Mysterious Love: A New Adult Billionaire Romance (90 page)

The next several weeks were a blessing. We would spend the nights at my place and pretend we were just friends at the office. It was like playing a game or having our little secret. Sometimes we would get adventurous and sneak a kiss when no one was in the office. At one point, we were sent to a shop with one of the company's car and when we were sure no one saw us, we had wild sex in the shop's bathroom. We never got tired of each other.

When the work day was over, we were acting as we were on our honeymoon. The only problem was that we didn't go out too much since we were afraid of getting caught by someone from work.

Our first dinner with candles, music and everything was at my place on the kitchen floor. We’d watch movies on my laptop and he’d give me these wonderful back rubs. We talked about celebrities, movies, books, food recipes, memories, sexual preferences and music. There was no topic that we avoided. I knew what happiness really meant during those days. Everything about him made me think he was the right one. Even sex was fantastic, we were making love every day, a few times a day. We were eating late dinners or snacks and getting to bed just to make love again and again. I blossomed from this experience and responded to his touch.

Not even half of my past lovers could stand out in front of what we could do. Theodore, too, was proud of me and he would tell me everyday how special I was. He admitted that he promised himself not to fall in love again but somehow managed to love me like he never did before.

“If I had to do things differently now, I wouldn't change a thing,” he said one time while we were smoking on the balcony.

I took his hands in mine, kissed each finger softly and touched his forehead with my lips. Theodore was the first guy to ever make me feel loved and protected.

“Why are you still next to me, love?” he looked up at me with his bright green puppy dog eyes. “I'm older, but I have nothing to offer you except for my love and the things I cook. See these clothes? These are the only thing I have. No money, no bank account, no house, no car, nothing. I would do many things for the future, but you are my only motivation. Will you still love me when your birthday comes and I can only afford flowers? Or not even—” he trailed off.

“It doesn't matter,” I hugged his head close to my chest, “I found you and that makes me the luckiest girl alive. Money comes and goes, I don't know why people are so obsessed with age. Why do we have to live after a pattern where everyone has to be married and have children after thirty? Maybe we have to do something for us first, to enjoy the simple things in life more. If you really feel like it, we can obtain these things.”

“Of course, I do. But don't you think I will make your life more difficult? I've seen that you never talk to your mother or your friends about me. I'm only asking because I saw you have a close relationship with her.”

To be honest, Theodore, I don't quite care. If I tell her, she will assume that you are wealthy and well-educated and that's her ideal son in law. But the truth is, no one will be perfect for her little daughter. She will detest you anyways. On the other half, I can't manage to tell my friends about you because that way I would admit that I am very happy, I'm afraid of being this happy. It makes me think someone will take it away just because I'm enjoying the moment.”

“You will have to teach me that,” he replied hugging me from behind and kissing my shoulders. “I don't have any family members or close friends. I can't understand how that kind of kinship works. I only have you and that means the world to me.”

Chapter 6 - Dark Sunrise

We were dating for about three months and things were calm yet still wonderful. It was almost too good to be true. And it turned out to be just the calm waters before the storm. Lucian acquired more foreign investors and there were a lot of papers to be done. Sometimes I would work overtime, go to business meetings with him, translate hours of conferences and get back home tired and completely drained. I started to enjoy my job and decided to take some German classes too, so most of the time I was working or studying. It took a lot of my day and it made my life more chaotic. I didn’t cook anymore since I was hardly home and barely had time to do essential things to pamper myself.

As I worked more, I saw Theodore less. At first, he didn’t seem bothered at all but day by day, he become moody and a bit more reserved. Once, I had an abroad business meeting that lasted for eight hours. When I got back to the hotel room, Theodore had already texted and called me in all the ways possible.

He must be worried.
I thought to myself, so I called him back.

“Hey love, how was your day?” I asked.

“Is everything okay?!” he sounded concerned. “Where were you? Why didn't you call? Couldn't you even text me or something?”

