Bad Boy Billionaire (A Standalone Romance) (10 page)

Maria had no idea how long she’d been locked in that gloomy cell deep in the bowels of the courthouse. She’d counted six deliveries of the same bland meals. She still had no idea of the charges against her, but she felt calmer now. It was out of her control. She’d hear the charges at her arraignment. And if the judge didn’t throw out her case then she’d work out what to do.

She’d lose her license for sure. She had no idea what she’d do for a job instead. But she’d find something. She was a fighter – always had been, always would be. She shifted on the thin mattress. Her cell door creaked open. She turned and stared listlessly. Her stomach told her she should expect another tray of bland food. She was surprised when the guard spoke to her.

“You have a visitor.”

He cuffed her and guided her down the hall. She fought hard but she couldn’t stop herself from imagining that it was Chase Breton, sitting there in one of his bespoke tailored suits. He’d know what to do. The guard reached past her and opened the door to the meeting room. Her heart sank. It was Johnny and the lawyer.

“Tell me it’s good news,” she said, almost in tears.

He nodded. She thought she caught a flicker of sympathy cross his face but she dismissed the idea. It was almost as ridiculous as her girlish fantasy about Breton.

“She’s free?”

He nodded again.

“How can I know for sure?”

He screwed up his face in mock offense. “We grew up together. Don’t you trust me?”

“Sure I do,” she said calmly. “But humor me.”

He pulled out his cell phone and clumsily tapped at the screen. Maria held her breath. Eventually he held the phone out to her. She leaned across the table to examine it. At the same time, Pete ruffled in his papers and pulled out a copy of the New York Times dated four days after her arrest. She exhaled deeply and closed her eyes. The photo showed a tired-looking Janey standing outside the A Street Deli holding the same newspaper in her hands.

Maria bowed her head. This time she made no attempt to stem the flow of tears. It was relief, not fear, that flooded through her.

Johnny started to pull the phone away when Maria made a grab for it. He refused to let her take it. “What’s wrong now?”

She leaned in and looked at the picture again, focusing on the different element and how the light fell on each one. Finally, satisfied it wasn’t falsified, she nodded and leaned back against her chair.

“Thank you,” she whispered. Her voice was high and strained from crying.

There was little else said in her meeting with Johnny. What else could they say? He confirmed that it had been two days since he’d last come to visit her, and that he had indeed managed to secure Janey’s release within twenty four hours. Maria hadn’t asked the details. She knew it had something to do with pressuring Janey’s boyfriend to confess the truth. She didn’t feel bad: the guy was a snake who had framed her sister. Johnny promised to do his best to get her out when the media frenzy died down.

And it sounded like there was a lot of media attention. Pete allowed her to flick through the paper. She wasn’t mentioned, but there was two full pages covering the arrest of Josh Pritchett.

The guard came to get her as Johnny and Pete left. To her surprise, they turned in the opposite direction to her cell.

“Where are—”

“To the holding cells,” he said in a monotone, like he was tired of answering questions.

Maria felt a surge of nervousness and excitement. She was one step closer to getting out. The flipside was she was one step closer to going away forever. It all depended on the judge. And her lawyer. Pete hadn’t even mentioned the arraignment at their meeting. She wondered silently whether she should try and source another attorney. But who? She dealt with lawyers all of the time – it was an occupational hazard – but those guys mainly worked for large insurance firms. And their cases rarely saw a courtroom. She needed a trial lawyer. Preferably a good one. Her heart sank. Even crumpled Pete’s hourly rate was probably more than she could afford. She hated to imagine what a good attorney would charge.

“Hey am I gonna have a chance to talk to my attorney before the hearing starts?”

He muttered something.

“What was that?”

“I said I don’t know,” he repeated slowly.

“Well can you get him back here?”

His pace didn’t slow. “My instructions were to take you to the holding cells.”

The holding cell was identical to her previous home in the courthouse except it was smaller with a narrower bench. She sat down and prayed she wouldn’t have to wait long.

The hours ticked past - at least Maria imagined they did. Like her other cells, there was no indication of the time. She could only assume, though, that she’d been taken to the holding cells because her hearing was going to take place at some point that day.

These cells were busier: she could hear the constant opening and closing of doors, and people shuffling along the corridor. Occasionally, she caught the faint sound of people crying or wailing. She wasn’t surprised – some of her cell neighbors would be up on felony charges, she knew, facing sentences of twenty years plus. She hoped she wasn’t one of them.

