by Ciara Cole
Table of Contents
Billionaire's Black Quadruplet Babies
Chapter One
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
ANOTHER STORY YOU MAY ENJOY
Italian Mobster’s Black Baby
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Epilogue
Billionaire’s Black Quadruplet Babies
By Ciara Cole
All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2017 Ciara Cole.
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Chapter One
It was a scenic fifteen-minute helicopter flight to the glittering Fijian island from the airport, but Tia Lowry hardly noticed. Her mind was on her given task and just how unconventional—and maybe unachievable—it was.
But Tia wasn’t paid to make excuses or goofs. If she bungled this one assignment, she might as well kiss her new dream job goodbye.
Her lips pursed in an ironic smile as she noted that the subject of her present predicament, Johnathan Fox, had his yacht right where it was supposed to be. The floating palace was moored just off the shore and stood out in the clear, gorgeous water.
The chopper passed over the luxury mega yacht and headed for the small dirt helipad surrounded by palm trees.
Minutes later, Tia stepped on board, and it was no longer a mystery why anyone would choose to be accommodated by such vessels. Apart from being a power statement, it also afforded an iron-clad shield from paparazzi as well as other undesirables.
Like me, thought Tia wryly. But she was here at the request of Johnathan’s older brother, so it was no problem getting past the crew trained to monitor the water around the boat. They must have spotted the helicopter overhead earlier and didn’t seem surprised to see Tia. But she knew one person who might definitely find her presence both unwelcome and unexpected.
The level of privacy and intimacy aboard the yacht impressed Tia. No doubt, this was not so easily provided by any villa or five-star hotel. And knowing Johnathan Fox, his indiscretions when it came to his hedonistic debauchery would be required to be uninterrupted as well as undisclosed.
She soon spotted him. It was not yet noon, yet the seventy-five-degree heat was making Tia thankful for her minimum makeup, breezy, sleeveless cat suit, and high ponytail. Meanwhile, Johnathan Fox, or at least she hoped it was him, emerged from the cabin and went to lie on one of the daybeds on the top deck, his hand wrapped around a bottle of champagne. Tia shook her head inwardly while praying for strength.
Settling her sunglasses on the tip of her nose, she made her way up to finally meet the black sheep of the Fox family, professional playboy Johnathan Fox.
***
Two weeks after Tia Lowry began work at one of the city’s biggest investment consultant firms, she got her first client.
She just wouldn’t have expected to have to track him down to this exclusive island where he was living it up as most rule-breaking, billionaire playboys do. Nor had Tia imagined him to be this damn good looking in person.
His six-foot frame was draped along the lounger in swim briefs and a long shirt open to the waist, revealing sculpted abs that looked sprayed on. His sun-kissed skin glowed with health, youth, and perfect genes, giving no hint of his dissipated lifestyle of drinking, partying, and women.
It was almost impossible to believe he was a Harvard Business School graduate, but then with his dark, smoky good looks, he could well pass for a model. Those chiseled features were in repose, but a few moments after Tia reached him, he seemed to sense her shadow and slowly opened a pair of intensely deep, sensual light brown eyes.
The second his gaze held Tia's, she felt a shockwave pass between them, giving the secluded environment a castaway sensation as if they were both lost to the world. All that remained was them and a stark awareness so startling it stole her breath.
“Mr. Fox,” Tia blurted, hating the winded note of her voice. “I’m sure you’re surprised to see me.”
His eyes ran over her slim figure, gentle curves evident in her tasteful mocha-colored pantsuit which complimented her almond skin. “Not exactly. I was wondering when you’d arrive, actually. I’m more than due for my daily four-handed massage. Where’s the other spa attendant?”
Tia scoffed, unable to believe he mistook her for a massage therapist.
“I’ve been trying to fight off this crazy hangover from last night,” Johnathan groaned. “I can barely remember what happened, but then that’s a sign of a good time, right?”
He suddenly grinned, and coupled with that sexy voice, it made Tia forget her vexation for a moment. Johnathan Fox was hot—criminally so—and the handsome devil knew it. He straightened from the daybed and stood before Tia, already working off the last of his buttons. "Shall we move to the spa on the upper deck?" he inquired silkily.
Suddenly, sanity returned and Tia shot out her hands to stop him. “Wait! It’s not what you think.” She sighed heavily. “My name’s Tia Lowry, and your older brother, Theo, hired me. I’m your new financial consultant.”
***
“What?” Johnathan’s eyes narrowed, and he stared at her in disbelief before biting out a curse.
That had Tia blinking rapidly in response to his coarse outburst. “I know it’s hard to take in, Mr. Fox. But it’s true. The fact is, I’m to follow you around, curtail your spending, and help you manage your inheritance.”
Johnathan wasn’t surprised Theo would pull something like this. After all, his brother had threatened to enough times in the past.
That made Johnathan no less furious at his big brother’s interference. Theo was almost ten years older than him and had taken to treating Johnathan more like a son than a brother.
Thanks, mostly, to the surprise death of their own father when they were kids.
