by Alice Cooper
“Watch what you’re saying! You might be the strongest fighter but we both know that your temper could also get someone else hurt.” Zen smirked at his comeback.
“Oh yeah? That includes your girlfriend?” This time it was Ciel’s turn to smirk. Zen stormed up to Ciel as they both had some sort of glaring contest.
“No one is going to hurt Lucy especially by the likes of you.” Zen hissed. My heart pumped faster at his words. I wanted to swoon but this was Fran’s time to celebrate.
I had to pry Zen away from Ciel before a brawl could break out. Stephen pointed where the employee lounge was so I can take Zen and cool his head.
“Zen, today is Fran’s birthday. It be best not to ruin it.” I told him. He nodded but then he unexpectedly close the distance between us and brushed his lips against mine. Not innocently, like a tease but hot, passionate, and demanding. In this heated moment, I can no longer think straight. His hand resting below my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek as our breaths mingled.
“Lucy.” he whispers slowly, prolonging each letter as if to savor them. My arms reached up and tangled around his thick, strong neck as I also tangled my fingers into the tips of his long hair.
The moment was completely breathtaking. How can one guy who seems so imperfect be so perfect? I felt like I was melting to the ground because of the heat emanating from his body. Not to mention his eyes were filled with desire that made my legs quiver in need.
I was completely unprepared as he lips pressed roughly against mine which lit my soul on fire and the warmth spread throughout my entire body. Just like all his other kisses, it was amazing as it obliterated every thought. I was consumed by him as our lips moved in sync. I didn’t want the kiss to end but sadly we had to pull away in order for us to catch a breath.
His hands slipped under the hem of my shirt, caressing my bare skin. His touch was seductive and comforting all at the same time.
“I need you so badly that I could simply turn you over on this table and take you.” he growled in my ear as he pressed his hips against mine. I could feel his excited hard member poking me, it only added to the pleasure which made me moan out loud and grind against his hardened member. He crushed our lips together once more as our kiss grew hot and passionate.
His hands became daring as they traveled higher and higher up underneath my shirt until he stopped at the hem of my bra. I wanted more of him that I forgot where we were. I could feel my want only growing by each second.
All of a sudden somebody barged into the room. “Hey you horny bastards! When we said cool his head off we didn’t mean make out.” Ciel shouted as he just stared at us with a deadpan look. Zen broke away from the kiss as he glared daggers at his so called best friend.
“You sure know how to set the mood Ciel.” Zen said sarcastically. Ciel smiled and said “Oh, I can set a mood if you’d like… just the two of us.” As Ciel gave a pout and a smirk. Zen laughed as he playfully punched Ciel and they both started playing rough with each other until they arrived where everyone was celebrating the party leaving me all hot and bothered in the lounge.
I touched my lips that still tingled from Zen’s kiss. Zen suddenly came back to the lounge as he held out his hand for me to take. “Hey, let’s go back to the party. It would be no fun if you aren’t with me.” he said. I smiled as I happily took his hand in mine.
I’m glad that Zen is mine and I am his. Even though Zen was known to be dangerous and a bad boy still he was my Zen, to me he is different. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE END
***
I hope you enjoyed MISTER HOTTIEE. For more enjoyment, I have included some bonus stories along with previews of my other books. Please check the table of content to choose what to read next.
***
BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE COLLECTION
I AM HIS GIFT
Chapter 1
Where is Gemma Darlings? Gemma rolled her eyes and dropped the magazine in disgust. Someone had slipped it under her door late last night or early this morning. It was obviously at attempt to rattle her, but Gemma was better than that. She was far more resilient than the public wanted to believe.
Still, curiosity got the best of her, and she bent down to pick it up again. Flipping through its pages until she found her story, she leaned against the counter and skimmed over the first few sentences.
Six months have passed since American Sweetheart Gemma Darlings was caught in the arms of married photographer Spencer Harkers. Since the announced divorce of the Harkers couple, the model has since disappeared. Rumor has it that the make-up giant Flawless and clothing designer Stephan Tolstov had both broken their contracts with her. Will Gemma Darlings rise again?
