The Billionaire's Secretary (Billionaire's Series Book 1)

by Love, L. J.

  “Gentlemen, good afternoon,” Aurora greeted as both men stood to welcome her and Rebecca into the room.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Aldridge,” Judge Remington replied while Lewis and Caplan only nodded in her direction. “Shall we begin?”

  Aurora took the seat beside Eric and placed her files on her lap. The judge looked at them both before proceeding.

  “I have received and considered Miss Irvine’s petition to dismiss the case against Mr. Guyton on the basis of lack of substantial evidence, as well as the requests filed by her firm for the exclusion of all evidence gathered by the police under search warrants 645213A and 645213B, and for the declaration of mistrial based on the attempt by the Alpharetta Police Department to bring unlawful charges against and defamation of character of Mr. Alan Guyton, their client.”

  “Judge Remington, these claims are ridiculous...” Mr Grey protested.

  “Mr. Grey, be quiet,” the judge warned. “I advise you that I have perused the documents filed by Mr. Caplan’s team and the Guyton & Lexington firm very carefully and unlike what the police and your office have, they have been very precise. Mr. Caplan, do you have anything that you would like to present to me additionally at this time?”

  “Judge Remington,” Eric answered, “I believe that our counter evidence speaks for itself. I would however, like to clarify that our main objective is to have the present case against my client be completely dismissed and all charges dropped. We also feel that should this be agreed in our favor that all media correspondence by the police department regarding the case and my client cease immediately under threat of further legal action. If that can be agreed to, then we won’t press the defamation of character suit against the department and the D.A.’s office.”

  The judge took a sip of coffee from the steaming cup on his desk and cleared his throat.

  “The case is dismissed and all the evidence gathered is to be excluded and disregarded.”

  Mr. Grey jumped to his feet in protest but before he could say a word, Judge Remington stood from his seat and bellowed at him to sit down and be quiet.

  “The warrants were bogus, Mr Grey, unsigned and unauthorized. So before you open your mouth to say even one word, hear this. If your office or the police pull a stunt like this again, you’ll all be looking at time in a federal facility for obstruction. Further, I’ve decided to declare these proceedings a mistrial. It is plainly obvious to me that there is no evidence indicating that Mr. Guyton is guilty. His alibi should have excluded him from the very beginning. Unlike other factors implying that he was there, Mr. Guyton’s travel plans, travel documents, corroboration from colleagues and of course, the CNN World Business News interview he did, all prove that he was in Las Vegas at the time, attending the opening of the Hong Kong Engineering and Robotics show. This only exhibits the kind of shoddy, media-marketed investigation the police department has conducted and I’m rather surprised that the D.A.’s office got suckered along with it by propaganda from Hong Kong law enforcement. I’ll leave it to the Guyton & Lexington team if they want to press those defamation charges, but if police Chief Billingsworth – or anyone for that matter from the prosecuting team – even says “Hi” to a reporter about this case, they’ll be looking at time upstate for sure. Now go and don’t let me hear a word about this nonsense again. If he stole from the Chinese, that’s their problem, not mine.”

  Aurora left the courthouse elated. As she walked up to Rebecca, the woman could see that they had been triumphant.

  “Go on, tell me what the judge said.”

  “The charges have been dropped and he declared a mistrial.”

  Rebecca’s knees gave out from under her and she sat squarely on the courthouse steps. Aurora sat beside her; she felt as if she would faint from the pent up emotions that were devouring her. Rebecca produced a large Snickers bar from her purse, pulled back the wrapper and handed the first half to Aurora.

  Munching gratefully, she asked, “So what next, genius? Are we finally done?”

  “Not a chance. Rebecca, aren’t you enjoying yourself yet?”

  Rebecca looked at her puzzled. What could they possibly have left to do, apart from informing the Guytons and get back to work?

  “Something fishy is going on here, Rebecca and I don’t think I can leave it where it is. I have a feeling someone tried very poorly to frame Alan.”

  “Yeah, I do too. It’s just they never banked on him getting singled out for that interview in Vegas, huh? Did they?

  “Not at all. I’d say CNN made our case for us and here I was, thinking he was drinking and gambling the whole time he was there.”

  The two women sat shoulder to shoulder, smiling, but it wasn’t long before they knew it was time to let Mr. G. know the good news. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Adrian’s number.

  “Adrian, I have great news about the trial. Is your dad at the office?”

  “Ummm, yes he is.”

  “Great! I’m still downtown so I was hoping we could all meet over at Guyton Industries so I can debrief everyone.”

  “Why don’t you come here, Aurora? I’m here and so is Aaron.”

  “I really didn’t want any of this to taint our dealings with Lu Wei. It’s better that you keep him occupied in Atlanta for the rest of the day and we can all meet in Alpharetta later today.”

  “Okay, Aurora. Can we say about 7 o’clock? In the boardroom at the office?”

  “Perfect, thanks Adrian. I’ll see you there.”

