The Billionaire Next Door (The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Collection)

by Angelo, Judy

  It was like that was the signal Ransom had been waiting for all his life. With a growl he bent and lifted Solie in his arms then turned to walked purposefully down the hall.

  She had no doubt where he was headed. Sliding her hands up she clasped them at his nape then raised her lips to nuzzle his neck, sending shivers up his body. She could feel them rippling under his skin. She knew exactly what she was doing. She was leaving him in no doubt that she wanted this. From here on there would be no turning back.

  Ransom nudged the door of his bedroom open then strode across the room to lay Solie gently on the bed. When he raised up to look at her the soft glow from the swan-shaped nightlight in the corner made the smoothness of his skin gleam golden in the subdued light. The shirt that she’d unbuttoned hung loose from his shoulders, a perfect frame for his muscled chest and washboard abs.

  Solie licked her lips, dying to reach for him but not wanting to seem too eager. She would wait for him to make the next move. She didn’t have to wait long.

  Ransom raised his arms and, muscles rippling, he shook the shirt off his broad shoulders and let it fall to floor, leaving his upper body bare. In one smooth move he slid his loafers off his feet and was bending over her, his lips finding hers as he kissed her with such raw passion that she could do nothing but cling to his bare shoulders.

  When he released her Ransom slid his hands under the frilly bottom of her blouse to caress the heated skin of her belly. Those hands, so warm and strong, slid slowly over her skin, making her suck in her breath as they made their way up to the sensitive curve of her bust. When he moved them even higher to cover her throbbing lace-covered breasts she let out a shuddering moan.

  “Please, Ransom,” she whispered, “touch me. Right there.” They’d only just started and already she was begging but she didn’t care.

  He was quick to oblige. Lifting her blouse higher he pulled it over her head, leaving her upper body exposed to his burning gaze. As she lay back against the pillows his nostrils flared as he drew in a deep breath then licked his lips, his eyes never leaving the soft hillocks of her breasts.

  Ransom dipped his head again and this time it was to capture her lace-covered tip with his lips. There he nipped and nibbled then sucked her now distended bud deep into his mouth, making her arch her back and moan.

  “Mmm.” Now it was his turn to moan as he massaged her with his mouth, his pleasure obvious in every stroke of his tongue, every shuddering breath that he drew, in the lustful look in his eyes.

  When he released her right nipple and turned his attention to its twin, administering the same sweet seduction to her aching bud, Solie reached for him, sliding her fingers into the thickness of his hair, holding him captive against her chest.

  It wasn’t enough. She wanted nothing between them, no lace, no clothes. God help her but she wanted to feel her skin against his, her flesh against his flesh.

  She let her hands fall away and arched her back again but this time it was to release the clasp at her back and let her breasts fall free.

  To her delight he cupped those breasts in his big hands, squashing them and bringing her nipples close together then, covering both buds with his lips, he sucked them into his mouth, sending tremors running up and down her spine.

  “Ooh, yes,” she sighed, giving herself over to the double torture. “Oh, God, yes,” she crooned as her body melted in a puddle of ecstasy.

  But Ransom didn’t stop there. Releasing her breasts he heightened his assault, sliding his lips down and over her belly, feathering butterfly kisses at her waist and then her hip as his fingers tackled the button on her jeans.

  Solie raised her hips, eager to rid herself of anything that separated her body from his. A second later she was free, wearing nothing but matching black lace panties and a tremulous smile on her lips.

  It was weird but as Ransom gazed at her body, his dark eyes so intense, all of a sudden she felt terribly shy.

  He’d hooked his fingers in her waistband and was slowly sliding the scrap of garment off her hips but when she covered his hands with hers he stopped.

  “I…could you turn out the light?” She held her breath, waiting for him to laugh at her, but it never came.

  Instead, he gave her a gentle smile. “Honey, you have a beautiful body,” he whispered, his lips mere inches away from her private place. “I want to see you. Let me worship your body. Please.”

