abs. A thin trail of hair led down into his low waistband … she averted her eyes. Adora swallowed hard, waiting for the shitstorm. She didn’t want her mother to get fired because she was uninvited in Mr. Bennett’s very expensive condo.
He didn’t say a word, just stared at her, like a predator planning its attack. Should she say something? Apologize? Explain the situation? No words came out of her mouth, even when he started to walk closer.
“You’re not Maria.” His voice was deep, a hint of teasing, but no malice.
“I’m just picking her up. I’m sorry if I startled you.”
He wet his bottom lip and moved to the side to get a better look at her. She felt as if she was on auction. This was exactly the reason she was enrolled in college, so she’d never be at the mercy of a man. She could only imagine the horrors her mother had to deal with over the course of her life, especially speaking minimal English.
“Do you work in the building?”
She’d kept her head down, but dared to look up into his eyes. “No. I’m her daughter.”
He smirked, realization softening his features. His hair was still damp from a shower, and his dark, musky scent suited him perfectly. “You know, Maria’s worked here for what? Ten years? I never knew she had a daughter.”
“Did you ask?”
“My Spanish isn’t the greatest.” He held out his hand. “Tobias.”
This was actually Tobias Bennett? One of the wealthiest men in the city? She wasn’t sure how she felt about him now that she’d seen him in the flesh. Her mother had a job because of him, but Adora had always associated money with everything debased in society. From her experience the wealthier the person, the higher they expected you to jump.
She shook his outstretched hand. “Adora Garcia.” His grip was firm, and he didn’t allow her to pull away. She looked down at his hand, and hers was tiny in his grip. Her body coiled tight, a wash of need taking her by surprise. When she glanced up to see his intention, her breath caught.
“Such a pretty name,” he said. His words were slow and deliberate, mesmerizing her.
Then she thought better. He was a renowned playboy, and she had no intention of being his next victim. She pulled her hand back, which only served to amuse him.
“Have you seen my mother?”
“I don’t know what I’d do without her. She knows exactly how I like things, and half the time I don’t even know she’s here.” He ran the backs of his fingers along the length of her hair. She’d left in such a rush, she hadn’t pulled it back into her usual ponytail. “I can see her in you.”
She instinctively flinched away from his touch.
“Are you afraid of me?” he asked.
“I don’t know you.”
He moved toward his open concept kitchen, setting his mug on the counter. Tobias flicked on his coffee maker and then leaned over the counter, using one curled finger to beckon her closer. She took tentative steps, making sure to stay on the opposite side of the granite island. “How about we change that?”
“Change what?” she asked.
“I want to get to know you, Adora. Can I take you to dinner?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Really? Why would you want to take me to dinner?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
She scoffed. “Where would I start? You know nothing about me. What if I’m already dating someone?”
Tobias poured his coffee, then left it aside. He walked around the island to where she stood, bracing a hand on each side of the counter, caging her in. “Are you?” he asked.
Adora forgot how to breathe. He was so much taller than she was, his shoulders blocking out the rest of the room, making her feel small and feminine. He had such a commanding presence, and she imagined he got everything he wanted.
“Cat got your tongue?”
“Yes, I have a boyfriend,” she lied. For all she knew he had another one-night stand still sleeping in his bed. Adora decided it was best to put up a wall to protect herself from this shark. If she rejected him flat out, her mother could lose her job. A boyfriend was a safe answer, an easy out.
He shook his head, his dark eyes stripping her layer by layer. “You’re a terrible liar, little one.” He ran the pad of his thumb along her lower lip, making her bolt back, hitting the counter. Tobias still wouldn’t let her escape. “I’ll bet all my shares in the Bennett Corporation that you’re a virgin, too.”
She gasped.
He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. “I didn’t get this far by not being able to read people.”
“Where’s my mother?” she repeated, looking side to side for an escape. This stranger had unraveled her in just a few minutes. She felt so exposed, so deliciously violated. He had to be over twice her age, so why did he affect her like this? She wasn’t used to watching all her control slip away.
“Relax, baby girl. I’m just playing.” He stepped back, running his hand through his dark hair, a bit of grey at the temples. Everything about him was composed and deliberate. “I’m just asking for one date.”
“I don’t think I’m your type,” she said. “I’m not interested in a good time, and I can’t be bought.” She stood firm on her beliefs. No way would she be used and discarded. Not for all the money in the world, no matter how tempting he may be.
But a part of her, deep down to the marrow, wanted to be his. Wanted to be taken and claimed. Was she dealing with daddy issues? Was she sick for desiring a man exuding power and control? He was everything she tried to steer clear of, but she was inexplicably drawn to him. That one touch made her desperate for more, but she had to resist her twisted desires. Adora was convinced her DNA was against her, leading her to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She wanted more from a man, demanded more from her life.
“Everyone has a price,” he said.
She pushed away, finally able to breathe once she put space between them. His scent was addictive, pulling her under his spell. Adora turned around once at a safe distance. “Maybe in your world. Not mine.”
“Then prove me wrong. One date.”
It took all her willpower to refuse him. “Sorry, I’m not interested.”