Roaring Hot! (Contemporary Romance): A Billionaire Biker Romance

by Rachelle Ayala

  * * *

  “I’m not feeling it,” Teo complained to Ronaldo. “She’s too uptight. Oba-chan’s never going to believe she’s my real girlfriend.”

  “Relax.” Ronaldo placed his arm over Teo’s shoulder. “This is the first date. You have three months to win her over. Besides, if Amy were too easy, your grandmother would be suspicious.”

  “True, so what’s the script for tonight?” Teo rubbed his jaw. Dinner had been dry. Amy’s attention on him was so canned, it was obvious.

  She’d played the perfect role of a prospective girlfriend, asked about his interests, his childhood, and his aspirations. The intrusive video camera was ever present. Teo loosened his tie and tugged at his heated collar.

  “No script at all.” Ronaldo grinned and cracked his knuckles. “She’s been told to be nice to you, so take advantage.”

  Teo slapped his napkin on the table and shoved away from it. “When is she coming back from the powder room?”

  “Sheesh, where’s your man card?” Ronaldo clapped a hand on Teo’s shoulder. “Let’s go to the smoking room and watch the World Cup. Mia will send Amy back to her room, and she’ll text you to go up.”

  They exited the dining room with the other members of the race team, but as soon as they crowded around the big screen TV, Ronaldo’s phone beeped.

  He tapped Teo. “That’s the signal. Let’s go up to her hotel room.”

  “Anything goes?”

  “Anything.” Ronaldo glanced at the cameramen. “Show’s on.”

  Amy and Mia were expecting them, although Amy avoided looking at him. Her smiles and eyelid fluttering were directed at Ronaldo as she assured him she’d put on a great show.

  Teo’s jaw tightened. Could it be any more obvious that she despised him and was only acting for the camera? Although he had to admit she was the perfect choice for fake girlfriend, someone he could easily dump after Oba-chan’s birthday party. Too bad he wasn’t going to get any off-camera fun with her.

  Ronaldo and Mia gave their last minute instructions, something about a disagreement with movie choices. The cameraman positioned himself across from the couch, and the soundman hung a boom mic over them. Everything was so staged. How the heck was he supposed to make a move on a chick with the cameras rolling?

  Teo popped a breath mint into his mouth while Mia gave Amy one last brush of lip gloss. He’d better man up and forget this was a show.

  Ronaldo gave Amy a parting pat on her behind as he exited with Mia. Instead of looking upset or flustered, Amy threw him a wink. Was there something going on there?

  Teo brushed his sweaty palms on his jacket and straightened his shoulders. He wasn’t a player for nothing, and he never played second string to anyone. Chicks didn’t intimidate him, and he knew all the suave seduction moves.

  Sliding a grin over his face, he swaggered toward Amy with his arms out to hug her. Without missing a beat, she smiled and greeted him.

  “I’m really looking forward to our date,” she said in an over animated voice. “What do you suggest? Shall we watch a movie, play a board game, or talk? We should get to know each other.”

  Sheesh, which script was this? Boring.

  “I don’t talk well.” Teo grunted. “When I want to know a sexy lady, I get horizontal.”

  He dared her to look at the camera. To her credit, she barely flinched, although the fleeting widening of her eyes told him she was either alarmed or turned on.

  “Maybe we should take a walk.” She flung her hair over her shoulder and added a smirk. “There’s so much in Holland I want to see. Isn’t this place famous for tulip gardens?”

  Shot down. They’d better edit this out. Teo blew on his hands and recovered his balance. “It’s kind of late for walking, how about if we order wine and sit out on the balcony?”

  “I’m not sure you should be drinking before the time trials tomorrow.” Amy poked his chest, her eyebrows drawing together. “Let’s argue about the movie, get caught by paparazzi on the balcony, and call it an early night. I’ve been flying halfway around the world and I’m jetlagged.”

  Great. More footage to edit out. But as Ronaldo said, it was only the first date, and the show probably would never air. Ronaldo was always getting projects rejected by his famous parents who had reputations to protect.

  “Movie sounds great. Action, adventure, sci fi, or thriller?”

