The Billionaire's Prize: Taken & Tempted: (Book 3 Billionaire Bodyguard Series)

by Kristi Avalon

  The woman blinked. Her light blue eyes warmed with understanding. “Oh, my gosh. No, Kylie.” She smiled. “I’m Mindy, Cade’s PR manager. Now his life manager, apparently.” She rolled her eyes. “He sent me out to buy your new wardrobe. Lucky you.” She winked. “I hope you’ll be happy with my choices.”

  “Choices?”

  “I had so much fun.” Mindy’s optimistic cheer was contagious, calming Kylie’s inner turmoil now that she knew Mindy wasn’t involved with the man who’d offered her safety and solace. “Cade sent me on a mission. Dresses. Suits. Pants. Blazers. Shoes. Intimate apparel. A bathing suit. Makeup. Plus soaps and lotions for the bathroom.” Mindy appeared so pleased that Kylie took her hands when she offered them in a gesture of excitement. “I hope you like everything.”

  “Thank you. So much.” Kylie wanted to cry, overwhelmed by this complete stranger’s efforts to help her adjust. If adjustment was possible when she was on the run from a powerful drug lord.

  “My pleasure.” Mindy embraced her. “If you need more, you let me know. I have Cade’s credit card.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Your wish is my command.”

  “I can’t…” Kylie swallowed and took a deep breath. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “No thanks required. I’m serious, if you need anything, let me know. Okay?”

  Kylie nodded. “Okay.”

  Mindy patted Slone on the shoulder and left Cade’s apartment. Mindy had been incredibly kind, trying to make Kylie at home here. Staggered by Cade’s generosity, she stared at the packed closet and shook her head. Had he really sent someone to do all this? For her?

  “Do you want dinner?” Slone called out from the living room.

  “How about pizza?” Her favorite go-to comfort food.

  She heard him dial the front desk for takeout. “What do you like on it?”

  “Pepperoni. And double cheese, if you’re up for it.”

  “Awesome.” The grin in his voice made her smile.

  While waiting for pizza delivery, she decided to change out of her clothes into something warmer. She draped Cade’s coat across the end of the bed, lingering for a moment to breathe in the scent of his cologne. An exotic blend of mint and lavender, a slight citrus overlay of orange blossoms but with woodsy undertones. Masculine and memorable. She wanted to snuggle into that scent like a cashmere scarf wrapped around her on a cold day. The scent was also extremely arousing. Then again, it belonged to Cade, of course it would be arousing.

  Forcing herself to walk away from his coat so she didn’t embarrass herself, she entered the walk-in closet and admired the impressive names on the garment bags. What she would give for sweatpants and a sweatshirt. But apparently luxury designers didn’t stoop to that level of informality. She found a plush cream-colored sweater and a pair of black velvet leggings.

  The clothes fit nicely, and her body temperature had warmed significantly by the time she went to meet Slone in the living room. Pizza arrived minutes later. They pulled chrome barstools up to the white quartz countertop.

  Slone lifted the lid and the juicy smell of pepperoni made her mouth water. “Dig in,” he said.

  They devoured the pizza right out of the box, using napkins for plates. “Oh, my God. This is heaven.”

  Slone nodded and inhaled another slice. Three crusts lay on the napkin in front of her when she finally pushed away from the counter and sighed, her belly full, her spirits lifted. Cade had been right, her appetite returned once she felt safer and more comfortable.

  Looking around the open concept kitchen framed by dark wood cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, she wondered, “Do you think Cade keeps wine around?”

  “Probably.”

  “Want a glass if I find a bottle?”

  Slone shook his head. “Goes against policy.”

  Though she wasn’t a real client who deserved an impressive bodyguard like Slone, she respected his adherence to the rules. Nosing around she discovered a walk-in pantry that revealed a door with glass panes at the other end.

  Approaching the narrow frame, she noticed a digital temperature monitor on the handle and peered inside. A stocked wine room. Jackpot.