“Rubbish,” Gemma muttered as she tossed the magazine on the counter. Of course, none of it was actual rubbish. There were pictures of her in the arms of her favorite photographer, Spencer was in the middle of a divorce, and she’d been fired from all of her contracts. The public might love a scandal, but no one wanted to be associated with the home wrecker. Spencer and his wife were a beloved duo in the photography world, and people couldn’t believe that Spencer would cheat on her.
All it had taken was one picture for Gemma to go from beloved role model to the woman in red. And the hits had just kept on coming. Piled next to her on the counter were the bills with past-due notices. Her phone and her electricity would be cut off within days. If she didn’t find a way to make some money soon, they’d repossess her car and kick her out of her apartment.
Her beloved apartment. Nestled on the California coast, it overlooked the majestic Pacific Ocean. She made a point to be home as much as possible so she could sit out on her deck and watch the sun set. The golds and reds across the horizon would shimmy and glitter across the cascading waves of the water. Growing up, she’d always wanted a beach view home, and this place was her crowning success. It was the trophy of all that she had accomplished, and she was going to lose it.
“How the mighty do fall,” she murmured as she swept her hand across the counter angrily. The bills fluttered to the floor, and she had to fight back her tears. She blamed Spencer for this. It was all his fault.
The phone rang, and she lunged for it. Normally it was only collection agencies calling for their money, but she never gave up hope that someone would want to work with her again. The name Elizabeth Towney danced across the screen. For a moment, she almost ignored it. Lizzie used to be one of her oldest friends, but they’d drifted apart with Gemma’s success. But this wasn’t the time to be ignoring contacts.
“Lizzie,” she said in what she hoped was a delighted tone. “How are you?”
“Hi Gemma,” she said cautiously. “I’m good. It’s been awhile. I’ve actually been in France for the past couple of months, and I just got back. My mailbox and voicemail is flooded with invites to do interviews about you. What the hell is going on?”
Gemma narrowed her eyes. Lizzie wouldn’t actually agree to do those interviews, would she? They hadn’t talked in months, but surely she wouldn’t betray her like that. “Just a little scandal,” she said breezily. “Nothing to be concerned about.”
“I read the article in Celebrity magazine. It seems like more than just a little scandal. Gemma, I know we’ve been a part for awhile, but I still love you, and now I’m concerned about you.”
Feeling the tears prick her eyes, Gemma took a deep breath. She and Lizzie had been roommates back before Gemma had gotten famous. Together they’d waded through the life that was the scum of Los Angeles. Now she had no idea what Lizzie was doing with her life. What kind of friend was she?
“I’m broke,” she admitted softly. “God, Lizzie, I’m about to lose everything. And I really don’t know what to do. Absolutely no one will hire me. I worked so hard, and now it’s all reduced to one stupid picture in a tabloid.”
“Oh Gemma,” her friend exclaimed. “Come over. We’ll open up a bottle of wine and talk all about it.”
Gemma sniffled and took
a deep breath. “You don’t have to do that. I know I’ve been a shitty friend.”
“Nonsense. You need someone, and I’m here for you. And that’s all that matters right now. I’d come there, but I’m up to my elbows in pasta. I’ll text you the address, and you can come sit and chat. Together, we’ll figure something out.”
Up to her elbows in pasta? Lizzie always did like to cook. “Thank you,” Gemma said tearfully, and she meant it. All of her model friends had ditched her as soon as the scandal broke. When Gemma refused to talk about it, they put as much distance between them and her as possible. She’d almost forgotten what it was like to have a friend.
She was resilient. She reminded herself of that over and over again as she grabbed her coat. She’d make it through, even if she did it with a friend by her side.
* * *
Charlie Connor lounged on his couch and stared at the ceiling. He had three hours before he was supposed to make an appearance at his birthday bash across town, but he was still wearing only his silk boxers.
