by Anya Palvin
"I probably shouldn't even ask why you're here."
"I was invited." Diana suddenly felt incredibly unsure of herself. Before she could say anything else, Tara joined William. She looked at Diana with a mixture of curiosity and betrayal, and Diana felt a punch in her heart that had nothing to do with William. "Hey, Tara! You guys did really great."
"Thank you," she said with impeccable manners, and Diana bit back a smile. Tara was going to give one heck of a cold shoulder someday.
"I'm really sorry I couldn't do it with you. But you know what? I think you have a bigger chance of winning with your brother than you would have with me."
"Do you really think so?"
"Of course!" Diana jumped at the slight opening she had. "Didn't you hear how many people cheered for you? From where I was sitting, I don't think I heard anything louder than that so far."
Tara couldn't hide the smile, but quickly sobered up. "You didn't come to see me. It made me sad."
"I know, I'm sorry." Diana crouched so that she was at eye level with Tara. "But if you let me, I'll come play with you next weekend or so."
"Really?"
"If you'd like me to."
Tara threw her arms around Diana, and whispered "yes" in her ear. Diana hugged her back, and then stood and offered her hand to the little girl. "Friends?"
Tara smiled and shook Diana's hand enthusiastically. "Friends."
"Hey Tara, why don't you go find mom and dad. We'll be there in a minute." William handed her two cooldrinks. "Here, take this with you."
With one last wave to Diana, Tara rushed off to find her parents.
"That was really nice of you. I hope you can keep that promise." William said, and shoved the hand that wasn't holding anything into the front of his jeans pocket. It was only then that she noticed he'd changed from his tracksuit into a jeans and long-sleeve black sweater. It fit him like a glove, and she had to clear her throat to distract her from the thought of running her hands across the chest she knew was firm and strong.
"Thanks. I do, too." Diana smiled tentatively, and bit the side of her lip when he didn't quite return the gesture. Instead, he took her hand and pulled her away from the crowded shop. She followed him through a hallway that reminded her too much of her own school days, until finally, they reached the front of the school. In the distance, she heard the bell ring, signalling the start of the second half of the show.
"Gloria invited me tonight. She told me you were helping Tara out and said I wouldn't want to miss it." Diana said because the silence was getting to her. "I'm really glad she called me." The memory of him dancing, out of rhythm, limbs flailing about made her giggle. She tried to stop, but it quickly turned into full-blown laughter until she was bent forward, her hands braced on her knees.
"Come on, it wasn't that terrible."
Diana looked at him to see if he was serious, but William couldn't hide the smile on his face. Diana couldn't remember the last time she had seen it, and she still hadn't grown accustomed to the effect it had on her.
"Oh but it was." She said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Are you sure you took classes?" At his nod, she burst into laughter again. "I think you should ask for your money back."
"Hey." He moved closer to her so that she had to look up to see him. "The only reason I did it was because you weren't there. You should be thanking me. Or Tara may never have forgiven you." He was so close now that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. Her heart stuttered, and she placed a hand on his chest, ready to push him away. But then he lowered his head, and gently, kissed her. The familiarity and desire hit her so hard that she thought she'd stumbled over. But no, she was still standing there with him, his arms encircling her. She slid her arms up, across the chest she had only a few minutes thought about caressing. Her hands locked around his neck and pulled him closer, greedily taking what she'd forced herself to forget over the past few weeks. He deepened the kiss and knocked the air out of her, and she moaned softly, just a little overwhelmed by every sensation that he awoke in her. He pulled away from her too quickly for her liking, and rested his lips on her forehead. She was glad for the moment, and used it to regain the control over her senses.
"Diana." When she looked up at him, William felt tenderness inside of him that only she brought out from him. Her eyes were wide and just a little glazed, and her cheeks were flushed from the heat of their kiss. If he hadn't known it before that moment, William knew now that he loved her more than anything. And it was time to tell her. "We need to talk."
She nodded and took a step back from him, crossing her arms across her chest. William recognised it for what it was – a defence mechanism. She thought she needed to protect herself from whatever he was going to tell her. It pained him that that was her reaction toward him, but he couldn't blame her. He had taken too long to do this.
"I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you. I don't think I've ever regretted anything as much. And I married the wrong woman." The joke was in poor taste, but William felt an overwhelming desire to make her smile again. He cleared his throat. "From the moment I met you, you made me feel things that I hadn't felt in a long time. But it wasn't until you found out about Julia and I thought that I would lose you that I realised you were the only one that had ever made me feel those things."
Her eyes widened, and some of the bravado slipped. There was a gleam of hope there, and it gave him the final boost he needed. "I'd like to prove that to you. I promise it will just be me and you in this...if you give me the chance."
He gently wiped at the tears that slid down her face, and then kept his hand there so that she was looking directly at him.
"Will you give me another chance?" He asked softly, and he could hear the plea in his voice.