Finally, the door opened. It was a different guard this time. Without saying a word, he cuffed her and led her back along the corridor the way she’d been brought earlier that morning. She didn’t find anything surprising about that until he opened a door. She blinked. She was standing in the entrance to a courtyard surrounded by metal gates two floors high.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

This one was much like the others – extremely disinterested in answering her questions. He didn’t respond. She was bundled into an armored bus. They were joined by another guard who fastened her cuffs to the bar on the seat in front.

“Is this really necessary?” Maria asked.

The guard looked at her but didn’t reply.

When they were satisfied that she was secured to the seat, the first guard sat down in the seat opposite her. The other one got out and entered the bullet proof driver’s compartment. To her surprise, the gates opened and the bus started moving.

Maria racked her brain to try and work out what was going on. She’d never been to an arraignment hearing. It seemed strange to her, though, that they’d take her to one courthouse only to transfer her to another. A sudden fear seized her. Unless they had decided to take her to the Supreme Court. She shuddered at the though. It seemed unlikely that they could do that, though, since she hadn’t had an arraignment hearing. She turned and stared out the window. Nothing was usual or likely about her incarceration.

She did a double take. Unless she was mistaken, the bus was heading for the tunnel. She glanced over at the guard who was absently staring out the windows on the other side.

“What courthouse are you taking me to?” she asked, trying to keep her voice calm.

Neither of them answered.

They drove on in silence with Maria’s terror growing every minute. Finally, the bus slowed and they pulled through a chain-link fence. By this time, the city was far behind them and they were driving through light industrial zones. She couldn’t remember the last vehicle they’d passed that wasn’t commercial. She craned her neck to see where they were going. She knew one thing though: they weren’t taking her to a courthouse.

The sound of the bus’s old wheels on the ground changed suddenly. Maria hadn’t realized it was so loud until the sound died. Now they were on a smoother surface even though the surroundings hadn’t changed. They were on a large almost empty lot driving toward what looked like a large abandoned storage building. The bus changed direction without warning. Maria found herself sliding across the shiny vinyl seat. Her cuffs were the only thing that stopped her flying right off it onto the grimy floor of the bus. Maria steadied herself and glanced out the window. She gasped in shock.

She’d been there before. She hadn’t recognized the approach because she’d never seen it before. The last time she’d arrived had been by air.

Her heart jolted as they drove closer and closer to the jet. She saw it had the Breton logo on the side. She was sure the company had the money for several jets – she wondered if it was the same one. As the bus slowed alongside it, the door opened and the steps slowly descended to the ground.

As soon as the van stopped, the cop guarding her stood and unlashed her from the seat in front. He led her to the door and helped her out of the bus.

“Cuffs?” she said, holding up her hands behind her back.

He looked at her for a moment as if he was deciding what to do. Finally, when she’d just about given up on ever having her hands freed, he reached forward and unlocked them with one of the keys that were fastened to his belt. He followed her out of the bus and escorted her to the bottom of the steps. She glanced up at the open doorway. There was no one there. She turned to face her guard.

“What’s going on?”

He just shrugged in response.

Tentatively, she started to walk up the steps. She realized she was holding her breath. She tried to regulate her breathing but her rapid heartbeat and the adrenaline flooding her body made it impossible. She reached the top step and leaned in through the door.

It was the same jet alright, all decked out in Breton blue in the same layout. And Chase was sitting in the closest reclining chair, staring at the door. He smiled slowly.

She paused, staring at him in disbelief. Apart from dark bags under his eyes, he looked perfect in his dark blue suit and gray tie. The dark shadow of stubble on his chin gave him an edge of danger. He was beautiful, every part of him. Unlike her – she was still wearing the same sweats she’d been wearing the morning of her arrest. The gorgeous, treacherous asshole. Her hands balled into fists and she launched herself at him before she even knew what she was doing.

He grabbed her wrists before she had a chance to strike him. Even then, he struggled to keep her at bay.

“You bastard,” she hissed. “You rich, entitled fuck.”

“Shhh,” he whispered, staring up into her eyes.

Despite her rage, Maria felt her body flood with desire.

“Please sit,” he said in the same low, calm voice. “Let me explain.”