  She felt guilty not agreeing with Adrian to deliver the news in Stone Mountain, but she just didn’t want to create a situation where he was trying to seduce her into any inappropriate behavior. It was true that she wanted to keep Lu Wei and the Tsang Wei deal sterile of Alan’s trial, but she also wasn’t sure she had the self control to say no to him if the need arose. Things were getting hot and heavy with him and though she was enjoying herself immensely, Aurora knew all too well that she would have to end it before the true version of their future working relationship came into effect. How many women in junior positions had had successful sexual relationships with their bosses? Too few to count, as far as she was concerned.

  “Rebecca, call up the press. Tell them there will be an all access press conference at the Guyton Industries offices tonight at 7:30. They can get in touch with Maxwell James, head of security about access restrictions as well as anything they might need to broadcast live. Right after I’ve debriefed the family, we’ll open up the boardroom to the press. Eric Caplan is going to make a statement and he won’t be answering any questions.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  ***

  The lights from the news cameras were almost blinding in the glamorous boardroom at Guyton Industries. Aurora had arranged the family neatly on the far side of the table so as to maintain as much space between them and the media as possible. She stood just to Adrian’s left and listened intently as Eric Caplan made his announcement. She looked around her and studied their faces. Alan was elated at finally being freed from the confines of his Duluth home, Andrew was beaming at having all his boys back together again, Caplan looked proud of himself and his team. Everyone seemed relaxed, happy even; everyone except Aaron. He looked agitated, maybe even a little frightened. Aurora thought that was very strange.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, it has been ruled by a judge of the Alpharetta criminal court that the charges against my client, Alan Guyton, have been dropped. The case so far was based on the evidence submitted by the Alpharetta police and the District Attorney’s office, and it has been ruled that none of that evidence is deemed admissible against him. On those grounds, the evidence is void, the case has been dismissed and a mistrial has been declared. We are happy that the ordeal is now over and my clients may now return to a somewhat normal life. Thank you.”

  Of course, as soon as he had finished, the crowd exploded in a torrent of questions, even though they had been informed that there would be no further comment made.

  “Ladie
s and gentlemen, I am sure you were advised that neither I nor my clients will be answering any questions for you tonight. Anything that we would like to share will be communicated to you in the usual manner.”

  Aurora nodded to the security guards who had been tactfully positioned inside the room. They moved forward in unison, ushering the crowd back out the large double doors and closed them silently behind them. The security team outside the room continued to herd the reporters all the way out into the lobby and through the front doors, locking them securely once everyone was outside.

  Chapter Ten

  In the weeks that followed things seemed to fall right into place at Guyton Industries. The rest of the floor that Andrew Guyton’s office was on was opened up and the space was converted into two elaborately decorated corner offices. An open area was created between the new offices and Andrew Guyton’s double office doors to accommodate a welcoming foyer, intimate seating areas and workstations for Aurora and Adrian’s new assistants. Aurora’s old desk outside Andrew’s office was now occupied by Rebecca Irvine, Guyton Industries new senior executive assistant.

  Aurora had admonished herself repeatedly for allowing the affair between her and Adrian to continue. They were growing extremely fond of one another and neither could deny that they lavished each other with some of the best sex either had ever had. Still, she knew that it wouldn’t last; it couldn’t last. The circumstances just weren’t favorable. It was true that it was better that the two of them would agree to end it than to have someone discover their secret. But they weren’t ready to let it go, so they did their best to keep things professional at work and meet under the cover of night.

  ***

  It doesn’t get much better than this, Adrian thought to himself as he gazed out the window of his office over the city of Alpharetta.

  He still could not believe how being back home and having Aurora in his life was making him feel. It was outrageous that anyone would want to stop him having these amazing feelings. If only his brother could understand what having her meant to...

  “Ahem! Great job on the Tsang Wei deal, Mr. Genius. I don’t even want to know how you pulled that one off.”

  Adrian looked up at his open office door to see the woman of his daydreams standing there, looking at him.

  “Elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary!”

  “Well, you look very relaxed, Mr. Guyton. Did I actually catch you clock watching?”

  “Not at all, Aurora,” he replied with a huge smile on his face. “I was just thinking.”

  She stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

  “What were you thinking about?”

  His smile broadened as she sat on the edge of his desk looking at him, then he said, “All the things that I can’t do to your gorgeous body on Guyton Industries property. Besides, it’s Friday and that means when I get a hold of you next, I don’t have to let you go for two whole days.”

  She laughed at his response and stood to leave. When she got to the door, she turned and asked, “So, I guess we’re still on for tonight then?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

  ***

  He looked so peaceful lying there, like an angel fallen against the white pillows of the bed. Aurora moved closer to him until her naked body was pressed firmly against the flesh of his back. He let out a sigh and snuggled closer to her warmth. She smiled and kissed the nape of his neck, taking in the soft scent of his shampoo and letting her kisses trail over his shoulders and down his back. When she kissed the skin between his shoulder blades, Adrian woke from his sleep and sighed deeply. He turned to face her and they smiled at each other as he took her mouth with his. He kissed her with a passion that rose from deep inside him, a hunger that he couldn’t explain. The desire he felt for Aurora was nothing like the young love he had experienced rolling in the fields and in the hay barn at Guyton Estates. This was something deeper, truer, more urgent, more potent.