  Solie bit her lip. How could she say no? How could she refuse the man who had slipped in the back door and stolen her heart when she wasn’t looking? She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks but she clenched her fists by her sides and drew in a deep breath. Then she nodded.

  Ransom smiled again then turned his attention back to his task. He drew her panties over her hips and down the length of her leg then slipped her feet out and tossed it onto the floor. He was climbing back up her body when she shook her head.

  “Should I stop?” His eyes skimmed her face.

  “Your turn,” she said, her voice husky. “I want to see you, too.”

  “My pleasure,” he said and in one swift move his jeans and boxer shorts were gone.

  Ransom straightened and stood before Solie, his body glowing softly in the light, his face half hidden in the shadows.

  Thankfully, his lower half was hidden, too. Contrary creature that she was, as much as she wanted to see him she was actually relieved that she hadn’t seen it all. Not yet. For now she would revel in the beauty of his broad shoulders, his muscled chest and rippling abs, knowing that he would soon be hers.

  Then, as she gazed up at him Ransom made his move, slowly sliding up her body, planting kisses along the way. Inch by inch he moved up the length of her legs until he came to a halt, his lips hovering just over her mound.

  Solie clamped her eyes shut and held her breath. Oh God, please don’t let him do that. I’m not ready-

  Her body jerked, knocking that last thought out of her mind. Ransom’s lips were on her and he was massaging her so expertly, sliding his tongue over her sensitive bud, sending jolts of electricity shooting up her body.

  Even as her body shuddered he gave her one last lick and then he was moving again, feathering kisses up every tingling inch of her till he was capturing her lips in a kiss so urgent, so ravenous, that all she could do was cling to him and moan.

  When he released her lips she reached up to pull him back down but he shook his head.

  “I want more,” he whispered then bent his head to nuzzle her neck. “Are you ready?”

  She’d never been more ready in her life. As he kissed the sensitive skin behind her ear, sending delightful shivers up her body, she slid her hands down to boldly caress the smooth skin of his taut bare butt.

  When his hips jerked in response, pressing the length of his hardness against her leg, she sighed. “I’m ready,” she whispered back.

  As soon as she said the words Ransom smiled – she could feel his lips curve against her neck – then he slid a hand beneath the pillows and she heard the crackle of what could only be a condom packet in his hand.

  When he rolled away Solie closed her eyes, waiting while he sheathed himself.

  Within seconds he was back, gathering her in his arms, holding her close. When he lowered his face to hers she was ready for his kiss.

  As his tongue slipped past her lips Solie moaned and opened to receive him. When he lowered his hips between her legs she relaxed under him and when the tip of his manhood grazed her center, now moist and ready for his entry, she slid her hands back to his bottom, pulling him into her, urging him on.

  Taking the cue, Ransom positioned himself and as he deepened the kiss he entered her in one clean thrust, burying himself in her warm, moist core.

  “Mmmh.” Solie moaned into his mouth, her body stiffening at his entry but Ransom stayed still, not moving, giving her the time she needed to adjust to the feel of him inside.

  When he broke the kiss it was to lower his head to nibble on her ear. “Move with me, baby
,” he whispered as his hand slid down her body to cup her bottom. “You feel so damn good.”

  Emboldened by his praise Solie raised her legs to wrap them around his lean hips and then she was moving under him and as she moved he thrust into her, slowly, smoothly then faster until her breath came in quick gasps to the rhythm of his moves.

  “Yes, honey, just like that,” Ransom said in a throaty whisper.

  “Ooh, yes. Please don’t stop.” She was begging again, pleading, but it felt so good. As he thrust deeper and deeper into her, Solie’s fingers moved up to tickle his spine then as the passion soared inside she raked her nails up his back, drawing a guttural groan from his lips.

  Like she’d pulled his trigger his body spasmed, jerking like he’d lost control, driving him deep inside her. “Aah, God. Solie…”

  In perfect tandem with him, Solie felt the first fiery sparks and then the fireworks shot through her body, making her wrap her arms around Ransom, clutching him close as her body splintered into a million pulsating pieces.

