Unmatched Love by Mary Nixon (1)

Chapter One: Fetish

James Lyons's POV

"I'm not looking for love." Jacob said casually as we watched the models strutting on six inch heels. "I found love with Margaux and that is enough for me."

Attending a runway show was not my cup of tea unless it was Victoria Secret but sometimes, we tend to do things in the name of love.

Erma had reserved two front row seats so that we could see her new summer collection that entailed a lot of revealing clothes and beach ware.

Erma was a successful fashion designer with her own label.

She was Jacob's mom but she had raised me like her own son. I adored her and treated her like my own mother.

"Who is?" I asked him.

"Why are you here then?" Jacob questioned.

"Mother called, I answered. Besides, I'm here to see a certain blonde number."

"Who?" Jacob asked curiously.

I pointed to a beautiful long haired blonde with large green eyes that resembled emeralds. I had seen her a couple of times in magazines but I had never met her in person.

Just watching her strutting on the runway got me riled up.

"Her." I pointed.

Jacob smiled and smacked the back

of my head.

"You've always had a thing for blondes. What the hell Tony?" He teased.

I never got to see Jacob a lot. He was like an older brother to me and since his wedding to Margaux, he had been scarce. That women seemed to occupy all his time.

"Actually it's more of a fetish for blondes with green eyes. Do you know how bloody hard it is to come across them?"

I stared at her as she walked past us in a skimpy floral bikini. She winked at me and Jacob laughed at how dazed I looked after that.

Through the runway show Jacob made fun of me and I couldn't help but laugh at myself.

I was and have always been an unapologetic play boy. I was not as serious as Jacob. I didn't see a wife in my near future. I loved to have fun and I could do it anywhere, anytime.

I always got the girl as long as Jacob was not in the picture. Girls always chased after me. But this green eyed blonde was a different story altogether. I was the one chasing after her.

She was a hot number!

I wanted her and Jacob could see how much. He made sure to make fun of me.

"Mom should know the only reason you're here is because of the blonde. Do you even know her name?"

"Bea Bianca." I said proudly.

"She told you or do you have a dossier on her?" Jacob pried.

"Dossier."

"Typical."

"I needed to know who I was dealing with. Let's go back stage and meet her." I suggested.

"Go ahead. I need to head back to Manhattan. I left Margaux kind of unwell. With the baby's delivery so near, i cant be away for long."

Jacob adored his wife and he had cursed everyone to hell for her.

"Won't you say a quick hello to mom?" I asked.

"Pass my regards to her. Later."

He left as I headed back stage.

Jacob and his mother had had a falling out since he eloped with his bride without her consent. Erma never attended the wedding and they had stopped speaking after that. Those two were both stubborn and unapologetic.

The back stage was a frenzy of activity. Beautiful girls were all over the place and a few gawked at me but my focus was on the woman peering at me from her seat.

As soon as I reached her she stood up.

"Tony!" She exclaimed as she hugged me tightly and I kissed her cheek.

"Mom."

"Look at you turning heads. You are a lady killer. I'm glad you took time out of your busy schedule to come."

"Anything for you mom. You know I love you, right?"

"I know. I just wish Jacob loved me as much. Where's he?" She asked in her Italian laced accent.

"He had to leave." I told her.

I saw disappointment register in her brown eyes. She sighed and it took a moment before she recovered.

"I'm glad you came. How have you been? Seen anything you like?" She teased.

I knew exactly what she meant. There was nothing more that Erma wanted than to see us married off.

"Someone is more like it. Her name is Bea Bianca, have you seen her?"

"Bianca?" She asked in surprise. "She's not good for you. Try Alexa. She's more of your type."

"I like Bianca." I insisted as I peered at the dark haired woman with brown eyes who I imagined was Alexa.

She smiled at me and I smiled back.

"Tony, not all wild horses can be tamed." She told me.

"Bianca is wild?" I asked.

"Just like you. She's fire you're gasoline, don't pursue her. She'll break your heart."

"I'm not looking for love." I told her as she fixed my tie. "And I don't intend to give my heart."

"What are you looking for my baby boy?" She asked.

"A steamy one night stand." I told her and she laughed softly.

"You boys are heart breakers. I still insist on Alexa. Bianca won't surrender herself to you, not without a fight."

"She's feisty?"

"And fiery."

Erma added. "Don't get burned Tony. I have to attend to my models. Alexa is good for you, she's... submissive."

She kissed my cheek.

"Use protection. I don't think you're ready to be a father."

I watched he'd leave and I smiled to myself. She was right, being a father was something I had no intention of doing.

I stared at Alexa and winked at her. She smiled shyly. If I couldn't get Bianca tonight, I would settle for Alexa.

*

I got home later that night or in the wee early morning hours if truth was to be said. I had not been able to trace Bianca but I had I had settled for Alexa and her friend.

My nights were mostly like this, a different girl every other time. Rarely did I hang around the sane woman for more than a month. I got bored easily and I needed to be constantly entertained.

My penthouse was quiet when I walked in. It usually was and I envied Jacob because whenever he went home, he was welcomed by his wife. All that ushered me home was eerie silence.

Sometimes I liked it this way but sometimes I missed the noisy home I grew up in back in Tuscany.

I met Jacobolas Berlotelli Bale when I was six years old. For some reason, his mother sent him to a boarding school in Switzerland and I went to the same school.

The first time I met him was on a cold Autumn evening

when he had saved me from a bully.

Without words or fists, the bully had fled the scene. Perhaps it was the dangerous look he had always had in his eyes or the fact that he was a reputable bully.

Whatever the reason, he had become my best friend. He had always had my back.

On one winter evening after schools had closed, I had been among the last students to get picked. Jacob and I were the only ones left. When his mom came around, he asked if I could come home with him.

She had asked for my father's number and after an extensive discussion away from earshot, j had left for Tuscany with them.

It sort if became our routine. I literally moved in with them. They became my new family and my father never seemed to give a damn about it.

Jacob and I were like brothers all through. We did almost everything together. When he turned eighteen however, he left for Manhattan to become one of the youngest CEOs I have ever heard of. During his summers since he was fifteen, we would spend our summers in Manhattan where he was taught the ropes of Bale Industries.

I had tugged along and served as a distraction whenever he worked too hard.

After he had permanently left Tuscany I had hung around and ended up being his grandfather's apprentice at the winery.

Nonno had taught me everything I knew

about business and as a result business school was a walk in the park for me.

Later on after I finished college, I went back to London in hopes that my father would let me work for Bellingerre Consolidate.

I have always had the strangest urge to please my father and have him look at me in the same way he did my older brother Reinaldo.

He gave me a position at Bellingerre Consolidate but not as his assistant but as an intern. He had me fetching coffee for people.

I found it humiliating.

I regretted not taking the offed M

Jacob's grandfather had given me. He had asked me to be the acting CEO of Berlotelli Winery and Vineyards but I had declined in hopes that my father would give me a seat at his table.

With all the pride that ran in my veins, I didn't last long as an intern at Bellingerre Consolidate. I went ahead to threaten my father by quitting but he gave me an ultimatum; intern or getting disowned.

I chose to be disowned then to become the old man's puppet.

I ended in working for Jacobs mother as her accountant and financial advisor.

Later on, for my twenty third birthday, Jacob gifted me with an oil well.

I moved to Abu Dhabi and stayed there until recently. Five years in Abu Dhabi had taught me to live life to the fullest. I partied hard and enjoyed my millions which slowly grew into billions.

Life was great and I would never have set foot in London had if not been for Erma's invitation to watch her runway show.

I poured myself a full glass of vodka and downed it in one gulp. After another two glasses, I was set for the night.

This was my routine.

Without my vodka, I couldn't sleep. I had so many demons haunting me and so many problems lurking after me. Such things kept me awake all night. My drink knocked me out for most of the night.

I crawled into bed and closed my eyes for a moment.

I may be a billionaire but I had my plagues. I craved for some peace of mind, some contentment and some security but I just couldn't afford all that as much as I was wealthy.

I turned to the left side of the bed and stared at the empty spot. Maybe filling it won't be so bad. I needed the company, the love and attention.

I decided to sleep in the middle of the bed. That way, it wasn't so empty anymore.

I lulled myself to sleep with thoughts of Bea Bianca. I had to have her, I had to own her.

=================

Chapter two: Bad news

James Lyons's POV

We all stared at the doctor dumbfounded. No one seemed to react. It's like time stood still as I watched Jacobolaus Bale stumbling back. The news of his wife's death had left him weak. His knees buckled and Cole Harrington was fast to act. He caught our good friend just in time.

I being the hot tempered man that I was, wanted answers. Bloody hell! Even Jacob wanted answers; it's only that he was too shocked to ask. So I decided to do what the rest of my friends couldn't.

I would scare the doctor until he gave us something.

I stood from where I was sitting dropping my laptop on my seat and I stalked towards the doctor. The darkness in my eyes must have scared him because he stalked back and I grabbed him by the shirt.

"You better have a bloody good reason behind Margaux's death or else I will make you regret the day you decided to become a doctor."

He gasped and looked at the rest of the guys hoping to be rescued but my boys knew better than to get involved in any fight I chose to start.

"I suggest you start talking."

"She bled out sir!"

"Not good enough!" I threatened as I slammed him hard against the wall.

"She had a pre-existing condition that we were not aware of."

"What condition? Is it not your job to be aware?" I demanded.

He was a cowardly man and a few more seconds of my torture and he would have wet his pants. I slammed him against the wall to encourage

him to talk when he began.

"She had full blown leukemia sir."

Surprise ran through me and my grip on him weakened.

I released the man and stared at Jacob who was now paler than death. He didn't seem to be aware that his wife had cancer. He abruptly stood up from his seat and his fists met the wall one after another until he wore himself out.

He uttered a string of curses in Italian as we watched him. This monster was the Jacobolas Bale I knew. The man who would knock you out of your seat without standing up simply because you said something stupid.

Margaux Deveraux had softened Jacobolas Bale's heart and for the two years they had been together he had been a sane man.

Mr Perfect...

She always thought that Jacob's temper was a product of my friendship with him. That offended me since Jacob and I had known each other since were kids. She also thought that Erma was too demanding. Margaux was not my choice for Jacob's wife bug because he loved her,I learnt not to intrude.

But truth be said, all the men in the waiting room with me are ill tempered. It's just a matter of what triggers the sleeping beast to awaken... for Jacob, it's his wife's death.

