Temptation: a billionaire erotic romance

by Christine Elliott

  That made her a little proud, but she’d never let that on. She struggled with her next question in her mind, trying to figure out how she could word it. But instead, something more pressing kept insisting itself upon her. She couldn’t avoid it.

  “You loved her,” she said, unsure why that sentence made such an impression on her.

  “I didn’t love her,” Val said, rubbing his temples.

  “Then what?”

  “I was obsessed with her.”

  Serena gave him a look, and he sighed again.

  “Not like that,” Val said, standing up. He went to her and sat down on the bed beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. His touch was electric, causing invisible sparks wherever his flesh made contact with hers. “I was obsessed with her because Harlow was obsessed with her. He wanted her, and she didn’t want him.”

  “Back when you were partners?”

  He snorted. “I suppose you could call it that.”

  “And then what happened?”

  “She came to me for help, and I agreed. When Harlow took her brother—as I presume Ellen told you—she couldn’t just leave him behind. She tried to save him, and she failed. Harlow murdered the both of them. I couldn’t forgive myself for failing to stop him, and I became obsessed.”

  The last sentence hung in the air for a few moments, growing between them. Serena resisted the push she felt to the truth, but it came ever stronger, and soon she knew she couldn’t avoid it any longer. She had to bring it out.

  “I have a kidnapped brother,” Serena said softly, feeling as if she knew exactly what was coming next.

  Val’s face was unreadable.

  “I know,” he whispered.

  The night was dark, clear, and silent between them, leaving nothing to hide behind.

  “Somehow I think I knew that,” she said, drawing her knees to her chest. “But I don’t understand why you lied to me.”

  “I didn’t lie. I just didn’t say, either.”

  “Is that why you chose me? Out of all the other girls who interviewed? Because of Harry?”

  He paused, tapping his finger against his glass. “It wasn’t the only reason. But it was the biggest one.” He groaned and put his head in his hands. “Serena, when I heard that your brother was kidnapped and that you would do anything to save him … how could I not choose you? How could I not take the only chance I could find to redeem myself?”

  “And now?”

  “And now I’m as obsessed with you as I was with her,” he said darkly. That sent shivers down her back.

  Serena didn’t know how to respond to that, so she asked the next question that came into her mind.

  “Why are Spencer and Edwards here so suddenly?”

  “I’m not sure what you mean?”

  “I mean what’s happening so suddenly that’s causing all of this? The negotiations, the bombings, the seven days ultimatum? I feel like things are coming to a head.”

  “That’s because they are.” Val frowned. “I’ve … I’ve been trying to get your brother back. No, don’t look at me like that. I’ve been trying to get him back, but I slipped up, and then when Harlow came back, he realized what was happening. He realized how … emotionally invested I am in this, and he’s using it to try to extort me. He thinks it’s working, too..”

  “And Spencer and Edwards?”

  “I’ve been speaking with Spencer and Edwards about your brother,” Val said, swirling his drink in his glass. “That’s why they’ve been around so much. I’ve been trying, Serena, trying hard to get him back. And, hell, even with the bombings, I think we’re close. Spencer and Edwards aren’t half as clever as they think they are, and I think Jacques and I have them backed into a corner. Harlow won’t be a problem much longer.”

  “But it’s killing you,” she whispered. “You’re risking your life. They’ve started bombing your home.”

  “I can’t stop,” he said, taking a sip of his drink. “I won’t stop searching for your brother, and I won’t give up my business, you can be sure of that.”

  She wanted to say something more, but in a flash, Val was gone. She drew her knees closer to her chest, suddenly alone in the massive room, crushed by the weight of everything she had just discovered.

  *****

  Serena sat on her bed, dressed impeccably in a long black gown that Val had picked for her. The last week had been insane, with plotting and planning and visits from all kinds of strange people she had never met before. It wasn’t until Val had come to her bedroom a few hours ago and ordered her to dress in something sexy that she knew something big was happening.