Chase let go of Maria’s arms and rubbed his chin. Usually clean-shaven, he now wore two days’ worth of light brown stubble. He’d had more important things to think about than his appearance. To his relief, her arms started to relax. He tried not to smile: he knew that would drive her absolutely crazy, but it was difficult. Even in her crumpled, bedraggled clothes, she was stunning. It seemed that a few days in the cells had done little to quench her fire. But he couldn’t think like that now. They needed to talk.

“Sit,” he whispered. He couldn’t even imagine what she’d been through the past few days.

Florida had been a ruse, of course it had. But he had done it as much for Maria as he had for himself. Mike’s research into Johnny Macone had filled them both with terror. The guy was a mercenary – not someone to be crossed, and certainly not someone you could double-cross and live to tell the tale. After his shocking meeting with Maria and the decision to go to Florida, he’d had time to reflect on the problem and think of a solution.

His first free moment in Florida, he’d called an old friend who now worked for the financial crimes unit. Carl had been in a deep sleep, but Chase’s serious tone shook him out of it immediately. He had told Carl everything he knew about the deals. His friend listened and thought about it. Luckily, he still had contacts in the PD who could help. Carl’s advice had been to go ahead with the meetings and take the deal to its final stages but hold off until a task force was assembled.

“It was signed Sunday night. From then it was just a short wait until Josh Pritchett started to get the scam in place. You probably saw it in the papers.”

“I didn’t get the papers delivered to my damn cell.”

“Listen,” he said insistently.

She fell silent.

“I didn’t want to do it like this, I swear. I refused. The thought of you in a cell.” He shivered as if even imagining it was unthinkable. “But the task force left me under no illusion about what would happen if you were involved. Even if Johnny and his crew came out with the money Josh promised them, you’d still be a rat.”

“What’s changed? I’m a rat. I’ve just been kept in the dark.”

He shook his head. “No. You’re not.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Think about it,” he said looking deep into her eyes. “Why do you think I’d put you through that? There was a reason for the theater. Johnny needed to see you locked up so he could have no doubt.”

“But… but what if I was found guilty?” she whispered.

“No.” He shook his head. “That was never going to happen. We needed everyone to believe that you were in as much trouble as Josh. You were never going to have a trial. We just needed to keep you in custody until Josh denied your involvement.”

“That’s enough? And how can you be so sure he won’t implicate me?”

Chase set his jaw. The idea of there being any doubt surrounding his ability to protect her… he stared her straight in the eyes wondering if they’d ever be able to get past the pain and complication of the past couple weeks.

“There was never any doubt, Maria. He didn’t have a choice.”

Her eyes widened. “So he’s already testified that I wasn’t involved?”

“Not in such a direct way. But it’s been made clear that he didn’t know about your involvement in the scheme. Turns out he’s telling the truth.”

“Of course he is,” Maria frowned. “I told you.”

He nodded slowly. “You did,” he said finally, choosing his words carefully. Had he believed her? He wasn’t sure. There had been so much going on that there was little time for reflection. One thing was sure – his need to protect her had never wavered.

“So I’m free to go?”

He nodded, wondering what she’d choose to do. He couldn’t help but feel a void open up inside him. Even if she didn’t hate him, there were still many obstacles in their way.

“I don’t get why you couldn’t have told me.”

He leaned in close and brushed the hair away from her face. It was the first physical contact they’d had since they returned from Florida the second time. “I couldn’t risk it. It was best if you didn’t know.”

“I wish you’d said. You know what it was like locked in that cell not knowing if I’d ever get out?”

He shrugged, not knowing what to say. He’d lain awake each night wondering how she was handling it. He hadn’t dared to pull strings to ensure her comfort in case one of Johnny’s spies found out. “Better locked up than dead. Your honest reaction made you a lot safer than knowing the truth and trying to act scared.” He smiled crookedly and cleared his throat. “I’ve really missed you, Maria.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “You don’t hate me for what I did?”

He shook his head. The sadness returned to his eyes. He had seen the relief and excitement in hers.

“What is it?” she asked.

He sighed. “We’re gonna need to be careful. We can’t see each other immediately.” He paused. “That’s if you even want to see me at all.”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course I do,” she said, half sobbing, half smiling. She stood up and practically threw herself on top of him, straddling his lap and holding his face in her hands.

Chase felt the knot in his stomach ease and a wall of happiness swelled up inside of him, the likes of which he’d never experienced before. “Excellent,” he murmured, reaching for the hem of her sweatshirt.

Her eyes widened and she grabbed for the fabric. “Stop,” she hissed. “I’m gross. I haven’t showered in I dunno how long.”