It was Theo who then took over the job of taking care of the fifteen-year-old Johnathan. Their mother had been so heartbroken that she basically locked herself away in one of the Fox family’s estates and refused to leave.
Johnathan’s recollections were distracted by Tia, who went on to explain that she was to stick to Johnathan for the next several weeks to evaluate him.
His anger gave way to frank appraisal as he viewed the unique beauty before him.
It had been a long time since he’d felt such an instantaneous spark of attraction. Earlier, when he’d looked up to see her standing there, he’d found it impossible to look away. Her sultry voice saying his name had caused his libido to stir. She then removed her sunglasses, revealing a pair of arresting dark brown eyes that were doe-like yet enticing.
Thinking she was his masseuse, Johnathan had already begun to picture her sexy hands on him, working out the kinks in not just his temples but the rest of his body. In a flash, he’d imagined seducing her and making those full, soft lips moan for him.
But all that went up in smoke the second he found out who she really was.
So . . . she really thought she could come here and dictate to him the way he should handle his private affairs?
Theo had sent the wrong person to play nursemaid, thought John
athan with a wolfish smirk. Johnathan wasn’t known as an irreformable rake for nothing. Putting him close to an attractive, young, and beddable woman was asking for trouble.
“Look, I’m sorry for my mistake earlier,” he said, laying on the charm as he took her elbow. “Why don’t we get out of the sun and enjoy a more appropriate setting? I’m curious to hear more about just what my brother delegated you to do.”
His light touch on her arm seemed to bring a slight shiver to her frame. Johnathan was pleased she didn’t try to draw away and pliably let him guide her up into one of the living rooms. Strange how her no-nonsense air seemed evident and yet, she also had the sweetest kind of aura, very girl next door.
She intrigued him, and the highly dissolute Johnathan Fox was hardly ever intrigued.
Just who was she, really? Of course, he believed her to be what she said she was—some new financial adviser sent to torture him one way or another—but instead, she might prove a worthwhile conquest.
When Johnathan got her in the main salon, which boasted a bar and dining area, he excused himself for a few minutes. He returned, now dressed in a blue fitted polo and khaki shorts, and graciously offered Tia a drink, which she accepted.
Johnathan put his curiosity into play as he fixed them drinks, his eyes straying a few times to his unexpected guest. Tia settled into one of the opulent black leather sofas and watched him. Johnathan found he liked those big brown eyes on him very much. He liked her confidence and femininity . . . and how she seemed to think she really could handle what lay in store for her.
Turning to her with a smile, Johnathan handed her the drink. He then walked to one of the picture windows overlooking the ocean and casually asked how she came to work for his brother.
“Are you really curious about that? Or are you staging a little step by step where you try to have your way?”
Her shrewd words had Johnathan’s brow arching. ‘If having my way includes having you, then you might be right.” Those bedroom brown eyes scanned her from head to foot in predatory assessment. “You shouldn’t have come here, Ms. Lowry.”
“Don’t think you can scare me, or worse, get me to leave with my tail between my legs," Tia said sweetly. "Because that’s what you want, isn’t it? You think if you get offensive enough with your sexual innuendos, you can have me running back to Theo scandalized that you hit on me.”
She rose with fluid grace and walked up to him. She was just a step away when she looked up into his face. “Men like you don’t impress me. Your provocative act is exactly what I’d expect from a chauvinist like you. Just because I’m a woman, you think you can toy with me. But I don’t frighten easily, Mr. Fox.”
“The last thing I want is to frighten you. And I don’t want you running back to Theo either. In fact, to make sure of that, I instructed the captain to push out to sea. Looks like you’re stuck with me, sweetheart.” Johnathan cocked his head, gave a taunting smile, and then gulped his drink.
Tia’s eyes widened, taking in his words before she dashed up the stairs to view the deck. She gasped as she watched the yacht pull away from the shore. No, no, no!
She scrambled onto the main deck and went to the rails to watch the distance between the beach and the boat widen more and more. It was impossible for her to leave now.
She let out another loud gasp of outrage, suddenly thinking of ways to inflict maximum suffering on the man who’d dared to—
“Relax, Tia," said Johnathan in that hateful drawl. "A little cruise will do us both some good. There's that hangover of mine, remember? Still, with a delectable companion as you to set sail with, I can think of at least one therapy that could get me tip-top again.”
Tia's teeth clenched at the sound of his ironic chuckle. “You’re out of your mind if you think I signed up for something like this. Take me back right now!” Tia swore, spinning around to face Johnathan and feeling her heels totter on the swaying deck. He easily grasped her shoulders and steadied her while his eyes skimmed her face.
“You look even more captivating when you’re mad,” he said huskily.
“Let me go,” she gritted.
He released her slowly, his slight smile cocky. “Feeling thwarted by my little stunt? You didn’t think I’d play nice, did you? Not when you’ve been imposed on me by my big brother.”
Tia huffed. “Whatever grievance you have about this, you should take it up with Theo. I’m just doing my job.”