"Are you sure?" Diana asked with her voice hoarse from how much she wanted him to say yes. She wanted him to be sure that he was ready for her and for whatever their future held. His hands lifted to either side of her face and he said, "I have never been so sure about anything in my life. So I'll ask you again. Will you give me another chance?"
This time her tears were from joy. "I thought you'd never ask."
She pressed her lips to his, and when he lifted her she giggled. For the first time since the picnic they had shared what seemed like a lifetime ago, peace settled over her. When he put her down she said, "I'm glad I didn't take that other job. I think it's kind of hot that I'm dating the boss."
He raised his eyebrows. "You didn't take the job?" She shook her head, and he grinned. "I guess that means I still get to boss you around for a while."
"And I would love it." She winked at him. "Except, I'm not sure how seriously I can take you after that performance. I mean, as an employee, I was quite shocked as to how I witnessed in you, Mr King. I wonder what the others will say when I show them this video I made of you shaking your booty."
His eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare."
"Try to stop me."
He reached for her, and she dodged him just in time. "Do you think you could incorporate this into your leadership techniques?"
Laughter rung out as he chased her and Diana knew she was running towards her happily ever after.
THE END
Free Bonus Novel
If you enjoyed this novel then you’ll also like The French Billionaire’s Heir
Join my newsletter HERE and get it right away! Plus other upcoming steamy freebies..
.
Blurb
"Pregnant?” he said, the word rolling off his tongue.
"Yes, pregnant with your baby." She lowered her eyes down at her palms to avoid his piercing honey gaze.
"I know you possibly don’t remember me. But I thought I should let you know. Goodbye."
Yeah, he remembered that one. She had been the opposite of easy, and when he finally got her in his bed, he never wanted to stop his deep thrusts or the delicate strokes of her hands in his hair, getting him closer until they came together.
"Olivia," he said, sa
ying out her name just the same way he called her on their only steamy night together. "I want my child. Just prove me it's mine and I will take this burden off your shoulders."
Laughing hysterically at the ice-cold billionaire. "How dare call my child a burden? And why are you so cold? Goodbye, Mr. Asshole, I hope you rot in hell."
Other Books By Anya
Bossy CEO: A Billionaire, Baby Fever Romance.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XQHYTGL
Working at one of nation's finest corporations as Mr Steele’s personal assistant, The owner and CEO of Steele industries is great. I enjoy my job I appreciate the benefits, and most of all I enjoy the proximity to the alpha god that is my boss.
But who knew that just one day could change my life? And probably not for the better either!? Being f**ked over after I'd done so much, left me feeling bitter, but what if it leads to something better than my wildest dreams?
Ruthless Billionaire: A Dark Billionaire Romance
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XT2QXB6
24-year-old Ciara successfully got her doctorate in Science and Medicine, and to celebrate this victory, they decided to go on a trip to Italy together with her two best buddies. She plans to open and run her own private practice in New York in just 3 weeks’ time.
That same trip, she witnesses a murder and sees a man bleed to death after receiving countless gunshots all over his body. She wasn’t able to discern his attackers, but the man who seems to be their leader happened to see her, and for the first time in forever he was fascinated.
To what measures is that ruthless billionaire willing to go, just to have Ciara in his hands?
Find out in Ruthless; A Dark Billionaire Romance.
Trapped By The Billionaire; Alpha male Dark Romance
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XX7NNTN
Hannah is the woman who prefers safety, security and keeping away from any form of danger. She works diligently as a secretary at the Cain industries
But on the strangest turn of events, the company is bought and took over by a ruthless and cunning businessman rightfully known as ‘Sniper”
Felix Nash is the definition of RUTHLESS; the notorious billionaire always getting rid of his enemies without even having them aware of it happening. He bows down to no one. He Sees Hannah He Wants Her He Goes and Gets Her.
When She comes to meet the notorious Felix, she already knows the great danger associated with him, and does what she is used to when faced with danger; She runs.
Little does she know, Felix won’t let her away.
He wants Hannah, and nothing will ever have the power to stop him from getting what he desires the most, not even the deities watching over them---if there were any.
Trapped By The Billionaire is a full-length dark romance novel with a Happily Ever After Guaranteed.
Kidnapped By The Tycoon; Alpha Billionaire Dark Romance
www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y1LKSM9
Sarah Craft, a stunning hardworking nurse had no idea what her brother had done till she was kidnapped from her own bedroom. Tied, blindfolded then taken to a mysterious island where she comes face to face with Tony White. She is told that she belongs to him now, and that he owns every part of her.
Tony White, the notorious billionaire, kidnaps Sarah as a payment for her brother’s debt. He plans on making her nothing but a warm body in his bed. But what happens when he starts to develop feelings for her? Will Sarah’s innocence melt the cold-hearted tycoon? Find out in Kidnapped By The Tycoon ; An Alpha Billionaire Dark Romance with a HEA guaranteed.