His thirty-fifth birthday party was the talk of the city. More than five hundred people were invited, and when Charlie glanced over the list, he realized that he didn’t really know even half of them. Those that he was closest to weren’t even on the list. Instead it was all about the A-list. Actors, politicians, models, and singers could celebrate his life with him, but his best friend wasn’t allowed in. Shawn Silva was hardly A-list. He was just an employee at Connor Industries. Apparently twenty years of friendship didn’t land a man an invitation.
The party was supposed to be spectacular. The Victoria secret models would be there. They were flying in the greatest mixologists from all over the world to come up with brand new cocktails, and some well-known blonde singer was supposed to debut her newest song.
There was also a talk of a floating pool. And Charlie didn’t give a damn about it. He had far more on his mind on his thirty-fifth birthday than attending yet another public function. He didn’t want to see the press. He didn’t want to schmooze investors. He just wanted to turn on the television and lose him in mindless dribble for the night.
Most would say that he’d accomplished quite a bit at the age of thirty-five. Connor Industries was thriving. It was one of the biggest corporations in the country, and he had his hand in countless pies. But Connor Industries had been his father’s brainchild. It had been great when Charlie inherited it. He’d made it better, but for Charlie, that just didn’t seem to be enough.
Something was missing. He’d been feeling it for a while now. But he just couldn’t figure out what it was.
Instead of reaching for the remote, he grabbed his phone instead. Shawn picked up on the first ring. “Happy birthday old man.”
“Old man? You turn thirty-five next month,” Charlie grumbled.
“Yup. And that still makes you older than me. Why aren’t you drunk by now? It’s three in the afternoon. Last weekend you said that if you remember anything from your party, you weren’t celebrating correctly.”
“What happens if I just skip the party? You can come over here, and we’ll order pizza and play on the Xbox all night.”
Shawn chuckled. “That sounds awesome, but I’m fairly certain your PR representative would have me assassinated if you skipped your party to be with me. And I have plans to live to see my thirty-fifth birthday. Besides, I’m in New York right now.”
“Why are you in New York?” Charlie frowned.
“Jesus Charlie, you are in a mood. I’m here for the investors meeting. Remember?”
“Ah, shit. That’s right.” Charlie closed his eyes and sighed. So much for hanging out with Shawn all night. “How’s that going?”
“It’s how you think it’s going. A bunch of white men with white hair trying to outdo each other with numbers and figures. I’m ready for a drink, and I haven’t even had lunch.”
“Guess I should get ready for my party,” Charlie grumbled.
“Dude, you are one of the richest men in the city. Barring that, you are a fucking adult. It’s your birthday. If you don’t want to go to your own damn party, don’t go. So it might be a PR nightmare. It’s not like your company is at risk of going under if you don’t make an appearance. Quit trying to make the important people happy. For once, do something that makes you happy. And by that, I don’t mean try your hand at banging all of the Victoria Secret models again.”
“There are still two holding out on me,” Charlie murmured as he grinned at the memory. The press had a field day with those photos.
“If you want to stay in watching television, do that. If you want to go skinny-dipping in the ocean alone, do that. If you want to join your best friend in a series of mind-numbing meetings in New York, I’m not going to stop you,” Shawn joked.
“Well, you’ve made it sound so fun,” Charlie said dryly. “But you’re not wrong. I should be able to say how I spend my birthday. And it shouldn’t be with a ton of people I barely know.”
“Whatever you decide to do, be careful. The paparazzi will eat you alive if they discover that you’re not at your party. Where are you?”
“Condo on Pierce Drive.”
“That’s good. No one has caught on that you own that place. Damn. Perkins is giving me the death stare. I’d better get going. Call me later.”
Charlie was about to say something else, but Shawn hung up. With a shrug, Charlie tossed the phone on the table and pursed his lips. Making a decision, he jolted up and ran into the kitchen. Opening up one of the drawers, he started pulling out to-go menus. As one slid out of his reach, he bent down to pick it up.