  She pushed inside and stood in the dim ambient lighting surrounded by diamond-shaped racks from floor to ceiling. The collection was impressive. She didn’t know where to begin. Dominique had recently raved about Malbec wine, a tame red, with more nuanced flavors than merlot and lighter than pinot noir.

  Tapping her chin, she wondered if Cade could give her a wine tasting sometime. She needed a serious education in this arena, to develop a more sophisticated pallet. Especially when she found a job after graduation. She might eventually meet with wealthy clients, big-shot lawyers, and even judges. She needed to expand her horizons, so she looked like she had a clue what she was doing when she ordered wine at a nice restaurant. House chardonnay wasn’t going to cut it in the fancier circles of society.

  She pulled out several bottles, inspected them, then nestled them back into their coves until she found a Malbec from Argentina. She shrugged and exited the wine room.

  “Sure you don’t want a glass?” she asked, noticing Slone had polished off all but two slices of pizza. She opened and closed cupboards searching for wine glasses.

  “No, thanks.”

  When she found the stemware, she eyed the collection. “Short and round, or tall and slim?” she wondered aloud.

  “You want a glass with a wide mouth.”

  “Why?”

  “Reds need to breathe once they’re exposed to oxygen. Wider rims help that process.”

  “Oh.” Maybe Slone could lead her through a wine tasting. “Why does it need to breathe?”

  “Brings out the flavors,” he said with an authoritative nod.

  “Interesting.” In a drawer she found a corkscrew housed in a strange contraption with a curved handle. Bewildered, she picked it up and stared at it.

  “Here.” Slone stretched out his hand. “I’ll show you how it works.” He popped the cork in three seconds.

  “Do they teach you that in bodyguard one-oh-one?”

  He chuckled. “I’ve worked with enough politicians and heads of state to know my way around a wine opener.” Then he poured the red liquid into her glass, gave it a few swirls, and handed it back to her. “You want a stout glass so you can cup it in your hand to warm the wine.”

  “Breathing. Warming. Special glasses. Crazy wine openers.” Her shoulders slumped. “I definitely need to take a class.”

  “Nah. You’ll get the hang of it. Wine tastings make for great second dates, so I hear.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind…if I ever get a first one.”

  He tilted his head. “You could walk into any bar and have your pick.”

  “I must be going to the wrong bars.” When I do get out for a night. She sighed. “It’s hard to date when you’re studying all the time.”

  “I know the feeling. My hours are insane, but that’s my choice. I still can’t believe you’re single.”

  “I’m from Las Vegas. The land of showgirls, beautiful people, and rich plastic surgeons. In case you haven’t noticed,” she said, gesturing at herself, “I don’t fit into that club.”

  For a second he gave her the oddest stare. Then he cleared his throat, closed the pizza box and stood. “I think I’ll go read a magazine on the couch.”

  His abrupt departure left her standing alone in the kitchen. Was it something I said?

  Abandoned to her own devices, she wandered over to a set of frosted glass doors. They looked like they led to a balcony, leaving her curious about the iridescent turquoise color casting wavy patterns on the hardwood floor. She pressed the handle and opened the door.

  A gust of wind made her shiver but the view took her breath away.

  Forgetting the cold, she stepped out onto the concrete balcony to a sea of glittering city lights below. A fingernail moon hung above the outline of the mountain range, eerily close as if she could reach out and tou
ch the tip. Directly in front of her stretched an in-ground lap pool, the source of the rippling patterns. The blue water lapped gently like an invitation. She bent and dipped her hand in to find it surprisingly warm. A heated pool in the sky. How did it get better than this?

  Then she spotted a hot tub at the other end. Bubbles frothed and foamed, dancing along the surface of the circular basin. It just got better.

  Delighted by her discovery, she returned inside and approached Slone. He sat on one of the black couches absorbed in a magazine.

  “Do you think Cade would mind if I used his hot tub?”

  “Nope.” He turned a page without looking up at her. “I don’t think he’d mind one bit.”

  “Oh, good.” She didn’t know why she felt the need to ask permission. Cade had told her to make herself at home in his place. Slone’s consent sealed the deal.