Jacob took off and Cole followed him. Ferrer left with the doctor to confirm Margaux's death. I was left with Bruce who also seemed confused.

"She had cancer?" He asked with doubt obvious in his voice.

"Seems so. Poor chap! Two years only and she dies just like that!"

"I am never settling down." Bruce announced.

All four

of us with the exception of Jacob had grown up in crazy families. Take me for an example. I had an older brother and a younger sister and neither of us shared the same mother. My father has never settled down. He simply fathered children from different women and then took us away from our mothers. Bruce's parents were picture perfect in public but at war in private. Ferrer's step dad had abused him after his mother's death and he had ended up growing alone fending for himself on the streets. Then there was Cole. His parents literally fought each other. Jacob was the only one born in a stable family. He had been raised with this idea that marriage is happy. No wonder he settled down while the rest of us grew allergic to the matrimonial aisle.

The poor guy was now a widower and his daughter would be raised without a mother. As we thought about the evening that had just unfolded a nurse walked towards us holding a baby in her hands. She looked at the two of us as if weighing who to approach and she chose me. Bruce always wore this killer look on his face that scared the hell out of people.

"Congratulations Mr. Bale." She said to me.

Congratulations!

I preferred that word only after closing a business deal but not when being handed a new born baby.

It dawned on me that this was Jacob's new born daughter. I gazed down at the baby and then at Bruce who looked mortified. I looked up at the nurse and smiled.

"Actually I'm not Mr. Bale. I'm a friend

of his. He had to take a walk. Is this his daughter?"

"Yes. Her name Is Madeline Marie Deveraux Bale."

What a lengthy name!

"Would you like to hold her sir?" She asked. "Or should I take her back to the nursery?"

I was hesitant but curious all at the same time. I stretched out my hands and held the little baby in my hands. She was a beauty to behold. She had Jacob's blonde hair and his pale blue eyes. My heart melted and I smiled when she looked at up at me. I instantly felt my persona softening in front of this beautiful and innocent little girl. I smiled at her and looked up at Bruce who was cautiously approaching us. He looked down at the little girl and then took a step back.

"Do you want to hold her?" I asked him.

"No. I don't want to. I have to go. Give Jacob my regards."

He walked off.

He was scared of the prospect of being a father.

Weren't we all?

***

I was driving towards my father's house after my plane landed in London. I was still thinking about Jacob and his new born baby girl.

It saddened me that the two of them were on their own. Cole had promised to hang around for about two months or so just to help him get a grip of his new life.

We had agreed to arrange our affairs so that we can do a rotation each of us taking two months to see Jacob and Madeline.

That is who we were. The five of us always stuck out our necks for each other. We never turned our backs on each other.

I knew Jacobolas Bale well enough to know that his sudden calmness would not last long. Hell was about to break loose. It's just a question

of when?

My mind lingered more on Madeline Marie Deveraux Bale.

I had held her until Jacob returned at four in the morning.

I James Lyons Bellingerre held a new born girl for almost four hours without hitting the panic button.

Jacob had managed a small smile for his daughter who would serve as a constant reminder of his late wife.

I couldn't help but imagine myself a father in the four hours I had held Madeline. I had imagined a little girl of my own with beautiful large emerald green eyes like and sun kissed blonde hair like Bianca. That little girl would only exist if Bianca and I made it happen.

I hadn't even spoken to her and here I was fantasizing about her having my baby.

Why was I even thinking about babies?

Bianca gave the impression of a bad girl. The kind mothers warn their sons of. A part of me wanted to believe that this girl was simply traditional about things with the whole -getting to know each other first- engagement- marriage then sex fiasco- but part of me felt she would surprise me.

I must have been insane to imagine her pregnant with my little girl. I was not a traditional man. I was not the -getting to know each other- engagement- marriage then sex- kind of guy. I was the -sex first then let's see how it goes guy...

If Bianca was as wild as I thought she would love that but if I was wrong, she definitely would hate that but I am who I am and I won't change.

I would have Bianca soon enough.

For

now, I had a meeting with my old man and I hated it but when Wayne Bellingerre calls, you answer. That much I had acknowledged.

I pulled up in front of the plush Bellingerre Manor and handed the valet my keys. My father had a freaking valet! Yet people wonder why I have a personal chef! It runs in the family. The Bellingerres have always been very wealthy and sophisticated people. We live life to the fullest!

"Rei!" I greeted my brother who was sited with my father in his massive office.

It was a long board room table with twelve seats. Reinaldo was sited on my father's right side because he was his right hand man in all things. Cheryl, my younger sister always sat on his left because she was the apple of his eye. I on the other hand being the black sheep of the family sat on the furthest seat directly facing Wayne Bellingerre.

Wayne Bellingerre!

What a man my father was! We never saw eye to eye on anything other than our clearly defined distaste for each other.

His partial treatment towards his children was obvious. He adored Cheryl never punishing her for any misdeeds but he would beat the living daylights out of Rei and I for the smallest misdeeds. As soon as I was at his height -six feet- when I was only seventeen, I had stood up for myself.

I threw my first punch at him then and hit him in the jaw. He had hit me back and the retaliation went on and on until Rei got in the middle. Since then, Wayne Bellingerre had never laid a finger

on me again.

"Reinaldo... Lyons, thank you for showing up." He said as he set foot in the room.

Rei mumbled a greeting as I ignored the old man. I could have been clubbing at the hottest club in town but I was here sitting and waiting to hear the rumblings of an old man.

"I called this meeting to discuss something serious. I have been unwell lately as much as I hate to admit it." He said facing my direction.

My father had been making secret appointments to various specialists around the world. He had gone from medical healers to spiritual healers. I had looked into it and I knew what was wrong with him but it was his secret to tell.

"I was diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease three years ago and it is fast taking shape. I am not sure how long I have to live because I can drop dead at any second; to Lyons's delight."

I smiled at him and he frowned. My father always believed that I wanted him dead. It made him uneasy but it thrilled me because it caused him sleepless the nights. Despite his major faults as a father, I still cared for the old man.

"The reason I wanted you both here is to make clear that I want to appoint a new acting CEO to Bellingerre Consolidate."

Reinaldo smiled to himself as I leaned back in my seat waiting.

"Lyons, you will be the new acting CEO of Bellingerre Consolidate."

Maybe I hadn't heard Jim right or perhaps he had realized

Reinaldo is actually incompetent.

I smiled ruefully and chuckled to myself. Reinaldo didn't seem pleased.

"What the bloody hell did you just say?" I asked.

"I thought you have always wanted to be CEO." My father stated with a little confusion in his silver eyes.

I stood up and walked towards my father. I stood behind him and placed both of my hands on his shoulders. I gave them a light squeeze and then leaned down and whispered in his ear.

"I'm not going to shame you in front of your favorite son... I.don't. want. to.be.CEO.of.your.bloody.company." I spelled out.

I patted him on the shoulder and winked at my brother before walking out on them.

I had just turned down the position I had always coveted since I was a young boy yearning for my father's approval. I was my own boss now with my own money and I didn't need to prove anything more to him. Living under Reinaldo's perfect shadow had made my life hell as Wayne Bellingerre found fault in all I did.

"Tony wait!"

I turned my head once I was out of the mansion and saw Reinaldo running towards me.

"What do you want?" I asked curtly.

"To talk. What did you say to him?"

"Why? Did he have a heart attack already? Is he dead?"

Reinaldo frowned at me and then pushed his jet black hair back.

"Look, I know you and dad have your own issues but you haven't been around to see the toll his condition has on him. Cut him some slack Tony!" Reinaldo chided.

I hated his inconsistent and irrelevant self righteous bubbling.

"I haven't been around because he kicked me out. Have you already forgotten? Weren't you just standing there as he cut me off and kicked me out?"

"That was your own fault for disobeying his wishes for you to work for him."

"You smug little prick!" I snapped. "Not every one is a bloody boot licker like you!"

I must have hit a wrong nerve because Rei attempted to take a swing at me and I was agile enough to dodge it before he caught me on the jaw.

"I will let that slide Rei. Throw another and I swear..."

He shoved me by the shoulder and I sighed.

"Rei stop testing my patience." I warned.

"What? Scared of taking on your older brother? Are you scared you'll lose?"

I folded my fists beside me trying to remain calm. I was counting to ten but then he shoved me again and this time I gave him a blow hard enough to land him on the pavement. I leaned down and gripped the lapels of his coat and looked him squarely in the eyes.

"Stay down." I warned.

I walked away and got my keys from the valet who was wise enough to mind his own business. I slid into my Aston Martin and drove off.

=================

Chapter three: Old flame

I was just getting to my penthouse building after my morning run when I spotted a familiar face standing beside the concierge desk. She smiled at me and I at once remembered her.

Like Jacob had his old flame Coleen Harrington, so did I. Mine went by the name Brianne De Latour. The De Latours and the Bellingerres have been business partners for many years. Our fathers barely saw eye to eye but Brianne and I never allowed family feuds to get in the way of pleasure.

"Tony," she greeted enthusiastically when she saw me.

"Brianne." I greeted back and hugged her briefly. "I'm sweaty, I need to shower."

"Can I join you?"She asked in a cheeky voice.

"I would love that!"

***

I zipped up her dress half an hour later after a quickie in my bathroom. I liked Brianne for one thing.

She never demanded more than the casual sex I offered.

"News is your father is out to look for an acting CEO after you turned him down."

I buttoned up my shirt and ran my fingers through my wet hair before facing her beautiful face. It had been a week since I turned down the old man.

"Who has he chosen?"

"Who else is there to fill the gap? Only you can be CEO of Bellingerre Consolidate."

I gave a last glance to the mirror before exiting my bedroom with Brianne following close behind. We sat on the dining table which had been set up by my personal chef. A servant poured us each some coffee as I served some bacon and eggs onto my plate.

"Won't you say anything Tony?"

Brianne asked seductively. "CEO is a big deal. It will put you on the map. I know you're doing your self made billionaire thing but CEO of Bellingerre Consolidate will up your game."

She was a dangerous woman much like Coleen Harrington. She knew what she wanted and she would do anything to get it. Her pushing me to be CEO definitely had a catch.

"I said no to him and I don't intend to change my mind. My decision is final."

"Then I am in trouble."

"What do you mean?" I asked after I had swallowed my bacon and sipped some coffee.

She played with her bacon before she looked up at me.

"You know that my father owns 45% of Bellingerre Consolidate, right?"

I nodded and continued eating my breakfast.