Towney Catering.
Someone had given it to him a few weeks ago and mentioned that it was new and hip. Just the two things he hated the most. But when he opened it up, he couldn’t help but see a few things that sounded good.
Vaulting over the couch back, he landed hard on the cushions and leaned his head back. He was going to spend the night with good food, good movies, and possibly good porn.
With a wicked smile, he picked up the phone and dialed his public relations agent. “Johnson,” he said brightly. “I’m really not feeling all that well.”
Chapter 2
Gemma took off her sunglasses, hat, and wig when she entered Lizzie’s place. It was an expansive warehouse that has been converted into a catering business. The counter tops were covered in a beautiful gray marble, and the appliances were a dazzling stainless steel. She thought her own kitchen was impressive, but it was nothing compared to this.
“You made it!” Lizzie beamed as she rushed towards her. She went in for a hug but stopped and looked at her arms. They were covered in sauce. “I’d hug you, but I don’t think this sauce is going to go with your outfit.”
Looking down at her expensive Italian silk white shirt that she’d paired with her dark tight jeans, Gemma shrugged. “Looks aren’t getting me very far these days anyways,” she said as she leaned in for the hug.
“Oh, sweetheart. You made it to the top on looks and brains, and don’t let anyone tell you differently,” Lizzie said as she went back the pot she had on the oven. She was shorter than the average woman with dark hair and naturally olive skin. Although she was pretty, she did very little in the way of make-up.
Spinning a vintage bight orange dining room chair around, Gemma slumped in it. “My brains don’t seem to be kicking in now. I’m broke. I’m beyond broke. I’m literally days away from losing my apartment.”
The phone on the counter rang, and Lizzie sent her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, darling. Give me just a minute.” She snatched up the phone. “Elizabeth Towney here.” After a minute, her eyes widened in panic. “But you’re supposed to be here in five minutes. You couldn’t call out an hour ago? I’ve got a delivery that I have to make in twenty minutes!”
Obviously frustrated, she hung up the phone and let loose a few colorful expletives. “Damn it! He could be one of my best customers, and now I don’t have anyone to deliver it. And if I take it,
I’ll be late on the Smithfield order, and they’re big customers. Shit!”
Gemma cocked her head and frowned. “Why are you taking these phone calls? Don’t you have a manager that can help you out?”
“No. I keep meaning to hire one, but I just haven’t gotten around to it.” She looked over at Gemma, and suddenly her eyes lit up with delight. “You’re trying to make some extra money, right?”
Warily, Gemma bit her lip. “I suppose so,” she said slowly.
“It will literally take you forty-five minutes. There is a twenty-percent tip included in the price, plus I pay a flat rate per delivery and reimburse for gas.” Lizzie jotted something down and slid the invoice across the counter.
Gemma got up and took a look. “That would pay my phone and electric bill,” she said softly. “Charlie Connor? The Charlie Connor?”
“The one and only. He called twenty minutes ago with a dinner order, which is strange because he’s supposed to have a party tonight. I only know because everyone in the California catering world was fighting tooth and nail to cater it. They gave it to Tara Sweets. That bitch,” she said half-heartedly. “So you’ll do it?”
It would be humiliating to go from model to delivery woman, but Gemma didn’t want to tell Lizzie that. Besides, no one else was offering her a job. And she did have her disguise. “Do I have to wear a uniform?” she asked dubiously.
“I have a t-shirt with my logo on it, but you don’t have to wear it,” Lizzie said with a smile. “Although that shirt might get you more attention then you might like.”
“I’ll wear the t-shirt,” Gemma said instantly. Lizzie laughed and abandoned her food to fetch the shirt.
“Are you the only cook in this operation?’ Gemma asked a she waited.
“No. I’ve got three other cooks, but two of them are out shopping for ingredients, and the other is out sick. I’m the main cook. You know how I am in the kitchen, and it’s hard for me to give up that control.” She emerged from the back and tossed something black her way. Lizzie caught it was ease and held it up.
