Pleasure Vows
A Billionaire Bucket List Novel
Book Three
Khloe Summers
Chapter One
Matteo
There was a monster hiding under my bed. A monster I was glad to ignore most nights. Most nights, but nights like tonight, when Hannah turned in early, I laid awake under the thin veil of sanity and let it consume me—eating me alive like mosquitos at dusk until I no longer had the patience to lay. Until the memory of how Kings Ranch had tormented Hannah, left me for dead, took my family's legacy, and got away with it, sent me off an edge I couldn’t come back from. Kings Ranch had to pay, and if I used my very last breath to destroy them, then so be it.
I’d hired people to take them down, but once they found out Kings Ranch was in the mix, they dropped loose. My dad always told me ‘that fortune favors the bold’, and if you want something done right, you should ‘do it yourself’. He wasn’t wrong, this I’d learned the hard way. Trusting people is like harvesting corn before it’s grown. There’s not much profit in sprouts.
So, in the shallows, I devised many plans. Jotting each detail down in notebooks so I wouldn’t forget. Gathering facts as I remembered them from my time in that nauseating basement. Overall, I learned that the people living there had very little to do with decision making, as they were always calling out to get approval. However, I did learn that at least two of the people had some sort of relation to the ‘boss’. So, if I could get my hands on them, I may have some sort of negotiating power. What I wanted, were my horses and my pride. I knew I could get the horses back, but my pride was going to be harder to recover.
During the days with Hannah, I held back the anger, bottling it up, pushing it down, neatly settling it on a shelf that sat just above my ribcage. To keep it there, I worked out, getting back in the shape I knew I’d need to get back what was mine. In the mornings, I’d swim laps in the indoor pool. Before bed, I’d lift. Thirty reps on one muscle before moving to the next, increasing weight each day. I did this before I laid down in hopes that exhaustion would lull me into sleep, and a lot of nights it did. Though too easily, my mind wandered back, biting at me with intensity until I continued to plan.
There was little to no security on the grounds of the ranch, so getting in would be easy, but the house had alarms, and a lot of them. If I could get onto the property and pick them off as they did chores, that would be ideal. Though keeping myself out of prison was also part of the plan, so I’d need to get onto the property undetected and I wasn’t yet sure what they had for security.
Hannah was awake, I could hear her footsteps coming down the stairs.
I slid the notebook beneath my laptop, “My Bella, what are you doing up?” I glanced at the time, “It’s 3 AM.”
She gathered her long blonde hair to one shoulder, the tiny pink nightgown she wore inciting a riot in my pants. “I should be asking you that.”
“Just thinking about how I can keep us safe for eternity,” I laughed, letting out a slight bubble that had formed in my throat. “Let’s get back to bed, we have a busy day, we should be rested.” I stood, and kissed the top of her head, taking in the faint scent of orchid as though she were a flower.
Leaning back, she stared into me with those big blue eyes I melted for. “Nah, I’m staying up. I’m too excited to sleep. We leave in less than two hours anyway.” She’d been excited about England since we’d made plans with the bakery eight weeks ago.
“Let’s grab our bags, and I’ll call for the jet. Maybe we can get an early flight.”
She hopped up, but I pulled her back, landing her onto my lap. “You forgot something.”
Shaking her head, she forced back a giggle. “I did? No… I don’t think I forgot anything.” A smile pursed one side of her lips upward. “Well… maybe…” She leaned in as though she were going to kiss me. “Nope… nothing.” Again, she tried to get away, but I pulled her back, wrapping her tight in my arms until she was unable to escape, stealing a kiss from beneath her neck.
She struggled against me playfully. “Okay, fine. I’ll kiss you.” Turning towards me, she surrendered her lips to mine. We were perfect like this, in the little house from her childhood, just the two of us, in love, together. I’d waited so long to have it back. But knowing the people at Kings Ranch were laughing at my failure, knowing that Hannah and I would have to spend a life in hiding—that wasn’t going to work.