  It took several seconds before their bodies stopped quivering and then, gently, Ransom withdrew and lay on the pillows beside her. He gazed at her, his breath still shallow, his hair falling wildly over his forehead, looking so sexy that Solie fingers itched to pull his face down so she could capture his lips once again.

  Before she could give in to her desire he reached out and brushed the damp tendrils from her face. “Happy New Year, honey,” he said softly. “What a way to start a brand new year.” Then he gathered her in his arms, stroking her back as she laid her cheek against his chest.

  Contented, Solie drew in a deep breath, inhaling the seductive scents of sex and man. And then, remembering when he'd said she'd never need the word but finding the perfect reason to call him so, she raised her lips to his ear. “And Happy new Year to you,” she whispered, “my sweet, sexy baby.”

  When Ransom chuckled and kissed the top of her head Solie snuggled into him again and as she did she whispered a prayer that the coming year would bring her even closer to this man she loved so much.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  “No, the black one.”

  “Are you sure?” Solie held up both dresses, the black one in her right hand and the red one in her left. “I want to look really hot tonight.”

  “Trust me, in that slinky little thing, you will.” Kyra dragged the black dress from Solie’s hand. “Come on. Let’s go pay for this.”

  Solie groaned as she stood there watching Kyra head for the cashier. “I don’t know,” she said, her brows knitted in a frown. “I really like this one. The color red suits me.”

  With a hiss of exasperation Kyra turned and marched back to Solie and ripped the second dress from her hand. “There’s an easy fix for that, Solie. Just take both of them, why don’t you? Jeez.” And Kyra would not have been Kyra if she didn’t roll her eyes for emphasis.

  Ten minutes later, the dresses paid for and their arms filled with shopping bags, Kyra and Solie headed for the parking garage where they filled Kyra’s Kia Sportage with all the elements of their shopping spree. They got in and Kyra started the engine. “I’ll take you straight home,” she said. “No more stops, I promise. You need the time to get yourself all dolled up.” Then she tilted her head, her eyes full of curiosity. “So where’re you going this time?”

  “Ransom’s taking me to Barton G. in Miami Beach. Have you ever been?”

  Kyra chuckled. “Me? Lord, no. You’ve got to have bucks to eat at a place like that.” Then she frowned. “Speaking of which, this guy’s been taking you to some really fancy places. I thought you said he’s in construction. How is he able to afford all this?”

  “I…I guess he saves his money.” Solie sounded lame and felt even lamer. Why hadn’t she thought of that?

  Kyra looked at her askance. “Yeah, right. He’d have to be a darned good saver to be able to afford all this rich stuff. Are you sure this guy’s on the up and up?”

  “What do you mean?” Now it was Solie who turned narrowed eyes on her friend.

  “I mean,” Kyra said, pausing as if for effect, “is the guy legit? He could be running a drug ring for all you know.”

  “Of course he’s not.” Solie drew back, offended on Ransom’s behalf. “That’s a terrible thing to say.”

  Kyra shrugged and put the vehicle in drive. “Just reality, sweetheart. You have to be prepared for anything these days.”

  “But Ransom isn’t-”

  “Ransom, Ransom. Everything Ransom.” Kyra drove out of the parking garage and onto the road. She didn’t look at Solie as she spoke. “He could be the head of the Mafia.” She shook her head and sighed. “So naïve.”

  “I’m not,” Solie said, her mouth rigid. “And take back what you said about Ransom. He’s nothing at all like that.”

  Kyra shrugged. “I know you like him, Sol, and I don’t want to spoil it for you but you’ve known him how long? Six months? And you still can’t tell me how he’s able to afford all these fancy restaurants? Give me his last name, Solie. Let me check him out.”

  Solie gave a hiss of frustration. “I told you already, from the time we started dating. His name is Ransom Kent.”

  “You told me that? I must be getting old.” Then, looking like her brain was going a mile a minute she repeated the name, rolling it off her tongue. “Ransom Kent. Cool name. Sounds sort of familiar. Ransom…” Then suddenly she stopped. As she peered down I-95 she bit her lip. When she spoke again she was frowning. “Somehow that name rings a bell. Ransom Kent. And he’s in construction?”

