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The Beautiful Billionaire 13
LINDEN “Oh. I see,” my sister hinted. “Now I know why.” “Can you give me a minute?” I didn’t even bother looking at Willa as I was already marching toward Estelle in an intense fevered stare throwing at me. The people I called my family, brothers, and best friends seemed to understand the awkward situation I was in. They left as I had just walked in carrying a deadly weapon, except Quinn. “Can we talk?” My voice came out a whisper, but she heard me though. “About?” She arched a brow. If I saw in her eyes was right, she was pissed off. “I’ll be in the backyard,” Quinn mentioned before he left us. Yeah, about what exactly? About how I lied to accomplish my mission? “Us.” Way to go, Gabriel Rembrandt. “Wait. There’s an us?” Her sarcasm almost made me cringe and spared me a sharp glance. “I thought you were pretty much clear that there was no us. Excuse me.” “And I thought you didn’t want a relationship.” “Yes. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” When she began to walk back, I quickly
The Beautiful Billionaire 14
ESTELLE “What the hell?” I yelped in surprise to find Linden already sitting next to me in the backseat of my car. “What are you doing here?” “I told you I need to talk to you.” I shot him a sharp glance. “Then a normal person does by calling my office to arrange an appointment.” “I think we both know that we pass beyond that.” “Mr. Linden, would you mind stepping out of the car, please? You’re making my client uncomfortable,” Quinn interrupted. Linden was unbothered and hadn’t moved a muscle. His gaze was still pinning it on. “Just give me two minutes, Hunter. And I wouldn’t do anything to harm Estelle.” “You’re doing a great job showing it, Mr. Linden,” Quinn said. When Quinn got out of the driver’s seat, opening the door for Linden, I butt in, “It’s okay, Quinn. He said two minutes. Just please wait outside.” “Are you sure?” He looked straight at me. “Yeah. I can handle this type of man,” I said in contempt. “What type of man exactly do you think I am?” I faced him, mee
The Beautiful Billionaire 15
LINDEN “Do you think it’s a smart idea?” My mood went gloomy as I settled down to my chair, contemplating whether I should be offended or ignore the fact that Sax doubted my plan. “Don’t you have work to do?” “Just answer me why?” “Are you threatened or something?” He scoffed, and an arrogant smirk appeared on his lips. “Me? A loser like Quinn Hunter threatens Sax Ryder.” When I smiled and grabbed the resume on my table, he just cursed. He knew Quinn was just standing behind him. “He’s standing behind me, isn’t he?” When I ignored to answer his question, he turned to Quinn. “Hunter, welcome to Osmium.” He offered his hand. That was what I loved about Sax and Kye. They just talk, but nothing personal or serious competition around here. The job was a job. “Thank you, Ryder.” Quinn shook Sax’s hand. “Sorry that you have to hear that.” “It’s all right. I’m a loser anyway.” “No, you’re not. You’re about to work at Osmium. Your agency—” “I think that’s enough, Sax. I have work
The Beautiful Billionaire 16
ESTELLE “Agh. I’m gonna regret this.” “Don’t chicken out now. Linden is a good guy.” “Really?” I asked exaggeratedly. Sarcasm dripped in my voice. “Since when? Because he’s your boss now?” “Then get to know him. He’s actually a—” “A good guy? You said it already.” “I was about to say a trustworthy person. You have to give it a chance.” His reply was conciliatory. “I hope you’re right.” I looked outside the car window. “This is a business dinner. I know what you’re thinking, so don’t get any idea.” He chuckled. “The only idea I get is he’s a good cook. His father is a chef. When Linden saved money, he bought a restaurant for him. The older Linden doesn’t work in the kitchen anymore but is always in his restaurant. I found that admirable. His father is his hero, Estelle.” “Whatever. I hope I won’t regret this,” I said dismissively. I didn’t want more convincing because I knew I had misjudged Linden. “Just chill out. You can always walk out and call me if he makes you uncomfort
The Beautiful Billionaire 17
LINDEN “This is a terrible idea, Gabriel.” Her voice was low and shook a bit. I kept my arms around her petite waist and began kissing the part of her neck where she was most sensitive. “Why? Because we’re too good to be true to one another?” She should not be second-guessing herself. She knew my intention that this was not just a one-time thing. What we felt was real, more than just itch or lust, or sex. It was undeniably real. Sometimes it frightened me. “I don’t know why I feel like this. Why am I still trusting you after what happened in Italy? I should be running away from you, Gabriel.” “You shouldn’t be running away from me. You should be running into my arms, Estelle. You know that’s the right thing to do. So why fight now when we both know how good we are together?” “You know why.” “I don’t give a fuck. You know what. I will do everything in my power to have you in my arms every day and night.” When she held my hands, I thought my world faded around me, but instead, s
The Beautiful Billionaire 18
ESTELLE I had never wanted a man in my life more than I wanted Gabriel Linden. It was loud and clear how I was so drawn to him like I was a moth, and he was a flame. No matter how I told myself this, whatever we had would only put me in so much trouble, but I only listened to his voice and sensed him close to me. I lost all my willpower. This man lying next to me completely consumed me, but I couldn’t also ignore that he sacrificed something to take me to his bed. We were still naked. Linden was tracing the back of his finger on my collarbone. His simple touch already hardened my nipple, and the ache between my legs began to spike again. “What’s in your head right now?” “You,” I admitted. “It’s ridiculous. I don’t even know you, yet here I am, lying next to you naked, letting you break all rules.” “There are no rules to break, and you know you can trust me deep in your heart. Your mind, your body, and your heart know you can trust me with them.” “You’re my undoing, Gabriel.”
The Beautiful Billionaire 19
LINDEN I made my promise. I fucked her. Then I made love with her. Just when she was about to wake up, I ate her again and gave her another two orgasms. Right now, she was moaning as she had my omelet for the first time. “Will you stop it?” I put a cup of freshly brewed coffee before her. She took a sip and gave me that look— the curiosity and impressed look. “What do you have in this coffee?” “I’m afraid it’s just a regular coffee.” “Are you sure?” “I have enough compliments coming from you that could last a lifetime. It’s just coffee, Estelle. I roasted it myself, ground it, and there you have it.” “Really?” She stared at me in disbelief. “Yes, Estelle. I thought you rich people have sophisticated coffeemakers at home.” “You’re being humble.” She shoved another forkful of my omelet in her mouth. “This is so good. I could eat this thing every morning.” She was even talking with her mouth full, making me chuckle. “I told you.” She raised a finger to stop me. “No, Gabriel.
The Beautiful Billionaire 20
ESTELLE “I’m glad you could make it, honey.” My father kissed me on the cheek before he went to my mother. Of course, I didn’t come alone. I needed someone I trusted as my plus one for tonight’s dinner. Gustav Bladwyn, the Chairman of Connect Technology and E-commerce Company, or CTEC, to everyone who had a fortune of three billion dollars as of tonight. He was always dressed to impress. Even women as younger as my age fell for him. “Cut the formality, Dad. I know exactly what this dinner is all about.” I went to the chair to his right. Then I realized he was alone. I expected to see Klayton and Tyrion, but it looked like they were fashionably late, or this was supposed to be a family affair. “Am I missing something?” Mom sat across the table and asked Dad. “Don’t tell me our guests are late?” “No guest. It’s just us, as a family,” my father replied as he placed the table napkin on his lap. “We are not together. Are we really calling this family when it was over years ago?” “It
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