"He is worried that you father's condition will cause a panic in the company and sink it. He thinks that the best way to avoid that is to show the world that the Bellingerres and De Latours are stable and what better way than a marriage alliance?"

I almost chocked on my breakfast and I quickly downed it with a hot cup of coffee. I wiped my mouth clean with my table napkin and faced Brianne.

"What?"

"A marriage Tony between me and...

"I will not marry you! Not in a thousand years."

She laughed her head off leaving me a little confused. After her laughter faded she sipped more of her coffee.

"Oh Tony! I wish it was you I was marrying. But it's not. It's Rei."

I paused and it was my turn to laugh my head off as she stared at me in horror.

I was relieved.

"Good luck with that!"I said as I stood up from

the table.

My phone buzzed and I looked at the message. It was my personal assistant.

Lily: I sent the flowers and chocolates to Bianca as requested but she sent them back to your office.

I smiled to myself and texted back. She was playing hard to get.

Me: Its okay, I'll handle her.

I immediately called Simon, my chauffeur and he arrived from the kitchen still struggling to chew and swallow some food. I allowed all my staff members to eat whether I was around or not. I saw no need for them to watch me eat and to have their fill after I'm done. The chef would whip them up meals as often as they would please.

"Simon please prepare the car, I'm going out."

"Yes sir." He answered polity. "May I ask which one?"

"The Rolce Royce."

Yes sir, excuse me."

He dashed off leaving me alone with Brianne. I ignored her curious expression and placed my phone on the table.

"What is your father hoping to get out of your marriage to Reinaldo?" I asked in an effort to avoid her prying into my personal life.

"A permanent tie to the Bellingerres. Whose Bianca?"

"Divorce is always an option." I said ignoring her query over Bianca.

"If Rei divorces me, we get the 55% your family owns and you remain penniless. Whose Bianca Tony?"

"Oh no!" I feigned

sadness. "They remain penniless, not me. My wealth is not tied to that company in any way."

I ignored her query once more. She had been glancing over my phone when I was texting my P.A

Brianne smiled and walked up to me kissing my lips softly as if testing the waters to see if I could go another round. I couldn't encourage her, not today.

I wanted to go and personally speak to Bianca. Going another round with Brianne would only delay my plans.

"Enough kissing for today." I said placing a finger on her lips. "Talk it out with Rei. I'm sure he doesn't want this either. I have other things to do, you should go."

I kissed her tenderly and led her to the door. She glanced at me one more time and then smiled.

"I wish it were you I was marrying Tony. You'd make a remarkable husband. That Bianca girl is a lucky one. See you soon."

She left and I went back inside.

Marriage.

It's bad enough when it's on mutual consent. How hellish can it be when it's arranged?

"Sir, should I clear the table?" The chef asked.

"Yes please do. Thank you for breakfast. You get better every day."

I had recruited him straight from college. I believed in giving people who were starting out a chance.

"Thank you sir, I strive to please. Excuse me."

As I waited for Simon to let me know the car was ready, there was a knock on my door. My butler opened letting in my brother.

He had a nasty bruise on his jaw from the night I had almost knocked

him out. He examined my penthouse as he walked towards me. I never got any visitors especially from my own family.

"Are you here for another brawl Rei?" I asked.

"No. I'm here for something else. Nice place Tony." He said solemnly.

I pointed to the living area and we sat down facing each other. He looked troubled.

"What do you want?" I asked impatiently as I glanced at my gold watch.

I had to go meet Bianca.

"I wanted to apologize for my indecent behavior last time we spoke."

My eyes widened with curiosity as I leaned back on the comfortable leather recliner.

"Are you now?"

"Yes I am." He said and he leaned forward. "Dad is marrying me off to Brianne De Latour so that we can run the company together."

I couldn't imagine Rei and Brianne running a company together. My brother would end up being a slave to Brianne's dominating personality. His marriage would be hellish.

"Too bad for you!" I said as I sampled the summer fruit in yoghurt my butler handed me.

"Brilliant!" I told Harris, my butler and he nodded and excused myself.

I gave him a thumbs up to carry on and faced my brother who was being handed a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice by one of my servants.

"Look Rei, I walked away from all that BS because I knew that he had something up his sleeve. Perhaps he wanted me to marry Brianne. We all know father never gives anyone something as big as CEO without some strings being attached! That's why I turned the old man down. I wish you all the best Rei!"

I glanced at my watch again drawing Rei's attention.

"Are you expecting someone?" He asked.

"No. I need to be somewhere else."

"Sometimes I wonder how you made it on your own when all you do is rave, eat and sleep."

I chuckled and sampled a piece of waffle brought to me. I approved and stood up to walk towards Rei.

"Look, all work and no play makes Rei a dull boy. Look at you! All you do is work. I don't blame you because Wayne Bellingerre chokes the fun out of life. Stand up to him and tell him you won't marry Brianne. Stand your ground."

He looked unconvinced and he stood up as well his height almost matching mine.

"Not everyone is as hard headed as you are Tony. Some of us can't afford to be rebels."

I patted him on the back and escorted him to the door.

"Rei, my schedule is not to rave eat and sleep. I only do those things to reward myself after a hard day of work. You have a choice to make here. You aren't chained to Brianne. Walk away."

"And hand the De Latours our family's legacy?"

"Build your own legacy Reinaldo... don't die protecting somebody else's."

After Rei left, I left too.

I was going to look for the one girl who had dared to turn me down.

I got to her hotel a few minutes later. I was standing right outside the door when I heard the sound of laughter. I guessed there were a few girls in there.

Taking the risk of being turned down in front of an audience, I knocked the door.

A dark haired girl opened the door and gawked at me. She looked stunned to see me. Another dark haired girl popped

her head out and almost dropped her jaw.

"You're James Lyons!" She squealed. "Girls it's James Lyons!"

"The billionaire?" Another girl asked just before they all crowded in the door way.

I counted six girls but neither of them was Bianca. On any other day, I would have been thrilled by the audience in front of me but I was intent on finding Bianca.

"Morning ladies, I'm looking for Bianca." I told them but they were all still staring.

"That's enough ladies, stop gawking at the man or you'll tear a hole through him."

I smiled at the deep voice and turned to meet the emerald eyes.

She was even more breath taking up close.

"Bea Bianca."

"James Lyons, I trust these girls got your morning started at a jolly note."

I smiled at her and noticed the girls were still staring at us.

"Not as much as seeing your beautiful face love."

"Aren't you the charmer? Well chop chop mate, what do you want?"

"You."

I watched as her eyes bulged and her cheeks flushed for a moment. She was as beautiful as a blooming rose in spring. She made my insides knot just by breathing.

"James Lyons, can we talk somewhere else?" She asked a little more serious faced.

I followed her down the hall and into an elevator where we remained in awkward silence. No doubt she had not counted on me telling her the truth so bluntly.

I did want her. I wanted her so badly it hurt.

We wound up in a café where she ordered a cup of tea and I did the same.

"What did you mean by that?" She asked.

"Just that, I want you. I sent you flowers and chocolates this morning and you sent them back."

"I didn't mean to bruise your ego but I hate roses."

"What do you like?"

She narrowed her beautiful eyes and smiled seductively.

"I guess that's for me to know and you to find out."

I loved a challenged and the fact that she was taunting me like this meant she wanted to play hard

to get.

What she didn't know was that we won't be playing her little game long.

"All I want is one date. One date. If you dong want me after that, I'll stay away."

She frowned at me.

"You have to earn that date James Lyons." She told me as I watched her touching up on her lipstick.

How badly I wanted to sink my teeth into those full luscious lips. No doubt she was doing it on purpose, wetting my growing appetite for her. What I was feeling was raw sexual hunger for the emerald eyed beauty.

"What can I do to earn it?" I asked her.

I was never one to beg but Bianca had me down on my knees.

"I want a golden clawed bathtub. Not gold coated, pure gold. Get me that and I'll go on a date with you."

Without wasting another second, she walked away smiling to herself.

She wanted a bloody golden clawed tub?

Bloody hell!

=================

Chapter four: A mile

Bianca's POV

"Good morning my lady."

I paused and stared at the silver haired man. He was in a prim grey suit and was standing beside a white Rolce Royce Phantom with gold rims. The car boasted of opulence. Was he some sort of a sugar daddy?

"Morning." I answered apprehensively.

"Forgive me please, I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Simon. I am Mr. Bellingerre's chauffeur. He asked me to meet you today."

So Tony was still pursuing me?

I had thought the insane demand would have put him off.

Bloody hell! What if he succeeded? I would have to go on a date with him.

"What for?" I asked adjusting my sun glasses.

He opened a red box revealing a single golden key.

"For you. He asks that you come with me."

"What does that open?" Lola cut in rudely as she grabbed the key and peered at it.

I snatched it back.

"Mind your bloody P's and Q's!" I chided.

She frowned at me and my attention was back on Simon who was respectfully quiet.

"What does it open?" I asked.

He opened the back door of the Rolce Royce and gestured me to enter.

"Its a surprise my lady but if you come with me, we will find out together."

I hated surprises.

But before I could turn him down Lola was already in the back seat.

I rolled my eyes and got in as well.

The white leather seats were plush and the interior cool. The Bellingerre family crest was obvious inside the Rolce.

"Your boyfriend is wealthy."

"He's not my boyfriend." I denied profusely.

"Whatever you say. But if I were you, I would make sure I have all his attention. There are a handful of billionaires and you should totally cling to him."

Lola was materialistic. The only qualification a man needed to get her attention was deep pockets.

I wanted a man who could love me to the ends of the earth. If he was rich, then it would be a bonus. If not, it's okay. I just wanted to be loved.

But love was not part of my agenda. I wanted to make it first. I wanted to reach the pinnacle of my career before I could focus my attention else where.

Having a man in my life would mean my freedom would be curtailed. It would mean I would have to constantly let him know where I was and who I was with.

I didn't need that.

I liked calling the shots. I liked to be in charge.

"Ladies, we are here." Simon announced earning my attention.

It was a street commonly called the millionaires street.

The massive plush mansions that resembled castles housed the elite in society. Politicians, celebrities and business men.

I wondered if James Lyons lived here.

Simon got the door and we eased out taking in the breath taking house in front of us.

Once we got to the door, Simon stared at me expectedly.

It was only then that I realized I had the key. Slipping the golden key into the key hole, I turned it and I was blown away by the interior of the house.

Lola shrieked in excitement as I remained

dumb.

