The Obsessed Billionaire: Boxed Set (Complete Vols. 1-5, A Billionaire Romance Series)

by Camille Alexander

  He needed to know I would not be hovered about, unable to speak freely in private chambers. To report, who knows what, back to Michael. No. My life, my rules. Enough deference to the shelter of men. No matter how handsome.

  Chapter 15

  I went to the restroom, where I could ensure my privacy, and sat on the closed toilet seat. I slowly opened the handwritten letter. Folded inside the note was a small, leather-covered flash-drive. Affixed to the top of the stationery was what appeared to be his family or personal crest.

  My Dearest Perri,

  I know this is a challenging set of circumstances we find ourselves within; ones we could never have anticipated.

  I have asked Maman to make herself available to you, exclusively, for as long as you stay and have need of her.

  The Brokerage has refunded the fee paid for your contract, and have I deposited the 50% that would have been held in escrow, for you, in an account that now only you can access. This USB drive contains the only copy of your encrypted account information. Simply present it with your passport at the Banque de Gestion Edmond de Rothschild Monaco and you may transfer or manage the funds at your leisure.

  Should you wish to depart the hotel and select the residence of your choosing I have instructed Taylor to prepare sufficient security and staffing forces. They will remain available at your discretion until such time that you are able to secure your own, however long that might be.

  Should you choose to stay, which is my hope, I will continue to watch over you and negotiate with your father in whatever manner you deem fit.

  My very best.

  M.

  My very best. Not much better than ‘Best regards’ or ‘Sincerely.’

  I let both the paper and the flash-drive fall to the floor as sobs overtook me and I covered my face with my hands.

  No sweetness or endearments.

  No expressions of intimacy. Just cold, formal business transactions.

  Payment for services not rendered.

  Was this pity money for the 19-year-old who has no resources, and is now, a fugitive from her own family?

  No tenderness. No warmth.

  Just business.

  Some “thing” to protect.

  Another man, objectifying me.

  I am property, to be dealt with, however soft the cushion.

  Chapter 16

  I paced my room, wanting to give her enough space that she could regain her independence, but was unwilling to return to the ship. It seemed too far away. It was driving me mad to even be this far.

  What if something happened?

  What if her father’s men returned, with more force?

  I went through my mental checklist again. Had I thought of everything she needed?

  Emotional and physical space for her to determine what her new levels of consent would be. Check.

  The means with which to make independent choices, without which there could be no certainty of her true consent. Check.

  Support and compassion without the pressure of a male who has already expressed an invested interest in her body. Check.

  Staff and security resources, should she choose to leave – which he realized were more for his comfort surrounding her safety. Check.

  An expression of his desire that she stay with him. Check.

  If the care and generosity he’d taken painstaking lengths to provide did not say how much he honored and desired her, nothing would.

  But he had needs, too.

  Michael needed to know, she wanted to stay. To be with him.

  He had discovered, countless times, many women’s consent and interest in him was based on what he provided and wanted, not on their true desires.

  If she was with him, based on contractual duty, or because of the safety he provided, he had just ensured those obstacles were removed. Her next move would tell him everything.

  Chapter 17

  The letter changed everything. No more dinner with Maman. She would slip out into the night and he would never have to hear from her again. She had friends who lived here. Certainly, she could stay with one of them if they were in town or, their staff could let her in.

  She opened the door to the bathroom and crossed over to the desk. She pulled out some hotel stationery, picked up the pen, wrote “M” on the front of the envelope, and placed everything inside, then sealed it.

  Perri walked out of her bedroom and shoved the envelope into the hands of the first officer she saw.

  “Please see that Mr. Donovan receives this at half-past five and not a moment before. Let Taylor know I need more privacy than I expected, and I would like to cancel my dinner plans, as well as the relocation of Maman. I will keep these rooms to myself, for now. And tonight, I do not wish to be disturbed.”

  “As you wish, Madam.”

  Chapter 18

  I walked back into my bedroom, locked the door, and placed the desk chair under it for added measure.

  My eyes fell on the desk clock. It was 4:45. I had very little time.

  Chapter 19

  “I’m not sure, Sir. Aniston reported it has been quiet in her room for a while now, so he believes she’s sleeping.” Taylor looked at me, waiting for further instructions. Knowing him, he was as concerned about this envelope as I was.

  “Very good. Please let me know if anything else changes.” I said as I started to turn away. I ripped open the envelope to find my letter, torn in half. I could just make out the crest. Beneath the paper, I could also see fragments of the USB drive, now smashed. Likely from her foot.

  Just as I was trying to determine what this could mean Taylor ran back into the room.

  “Michael, Jackson just reported a figure in black crawling down the exterior of the hotel.”

  “Down?!”

  “Yes, Sir.” Taylor knew as surely as I did what this meant.

  “It’s her! Have him follow her! Check her room, I don’t care if we have to break the door down! Find her!” I roared.