  Amy rolled her eyes and jutted her lower lip. “Romance. That’s the only thing I’ll watch.”

  Uh, this was a dud. Teo wasn’t sure why the cameraman hadn’t thrown up his hands by now.

  “No way. I’m not your lapdog.” He backed away from her in a show of machismo. “You’re supposed to accommodate me, since I’m the uncatchable playboy.”

  Suppressing a snicker, she crossed her arms. “I can see why.”

  “Excuse me? We’re wasting our time here. I only agreed to this stunt because I wanted to see what it’d be like to have a regular girlfriend.”

  “I don’t see why you’d care for one. Don’t you have all your playmates lined up each town in the race circuit?”

  Of course he couldn’t tell her the real reason. Grr … this woman was difficult, especially when she made it hard for him to breathe, what with her sensual perfume wafting his direction. Time to cut the crap lest she thought he cared. He had the qualifier trials tomorrow and the race on Sunday. No time for this nonsense.

  He turned to the cameraman and made a cut signal. “This date is over. I’m going to turn in. Tell Ronaldo we’ll do the first date after the race when I take Amy sightseeing.”

  The cameraman lowered the video camera. “Whatever you say, Mr. Alexiou. You’re the boss.”

  “Wait.” Amy charged between them. “Isn’t Mr. Silver the director? Why isn’t he here to give us directions?”

  The cameraman’s glance shifted between Teo and Amy. “Tonight’s episode was a trial. We have footage of the dinner to work with. If Mr. Alexiou is finished, then we’re done for today.”

  “That okay with you?” Teo asked Amy.

  “Oh, yes. Definitely. I can’t wait to get out of this dress.”

  She asked for it. Teo couldn’t help the way his eyes feasted on her. He wiggled his eyebrows. “Allow me to help.”

  No response. She stayed standing, frozen, while the cameraman, soundman and their assistants put away their equipment.

  Two can play this game. Teo crossed his arms and stared into Amy’s eyes. She held his gaze, her face expressionless as a kabuki mask. He’d wait her out. She wasn’t going to get the better of him. If he was going to suffer three months of a fake relationship with her without physical benefits, he was going to lay down the rules.

  * * *

  Amy glared at the huge douchebag across from her. She’d show him she wasn’t afraid of him. He thought he could just waltz from racing motorcycles to acting because his father was a billionaire and his best buddy was Ronaldo Silver. Well, she wasn’t going to make it easy for him, especially since he had a way of making every single one of her nerves pulse between teeth gritting aggravation and lust stirring desire.

  The door thumped as the last of the film crew departed. Amy advanced on Teo until she was up to his chest.

  “Before you leave, I want to get one thing straight.” She enunciated as clearly as if he were a four-year-old. “Professional actors and actresses know how to keep their personal lives separate from their onscreen roles. Stopping the shoot because things got too hot for you is the reason you’ll never make the transition.”

  “And how many acting jobs have you gotten since graduation?” Teo snagged her wrist. His firm grip stirred a flurry of delight deep in her belly. “Everyone in Hollywood knows that an off-camera affair adds sizzle onto the screen. Besides, this is a reality show.”

  “Not that real if you hired an actress.” She yanked and twisted her hand, but he didn’t let go. Darnit. If he kept touching her, she’d lose the one advantage she had—that of seeming not to like him.


  “This is the pilot season.” Teo’s eyes drilled by way of explanation. “We wanted to make sure Ronaldo’s father will produce it. It’s his first directing job, so he has an incentive to make it work. We’re still in stealth mode, since we don’t want anyone else to steal our concept, hence you and your ironclad contract. You did read it, didn’t you?”

  Uh, she’d been so excited to sign with Silver Studios, and her eyes had been watery from the contact lens irritation, she’d barely skimmed it. But she wasn’t going to let Teo know how much she’d wanted the deal.

  “Of course, so let’s agree to work together. You want to go into acting. I can show you a lot. I want this to be the springboard for me to get a major movie role. Let’s try and get along, okay?” She twisted her wrist, her heart fluttering to tamp down any hormonal influences. “For starters, let go of me. When the cameras are gone, we’re strangers.”