Chapter Two
Hannah
We found the bakery through a party planner Matteo had used in previous years. I’d have been fine with something local, but he insisted on going all out. The ceremony would be private because we were still laying low. We didn’t need the media alerting Kings Ranch that Matteo was alive. That said, he still wanted every detail to be as though we had thousands of guests. I’d have been happy in the forest with a bunch of wildflowers and the sun peeking through the tree line. Though, he kept insisting I needed more, more of everything except photographers. There would be none of those. And everyone we hired to work would be given the wedding location last minute and would be delivered to a different name. The more he insisted, the more I went with the flow. For whatever reason, it was important to him to plan, and flying to England just to try the cake, while excessive, sounded like a fun escape.
He was trying so hard to be everything to me, and I know he just wants me to be happy. But since he got back from the island, he hasn’t been himself. He would never admit to a change in personality. So, while he disappeared for hours to scratch things down in a notebook, I stayed focused on planning an elaborate wedding I didn’t much desire because that’s what calmed him. At times, I would catch him pacing and mumbling to himself, or staring off in space disconnected from whatever we were doing—like he was possessed by a single thought he couldn’t escape. And while I tried to give him space to wrap his head around all that had happened, I knew deep down ‘space to think’ wouldn’t solve his problems.
We arrived in England early the next morning and made our way to the bakery which sat near an old tavern in the center of town. Since meeting Matteo, I’d done more traveling than I’d done in all my life, but I hadn’t yet grown tired of meeting old cities and wandering foreign brick. Matteo dressed in jeans, a long tweed coat, and wore a pair of aviator shades, attempting to hide his identity. I didn’t expect to be spotted, though I wore a sunhat and shades just in case.
The shop owner, a peppy woman wearing bright yellows, attended to us immediately, bringing out a tray of layered square samples: Chocolate Mousse, Lemon, Pink Champagne, Ginger Spice, Spiked Red Velvet, Coffee and Cream, Key Lime, Tropical Guava, Caramel Apple, and Bananas Foster. The silver platter sat perfectly in the center of the table as the shop owner spun the samples for us to try. Matteo sliced a fork into the Spiked Red Velvet and brought the sweetness to my lips, before taking a bite himself. The flavor, rich with a depth that left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth. We nodded in defiance against the Velvet and waited for the tray to spin for another treat: this one, lemon with elderflower buttercream. Matteo lifted the elegantly decorated square towards my lips. Cupping a hand beneath my mouth, I took a bite and immediately tasted ‘home’. The delicate floral flavor brought me back to the forests I’d grown in. Seeing the pleasure in my eyes, Matteo finished the square.
“Yes. This is the one,” he said.
I nodded in agreement, still savoring the bittersweet flavor combo.
“A classic,” the energetic brunette replied. “How many people will be attending the event?”
Matteo looked toward me, then back at the baker. “We’d like this cake built on site for a last-minute event. This is a private affair, so the cake doesn’t need to be large, but we’d like something w
ith tiers. Your travel and time will be compensated. Would this work for you?”
I shook my head slightly, the sound of his plan out loud made me cringe. This was all too much. “Thank you for your time. We will get back to you when we choose our date.” I looked towards Matteo, my face a match for the velvet. “We should go, our car is waiting.” I stood from the small table and looked towards the confused baker, then towards Matteo, still wearing his shades.
He stood, taking with him the strong scent of patchouli and cedar that he always wore, shook the kind woman’s hand, thanked her once more, then pushed the turn-style door back into the street.
“What’s wrong? I thought we liked the cake?” He focused on me as we walked, though I could only see my reflection in his glasses.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want a wedding like this. I’m going along with it because I want to make you happy. But, I’d rather something simple. And having a baker fly to an unknown location last minute seems suspicious, strange, and excessive. Let’s do this simply.”