“Then you’ll have more than ample opportunity for that on our little voyage,” said Johnathan with a shrug. “Think of it as your very own nautical boot camp where you can teach me the error of my ways. I, for one, am looking forward to sighting a few dolphins and maybe catching some sea breeze to clear my head. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to view a beautiful sunset so long as the nice weather holds up. Don’t worry, you don’t have to thank me.”
“You’re unspeakably vile,” cried Tia. “You know full well that I didn’t agree to this so-called cruise. What I planned was for us to head back on land to your villa, where I happen to have my things. Sailing with you into the sunset in no way factored into my plans.”
“Well it’s my boat, my rules,” Johnathan said carelessly. “I’m sure we can find a lot of things to keep us occupied. Come now, why not simply languish in luxury with me?” He spread his arms out to encompass the indeed sumptuous yacht, which was every inch a billionaire’s playground.
There was state-of-art craftsmanship in every inch of the vessel, with its own pool and sunbed platform, while exterior stairs on the above deck led to a superbly equipped gymnasium and spa. From what she’d seen of the inside, Tia knew there were even more luxurious facilities to awe and delight anyone.
However, right now, Tia longed to smack that baiting smile on Johnathan’s face, bristling while he added airily, “Or would you rather just call my brother up and tell him you want out? He’ll no doubt send a rescue team and get you safely from my clutches.”
With a knowing smirk, Johnathan turned and sauntered back into the cabin, not waiting for the fuming Tia to reply.
Chapter Two
Johnathan Fox may have outsmarted her this time, but Tia vowed it would not happen again.
She would play along for now, knowing full well there was no way she was calling Theo to beg off the assignment. I’ll grit my teeth and bear it, thought Tia, because I'm a fighter.
At twenty-six years old, Tia was an independent African American woman who'd become the youngest and only female employee of the consulting company where she was just hired.
She was feisty, fierce, and comfortable in her own skin and didn't let any little setback stop her. She faced every challenge head on and knew that she had an uphill battle proving herself in the company because of her age and gender.
But she was willing to do whatever it took to succeed.
She forced an easy smile on her face and sought Johnathan out in the cockpit. She handed him a glass of champagne while sipping from hers.
"All right, I admit I was foisted on you, but this cruise was your idea. Care to fill me in on your plans?"
His lips curved in a triumphant smile, no doubt pleased he seemed to have her bending to his will.
"Why don't I show you around, for starters?"
He took her on a tour of the massive boat, which was designed with splendor, comfort, and extravagance in mind. He then led her to a guest cabin. "This will be your room in case you need to rest up. And if, by any chance, you'd like to loosen up and maybe try the Jacuzzi, the jet skis, or even some waterboarding, then . . ."
He popped open the closet to reveal line after line of the skimpiest bikinis. "No doubt, you'll find something suitable," he added with a not too subtle perusal of her figure. All the better to gauge her statistics, guessed Tia in disgust.
She let out a tight laugh. "I’m sorry, you must be mistaken. I’m not a Playmate or one of your Victoria’s Secret models, here to cater to your sexual fantasy. What part of 'job' don't you understand?"
&
nbsp; "Just trying to be a good host. No need to get defensive. I don't sleep with every beautiful woman who catches my eye. You really should get off your high horse. I take offense to being judged."
"You take offense?" gasped Tia in disbelief. "You're the one who trapped me on your yacht just to prove a point. I don't even know how long we intend to be at sea or where you're taking me. You're every bit as arrogant and controlling as I'd have expected."
"Then allow me to redeem myself. How about some lunch? I promise, no come on attempts and no arrogance on the menu."
Despite herself, Tia was charmed into a smile by those appealing eyes and teasing white grin.
Johnathan Fox was sex on legs, his sinful lips, ship-shape bod, and electrifying hazel eyes doing things to Tia she daren't acknowledge.
His billion-dollar net worth made him as out of her league as could be. It was nothing but pocket change for him to spend weeks on this super yacht decked with every lavishness available. And most times, not alone, as he was known to spend copious amounts of money to fly friends and love interests out to join him.
Tia was, in fact, well aware of what Johnathan did last night. He threw an elite party on board with a guest list boasting the cream of the movie, modeling, and corporate industries. Theo’s detailed report had provided info not just of Johnathan’s location, but of his recent activities—namely, last night’s festivities.
Johnathan then spent the night with two supermodels, both of whom were flown off the boat earlier that morning while the other guests debarked to their own boats or back to the beach. They would, no doubt, have returned to the exclusive island resort to enjoy an all-expenses-paid weekend on Johnathan's tab.
It was no wonder Theo had decided to step in.
Johnathan's lifestyle was enough reason to check Tia's mounting attraction to him. Not to mention that she considered it unethical to sleep with a professional client—whether Johnathan wanted to be one or not.
Most men in her career considered her manner somewhat abrasive. But in truth, Tia had a pleasant personality. She wasn't the cold hearted, aggressive woman that her job sometimes required her to be.