  He let go. “Agreed, but doesn’t mean I can’t try to get to know you.”

  Her wrist felt lonely. She hadn’t really wanted him to let go, only appear to struggle so he could overcome her resistance.

  Grrr. She’d show him she didn’t care for the likes of him.

  Framing her hips with her hands, she stamped her foot. “I know enough about you to know I don’t want to know more.”

  “Do you always speak in riddles?” He swiped those sexy large hands back over his head. “Now that the cameras are gone, we should agree on a few rules.”

  “Exactly. I’m hired to do a job, to play a role. When I’m not on the job, I expect my privacy. You and I have nothing in common. I don’t socialize with you. I don’t have to speak to you. I’ll communicate with you through Mia.”

  Good job, Amy. He has no suspicion you’re hot and horny for him.

  Teo shrugged and stuck those wicked hands in his pockets. “You really didn’t read the contract, did you? From now until the end of filming, you’re supposed to act like my girlfriend, whether anyone is around or not.”

  “Only in public. I did read it.” Except she’d thought she’d be Ronaldo’s arm candy—an influential guy who was too metro to set her heart ticking. “Public displays of affection limited to holding hands, hugging, and light kissing.”

  “And you gotta make it good. Make it look real, and you have to be nice to me.”

  “That’s a given. I’m an actress. As hard as it’s going to be to pull off, I can do it.” She strode to the door so he wouldn’t see the flush of desire creeping up her face. “I’ve had a long day. What’s the schedule tomorrow?”

  “Nothing you need to do except stay in the pit and watch me race.” Teo’s voice caressed the back of her neck, raising goose bumps. “I’m going to do the time trials and try for the pole position. I probably won’t see you until Sunday night after the race.”

  “Great. Good luck tomorrow.” She forced a loud yawn to appear glad the day was finally over. “Aren’t you leaving?”

  Teo stuck his head out the door and motioned to someone. “One last thing you should know. Whenever there’s a photo op, you have to be extra affectionate, especially in front of the paparazzi. Ah, here they come.”

  Amy went to the door and peeked. Before she could react to the photographers, Teo had her in his arms. He lowered his face and pressed his lips onto hers. The kiss was light, a formality, accompanied by a flurry of flashes. Her lips tingled at the contact, and his scent, a woodsy, citrus blend wrapped heat around her. But it was over before she could sink her tongue into his.

  Why, oh why, did her body have to be so attracted to him?

  “See you in the morning, sweetie.” Teo caressed her cheek and winked. He pushed his way past the photographers, who turned toward Amy’s direction.

  She slammed her door, her heartbeat prancing like all the king’s horses as she wiped her lips. Sweetie? No one had ever called her that. It sounded nice coming from his lips. Amend that. His hot lips, and that wink? Holy moly. That wink caused all sorts of meltdown deep in that private core of hers. He’d been almost nice, trying to get behind her defenses.

  She talked herself out of the horny fog of lust. It was just one kiss. She wasn’t about to be played by the likes of Teo Alexiou. Greek gods with billionaire fathers had to be the worst. She knew exactly how to treat a player. Cut off their fuel supply of admiration and adulation.

  If he wanted to pretend she was his girlfriend for the reality show, fine. She’d fawn on him in front of the camera and she’d behave in public. But once they were behind closed doors, she’d show him how much she disdained him. A guy like Teo needed be brought down a few pegs.

  Chapter 7

  Amy held her umbrella as she and Mia wandered around the pit, the behind-the-scenes area at the race track where racers and their crew gathered. Teo was dressed in full leather and was fitting his helmet while the pit crew made last minute adjustments on his motorcycle. A tall, leggy blonde in tight spandex held an umbrella for him.

  True to his word, Teo hadn’t spoken to Amy since he left her room Friday evening, and she’d held up just fine without his attention. She’d spent Saturday getting acquainted with the racing setup and watched the Suzuki team go through their time trials. None of them had placed high enough to get the pole position, which was the most coveted starting point at the front of the grid.

  A light drizzle wet the track, and the sky had that sodden gray look with not a hint of sunshine. Mia led Amy toward the covered bleachers from where they could watch the race.