  “Yes. Why? Is something wrong with that?” Solie frowned. If Kyra was going to knock Ransom for being a blue-collar worker she’d kill her. “What do you have against-”

  “Oh, my God. Oh. My. God.” Kyra was staring straight ahead, her fingers clutching the steering wheel.

  Solie jerked forward. “What? What’s the matter?”

  “Ransom Kent. That name.” She slapped the steering wheel with her hand. “I knew I’d heard it before. How could I have been so dumb?”

  “What are you talking about?” Solie glared at her friend. Kyra could act crazy sometimes but this time she was past weird.

  “You said construction and you said Ransom Kent. There’s this big shot guy who was featured in the Chamber of Commerce newsletter. He owns a billion-dollar construction business and his name, for your information, is Ransom Kent.”

  Solie’s frown deepened. “Since when do you read the Chamber of Commerce newsletter?”

  Kyra shook her head. “That’s beside the point. Don’t you see? The guy you’re dating is a billionaire.”

  Solie could only laugh. Kyra and her insane ideas. “Please. Ransom lives next door to me in an ordinary house in an ordinary neighborhood and he drives an ordinary car. If there’s a billionaire whose name is Ransom Kent it’s not this one.”

  “Wanna bet?” Kyra glanced at her, looking for all the world like the cat that swallowed the yellow canary. “How much are you betting?”

  “A hundred dollars. And you’d better get ready to pay up because you’re gonna lose.” Solie smiled as she thought about this wonderful turn of events. “I know exactly what I’m going to do with that hundred dollars. Remember those blue suede pumps we saw at Macys?”

  “Don’t start making plans just yet, honey child.” Kyra gave her a smirk. “You’re going to see the man tonight. Ask him.”

  Solie chuckled. “He’s going to laugh himself under the table. I can just see it now.”

  “Fine,” Kyra said with a shrug. “But tomorrow morning first thing you report to me.”

  “Deal.” Brimming with confidence, Solie grinned at her. “Just make sure you have my money ready.”

  ***

  “You look stunning in red.” For a moment Ransom could do nothing but stare at Solie, so elegant and poised as she stood in her doorway, so sleek and sexy in a dress that hugged her curves in all the right places.

  “Why, thank you, sir.” She gave h
im the sweetest of smiles then she took his hand and walked with him to the car.

  It was hard to believe that he’d known this woman all of six months yet every time he saw her she made his heart pick up pace. She grew more and more lovely with each passing day. God bless the day she’d barged her way into his life.

  For more reasons than one…

  It wasn’t just that she was beautiful. The whole world could see that. The fact was, Solie had become such an important part of his life that he could not imagine being without her.

  They’d been out together to so many places – restaurants, the movies, the beach. They’d even gone grocery shopping together, occasions which were, to him, the most meaningful of all. More than that, they’d shared intimate moments, moments when he’d been able to hold her close and show her how much she meant to him.

  But now that wasn’t enough. At least not for him. Now it was time to take things to a whole new level, which was why he’d asked her out.

  They soon got to Barton G. where the maitre d’ escorted them to a private lounge. The food, as expected, was excellent but Ransom was too distracted to fully appreciate the scrumptious fare. Tonight his entire focus was on the woman who sat across from him, the soft light from the candles making her cheeks glow, her lips glisten and her eyes sparkle. She was so goddamn beautiful.

  The meal over, Ransom reached for her hand. “Solie,” he said as he gazed into her eyes, “there’s something I need to ask you. Something really important.”

  She gave him a soft smile and squeezed his fingers. “What do you want to ask me?” Then she raised an eyebrow and her smile turned crooked. “Hey, wait. There’s something I need to ask you, too.”

  Now it was his turn to raise his eyebrows. “You do? Okay, ask away.”

  “You’re going to think this is so crazy,” she said, shaking her head as she grinned at him, “but I mentioned your name to Kyra. You know my friend from work? I told you about her.”