White marble floors that were so clean I could see my reflection. The ceilings were high with arched windows and gold crown moulding all around. The double staircase was even more breathtaking with gold railing.

I had asked for a golden bath tub and I got a house with marble and gold details. I made my wat upstairs and found the master bedroom.

It had a large circular bed with gold posters and white silk bedding. It looked like a Queen's boudoir.

I wandered of to the bathroom and there it was sitting in front of a long window with a gold and diamond chandelier hanging above it.

The golden bathtub with clawed feet. It even had a golden faucet to complement it.

I approached it and noticed the water inside looked milky with red floating petals. The glow of the setting sun only made the gold more appealing.

I saw a neatly folded note with a single long stemmed red rose across it. I reached out and opened it.

Love,

I hope you've found my surprise.

I hope you love it.

James Lyons.

"You have to marry him!" Lola squealed. "Or better yet have his babies."

That reddened me instantly.

"Miss Lola, can I please drive you home?" Simon asked.

Lola looked irritated.

"Mr. Bellingerre would prefer to be alone with Miss Bianca." He told her bluntly. "I don't think a three some is in his agenda

tonight. This way please."

Lola glanced my way and smiled.

"Make sure he knocks you up."

She left me alone and I could only wonder how breath taking the bathroom was. The house was something else.

I ran my finger along the tub and closed my eyes imagining myself in the tub.

"Strip down and soak."

I turned abruptly and saw the man who had given me a mile when I had asked for an inch.

"You've outdone yourself." I told him with a smile.

He smiled ruefully leaning his tall medium frame against the door.

He pulled out a lighter from his pocket and began lighting up the red candles scattered through the bathroom.

After he was done, I realized that the sun was almost paving way for another hot summer night.

"Thank you for the tub but I have to go." I said casually taking in his perfect form and his handsome face.

"Where to love? Won't you try the tub and see if it's a perfect fit?"

He traced the side of my face sending shivers through me. His eyes were hooded with intense desire in their depth.

Getting naked in front of this man would not be a good idea but I wanted to sit and bathe in a gold tub.

Turning around, I pulled mg hair to one side and took in a deep breath.

"Unzip me."

James Lyons's POV

I had spared no expense to satisfy Bianca's demand.

I would give anything to bask in her beauty even

if it was for a single night.

I slowly unzipped her out of her small black dress. My hands itched to caressed her bare back and my breath caught as her dress dropped to the floor exposing her beautiful bum.

I watched as she stepped out of her lacy black panties in the most sexually arousing way I had ever seen.

I rubbed my jaw taking in her sexy form. She was petite and slightly curvy.

She paused still in her heels before she turned and overwhelmed me with her full breasts.

My knees almost buckled as I took them in. Her buds were pink and pointy.

Maybe she was as aroused as I was.

"Well, will you help me out of these shoes?" She asked.

Without saying a word, I got down on one knee and undid the thin straps around her ankle.

As soon as the shoe was off, she held onto my shoulder for support. I did the same on the other foot and I was now looking up at her pierced navel.

My hands wrapped around her petite waist and she smiled seductively.

I wanted to sit her on the vanity and bury my head into her moist center.

She read my thoughts and backed away getting into the tub. She slowly sat into the warm creamy liquid and tied up her long hair in a bun.

I watched my hunger rising.

"Will you stand there all night or will you bathe me James Lyons?" She asked authoritatively.

I rolled up my shirt sleeves to my elbows and took a sponge laying on the side of the tub.

I slowly soaked the sponge and rubbed her back. I heard her gasp as soon as I touched her. No doubt she felt electrified by the contact just as I did.

I rubbed the sponge along her back lower

to her back as she moved slightly. I was curious about her skin.

I dropped the sponge and slowly touched her skin with my bare hand running my finger down her spine. Her skin was petal soft.

I couldn't take the torment anymore.

Undressing myself, I got into the tub sitting behind her. She was between my legs. I pulled her back my interest poking at her back.

"James Lyons, you're invading my privacy." She spoke seductively.

"I can't help it love. You have me by my bloody balls." I breathed out as I cupped her breasts.

They filled my hands and I smiled at how full and soft the felt.

I rubbed my thumb around her peaked bud and she sighed.

She loved it.

I did too. My interest was growing bigger. I planted soft kisses down her neck to her shoulder. I sank my teeth into the side of her neck and earned myself a deep moan.

"I want you Bea Bianca." I groaned in frustration.

"How badly do you want me?" She asked.

"So bad I can take you in this tub. Just sag the words and I will pleasure you beyond you'd wildest imagination."

"And what would you do to me?" She asked in a low seductive voice.

I leaned closer to her ears.

"I will start by kissing your luscious full lips. I will kiss you until your head falls back. Then I will take your lovely breasts into my mouth and feed on your nipples until they grow soar. I would then kiss the rest of you and eat you. I want to taste the sweetness between your legs."

She gasped as my finger traced her core in a fleeting touch.

"Then I would spread you after making you cum multiple times. I would then finger your core and lick clean every ounce of sweetness from you. Then I would penetrate your folds and bang you so hard, my name is all you'll be screaming. I will take you to highs you've never reached. I will drown you in passion. I will get you drunk in ecstasy. I will be the best you've ever had Bea Bianca." I whispered biting her ear softly.

She literally moaned and I knew she had probably imagined everything I had said in gross detail. She clasped her knees together and sighed deeply a shiver rocking her body.

Her fingers gently pried my hands off her breasts. She stood up and turned to face me. Her naked form was making me harder.

"I think we should can it a night James Lyons."

She was quick to step out of the tub.

I did so too smiling at how much I had affected her.

I helped her into a flimsy silk robe that did nothing to cover her body.

It clung to her wet form and I loved it.

"I have to go." She said as she reached for her clothes.

I took her hand stopping her.

"Don't go, stay the night."

"I can't. Not after what you said you wanted to do to me."

"I dream about it every night. I want to pleasure your body. Just let me Bianca. I promise you'll love it."

"No doubt I will but I don't surrender on the first date. You'll have to work a little harder baby boy."

=================

Chapter five: Dazed

I will pleasure you all night... Drown you in passion... get you drunk with ecstasy.

James Lyons's words were drowning my thoughts. He had been so passionate about bedding me.

I hadn't been able to sleep since his erotic proclamation.

It had been a bloody month. A bloody month and I could still smell his scent, hear his husky voice begging me to spread my legs.

I couldn't live like this.

I needed to satisfy my curiosity but it had to be with him.

I was constantly dazed unable to focus on anything. I was constantly wet, desire eating up whatever little sanity I had left.

He had done it on purpose, seducing me into getting in the tub with him.

But wasn't I the one who had asked for a tub?

"Earth to Bianca?"

I looked up from the cloth rack and met Lola's dark eyes.

"Since you and the billionaire demanded privacy in that bathroom with the golden tub you've been weird. What did he do to you?

He bewitched me. I was now a slave to sexual curiosity.

"Nothing." I suddenly blurted out and yanked a random dress from the rack.

"What does he have? Length or girth?"

I froze

recalling his pointy friend down south. My throat ran dry and I struggled to swallow.

"Both." I said casually.

Tony would probably tear me.

"Did he go all night?" She pried further.

I gave her a warning look and got dressed.

"You don't have to be so mean with the details B.B."

"Last time I checked, its my private life. What happens between Tony and I remains between us two. Piss off!" I snapped.

Lola was looking for gossip to share with magazines, her friends and tabloids. I didn't need that kind of drama.

"Calm down Bianca. You should let him pop your cherry. It will help you relax."

I almost cursed her had it not been for my angry manager walking towards me.

"Bea Bianca, what is this about?" she asked slamming a magazine on the table beside me.

I gazed down at it and saw a split picture of James Lyons and I.

Super model Bea Bianca Buchanan with new boo billionaire James Lyons Bellingerre. Inside sources inform us that the business tycoon bought the model a house worth two million pounds and that they spent a

cozy night together in the house. Is this another fling for the billionaire? We don't know but we have our eyes on the two love birds.

I had a pretty good idea who the inside source was.

Lola.

"Well?" Area asked me.

"Well what?" I asked.

"Lola, give us a moment."

As soon as she left, Arra glared at me.

"This publicity can go horribly bad and it can also boost your popularity. It all depends on how you ride it out. My advice, if you haven't allowed him to pop your cherry I suggest you do. Hook him in and use him to get ahead." Arra told me.

How could I use James Lyons? That was cruel.

"No." I told her. "I won't use him to get ahead."

"Why not? You think because he bought you a house worth two million he loves you? All he wants us sex. He's using you, use him."

I was surrounded by maniacs. The whole reason I worked so hard was so as not to rely on a man to make me successful. Doing what my manager was saying meant I would water down my standards and use James Lyons's influence and popularity to get ahead.

How would he feel about it?

"No."

"Too late for that. This came for you earlier today. I've already picked out a dress. You better not fail me."

She handed me a white envelop and

left. It had the Bellingerre family crest.

It seemed that James Lyons and I had our fated linked. No matter what I do or sat, I would always find myself crossing paths with him.

James Lyons's POV

(1 week ago)

My father had been bounding me about the CEO position. Just over five years ago he had denied me the chance to prove myself. Now he was the one begging me to be his CEO.

I found him reading the morning paper with a frown in his face. I was ready to make him a deal where we would both stand to benefit.

"Look at what the cat dragged in." He teased when he saw me.

"And you look older than you did a week ago." I fired back.

That's how we related to each other.

"I want to make you a deal." I said.

He frowned at me and sat up.

"Usually, it's polite to start with s greeting son. Then we talk about the weather and then we have a cup of tea. Only then can we discuss business. Didn't Erma teach you that?"

"Leave Erma out of

this. I'm here to make you an offer."

"What offer?"

"During the Annual Bellingerre Charity Ball, I need you to put someone up on auction."

It was my family's tradition to hold an Annual Charity Ball before the end of Summer. A woman in attendance would be picked randomly and put on auction. Men would bid on her with the winner earning a date.

"Let me guess, Bea Bianca?"

"How did you know?"

"I'm Wayne Bellingerre, I know everything. What do I get if she's up for auction?"

I sat down beside him.

"You get me as CEO."

A victorious grin plastered on his face as he nodded.

"Deal. But get all the pennies in your bank account in order. I have feeling a lot of men will be bidding on the blonde."

"I know. Just make sure she's up for auction. A week with her as opposed to a night."

"I'll have to raise the bid."