He backed against the stone exterior of an old tearoom and pulled me into his arms. “We can do whatever you like, I just want you to know how much I want for you.”
“I know you do. I think you want more for me, than I want for me,” I said, removing my sunhat to lean my head against his firm chest.
He welcomed me in, placing his hand on the back of my head. “I think we should still go to Mexico. I have a florist planned and a few wedding locations to scout. At worst, we are in an exotic place together.”
Staying against his chest, I let his sounds vibrate against me. It was late enough in the day that I was sure our public display was attracting eyes, but I didn’t care.
“I’ll never say no to anything with you,” I whispered.
“Not anything?” He replied, kissing the top of my head.
“Not anything.”
“Well then, follow me.” He grabbed my hand and walked with purpose towards the SUV we’d rented and parked nearby.
“Wait, what? Where are we going?” I asked, cocking my head to the side.
“You’ll see.” Reaching over, he began tickling the bare skin of my inner thigh. I let out a sigh and leaned back, letting his fingers roam wherever they desired. I should have been focused on the view. I should have been studying the old bridges we passed, memorizing how the sunlight hit the brick and steel over the River Thanes. But I couldn’t keep my eyes off Matteo and the way he split his focus on the road and the touch of my skin beneath his fingertips. It was a look I can’t explain—blank yet clearly focused.
We’d spent countless nights adding to our explicit list—enjoying the fantasy of taking our drug almost as much as we enjoyed the act. But lately, we hadn’t spent much time acting out fantasies. Instead, we stayed holed up in the cabin trying to avoid paparazzi. But when we arrived at the London Eye, I looked at Matteo and knew exactly what he had in mind. For most, the 443-foot wheel with glass-enclosed capsules would offer an incredible view of the city. For us, it offered the opportunity to check another act off our explicit list. As we approached the wheel, the line stretched beyond comprehension. Spring in any major city will bring in tourists but the number of people waiting was overwhelming.
“Wait here.” Matteo let go of my hand and made his way towards the man operating the wheel and I lost sight of him amidst the crowds. It was warm in London for March, but I tucked my hands into the pocket of my trench coat nervously as I waited.
Moments later, he returned with a smile I hadn’t seen in at least six weeks. He was excited— like he had a gift he knew I’d love.
“Okay, follow me,” he said, leading me past the crowds of people, onto the platform in front of the capsule as though we were the King and Queen of England. From there, we walked onto the moving wheel and the door slid closed behind us. “Money… it’s like magic, only more powerful.” He smiled, then removed his coat setting it on the wooden bench in the center of the pod.
I stayed quiet, wandering to the edge of the glass to see the city. Strolling the streets didn’t compare to having this birds-eye view. Up here, the metropolis laid out like a painting. The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben prominently sat by the suede river, while tiny cars and busses passed over bridges in and out of town.
Matteo moved behind me, placing his hands on my hips. His size was commanding, but gentle, holding me in place against his solid body as we swayed.
“It’s like a movie, playing out just for us,” he said, looking down at the people passing along the streets of London. “All these lives intertwined in some way, rushing about. Everyone with dreams and master plans.” Wrapping his hands around my waist, he untied the belt of my coat. “It’s tranquil, seeing that stories are happening outside our crazy mess.” He kissed the back of my neck, letting his lips linger in a pitched scream of heat against my skin. Goosebumps stood alive as I spun my body towards him and lifted onto my heels. He tasted like the sweet sugar we’d been sampling.
Sliding his hand along my thigh, he lifted my long floral dress and ran his thick fingers up to my waist, skimming the line of my panties as he passed.
My nerves danced alive, forcing me to turn towards him and run my hand along his cock—still trapped hard against his leg. He moaned and pushed me against the glass wall, devouring the last bit of will I had, before lifting me awkwardly towards the bench at the center of the pod. I unbuttoned his jeans, pulled my panties to the side, and sat on his lap, steering his cock gently into me as I lowered. Lifting his hand, he ran his fingertips through my hair and bounced discreetly as we looked out at the skyline.