  Back in the guestroom she located the bathing suit Mindy had mentioned purchasing for her. When she put on the bikini, the strings were a little hard to fasten. She wondered if she’d tied it wrong, because she swore she was falling out of the skimpy two-piece.

  On the way to grab a towel from the linen closet in the bathroom, she passed a mirror and gasped. She immediately hunted for a t-shirt, or something to wear over the bathing suit.

  No way would she traipse around Cade’s penthouse with her ample chest on display. She didn’t have the worst body. She was okay with being more voluptuous than the average girl. But that glimpse in the mirror reminded her should’ve stopped at one slice of pizza. If she did that every time, she might not need to put anything on over swimwear. She found a gauzy sleeveless shell in the same drawer as the swimsuit, beside the intimate apparel, and dragged it on over her head.

  Good enough. She wrapped the towel around her waist to cover her lower half, slid into her yellow flip flops, and scurried through the living room past Slone. She heard the magazine shift and crinkle before she slipped out the doors, glass of wine in hand.

  Beside the pool she dropped her towel and eased into the hot tub, taking her time, letting her skin adjust to the scalding temperature. Her glasses fogged so she removed them and set them near the towel. When she slid in up to her shoulders, she released a deep sigh. The contrast of the cool night air on her face and the hot bubbling water made the world melt away.

  Exactly what she needed. Enveloped in heat and comfort, her eyelids grew heavy. She accidentally dozed off, for how long she wasn’t sure. When she reached for her wine glass, her fingertips grazed a pair of long bare feet.

  Opening her eyes, her gaze followed the hair-dusted muscular shapes of his calves up to navy swim trunks. She paused at his waist, gaping at the mounds of muscle that made up his six-pack abs. Her lips parted. Oh, my God, those abs. The most perfect she’d ever seen, on an underwear model or in real life. Every tan slope and sharp crease invited her tongue to trace the sexy ridges. A towel draped around his neck, over his muscular shoulders and down the broad plane of his smooth chest. Her gaze leaped up to his chiseled lips poised in a half grin. Finally, she met his vibrant blue eyes.

  Embarrassment burned in her cheeks. “Hi.”

  “Don’t mind me.” His gaze flicking lazily over her, he didn’t move. “Just admiring the view.”

  “It’s beautiful up here.” She’d lost her conversational skills somewhere between his abs and his mouth. Could he be any more gorgeous?

  His smile spread to flash white teeth. “Even more so now.”

  Gorgeous and complimentary. She had zero experience with a man like him. She was in way over her head. And drowning fast. She grabbed her wine and gulped it down, the alcohol rushing to her head making her dizzy.

  “Easy, honey.” Eyes heavy-lidded, he gestured to her with the uncorked wine bottle in his hand. “Some things are meant to be tasted slowly, savored.”

  His potent sex appeal matched by his witty charm made her slippery inside and short of breath. Her pulse hammered in her throat. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, no matter how hard she tried. And she really was trying.

  “Join me for a drink?” he asked.

  Actually, it seemed more like he was joining her, but she wasn’t about to correct him. Or complain.

  When she nodded, he poured himself a glass, refilled hers, and levered into the hot tub beside her. Close beside her. The slippery sensation intensified, her abdomen filling with uninvited desire.

  He slid a wet thumb across the label on the bottle and she practically felt the touch on her own skin. A luxurious shiver drifted down her spine. “You have good taste in wine,” he said. “I’ve had this bottle for a while, waiting for a good reason to open it. Cheers.”

  She lifted her glass and clinked it against his. “I wasn’t sure which one to choose. Is this okay?”

  Inspecting the rich color, he twirled his stem. “At two hundred dollars a glass, it better be more than okay.”

  Her eyes went wide and her throat clenched. She forced herself to swallow the sip she’d taken. “Are you serious?”

  “I like the best,” he said with a shrug.

  “I had no idea. I’m so sorry.” She went to set it down but his hand molded to hers around the glass.

  Their thumbs crossed and he gave her a brief caress. “It’s okay. Just enjoy. That’s what it’s for, moments like this.”

  What kind of moment was this? And how could it be worth two hundred dollars?