Chase’s mind went blank for a moment. All he wanted to do was tear her damn clothes off and take her, right then and there. He’d struggled to restrain himself ever since he went to Carl Dwyer and told him everything he knew. He couldn’t wait any longer. “Okay,” he said, wishing he didn’t sound so much like a deflating balloon. She looked perfect to him, a bit bedraggled, but what wasn’t to like about that? Whatever about his desires though, he didn’t want her feeling awkward or unattractive.

“I’ll go home, grab a shower and change of clothes, catch up with Janey and we could meet later?”

He smiled slowly as he realized something. “I have a better idea.”

He lifted her off his lap and placed her on the ground. Then he walked her to the back of the cabin, kissing the top of her head as they went.

“What is it? Do it in the dark so you can’t see my filthy clothes? It’s lucky I’ve got this much on. If they’d come thirty minutes earlier I’d still be braless in my pajamas.”

He smiled. His cock twitched in his pants at the thought. “I prefer you braless,” he growled. “I prefer you naked.”

She laughed. He couldn’t see her face but he just knew she was rolling her eyes. He didn’t care. He had her back. And he wasn’t about to let her go anytime soon. Well – as soon as they were safe from Johnny’s suspicions.

They’d reached the back of the jet now. She stopped in front of the door.

“What’s in here?”

“Bathroom,” he murmured into her hair, holding her tight around the waist. “Complete with hot shower.”

“Ah,” she spun around. “Trust you to have a full bathroom on your fancy private jet.”

He pulled her to him. “You’re not so disapproving of my money now.”

“No,” she said, staring up into his eyes and pulling off her shirt. “I’m not.”

He swallowed hard to prevent himself from gasping. He’d barely been able to get her body out of his mind, but a mental picture was one thing. Her glorious curves in the flesh was quite another.

He reached out and slipped her bra straps off her shoulder, slowing lowering them down her arms, waiting for that first glimpse of her brown areolas. She stopped his hands.

“Shower first,” she said. He could tell from the strain in her voice and the intensity in her eyes that she wanted this just as much as he did.

He reached behind her and opened the door. Most people reacted to the jet’s bathroom when they first saw it. It was quite a contrast to the tiny, dirty bathrooms on commercial flights. This one was bright, radiant white with black fittings and tiles. The shower was a self-contained two person cubicle. Maria didn’t say a word and he didn’t want her to: she was too focused on removing the rest of her clothing.

“At least let me help,” he teased.

She shook her head and looked back at him with a pout that threatened to make him come on the spot. “You can help by getting into the shower in a moment and scrubbing me down.”

After barely a minute, he couldn’t wait any longer. He tore off his clothes as quickly as he could, not caring that he had no spares with him. He’d return to the office naked if he had to. He stepped into the steaming booth and took her in his arms.

Their wet, soaped skin slid against each other. He bent his head into the jets of water and kissed her deeply. She responded by wrapping herself around him. He needed to be inside her now. He backed her against the wall and reached between her legs, finding her slick with desire despite the pressured water cascading on them.

She moaned as his expert fingers found their way through her delicate folds of skin and landed on the sensitive bud at their apex. She pushed against him, hands on his shoulders for support, as he began to massage.

“Please Chase,” she cried out, bucking against him. Her eyes were closed. Water streamed down her face and through the deep valley of her cleavage. He was mesmerized.

He slipped his finger inside her and smiled as he felt her muscles squeeze around it. He could almost feel what that would do to his cock.

“Chase,” she moaned.

He lifted her up by her thighs, using the wall behind her as support. She opened her eyes to watch him as he eased her body down on his cock. She smiled as he entered her. Her hands left his shoulders and she grabbed onto the top of the booth to support herself. He groaned as she used the leverage to pull herself up and then ease herself back down on his cock.

He bent his head and buried it between her breasts, turning to take her nipple in his mouth. She cried out as he sucked with increasing pressure. All the while, she was riding him. Her momentum got faster and faster. From her sobs, he knew she was close to climax. So was he. He fought to keep himself under control and wait for her. He closed his eyes and focused on the feeling of her wet hair lightly hitting his temples. If he opened them and watched her riding him like that, he was gone.

Finally she cried out with abandon. He felt her muscles tense and squeeze around him like a vice. He came with a long groan, completely out of control. It just kept going and going; he’d never felt anything like it.