  Chapter 20

  I pulled my jacket collar up, knowing I looked ridiculous wearing something so warm, but I didn’t want to be recognized. I hoped that the scarf tied over my hair and oversized dark glasses made people assume I was simply someone avoiding the paparazzi.

  It was 5:33; he should be opening the message I sent to him, right about now. I thought it would make me feel better, but it only added to the sadness that was growing with each step I took away from him.

  I reached into my pocket and pulled out the phone he’d given me and prepared to dial Marissimo, an old school chum. Then it occurred to me that Taylor could track me if I kept it, and I panicked.

  I frantically looked around for a waste bin. As my eyes traveled across the street, to the archway and stone steps leading down to the pier, I saw what I was looking for.

  I looked left and right, waited for my chance, and crossed when I saw my opening.

  As I slipped the phone into the trash, I looked up and spotted two men just under a block away, walking determinedly toward me. They stood out because they too both wore heavy coats, which seemed unduly thick around the middle. I turned and began to walk in the opposite direction, when suddenly, two others appeared at a similar distance in that direction coming toward me, which would box me in.

  My heart leapt to my throat, and I froze. The traffic was too heavy and unforgivingly fast to dash between cars, so all I could do was back up against the rail, uncertain which way to go. My mind raced, scrambling for options.

  These men were not Michael’s!

  I thought I’d reached the railing behind me, but instead, my right foot caught air. Spinning to catch myself, I looked down and realized it was the stairs! Swiftly, I adjusted, grabbed the railing to pull myself forward more forcefully, propelling myself down and away from those men.

  At the bottom of the two flights of stairs, I hit the wooden dock at a run, brushing past wealthy tourists and those who served them. I glanced back, astonished to see they were gaining on me slightly, despit
e my smaller, more nimble size.

  I had run track in middle school, wearing a custom sports hijab, so I knew one of the issues was aerodynamics. I had to lose the jacket, fast.

  Chapter 21

  Taylor and I were changed and, on the streets, as were all but two of my 20 men. We had to leave the two behind to staff the command center for the intel they would provide.

  Typically, I traveled with ten guards, who worked in groups of four per 12-hour shift, with two available for relief schedules. They also helped Taylor with research and planning, logistics, and special ops. In this case, he’d come through as he had promised, and pulled in extra officers, a few of whom I had seen before, over the years.

  All were highly trained specialists in Close Protection Operations, search and rescue, threat and risk assessments, advanced surveillance measures, tactical evasion, close combat, and long-range defense. Most of them also spoke several languages each.

  We were equipped with our standard Glocks, infrared binoculars, discreet two-way transmission devices, and assorted other weaponry. We did not know what we might run into in the field and needed to be prepared for anything.

  “Disturbance reported along Route de la Piscine: four men chasing a young woman.” It was the voice of Boucher, our command ops lead, relaying city reports in real-time.

  “Copy that,” Taylor replied. “Intersect ETA two minutes. Maintain updates.”

  We broke into an all-out run; that road was two streets over, so we had to hoof it or we might not get there in time.

  We had to get there in time!

  Chapter 22

  I dashed between two children, knocking one over as I did, yelling my apology, “Je suis vraiment désolé!”

  I felt bad but could not stop. I looked back and while he seemed startled, thankfully he seemed unharmed.

  I yanked off my jacket and tossed it towards a trash bin. It barely made it in, but I didn’t care.

  Running past those out for an evening stroll was trickier with the dim lighting, but I was determined; I would not be captured and taken back to my father!

  My eyes scanned the horizon. It seemed I may be quickly approaching a dead end. There appeared little beyond where the lamps ended, causing me a moment of panic that I may have nowhere to go, but back the way I came-- which was not an option!

  Finally, I saw a small party boat with several men my age, likely heading out for a night fish, beginning to pull away from the jetty. I dashed forward as I called out, “Attends-Moi!” Wait for me!

  The men looked up as I ripped the scarf and sunglasses off, smiling broadly as I leapt forward!

  They grinned, not seeing the men following behind me, distracted and delighted to welcome an attractive woman on board!

  As my saviors helped me into the boat, I hugged them and kissed each cheek, giving them my thanks. As their vessel continued its course, away from the shore, the breathless men in coats faded from sight.

  Chapter 23

  We arrived at the pier just in time to see Perri sail away from her would-be captors. Damn her! As proud as I was of her, for evading capture so well, she would not be in this mess if she had just talked to me, and now, who knows what new danger she faced!

  Taylor was already relaying our status back to the team and asking for the helicopter to head toward the boat’s coordinates, hoping it could find her.

  I had a better idea.

  I rushed toward an elderly man in worn white pants, a classic black & white striped, French long-sleeve shirt, and a soiled white beret covering almost nonexistent hair. His skin was leathery, as if he spent all his days on his boat, the sun reflecting off the sparkling azure sea.

  In French, I asked if his boat was sea-worthy and fast. Nearly offended he launched into a long-winded explanation with many gestures about its beauty and unmatched grace under even the worst conditions. But is it fast, was all I wanted to know.

  “Oui! Oui!” He finally said as he puffed out his chest proudly.