"It's okay. Triple the starting number if you want. Just make sure she's there."

*

Presently...

The air in the room was tense.

I wanted to strangle the life out of Rei for showing up with Bianca on his arm... my Bianca.

My blood was boiling.

"Here is to the best Annual Charity Ball ever." My father said handing me a glass of the hard stuff. "You need that more than I do. I hope you brought all your pennies because your brother wants the blonde as much as you do."

"No doubt you had a hand in this?" I asked him.

"Maybe, maybe not. I guess we'll never know."

I should have known he would pull off something like this.

No doubt he wanted to raise millions today and he knew I must have wanted Bianca so badly to have accepted his CEO post. He was going to play me against my brother. He was going to play us against each other and we were both going to willingly participate.

"Happy bidding son."

He walked away and I felt a strong pain in my heart when I saw Bianca laughing at something Rei had said.

"They look cute together. You do know if he wins the auction, you still take over as CEO, right? And then it's wedding bells for you and I."

Bloody hell!

That was the old man's play.

I hadn't thought that far because all I could see, smell and think of was Bianca. I felt stupid for falling right into his trap. He had wanted me for Brianne and I had delivered myself on a silver platter.

"I can't wait Ti be Mrs. James Lyons Bellingerre."

She stole a kiss from my lips and

unfortunately, Bianca caught it. A sudden flash of jealousywas evident in her eyes. She cupped Rinaldo's face and kissed him.

That stirred something stronger than jealousy in me. I wanted to kill Rei and show her that she was not allowed to kiss any other man other than me.

"Ladies and gents, jolly good evening to you all. Let's settle down and get right into it." My father spoke signalling it was time for the bid.

We all took pur seats as I watched Rei leading Bianca to the stage.

"You look tense." Ferrer pointed out.

"No one from this table is allowed to bid." I warned Cole, Bruce and Ferrer. "She's my girl. Keep off."

There was no objection.

My eyes darted around the room and I saw almost all the men preparing to bid. I had expected it. Bianca was dashingly beautiful and all the men wanted her.

"Tonight's bid is on this lovely young woman. Her name is Bea Bianca. The prize is an entire week alone with her. Bidding starts at half a million pounds."

"Six hundred thousand." A man announced.

"Seven hundred thousand!" Another one announced.

"Nine hundred!"

I had learned something from Jacob. To wait for people to fight it out before making a bid so significant no one would top it.

"Do I hear a million?" My father asked.

"One million." Rei announced earning a few gasps.

One million going once, twice-"

"Three million." I added.

That is when I realized the race had narrowed down to Rei and I.

"Four million." Rei announced.

My Father's silver eyes settled on me.

"Six million." I announced.

I saw the frustration in Rei's eyes.

He was about to say something when I stood up and decides to wrap up the bid so that I could take my prize home.

"Ten million." I spoke proudly as I stood up.

That silenced the room leaving Bianca dumb and her eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

"Ten million going once, twice..." My father hesitated. "Thrice. Sold to James Lyons, step forward and claim your prize."

I gave Rei a gleeful gaze before stepping forward and wrapping my hands around Bianca's waist.

I bent her slightly and kissed her lips with all the hunger I could unleash in front of our audience. She didn't squirm, she gave in allowing me to taste every inch of her sweet mouth.

Our first kiss...

After I had had my fill, I looked into her eyes and steadied her to her feet.

She was speechless, her face flashed.

I didn't wait a second longer.

I shoved her over my shoulder and carried her away earning some cheers along the way.

Once we were out of sight and earshot, she started squirming.

"Put me down James Lyons!" She demanded.

I spanked her with my free hand and she gasped.

"Silence or I will spank you harder."

She remained silent as I carried her towards the Rolce Royce pulled up at the front of the hotel.

I unceremoniously shoved her in the back as Simon watched with curiosity.

"You have no right to treat me like this!" She yelled.

"I have ten million bloody reasons to treat yah as I please lassie! Now settle down or I will put you over my knees and spank your bloody ass so hard yah don't sit for a bloody week!"

After that, I slammed the door shut without giving her a chance to speak. I was still upset about her kissing Rei to upset me.

"Congratulations on your win. Where to sir?" Simon asked me.

"To the bloody hanger. Is my plane ready?"

"Yes sir."

"And the villa at the island?" I asked.

"All done sir."

"Chop chop then, let's go."

=================

Chapter six: Popping the cherry

Bianca's POV

It was going to happen no doubt about it.

After being alone on the island with Tony for six days, it was finally going to happen.

How could it not? He was a red blooded male and I was a fairly attractive woman.

We had shared a few moments that could have led to me being beneath his sinfully gorgeous body but I had always bailed out on him.

He was not pleased about it but he never showed his frustration.

I had known all along that at some point I would have to surrender myself to him.

I was alone in an island with a playboy who was literally on heat constantly nursing a hard on in front of me.

I had felt him over occasionally and I had my doubts that I could accommodate him but then again I was curious.

We had kissed and he had done other things to me that at first left me appalled only for me to love every bit of it later. All the things he had promised to do to me he did except for the icing on the cake. That I had denied him with every fibre of my being.

On one occasion, he had come so close, an inch more and he would have gotten his way.

He was patient but it was running thin.

This morning, I woke up to the smell of bacon. He was shirtless

with an apron over his body. It was a sight to see. I saw it every morning, as he fixed me breakfast. He looked so good, felt so good and tasted just as good.

Among the other things, Tony had taught me how to please him. He had walked me through every step teaching me what felt great and what felt intense.

I must admit that I loved pleasuring him; watching him depending on me to get a release.

I loved it when he was breathless, falling apart and chanting my name.

The first time he had shown me how to give him head, he had been reluctant.

I had proven myself and he had loved it. Since then, whenever I denied him entrance, I just pleased him to compensate.

Tony knew how to please and I was learning from the master.

"Good morning love."

I smiled quietly at his greeting and made my way around the kitchen counter.

Wrapping my hand around his neck I tiptoed and kissed his lips slowly savouring the sweetness of the moment.

"Your apron reads 'kiss the chef'. I just did."

He smiled at me exposing his perfect set of teeth.

"I should get you one that says 'make love to the chef' and I will make love to you."

"Too bad for you. I lack culinary skills. So there is no need for an apron.".

"You can't cook?" He asked.

I didn't even know my way around a kitchen. I survived on restaurants and hotels.

"Who has made all our meals since we got here?" I asked him.

He laughed

lightly and kissed me before flipping the pancakes he was working on.

"Don't worry love, I have a chef. Well be alright. What matters is that you are skilled in something that makes the chef less edgy."

"Tony, stop it." I said with a laugh.

The sex talk was getting me wet.

"Stop what?" He asked as he dripped some apple sauce down my chest.

He leaked me clean pinching my nipples and getting me to back away.

"Tony!"

"Come here before I chase you down. If I catch you I'll have to punish you."

Punishing me, was something else Tony and I had agreed on. I didn't mind the spanking. It was erotic. Whether he had me over his knees or against the wall, I enjoyed it.

Taking him up on his challenge, I ran. I ran through the living room and towards the open glass doors.

Every time I turned, he was right behind me. He tackled me at the edge of the pool and we fell in.

After a moment we surfaced both of us laughing hard. With Tony I could be as childish as I pleased. He made me feel comfortable.

"I am starving. I would love to play with you but I need to eat. Coming?" He asked as he got out of the pool and pulled me out.

When we got inside, he helped me out of my wet clothes. He slipped off his own and sat down on the couch pulling me over his knee.

"Now love, you know why I'm doing this, right?"

"Yes daddy, I've been a bad girl." I teased.

I laughed silently but my laughter ceased when his firm hand met my ass.

I gasped at the impact. It was harder than usual.

"One." I counted as he would expect of me.

The second

one was just as startling but the third through to ten were quite erotic.

Once he was done, he pulled me up and gazed into my eyes.

"Why do you make me punish you?"

"Because I love it."

He raised a brow at me.

"Someday I'll punish you so hard, you'll never disobey me again." He was serious.

I nodded and he went off to serve us both breakfast.

I would get in trouble with him if I kept it up.

Later, we took a walk barefooted along the sandy beach. We had our fingers interlaced and I loved how comfortable it felt.

"You look nothing like your father. Shouldn't sons look like their fathers." I teased him.

I earned a quick spank and giggled endlessly.

"I suppose I look like my mother."

"You suppose? Aren't you sure?"

"No. I've never met my mother."

I suddenly regretted prying into his personal life. We stopped and I saw the sadness in his eyes.

"I'm sorry Tony. I didn't know."

He cupped the side of my face.

"Promise me if you ever become a mother, you'll never abandon our children."

Our children...

Tony was thinking of our future.

Me, a mother? Children with Tony? No way. Not me. I didn't to ever want

to be one a mother.

"Tony, I'm not sure-"

"She abandoned me on my father's door step. I was less than a month old."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've made you talk about it."

"It's okay love. What about you?"

I didn't want to talk about me. I stared at him and faced the blue ocean. I had suffered a painful past having moved from one foster home to another. I didn't know my parents and I honestly didn't care whether they were dead or alive. I just didn't care. I had learned to live without them.

"Bianca," he called softly.

"I'm an orphan. Let's talk about something else." I spoke quickly while fighting my tears.

"Of course." He said casually.

He took my hand and we continued walking in silence. The sun was not that hot. I loved it.

I tried to get the thought of my parents out of my mind. I couldn't so I decided to just talk about it.

"I was left in a carton box outside a church on a rainy night. I was only a month old."

Tony stopped walking and hugged me tightly.

I didn't want to cry but I cried. I cried more than I should and Tong held me tightly.

I was an unwanted child and that word had been repeated to me all my life every time I failed to fit in a foster home.

"It's okay love. Don't worry about that, I'm here. I'm right here. I love you."

My tears suddenly ceased.

I freed myself from his hold and stared at him wide eyed.

"What?"

"I said i love you Bianca."

"Are you sure?" I asked him.

Frustration set into his brown eyes.

"I tell you I love you and you ask me if I'm sure? What the hell Bianca?"

He was definitely mad. Why did I even react like that?

"Tony."

"No. Don't."

He walked away from me.

*

Two hours later after much thought, I found myself standing beside the pool watching him swimming.

The sun was setting.

The air was cool.

The scene was amazing as he came out of the pool. I handed him a towel and he peered at me.

He didn't look upset, at least not anymore.

"I'm sorry about earlier." I began. "I don't know what came over me."