He leaned into my ear. “You have the whole city of London watching.” The heat from his lips tickled as the words spilled onto my skin, heightening every sensation. “Get it!” I could feel his jaw tighten as he spoke, he was close, and he needed me to finish.
Reaching beneath the collar of my v-neck dress, he released a single breast from its cage and pinched my nipple. I clenched down on him, feeling my ass tighten against the denim ridges of his pants, allowing uncontrollable spasms to take over my muscles. My head leaned back into the space between his neck and shoulder, as he continued to thrust upwards.
“I love this tired pussy,” he moaned almost inaudibly as he came, bouncing me for a moment more before lifting my ass away from his sensitive cock. I stood, letting my dress fall back into place.
“Are they all staring?” he asked, smiling coyly, as he became aware of the pods behind us.
“At London, not us.” I pouted my lip in disappointment, then latched my arms around his neck. “I’m sure there’s a camera in this pod though… don’t you worry.”
He lifted his hand to brush my now wild hair back from my face, “There was, but I covered it with my scarf, can’t be too careful!” Bending his neck in, kissed my forehead and smiled. “Sorry Bella, I know how much you like putting on a show.”
Chapter Three
Matteo
Hannah had fallen asleep early, her head laid peacefully on the pillowcase, her hair a soft pale bundle next to her. There was relief in this for me, seeing her relaxed. But I knew it wouldn’t last. Soon, Kings Ranch would find us, and we’d be putty for them to slam against whatever wall they saw fit. And that, was something I wasn’t going to wait for. They had blackmailed me, made a joke of my family’s legacy, kidnapped Hannah, and left me for dead. The capacity of what they were capable of disgusted me as I yanked back the sheets and crept out of the bedroom, closing the door softly. Too many nights had been spent like this lately— sleepless and consuming.
The main area of the hotel room displayed floor to ceiling windows. Opening the shades, I sat on the couch and looked out at the London skyline. I needed to get into the heads of whoever was pulling strings at Kings Ranch. And I needed to do it while they still thought I was at the bottom of the ocean. Thankfully, the immense weight loss on the island covered any hint of who I was when I was hospitalized afterward. But now,
I looked much more like the man the media was used to seeing.
Ideally, I would hack their security system to get some intel on what was going on, then frame them, or at least get an idea of their coming and goings so I could show up when they didn’t expect it. But hacking software wasn’t my forte and they only guy I ‘trust’ isn’t answering my calls, so he’s either dead, or no one wants to work with Kings Ranch. Either way, that left me alone in the pursuit of a crime ring that I was sure went past the people living in the Irish countryside.
Of course, there are others I could call, but I don’t want to spread the word too far because I don’t know who Kings Ranch is affiliated with. But something had to be done. I had to take care of them so Hannah could have the life she deserved. A quiet cabin in the woods, with the family she’d always dreamed of. A life she would never have if we were always running from Kings Ranch. That, and I wanted them to pay for leaving me for dead in the ocean.
Standing, I began pacing a hole in the floor, following the rate of my brain as it scanned thoughts kilometers per minute. Storming the house again wouldn’t work, they are always three steps ahead. I could make a public scene and let them come to me, but that put Hannah in too much danger. We could disappear and leave everything we knew, live under different names—but that would mean that Hannah would have to give up the shelter. She has worked so hard for it and that was the last thing I wanted. No, I need to find a way into that security system. I need to figure them out, so I can cut where it hurts. The tough part now will be finding someone who knows enough about building software, that they can hack it without asking too many questions.
Sitting on the couch, I pulled my phone and began to search for software engineers, but it was late in the states and no one would be up answering calls. A noise caught my attention from the hallway, Hannah’s footsteps.
She peeked her head around the corner, “What are you doing up so late again?”
Pleasure Vows Page 1