  He guided the rim back to her lips, and then released her hand. As she sipped, she noticed a faint tingling sensation where his fingers had enveloped hers. Long fingers with smooth nails and a gentle yet firm touch.

  For a second she imagined them gliding between her breasts, coasting across her stomach, then down between her thighs. Okay, she needed to change the direction of her thoughts. Immediately.

  “How did your spontaneous interview go?”

  He frowned and ran a hand through his hair. “Fine.”

  The dark gold and blonde streaked layers fell back into place alongside his temples. Of course he had perfect hair, too.

  “I pulled it off, but I’m worried they might’ve caught you on camera. If Ramos sees you with me, we’re screwed.” He arched an eyebrow. “Not in a good way.”

  “I doubt Bruno is sitting around watching the eleven o’clock Denver news. If they even air it tonight.”

  “True.” He sipped his wine. “There’s still a chance, though. I already ordered an extra crew of bodyguards to monitor the building tomorrow—this one, as well as my place of business. There’s too much at stake.”

  “I never meant to cause you all this trouble,” she said, staring at the bubbles frothing around them.

  “Ramos is the problem, not you.” He curved a knuckle under her chin until her eyes met his. “Are we clear on that?”

  She blinked and nodded. “I hope your cousins can find out more about the mystery woman.”

  “So do I.”

  Cade couldn’t brush off the shadows of concern that had crossed his mind when Kylie brought up the woman meeting his father at the motel. Or the remorse that slammed into his chest every time he thought about his dad going out that afternoon alone. Dad had to have known he was walking into a dangerous situation, even facing down death.

  Maybe that’s why Dad had told him to stay with Mom. So when the dreaded call came, he was there to hold her when she collapsed against him sobbing. To contain the fallout, to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Cade had always been closer to their mom, Trey closer to Dad. The whole thing reeked of betrayal. On so many levels. And could’ve been avoided if Dad had let him in, let him help.

  “You okay?” Kylie’s voice drifted to him like a whisper of silk, beckoning him back to the present.

  He nodded. “Reopening his case just brings up some old baggage.”

  “Do you remember something new from that time? Or that day?”

  A heavy sigh filled his chest. “I knew something was up. I should’ve talked to Dad. I mean, I tried, but he shut me out.�
� He curled his hands into fists against the pulsing currents of water jets. “Like usual, but this was worse. He knew that I knew about the money. Huge chunks of cash went missing from the books once a month. Trey dealt with some of the major purchases, like the new lease on a bigger warehouse, but I took over the accounting after I finished my MBA and came back to the family business. I asked him if the company was in trouble. If he was in trouble.”

  “Did he ever explain why?” she asked.

  “No. The third time I approached him about the issue, he looked like he was going to deck me. He warned me to never ask about it again. Things were fine. He’d handle it. When the time was right, he’d explain.” Cade took a long sip of wine. “That day never came.”

  “Do you have an idea what drove his actions? Could you follow the money?” she asked.

  The memory pained him. “I thought he was having an affair.”

  Kylie gasped. “Oh, that’s such a difficult thing to face.”

  Catching the note of heartache in her tone, he glanced at her. He saw his own anguish mirrored in her eyes. He wanted to ask her about it.

  Before he could, she said, “But it doesn’t matter in the end. What’s past is past. You can wonder why forever, and the answers never materialize the way you think they should. People make their choices. All you can do is move on the best you can.”

  “Speaking for personal experience?” he asked, tracing a damp lock of hair on her forehead, tucking it behind her ear.

  She shrugged and moved several inches away from him. Whatever secrets she held weren’t up for discussion. Not yet.

  Cade realized how little he knew about her—and how much more he wanted to know. Staying mired in his own bleak thoughts wouldn’t accomplish that.

  Unwilling to delve further into the concept of his father having had a mistress, he pulled himself out from under the morose cloud that had descended around them. He noticed her nibbling her lower lip, looking slightly uncomfortable.

  “I didn’t mean to depress you,” he said, searching for something clever to say. He came up empty. Though he appreciated that he didn’t need to force small talk with her the way he did with so many other people.