  “This is it,” Val had told her, adjusting his suit in the mirror. Serena had admired his effortless good looks, the black hair slicked back and the blue eyes burning into the mirror.

  “I can feel it, Serena,” he had continued. “This is the big one—after this, it’s a downward slope. Your brother will come home, and my … ‘associates’ will back off.”

  He gave himself a charming smile in the mirror.

  “Things are finally lining up,” he finished.

  Serena had only nodded silently.

  Serena stood and inspected her dress one last time, making sure that it was just as beautiful as it needed to be for such an important night. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Serena took a deep breath and gathered her courage.

  “Good evening,” said Ellen at the door, dressed equally impeccably for the visit that night.

  “Good evening,” Serena answered in a hollow voice.

  “Are you read, Ms. Nicoletti?”

  “Yes. I think. Maybe.”

  Ellen rolled her eyes and held a hand out. She led Serena downstairs, ignoring the occasional hesitations and worried faces that Serena made. When they reached the main door, Ellen leaned over and squeezed her shoulder.

  “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “After this, it will all be over. Don’t you want to get this over with?”

  Serena bit her lip.

  “Yes,” she said in a shaky voice.

  Ellen smiled and patted her on the back. “Well, good then. Don’t worry, dear. Val will keep you safe. He needs you just about as much as you need him. You’re inseparable.”

  Serena just nodded and walked into the ballroom, pushing back all the fears that had been building up on the walk down. She couldn’t afford to be afraid now, not now that Harry and Val depended on her courage. She would be brave. For them.

  Once again, visitors were waiting in the main receiving room for the arrival of Val and Serena. But this time, it was only Edwards, no Spencer. Serena shivered when she saw him standing there, totally alone, checking his watch. Edwards without Spencer seemed naked. And dangerous.

  Serena swallowed hard, wondering what had happened to him, and if it had been her fault. She had only meant to find out what she needed to know, not get a man killed. Spencer may have worked for Harlow, but he seemed mostly benign, or at least too bumbling and drunk do much harm.

  Val arrived only a moment later, just as Edwards was noticing Serena’s entrance. He strode to him proudly, almost as if he was the one there to deliver the threats instead of Edwards.

  “Good morning, Mr. Edwards,” he said, his voice as smooth as velvet. He slipped an arm around Serena’s waist, his expression pleasant. “How are you doing? Well, I hope?”

  Edwards glared at him.

  “Skip the niceties, Marquette. I’m not here for etiquette lessons, I’m here for the deal. Now are you going to negotiate or not? My time is precious.”

  “Yes, my mistake,” Val said, just as smooth, enjoying Edwards’ irritation. “Let my servants seat us and we can get started. I’m glad we’re finally able to finish this like gentlemen.”

  Serena followed them into the dining room in a daze, not sure if she was really awake or just dreaming. This all seemed too bizarre. She had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something wasn’t right. Something was very, very not right.

  They s
eated themselves at the table. One of the servants dressed in black brought them a wine and poured them glasses, then backed away. Even the servant’s eyes seemed wide, unable to believe what he was seeing. At least somebody else was just as shaken by what was happening as she was.

  “So, Marquette,” said Edwards once they were settled. “Are you ready to negotiate or not? I’m sure my employer has gotten his point across very well. Might I remind you you only have a few days left to decide?”

  “Yes, I’m quite aware of that,” said Val.

  “So are you ready to negotiate then?”

  “That depends what you mean by negotiate,” Val said.

  Edwards’ glare intensified. “Quit being an idiot. Are you going to give up your business or not?”

  “Oh. Yes, of course.”

  Serena’s jaw dropped. She began to turn to him, but Val grabbed her thigh and dug his fingers hard into it as if to silently yell at her to stop. She shut her mouth, wincing against the pain of it. Well, she would just have to see where this went.

  Sure Val wasn’t really going to give in….