His hands settled on my bare shoulders. I was in a strapless sheer top with a pair of tiny shorts. His eyes dropped down to my thighs then back up to my eyes.

I knew that look. Today, I would allow it.

"I love you." He said.

He leaned down to my height and kissed me. Hus lips were soft against mine. His tongue met mine and he teased me as my body surrendered to the embrace. His hands trailed down the side of my arms and he cupped my bum.

His hands slipped under my small shorts and he traced me.

His touch was electric.

"Tony." I managed to speak after our kiss ended.

"Talk to me love."

"Upstairs?" I asked.

He smiled and shoved me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing.

"Put me down Tony!" I screamed halfway laughing.

He spanked mW repeatedly and dropped me unceremoniously on the bed.

I continued laughing until his gaze completely darkened. He was serious about having me.

"You've been a naughty girl today." He whispered as he kissed me. "You talked back at me, you rolled your eyes at me and you returned after hours at the beach. What were you doing there?"

I cupped his chin.

"I didn't want to come back."

"You worried me. A few more minutes and I would have called the life guards."

After a moment if him looking into my eyes, he gently unbuttoned my shorts and pulled them down.

Next, he took off my top and unclasped my bra leaving me completely exposed. His eyes raked approvingly over me his lust darker than it was before.

"Stay put." He said walking over to the closet. He returned with a tie.

"What's that for?" I asked.

"I'm punishing you for being naughty. You won't touch me."

He tied my wrists to the bed post. It was a tight knot that I couldn't get out of.

"Tony." I breathed sharply as his lips traced me with soft feathery kisses."

"Stay still or I'll tie your ankles as well."

I didn't disobey him.

I stayed still as he ravished every inch of me hungrily. His fingers, his lips and tongue teased my core endlessly until I was dripping wet. I was panting, tugging at the tie for a release but he kept it going turning my sanity into insanity.

I was arching my back and moaning his name as he took me to heights I hadn't reached yet.

A few seconds later I came apart and he sighed contentedly.

He stood up gazing at me for a long moment.

"You're making me nervous Tony."

He didn't say anything. Instead he took off his shorts and instinctively brought my knees together at the sight of his throbbing manhood standing at attention .

He grabbed a condom and I watched him slipping it on gently. He got onto the bed and placed his hands on my knees.

"Open up baby." He pleaded softly. "It has to be tonight."

I wasn't willing and I saw the impatience in his eyes.

"There are many other ways to enter you Bianca."

"Tony, I need to tell you something."

"What?" He asked.

"No one has ever popped my cherry."

=================

Chapter seven: The girl for me

James Lyons's POV

"No one has ever popped my cherry."

I backed away and stared at her.

"You've never had sex?" I asked her.

She nodded.

Bloody hell she didn't look it.

I untied her wrists and sat her up.

"I'm sorry Bea, I didn't know. I could have handled this better."

"You said you love me. Why? How can you be sure? People don't fall in love this fast. You don't even know me."

"I do know you. Let me answer one question a time. First, why do I love you? Because you're amazing. You're real. You don't hide who you are. I've been with many women and they are always pretending to be someone they are not. You're you and I love that about you."

I kissed her lips softly.

"How can I be sure I love you? Because when I'm with you I feel complete. When I'm with you the whole world fades. When I'm with you, I feel alive. That makes me sure that I love you."

I followed up with another intense kiss watching her dazed eyes.

"Thirdly, falling in love doesn't have a timeline. It can happen overnight, in a matter of days, months or even years. Mine was in a matter of months when I stared at your pretty face every day on a magazine page. I've always wanted to meet you and when I did, I was sure that what I felt was not a mistake."

"Lastly, you're

right. I don't know you. I would like to know you of you let me."

She smiled and cupped my face.

"Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"

"Yes. That and something else."

"What?" She asked apprehensively.

"Move in with me."

She chuckled softly.

"Can I think about the last part?" She asked.

"Of course girlfriend."

"Thank you boyfriend."

*

It was our last day on the island and as much as I hadn't gotten what I wanted from Bianca, I was happy she had decided to become mine.

I adored her and I didn't see anything wrong in taking it a step at a time, learning how to walk before we can fly but patience was not my strong suit when it came to Bianca. I wanted all of her.

But I had to set things straight with a certain old man who would manipulate my life should I give him any leeway.

Bellingerre Consolidate, the company I've always desired to have as my own was a tall building. Not as tall as Sheik Burji in Abu Dhabi but tall nonetheless.

The inside was a reflection of my fathers cold heart; blacks, greys and whites with no other color in sight. If the old man bad his way, the entire work force would be in monochromatic colors as we.

His secretary was a short chubby woman with an eye for gossip. Sandra never let anything pass her by.

She knew everything about everyone. She was also my father's partner in crime.

"Is he in?" I asked curtly not in the mood to exchange pleasantries with her.

She eyed me almost viciously but I ignored her.

"Is he in?" I asked again in case she had miraculously gone deaf.

"He's in but-"

I didn't wait for any more information. I made my way into the large contemporary office and spotted his white haired head.

"We need to talk."

He slowly turned his seat to face me a wry smile on his face.

"Well well James Lyons, seems a week alone with the blonde in an island has done nothing for your sour mood."

"I'm not taking up CEO." I stated flatly.

I watched his face pale for an entire minute as a mixture of emotions ran through him. After he finally recovered from the sudden outburst of the son he has always yearned to control, he stood up.

"I have already drafted the paperwork. The board has been prepped. I am making the announcement this weekend at the business gala this company is hosting. There is no backing out boy!"

Boy... I hard it when he called me that.

But losing my cool was what he was counting on. He knew me so well to anticipate each time I threw a fit.

"We had a deal, I make the blonde happen and you become CEO."

No doubt my silence was unnerving him. I had learned it from Jacob. To always keep silent and listen to the opponent spewing out their guts.

"You know something strange?" I asked him calmly.

"What?"

"Ten

years ago I was more than willing to be part of this bloody company. But you treated me like shit. Now that I have my own company, you want me back. What about golden boy? Your favorite son?

"I must admit that seeing you this successful has made me realize I chose the wrong successor. I should have picked you Lyons, not Reinaldo."

His honesty surprised me but I tried not to look excited. I've always yearned for his approval. As much as we didn't get along, he was still my father and like any other son, I wanted his approval.

"I'll make you a deal." He said more softly. "Take up the company and I get off your back completely."

"Better deal, I'll take up the company if you step down entirely. Neither you or Rei will have a say in anything I do."

His face grew even paler. It was unlike the old man to surrender control. The need to control everything was part of his anatomy.

"Lyons, you know I can't do that." He declined.

"Fine. Think about how much you need me to captain your sinking ship and let me know what you decide. Cheerio!"

I left him in thought.

It was either my way or no way at all.

Bianca's POV

I couldn't bring myself to believe that I was officially James Lyons's girlfriend.

I had said yes.

Why?

I

wanted to badly believe I had been caught up in the moment.

But was that really it?

No.

Something drew me to that man. Something strong that I couldn't fight. The way he controlled me and I followed senselessly... It was all strange but I still was his...

I was his...

"How was it?"

I suddenly turned and saw Lola staring at my hand.

I had obviously been holding the golden key to the key hole for a while. I pushed it in and turned the lock.

"Great." I told her.

"That's all you're telling me?" She asked as she invited herself into the house.

When I made my way in, I noticed the once empty house Tony had gifted me was fully furnished.

It was perfect.

"Wow Bianca! Looks like you landed a gold mine."

"That's not why I'm with him. It's not for the money."

"So you're together?

Is it for the power? Social media presence? Popularity? Influence? Because we both know its not love. So what is it Bianca?"

At that moment I hated Lola more than I ever have. She was obviously looking for gossip to disseminate to magazines. She was not being a sincere friend.

"He told me he's in love with me." I told her.

I was testing her.

Her eyes flashed with a familiar green monster but she shrugged it off.

"I'm so happy for you!"

More like she could run me over with a bloody lorry if she had one.

"Thank you. Now if you don't mind, I'm exhausted and I would like to sleep." I infirmed her.

She sat down on the sofa instead of taking tgd hint and leaving.

"Will you be quoting your modelling career?" She pried further.

She was wearing me out.

"Are you a bloody reporter? Why are you asking so many questions? What happens between James Lyons and I us none of your bloody business!" I snapped.

I was hot tempered honestly speaking. I flared up faster than a wild fire in the summer.

Lola's eyes widened at my outburst and she stood up picking her bag.

"I thought we were friends. But I guess now that you have your wealthy prince, you think you can damn us all to hell. Well let's just see how long your life with James Lyons will last."

And there she was, the real her.

"Are you threatening me?" I asked her.

"Just remember, you and I gave history. I know you like the back of my hand and I can destroy you if I please. I will make sure you don't have a future with the billionaire."

She flipped her long black hair and left the house.

I sat down on the sofa facing the backside garden. It was a cold autumn afternoon. But the cold was just not on the outside but inside as well. Back stabbing 'friends', a dark past, my own inability to figure out why I had said yes to Tony... It was cold inside.

My phone startled me out of my miserable thoughts and I was glad for the distraction.

Tony: Dinner tonight?

Wasn't he tired of being together all the time?

Before I could text back, a phone call came through.

"Good evening Arra?"

"How was the island? Any progress with the billionaire?"

Arra has been hustling me to use James Lyons's influence, popularity and connections to get ahead in my career. As much as it would be great, I wasn't going to use Tony like that.

"Fine. What do you need?" I asked.

"I need you in Prague by tomorrow morning. I got you a runway show. Plus a famous designer would like to make you the face of her label. I'm sending you details on the flight and hotel booking."

"I can't." I told her as I thought of dinner with James Lyons.

"Bianca, is he trying to domesticate you? You can't be the stay at home. I want your ass in Prague tomorrow morning."

The line went dead before I could respond.

"Prague or dinner with Tony?" I wondered.

"Dinner with me."

I smiled at the sound of his voice.

"Tony. I didn't expect to see you this soon."

"Why not?" He asked as he shed off his coat and walked towards me.

He looked stressed out.

"Because this is my house. Who gave you a key?"

My hands were settled on his shoulders. He smiled slightly but it faded soon after. He mapped my face with his fingers and finally focused on my lips.

He dropped his head and suffocated me with a breathtaking kiss. It was deep, slow and tantalizing.

My toes were curling in my shoes and my hands feeling his firm chest.

He broke away slowly and gazed at me.