  He knew he was as hard as a rock by the time he dipped his mouth to the bounty of her breasts. Aurora’s head went back as her back arched pushing the luscious mounds even closer for him to enjoy. A breathy sigh escaped her lips and soon after she was moaning deeply. Her thighs undulated seductively against his groin and it wasn’t long before Adrian could stand it no longer. He lifted her leg and swung it over his hip and around his waist, separating her delightful thighs. She grasped hold of his shoulders and looked him straight in the eye as he positioned his stiff shaft at the entrance to her moist sheath. With one powerful, long thrust, Adrian glided in, filling her with his manhood.

  She held on to him as if her life depended on it, when he started to move inside her. Aurora felt as if he were moving her entire world with every thrust of his hips. She met his every plunge with the rocking of her thighs, and the feeling of intense unity between them soon made Adrian throw back his head in ecstasy as he filled her with his seed. His body was cosmically charged and so was hers. The energy between them was intense. Even as they reveled in each others embrace, Adrian began to move inside her again. He never faded after his brush with rapture, but only took a moment to regain his breath and lavish kisses along Aurora’s neckline.

  It was Aurora’s turn to surprise him as she swung her leg around, turned him over and sat squarely on top of him. She gathered the sheets around her waist and positioned herself on his engorged member. Slowly, she moved her hips back and forth, rocking with the rhythm of passion and abandon. They were one, moved as one and soon their breathing was ragged and urgent, but she was determined for their encounter to last, so she slowed the pace, her movements become more deliberate and sensual. Their eyes were locked on each other, both of them drinking the other in and fully immersed in their lovemaking.

  Suddenly, the door opened and a voice called out, “Adrian, are you still asleep?”

  When Aaron Guyton came through the doorway and into the room, he cried out, “Oh, my living God. What are you doing here?”

  “Mr. Guyton,” Aurora stuttered as she grabbed for the bed sheets to cover herself.

  “Aaron? What the hell are you doing here?” Adrian shouted. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

  Aaron backed out of the room, shaking his head as if he could somehow erase the scene he had just witnessed from his mind. Adrian hopped out of the bed, hurriedly dragged on a pair of pajama pants and went after him. As if to form a stronger defense, Aurora threw on a robe and belted it closed as she followed Adrian to the first floor sitting room. He stood on the last step, watching his brother pace from one side of the fireplace to the other.

  “I thought you understood what I told you the other day. We are not the same kind of people. Our sort don’t mix and when we try to, it’s never successful. I’m just trying to be a good brother and a good friend. I’m just trying to shield you both from getting hurt.”

  “Aaron, Aurora did nothing wrong. I asked her to come here. I want to be with her. I don’t care if we work together. This is our private business; it has nothing to do with anyone or anything else.”

  “She is not right for you, Adrian. Have you forgotten how she paraded herself in front of our father for all those years and then threw herself at Alan the first chance that she got? This will not end nicely. She is too different from us and, to be quite frank, you deserve a lot better than her.”

  At that remark, Adrian stepped down into the living room and stood squarely in front of his brother.

  “There is no way I’m giving her up. You separated me from someone I loved and cared for once before and I’m not going to let that happen again. I love her and I’m not letting that go this time.”

  “You’re going to regret this, Adrian, mark my words. This little fling won’t last very long, even if I have to see to it myself. If you go through with this, you’ll never be able to show your face in civilized society again; you won’t fit in anymore.”

  “I want you to leave, right now. Get out of my house and leave that key on the table while you’re at it
.”

  “But Adrian, please listen to me.”

  “I said, get out!”

  Just then Aurora stepped down onto the landing. She couldn’t believe what was unfolding right in front of her eyes.

  “As for you, Miss Aldridge. You will rue the day you defied my instructions to leave my brothers alone. You have always been such a willful, know-it-all bitch. I will make you pay for this. Dearly.”

  Just then Adrian came up behind Aurora and put both his hands on her shoulders.

  “I told you to get out,” he repeated and watched satisfactorily as Aaron turned on his heel, went through the front door of the townhouse and slammed it behind him.

  Before another word could be said, he picked Aurora up in his arms and carried her silently back up the stairs to the bedroom. He gently placed her against the pillows and let the auburn tresses fall over them surrounding her face like a halo. He ran his fingers through the loose curls, spreading them across the white pillows. She sighed at his touch; how could she stay angry or upset? He grabbed her around the hips, pulling her closer to him and undid the robe she wore, pushing it open and over her shoulders. He ran his hands up over her thighs, then slid them down over her buttocks and was satisfied when he found no evidence of underwear. She felt the heat of his breath as he dipped his head and traced his tongue gently along her neck from her shoulder to her earlobe and kissed her there. She did not object when his tongue continued down along the arch of her throat deep into the valley between her breasts.