  “I can’t believe they’re going to ride in the rain. Isn’t it dangerous?” Amy stepped around a puddle, pretending to care about him. “And who are those girls?”

  She supposed she should also pretend to be jealous and slightly peeved at the attention the scantily clad women around the pit gave Teo and the other racers.

  “Pit girls, promotional models.” Mia laughed. “You’ve never been to a race, have you?”

  “Operas, symphonies, theater and even ballets, thanks to my overprotective parents, but nothing like this.” Amy squirmed as the blonde touched Teo’s shoulder in a manner of familiarity. “Does he sleep with them?”

  “What do you think?” Mia rolled her eyes and grimaced. “That’s why this reality show’s going to be good for his image.”

  “Image?” Amy angled her umbrella against wind. “I thought he was renown as the biggest player on the circuit.”

  “That’s about to change thanks to you,” Mia said. “It’s really sad if you think about it.”

  “What’s sad?” Amy felt a chill skittering down her spine. During yesterday’s time trials, she’d met several widows. They’d naturally assumed she was Teo’s new girlfriend. Since she was such a greenhorn, not knowing anything about motorcycle racing, they’d given her a quick rundown of the inherent dangers of maneuvering a three-hundred-fifty pound machine up to two hundred miles per hour. Add to that, the curves on the tracks looked torturous, complete with hairpins and tight S-shaped turns.

  “The life of a racer.” Mia settled her large dark-brown eyes on Amy.

  “I thought he lived a charmed life. Billionaire’s son who can do anything he wants. Girls, parties, travel, money.”

  “Once you get to know him better, you’ll see.”

  An announcement drew their attention to the starting line. Each racer was parked on a bracket separating them across the track. Teo was in the second row wearing a bright blue and yellow suit with the number sixty-nine. Ronaldo was even further behind wearing number ninety-six.

  The racers were a superstitious lot. Amy crossed her fingers as the seconds counted down. Their team wasn’t as experienced as the others on the circuit in a season marred by crashes and injuries.

  “They’re off,” the announcer said.

  The racers tore across the starting line in a deafening roar. A blurring mass of bikes and colors disappeared around the first corner.

  Amy’s heart skittered to her throat. Her adrenaline pumped and fire raced through her veins. Just the sound of
the bikes, the high-pitched whine and thundering of the motors made her feelings soar, as if she was skirting the edge of a cliff.

  “I can’t believe how low they’re going.” Amy clapped a hand to her mouth as the racers took the turn in front of her.

  “Sometimes their knees and elbows scrape the ground,” Mia said. “You can’t see it except on slow motion.”

  Teo was still in the middle of the pack as they completed the first lap.

  “This is all there is?” Amy fiddled with the program. “They go around and around and around?”

  “Unless someone crashes.” Mia’s tone was flat. “Of course there are the overtaking passes. But that doesn’t usually happen until a few more laps in. Right now, with the wet track, the key is survival first, position second.”

  A woman’s voice sounded behind them. “Mind if I join you two?”

  A busty woman with dark brown hair and the face of a Greek goddess greeted Mia.

  “Tasha, so glad you could make it.” Mia gave the woman a hug. She turned to Amy. “This is Teo’s sister, Tasha. She’s been dying to meet his new girlfriend.”

  Cool beans. He actually told someone I’m his girlfriend.

  Amy’s nerves flushed hot, but she quickly controlled her facial expressions. Smiling, she held her hand to Teo’s sister. “I’m Amy, it’s a pleasure meeting you.”

  Tasha squeezed her hand and smiled. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Indeed. I’m really enjoying working with your brother.”

  “She works out with your brother every day,” Mia corrected, nudging her. “Helps him with his new health regime.”

  “He’s a great worker outer,” Amy said. “Does two hundred sit ups a night.” According to what she’d researched on the internet.

  “I’m glad you’re keeping him in line,” Tasha said. “Our grandmother’s been worried about him ever since the crash in April.”

  “He crashed? What happened?” Amy darted a glance at Mia for a clue on how she was supposed to respond.