  Was he?

  Even Edwards seemed taken aback. He paused, his hands wavering in his lap as if he wasn’t sure to strangle Val for being difficult or shake his hand for giving in. He opened his lips a moment, but then shut them, letting the thought fly away. Val took this all in with a polite but passive expression, as if he didn’t quite realize the gravity of what he had said.

  “So you’ve agreed to give in?” said Edwards finally.

  “Of course,” said Val coolly. “What day should we meet?”

  Edwards sat there in silence, obviously having not anticipated this. After a moment, he rose.

  “Let me call my employer,” he said.

  “Of course,” Val replied courteously.

  Serena watched as Edwards left the room for a moment. When she heard the door close and was sure he was out of earshot, she turned to Val, panicked.

  “You cannot be serious,” she said, her voice urgent even in its whisper. “Val, please.”

  “That’s not a very proper way for a slave to speak to her master,” Val said, just as courteously as he spoke to Edwards. He took a sip of wine and stretched. It was like he had no idea what he had just said. Was she going crazy?

  “You’re not just going to give in, are you? You can’t!”

  “Be quiet,” Val said, his tone dangerous.

  “I won’t let you do this for me!”

  “We’ll speak about this later.”

  Edwards returned at that moment, placing his phone back into his silk coat pocket and taking a seat across from them. His frown was pursed as if he sensed something wrong was happening but couldn’t put his finger on it.

  “So it’s really true, Marquette?” he asked. “You’re giving in?”

  “Yes,” Val said pleasantly.

  Edwards stared at him.

  “And what did your employer say?” asked Val.

  Edwards frowned deeper. “He said he accepts and wishes to know at what time you will turn yourself in. If you’re being serious.”

  “I can assure you I’m very serious.”

  Edwards leaned back and laced his fingers together. “I hope you realize that there is no going back on this, Valentine.”

  “Of course.”

  He leaned forward. “And we have our leverage.”

  “I’m well aware.”

  “Good,” said Edwards, standing up. “Then we understand each other. I’ll be in touch—you know how to reach me.” He paused, then nodded at Serena. “Good evening, Valentine. Good evening, Ms. Nicoletti.”

  Serena watched Edwards leave in silence as Val sipped more wine. Once again, she waited until she was sure he was gone and unable to hear her before starting in.

  “You can’t,” she whispered again. “Val, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but you have to stop this now.”

  “Go to your bedroom, Serena,” he said coolly, downing his drink. “I’ll be up momentarily.”

  She would have fought, but she was too numbed by the experiences of the day. This was all too bizarre. She couldn’t process it all, and fighting back would have broken her down even more. Like a zombie, she stood and let Ellen escort her back to her room.

  Serena sat on her bed yet again and buried her face in her hands. Just what on earth was going on? What in God’s name did Val think he was getting himself into?

  For a moment, she had another worry, wondering what lingerie she should wear. It was a reflex from every other time Val had ordered her to her bedroom, and inside, she laughed at the absurdity of it. Here she was watching her world crumble and she was worried about lingerie.

  She raised her head when she heard the clink of the doorknob turning and the creak as it opened. She watched Val stride in, still dressed in his suit and calm expression. She made a motion to get up, but Val held up a hand to her.

  “Sit down, Serena,” Val said, wiping his hands off with one of the towels hanging from her vanity. He seemed totally untroubled by the fact that he had just given up his entire business empire for a kidnapped brother he had never met. He had totally lost it, hadn’t he? He was finally totally insane.

  “Val, you can’t.”

  “Actually, I can,” he said, loosening his tie in the mirror. “But the truth is, I’m not going to.”

  “What?”

  Serena furrowed her brow, trying to make sense of it all. If she had thought the night was getting bizarre before, it didn’t compare at all to the way it was going now.

  “I lied when I spoke to Edwards,” Val said, turning to her with an amused expression. “You didn’t really think I was going to give up my entire business empire, did you? You know me, Serena. You know I don’t give in like that.”