"I have my own key. Don't go to Prague. Stay with me tonight."

His words were hypnotizing me to stay.

"I have to work Tony. I can't stop just because I'm dating a billionaire."

"Stay with me tonight." He insisted.

"Tony-"

Another slow breath taking kiss followed. It was a little more demanding with his fingers digging deep into my waist.

He was drowning my senses and muffling my thoughts. All I could feel at that moment was deep lust.

I wanted him.

"Stay tonight, let me make sweet love to you " He whispered seductively.

Sweet love...

=================

Chapter eight: My last breath

"At least I'm here." I told Arra but she still wore that ruthless face she had on earlier

She was a scary middle aged woman who could make the most confident person uneasy in their own skin.

"You're six hours late. Were playing house with your boyfriend?"

More like he was popping my cherry all night long.

"When I agreed to take you on, I made it clear that I expected you to work hard. James Lyons is a billionaire. He has already made it. He is a successful business man. You are a twenty one year old model with a long way to go. So remove your head from the clouds and come down to earth."

Arra could definitely make a point clear.

"I'm sorry. I'll get right to it." I told her.

I wandered off into the changing rooms knowing the show was a minute away from starting. I got strange looks from the other models. It was not a secret that I was dating one of the most eligible bachelors alive.

I ignored them and stripped down picking out a red gown assigned to me.

There was still some soreness in my tight spot. I felt it when I walked and my back felt cramped after he had bent me in ways I couldn't have imagined possible.

It had been painful at entry but as soon as he soothed me into getting comfortable, it became sweeter.

He had kept his promise.

He had drowned me in

passion and had gotten me drunk on ecstasy.

He had taken me three times that night and it got sweeter each time he did it.

The climaxes only got more powerful each time and when we were done, my legs had grown numb after the endless wild mind blowing sensations he had given me.

I wanted more but first, I had to get my head out of the clouds and work.

*

I was usually hyped after runway shows. My friends and I would go clubbing and get drunk. But this time round I wasn't in the mood to party. Perhaps it was because I didn't know most of the girls I was working with.

According to Arra, I was in a new league thanks to my sudden popularity because of being personally linked to a successful oil baron.

I hated that my work status had improved just because of Tony and not my own efforts.

Most of the girls had been mean talking behind my back and going dead quiet when I was in range. It was painful but then again, words are just that; words.

I didn't let it affect me.

But I was still a little downhearted. I hated to admit it to myself but I was missing James Lyons.

I kept swirling the cocktail in my glass as I caught a glance of the bartender throwing me

suggestive looks.

I smiled slightly but it only served as an encouragement because he came closer.

"Ty."

"Bea."

"What is a beautiful girl like you doing alone?" He asked me.

Lousy pick up line. He might as well have asked me if it hurt when I fell from heaven.

"I'm not alone." I said casually sipping my cocktail. "He's always watching."

I would assume James Lyons was possessive enough to keep track of my movement but the bar tender was not convinced. So I scanned the room and spotted a

man in a black suit drinking a glass of water.

"You see that guy over there? He's my bodyguard. My boyfriend won't appreciate you talking to me."

I had told the biggest lie which I imagined would be partly true. Tony would have probably thrown a fit if he knew the bar tender was flirting with me.

He nodded as his smoke faded and he returned back to work. On any other day, I would have flirted with him but the hold Tony had on me was keeping me in check.

After finishing my cocktail I tipped him and made my way to my hotel room. I was halfway out of the elevator when I saw a man staring right at me.

Feeling my stomach knotting at the bad memories I had struggled to suppress thanks to that man, I took a step back into the elevator and continuously pressed a button so that it would close.

"Come

on you blasted thing!" I cursed but he was already dashing towards me.

Before it closed, he used his muscular hands to hold it open.

"Bea, how rude. Couldn't you hold the elevator?"

My throat was dry. My heart was pounding so hard I feared it would burst out of my chest. My knees felt almost liquid as I held onto the metal bar for support.

"You look like you've seen a ghost." He mattered as he pressed a button halting the elevator.

"Ben, what are you doing here?" I finally managed to speak in a low voice that I barely recognized as my own.

"You don't call, you don't text. Then I hear you're sleeping with a billionaire. I decided to look for you."

"Why?"

He angled his head to the left and his hand found my jaw. He held me firmly and planted a solid kiss on my lips.

"Because you owe me and I'm here to collect."

"I don't owe you anything!"

I slapped his hand away and he slammed me against the cold steel.

"You wouldn't be who you are without me. I saved you from throwing away your life. I was there when you were nothing and I can easily make you nothing Beatrice."

Beatrice Brooke.

My real name. I had parted ways with that name after my dark past.

"What are you trying you say Ben?"

"I made you, I can destroy you. All I need to do is

leak a few secrets and then we'll see if your thriving modelling career will continue. Better yet, what will you billionaire boyfriend think?"

I swallowed with difficulty at how serious he looked.

"So what do you want from me?"

"Come to my room and you'll find out. I'm two doors down from you."

"If you think you can blackmail me into doing your bidding you prick then you're mistaken. I'm not that scared girl anymore." I countered bravely.

A deep sardonic laugh filled the stalled elevator as he closed in.

"Oh Beatrice, I'm not bluffing. I'll end you if you don't meet my demands. You have an hour to come to me or I will leak your secrets to the first reporter I can get my hands on."

He kissed me again before the elevator opened and he stepped out blowing me a kiss as he disappeared down the hall.

I wiped my mouth repeatedly as tears stung my eyes.

I had worked so hard to make it this far. A glimpse into my past would ruin me. Tony would never look at me again and worse yet, I wouldn't be able to land any contracts.

I stepped out of the elevator and made my way to my room. After soaking myself in the ordinary bathtub compared to the one golden one Tony and I had made love in before I left, I got dressed in a simple dress and flat shoes.

I would go see the prick and get him off my case no matter the cost.

As I reached for the door, my phone vibrated.

"Tony?" I answered.

I could hear him breathing heavily on the

other side.

"Tony?"

"Bianca, Bianca, its so good to... to hear your voice."

He sounded strained like something was not right.

"Tony are you okay?" I asked unable to calm my nerves.

"I lo-love you."

"Tony? Are you okay?"

There was silence on the other end. I could hear the sound of sirens in the background.

"Tony!" I yelled. "Tony!"

*

2 hours earlier

James Lyons's POV

A lot was clouding my mind. My father's insistence that I marry Brianne De Latour before assuming my position as CEO. He was even willing to stay away from any company affairs if I married Brianne.

Then there was Rei. He was constantly jealous about me lately. He had been to my penthouse and had started a fight that I made sure to finish giving him a broken nose.

Then there was the woman I was crazy about; Bea Bianca.

The night we had shared had been exhilarating. I loved how soft she felt in my arms, how she moaned my name deeply , how tightly she had clung to me as I made love

to her three times in one night.

I usually could go once or twice but with Bianca, I could have gone a dozen times if she allowed it. But she was sore, tired and overwhelmed by the time we were done.

What annoyed me was her insistence to go to Prague. Why did she feel an urge to work when I could offer her the world?

Maybe she was just feeling overwhelmed by my presence. But I adored her, couldn't she see that?

I had been drinking for almost an hour in hopes of blowing up some steam.

"Are you driving home?" Bruce asked.

"Yes."

"That's your sixth bottle. Slow down." He warned.

"Last time I checked my father is at Bellingerre Manor. Leave me the hell alone." I warned him pointing an empty bottle at him.

Bruce sighed and glanced at his watch.

"Got somewhere else to be?" I pried.

"Yeah."

Bruce was never one to divulge information. It was either yes or no with him. Maybe it was his time in the Navy. He got used to answering orders with one word answers and he had brought the habit home.

"I'll call Simon to come get you. Give me his number." He insisted.

I finished up my drink and stood up.

"I don't need a bloody chauffeur. I'm more than capable of driving my own car."

I was a heavy weight and it took lot to get me to see doubles. Besides that, I was steady even as I made my way out to the parking lot.

"Will you be okay?" Bruce asked me.

I waved

him away and he grunted and cursed before slipping into his McLaren and speeding off.

I was making my way to my Agera when I spotted a tall man with a ponytail circling my car. He kept running a finger along the slick white body.

He raised his eyes to meet mine and for a long moment he just stared. He had a dark look that sent shivers through me and my mind was screaming at me to run but I remained glued to the spot.

He slowly made his way towards me and stopped a few inches away his eyes dropping to the car keys in my hand.

"Hand them over."

"Is this a bloody robbery?" I asked.

He chuckled slightly and pulled out his pen knife.

I reached for mine but it was not in my trouser. I had had it at Bianca's place. I must have dropped it there. I cursed silently knowing it was either I hold my fists up or I run.

As a young boy, I had always been a runner. I never stood around to wait for a fight to start. After I met Jacob, I had learned to hold up my fists. I had learned to finish the fight.

Tonight, I should have run but instead, I was in a mood to fight. I wanted to feel my fists crushing someone's skull.

"Hand over the keys."

"Over my dead body."

"Be careful what you wish for James Lyons. I can make it happen."

I suddenly felt something poking at my spine.

"Move and I'll paralyze you with one shot."

I sighed in frustration wishing Bruce was here. I was clearly outgunned, outnumbered.

It would be stupid to fight back.

But good judgement when I've been provoked was not exactly my strongest

suit.

I elbowed the man behind me so hard he fell back before tackling the other one to the ground. Without any hesitation, I punched his face repeatedly trying to get the upper hand when I was yanked from him.

Two men held me in place as the other man I was punching hit me repeatedly. Some blows got my face, others my ribs and finally I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen.

The other two men released me as my eyes met my assailant. They were dark swirls of evil. I felt my mouth filling up with blood as he twisted the knife not braking his gaze.

"You should have just given me the keys. There was no need for violence. The only person I want to hurt is your best friend."

He spoke so slowly and most of what he said seemed to pass through one ear and out the next.

He violently yanked the knife out and I fell on my knees my hand finding the deep wound he had inflicted on me.

He pushed me and I fell flat on my back as I started choking on my blood. When I looked up, I found myself staring up the nozzle of a gun.

I couldn't move, I felt almost lifeless that I barely felt it when he shot me in the chest.

I could feel my life slipping by as at that moment the faces of the people I loved the most flashed through my mind.

I was coughing, choking and I recalled a time when I had gotten so drunk I threw up at Erma. She had lay me on my side. She had taught me that laying on my side will keep me from choking. I rolled over with every last bit of energy I had and heard my Agera speeding off.