  I reached in my pocket and pulled out all the cash I had. Ten thousand euros.

  I offered it to him in exchange for catching up with the boat – I pointed – heading out into the darkness.

  “Dépêchez-vous! Dépêchez-vous!” I cried as he tried to argue over it being too much money. Hurry! Hurry!

  Taylor and I stepped on board and the man, finally excited that this was real, removed the pier ropes and we were off!

  Chapter 24

  The men had already been drinking it seemed. It caused me to wonder if I should regret jumping on with them.

  I made up a story about mistaking their boat as the tour boat for lesbians, which was a dreaded mistake. Suddenly, they thought that meant they had hit the jackpot and found someone who was kinky.

  My body ran cold with fear. This was quickly spiraling, but I knew better than to let them see my panic.

  I pointed to the shore, away from where the coated men waited, but close enough that I find my way toward where I had planned to be. I demanded they drop me there, pretending I would find my friends.

  They refused, jovially at first, declaring they had never met a lesbian before. Their smiles turned to sneers when they confessed, they did not know lesbians were so beautiful. One got handsy with me, trying to pull me into an embrace, and I quickly smacked him across the face.

  No sooner had my hand registered, then the energy shifted. They began pulling and pushing me between them, taunting me with the things they could do. No one manned the boat’s controls now. They had set it to autopilot.

  I yelled at them to stop, my blouse now torn slightly at one shoulder, and hair pulled in the process. All I wanted was to jump overboard. Anything to get away from them before – before –

  I couldn’t let my mind think about what might happen!

  Chapter 25

  I scratched one and drew blood. He wailed and pulled away.

  Another pinned my elbows behind my back as I wriggled and writhed, another grasped my belt loop to try and hold me still. A third, the leader of the group, grabbed a fistful of my hair, but stood turned slightly so I couldn’t knee him in the groin, taunting me with obscenities. I could smell the rank stench of alcohol on his breath.

  Then I heard a thud. His eyes went blank, then shifted to stare off into space, as his hand let go of my hair, just before he fell to the ground.

  There was a knife in his back.

  Suddenly, everything was mayhem. I was thrust backward, spilling over the captain’s chair, and crashing into the wheel, knocking the boat off course. The boat swung wildly, and through the dark, I could hear scuffling and bodies falling.

  I scrambled up and headed for the front of the boat, away from all the men that seemed to now, to be fighting amongst themselves. I reached the bow and prepared to dive off, praying I avoided the propellers, when I thought I heard Michael calling my name across the night air.

  Michael? Michael! Where was he now?

  Thinking I must have sustained a partial concussion and was imagining it, I dove, without another moment of hesitation, into the cold night waters, which enveloped me.

  I stayed underwater for as long as I could, wanting to ensure the boat didn’t come around for me.

  When I finally surfaced it was in the middle of a bright spotlight that had been searching the water for me.

  I realized then, I could hear Michael calling my name.

  Chapter 26

  I was grateful she did not resist me bringing her back to the hotel. I promised her she’d be safe, and dammit, I was bent on fulfilling that promise, consent or no.

  The door to her room opened and I looked up from the sofa. It was Maman tiptoeing out quietly.

  I stood and moved toward her.

  “She has bathed and changed and is resting quietly. I will destroy her clothes so there is no memory of them. She has a special tea I made, which will help her sleep, but I believe she needs away from here, Mr. Michael.” Her face looked grave.

  I nodded. “Yes,
it’s too dangerous here, I see that.”

  “No, she needs away from here for other reasons. She’s confused; she believes you do not care for her as you once may have. She does not trust men to not want to own her, yet she longs for that security as well. She needs a simple life for a little while. Walks and talks and good food made from the land. Not the finery she is accustomed to. That will help her see the truth, and to know herself better. To trust herself again.”

  Maman always knew how to get through to me.

  I nodded, grateful, and kissed both of her cheeks warmly.

  “Thank you, Maman. As always, my savior.”

  Chapter 27

  I knocked on the door, lightly, and she beckoned me in with a soft voice.

  She smiled when she saw the flowers I held. As I moved closer to where she lay on the bed, I realized she was tearing up.

  “May I sit, Mon Chéri?” I asked, gesturing toward the bed beside her.

  She nodded and patted it twice, without enthusiasm. She was exhausted and shaken, that much was clear. But I still did not know – and needed, desperately to know – whether she was interested in staying with or getting far away from me.

  I sat, quietly for a long minute, while she seemed lost in thought, so very fragile under those covers. She was wearing the same pink satin, button-up pajama top that she’d had on in the bathtub where we had taken shelter – what was it – just yesterday? So much had happened, in such a short span of time.

  When she looked up at me finally, she looked so lost, so uncertain. As if all the wind had gone out of her sails. I knew she would recover from all of this. That with rest and care she’d be back to herself in no time, but now, here, she was as vulnerable as a small child.

  “Thank you for taking me in,” her chin and lower lip trembled; fat droplets spilled over her bottom lashes. “Thank you for finding me.”