  “Then why did you say it?”

  “Because,” Val said, rolling his sleeves up as he approached her. “We need Harlow to think I am if we’re going to get your brother back.”

  Serena stared at him as he sat down by her. He waited for her to process it all, calmly keeping his arms folded over his chest and one eyebrow raised. After a moment, Serena groaned and laid back on the bed, unable to handle it.

  “Fine, Val,” she said. “What’s your plan?”

  “Fine, Sir,” he said pointedly.

  Shit.

  “Fine, Sir,” she groaned, knowing that would come back to bite her in a little while.

  “It’s very simple. I’m meeting with Harlow in Los Angeles. He has your brother, and he believes I’m going to trade my business for him. So I meet with him, let him think we’re going through with the deal, and then have an associate call my men on him. Before he knows what’s happening, he’ll be swarmed. I’ll get your brother, I’ll eliminate Harlow, and we’ll live happily ever after. It’s a good plan.”

  “And when is this?” Serena asked, rubbing her temples.

  “I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.”

  “What?” she cried, sitting straight up. Val seemed unperturbed, stretching his arms casually.

  “I said I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.”

  “You’re going into their headquarters … alone?”

  “No,” he said calmly. “Jacques will be there with me. Ostensibly, he’ll be there to make sure things go smoothly. But truly, he’ll be there to help me take down Harlow.” He smiled at her, a smile of genuine hope and pleasure. “We have it all planned out, Serena. In the next few days, your brother will be home and both of our lives will be saved. We’ll be free.”

  Free. That sounded beautiful.

  But it was too good to be true, and she knew it. She wanted to say something, to warn him, to ask him to think rationally about this. Surely he knew from his criminal past with Harlow that things couldn’t truly be this simple and that he couldn’t really pull of such a betrayal. She wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake some sense into him. She wanted to scream at him to think for once in his life.

  Instead, Serena sh
ut her mouth, afraid of what she might say.

  Jacques’ words haunted her more every day. The idea that Val would reject her if she revealed she knew about his past was one nearly too painful to contemplate, but she couldn’t stop herself from dwelling on it. It paralyzed her with fear. It muted her.

  “I don’t feel up to sex tonight, Serena,” Val said, standing up and stretching. “You understand.”

  “Of course,” Serena murmured numbly.

  She watched him leave, suddenly alone in the cold emptiness of her bedroom.

  She wanted to go home. She wanted to hug Val. She wanted to bury her head in her blankets and never come out.

  She groaned and fell back onto the bed.

  Her mother had warned her about men like Val.

  *****

  The night before the meeting, Val sent her a single text:

  Go to the bedroom. Undress. Be ready by seven.

  It made her naked body tingle from the tips of her toes to the kinks in her hair as though she had touched a live electric wire. That was the power Val had over her—he could shake her to her foundations with a single text or a sideways look.

  There was sort of a sense of urgency that night. It felt as if their entire relationship was about to culminate, Serena realized as she slipped off her dress.

  She had prepared the bedroom for that night carefully and was counting down the minutes until seven. She looked into the mirror at her naked body, curling her hair around a finger. As much as she wanted to focus completely on the sexual energy of the night and the promise of the pleasure Val was about to bring to her, she couldn’t. All she could think about was tomorrow.

  Val was about to risk his life for her, and she was about to give him up and let him do it. Things would never be the same.

  And then what? Tomorrow would be hell, but somehow she thought the day after would be even worse. What would happen when Val and Harry got back and her contract ended?

  What would happen if they didn’t come back at all?

  She swallowed hard.

  She didn’t want to think about it.

  She turned her head when she heard the creak of the opening door. Val strode in, his head held high and his eyes holding something strong and resolute. Instead of taking time and preparing as he normally did, he walked straight to Serena and took her in his arms, bringing her mouth to his.