I reached for my phone and placed it next to me.

"Call Bianca."

I waited as the voice command took a few seconds to call her.

A shiver ran through me, it was getting very cold. My vision was slowly fading. If I was to die, then her voice is the last thing I want to hear. The only thing I wanted to take to the grave with me.

"Tony?" She answered and I managed a small smile.

"Bianca, Bianca, its so good to... to hear your voice." I stuttered with difficulty.

I was starting to heave, fighting to breath so that I could have this last moment with the woman I love.

"Tony are you okay?" She asked.

"I lo-love you." I managed to say before it got dark and silent.

=================

Chapter nine: Close call

Bianca's POV

I hated suspense.

Suspense was what was killing all of us as we paced up and down the waiting room.

I had met Tony's friends in the worst of circumstances.

There was Cole Michael. The tall handsome dark haired hazel eyed man. He was consoling Erma; a woman who was supposedly like a mother to Tony.

Cole Michael was unusually calm.

Then there was the scary one, Bruce. He looked tormented but nonetheless troubled. Something was definitely eating him up.

There was the mysterious man I was pacing to and fro with. Each time my eyes met his pale blue eyes, I shivered slightly.

Jacobolas Bale was not a stranger. He constantly graced business journals and magazines. He was one of the most wealthiest men alive rumored to be worth over fifty billion. He was a heart throb just like Tony but the look he was giving me was accusing.

I had flown back to London the moment I had received Tony's call. I had abruptly met these people who were apparently the only people my boyfriend considered family.

"Why are you here?" He asked abruptly catching me off guard.

I studied his face and saw the serious frown he had. The others were now looking at us.

"I'm here for Tony."

"At what capacity? Who are you to him?" He questioned.

I shrank back in fear. He was intimidating.

"I'm his girlfriend." I spoke in a small voice.

His cold pale blue eyes almost boarders a pale grey. It was an unusually alluring color that got me staring and speechless.

"You better

be worth his time because I swear if I find out you are with him for all the wrong reasons, I will make you regret the day you met him."

He dragged out his words and spoke with a voice so low on meant for my ears.

He left me feeling more insecure than I have ever felt my whole life.

I was thankful when the doors to the theatre swung wide open and a young doctor stepped out. He had honey blonde hair and a pair of soft light brown eyes.

His eyes met mine for a second before he focused on Jacob. The rest stood up as we all formed a somewhat semicircle facing him.

"Well?" Jacob demanded impatiently.

Erma touched her son's shoulder and his gaze softened.

"I have bad news and good news." He began uncertainty in the depth of his eyes.

"Start with the good news piqueno." Erma urged him.

"The surgery was a success, Tony got lucky. The bullet missed his heart by an inch or so."

"And the bad news?" I asked wondering what was making the doctor so gloomy.

"He lost a lot of blood. I had to resuscitate him three times during surgery. He's bleeding internally and there is little we can do to stop it. The next few hours are critical." He spike solemnly as silence dawned in the private waiting room.

I felt my knees growing weak at the thought of losing Tony. We hadn't known each other for long but I had grown fond of him. It was hard not to love James Lyons.

To love him?

I loved

him?

No.

"I know you guys would want to be hopeful for the best but let's keep a realistic view as well. Tony may not make it through the night."

I saw panic in Jacob's face as he rubbed the back of his head.

"I can't lose him. I just lost my wife, I can't lose my little brother Ferrer. You make sure he doesn't die!" He ordered Ferrer.

The doctor nodded as Erma broke down speaking in fluent Italian. I watched Jacob consoling her as they broke into a full Italian conversation.

I was just about to walk away when a hand caught mine.

"Bianca, right?" Cole asked.

"Yes. I need some air."

"I'll accompany you. You shouldn't be alone right now."

I couldn't refuse the company.

We walked in silence for a moment in the garden outside the hospital.

"I'm sorry about Jacob. He can be intense." Cole apologized.

"Is he always like that? So unfriendly?"

Cole laughed softly.

"Actually he's the most friendliest person I know. He's a cool guy, or at least he used to be."

"Used to be?"

"Yeah. After his wife died, he kinda died with her. That guy you saw in the waiting room is a stranger to us all. Its like something else took over his body. Trust me when I say we are all walking on egg shells around him. But I know he'll be back to his old self sooner or later."

"How can you be so sure? Sometimes life moulds us into monsters, darker versions of who we really are."

"I'm sure he'll be fine sooner or later. Life doesn't always have to mould us Bianca. We

control our own actions and in extension our future. The past should never dictate the future."

"Your quite the optimist."

"My twin sister is the pessimist. She's the one with all the negative energy." He said with a short laugh.

He didn't loom stressed. Its like he was on a happy pill that made his world sunny all the time.

"You should pass your positive energy to Jacob." I teased him.

"Its stormy on his side of the world. You can't rush healing grief. He'll be fine. In the meantime, we are all here for him."

"You're a good chum."

"We all are. He doesn't hate you in case you're wondering. He is just very protective of Tony." He said. "Back in high school each time Tony started a fight he couldn't win, Jacob would always finish it. No one ever crossed Tony because they all feared Jacob would rain his wrath on them. Those two are inseparable. Try and understand that he is just finding a way to vent."

That much I had noticed.

"Besides that, you are like an intruder in their relationship."

"What do you mean?"

We stopped and sat on a stone bench facing a water fountain.

"When Jacob married his wife, Tony wasn't pleased. She took all of his attention away from Tony and insisted Tony was a bad influence on Jacob. You are making Jacob feel like he's sharing Tony especially now that he feels alone in this world. Tread carefully, don't be the reason they fall apart."

"Jacob's wife was something."

"Yeah. She was an enchanting woman but very devious. A green snake in the grass. Jacob was seeing stars when he was with her and he married her within a few months

of knowing her. None of us could question him except for Tony and he got a lashing for it."

"He must have loved her."

"Deeply."

"I don't know how to assure him that I'm not after Tony's wealth." I confided in him.

"If you're not, you have nothing to prove. What matters is that Tony loves you and you love him."

And there it was.

It was expected that I love James Lyons.

"You look torn." He pointed out. "Something you want to talk about?"

"I think I love James Lyons."

The moment I spoke the words, my heart felt lighter.

"Love is not something you think through Bianca. It's something you feel. Its either you love him or you don't. There's no in between."

I just stared at the man wondering how high his IQ must be or maybe he just always knew what to say and when to say it.

"I have to make an urgent phone call but if I were you, I'd tell him the first chance I get."

He left me to my thoughts and I decided that I didn't want to keep quiet about my feelings for James Lyons.

I found my way back to the private waiting room reserved for anyone coming to see Tony.

Jacob was all alone staring at the ceiling. There was nothing interesting about it other than the crown molding.

I sat beside him and placed my hand on his though startling him out of his thoughts. He gave me an unwelcome glare before removing my hand from his thigh.

"Don't touch me." He said flatly. "Ever."

No doubt he hated me.

"I'm not here to cause any problem." I began.

"What do you want?" He asked impatiently.

There was no way this man could ever have been friendly at some point of his life.

"To tell you that I'm not with Tony for the money." I decided to be as blunt as he was.

"Then why are you with him?".

"Because I love him."

I surprised myself with my bold admission. Jacob raised one eyebrow at me and I watched a fleeting smoke escape his handsome face.

"Bianca, I have nothing personal against you. You need to understand that Tony is my little brother. I would do anything for him even if its forcefully removing you from his life. So I hope you mean what you've just told me."

"I mean it. I love James Lyons."

He didn't say another word after that. He engrossed himself on his phone typing away. I noticed the background picture on his screen and smiled.

It was a baby girl with pale blue eyes like his. She also had his dirty blonde hair.

"Is that your daughter?" I asked hoping he wouldn't ignore me.

"Yeah. Her name is Madeline. She's four months old. Can you believe she is sitting up on her own?" He said with a smoke that lingered for a while.

"She's beautiful. She has your eyes."

"Yes she does. Tony is jealous though." He said as he finally looked at me. "He wants a daughter."

I paled and Nic caught it. His smile faded.

"I'm guessing you two haven't talked babies yet."

"No."

"Good luck with that. When he wants something he gets it." He told me with a serious face.

A moment of silence passed and I decided to head towards the private room Tony was in.

I wasn't allowed in but I gazed at him from the glass window. He was a mess. It was the first time I was seeing him since I returned from Prague.

Tears stung my eyes and I blinked away furiously at how bandaged up he was. It was not fair what those brutes had done to him.

"Can I see him?" I asked the nurses.

"I'm sorry but only immediate family can be allowed in."

I didn't wait a second later. I ran all the way to the waiting room and found Jacob still texting.

"Jacob they won't let me see him. I need to see him."

I was frantic and crying and I didn't even know where it was coming from. Jacob reacted almost immediately taking my hand and dragging me along towards the private room.

Without asking for consent, he opened the door and gestures me to go in.

"Sir, she's not-"

"She's his better half. That is enough for me. Go ahead Bianca."

I walked in giving him an appreciative gaze and he smiled softly.

Once I approached Tony, I broke down completely. I couldn't stand the thought that I would lose him at any moment.

I brought my hand to his dark messy hair and straightened some stray locks. His face was bruised, his chest and abdomen bandaged.

"Hey baby, please don't go just yet. We just met. I just realized I love you. Please, stay." I spoke softly as I squeezed his hand.

I placed my head on his shoulder and listened to him breathing. I slowly dozed off and holding on him tightly hoping I won't lose him.

=================

Chapter ten: Marry me?

James Lyons's POV

There was someone squeezing my hand and with each squeeze came something wet on my shoulder. I felt some softness on my skin.

I tried to open my eyes when I heard a familiar voice but I was so tired; my eyelids heavy.

"Don't go just yet-"

I didn't want to leave her but sleep slowly consumed me.

*

The pain was immense. It was not like anything I've ever felt before, not even like the pain I felt when Jacob broke my arm when we were younger fighting over a girl.

I finally managed to open my eyes and images of what happened flashed back. Getting stabbed and shot in a parking lot as my Agera was stolen.

I winced in pain when I realized I couldn't move any part of my body other than my head.

My head tilted slightly at the weight on my shoulder. A mess of sun kissed blonde hair covered me. She was warm and her breathing even. She smelt sweet and I instantly tilted my head closer.

"Bianca." I called her softly but she didn't hear me.

She probably slept like a log.