“You know, Lucian only speaks English and he is dependent on me in each conference. He can't even ask for water without pointing at it. Please, understand, I was busy.” I sighed.

“Too busy for me?” he sighed deeply. “Look, I know you work a lot but make some time for me, would you?”

“I try and you know it!” my heart began to sink into my stomach. “What's wrong with you? Are you jealous? Do you think I go around and sleep with men because you are not here to hold my hand? Who would I cheat on you with? Lucian?”

“Know, it’s not that at all, I just...”

“Then what is it?” I interrupted.

“Listen, be careful,” he paused. “Lucian is exactly who I’m worried about. He’s tried to sleep with other employees. You know Sam from the second floor?”

“Of course I do, what's up with her?” I inquired.

“Lucian brings her to work almost every day. He sleeps with her.”

“What?! That’s nonsense! And do you think I would do the same?!”

“No,” he cleared his throat and breathed deeply into the receiver, “I was worried he might try something with you.”

“Wait a second, how do you know for sure that they are sleeping together? Tell me what's wrong and what exactly is bothering you.”

“This is the truth, love. Lucian is a womanizer. Even though he is married and has two kids. I know he was sleeping with Sam because I was...” I heard his voice quiver, “I was Sam’s lover. Before I met you, I didn't care about anyone and I hadn't had sex in a long time. She was available...”

“Oh my god...” I was flabbergasted that this was finally coming out.

“I know, honey. I'm sorry! Please forgive me! I got scared. I had my bad times and everything, but I care about you. I got scared. Lucian is...very pushy. Just be careful, alright?”

“Fine...I gotta go take a shower.”

Why? Why would he lie to me? He slept with another co-worker before and he acts like they are complete strangers now, what if he does the same with me?

**********

Stepping out of the shower, my nerves were still stretched to their limit. I needed a cigarette, quick! I let my curly long hair air dry, put on a long dress that revealed my naked shoulders and went to my hotel room balcony. I thought about the flight back first thing in the morning and I imagined I would never see Lucian by then. So, there really couldn’t be any possibility of him trying anything with me. As soon as this thought came, someone knocked at my door.

I opened the door and saw that it was Lucian. My stomach dropped, but I denied what Theodore shared with me. Would my employer actually try something with me? So, rather than listen to my intuition, I invited Lucian in.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Sorry to come like this, Raven,” he looked me over. “I bought you strawberries. I know they’re your favorite.”

“Oh, thank you, sir. I meant, Lucian, damn it! Sorry, I am a little stressed.”

He stepped uncomfortably close to me and I could smell the mixture of scotch and his expensive cologne. My stomach turned and I began to squirm.

“You know, Raven, I can make one gesture and you will never call me sir again.” he placed his free hand on my shoulder.

“I beg your pardon?” I replied stepping back. He was looking at me with his head cocked down and eyes peering from under his brows. But this time his look was more perverse like he owned me and had come to claim his prize. There was something wrong with this whole situation. Theodore was right!

“Smoking again? When will you quit?” he asked and took my cigarette from my mouth, coming closer and taking a puff. “You know why I hate it when women smoke? They are provocative. Always sticking something in their mouths. It's like they’re asking for it. Are you asking for it?”

As he spoke, I tried to step back and get distance, but the wall was now behind me. He came closer, dropped the bowl of strawberries he brought me and grabbed my face to kiss me. Disgusted, I looked over the other side, pushed him and got the needed space. My face felt flushed and I was raging with hatred. Lucian laughed and stormed out of the room.

Before this night would get any worse, I locked my room and called to tell Theodore about everything. I was almost crying when he asked me details about how this happened. He was reassuring me that everything would be okay and just listened to me.

“Look, it’s all going to be okay, baby,” he assured.

“I can’t believe he runs a company and gets away with that,” I was openly crying. “I just have to quit, ‘cause I can’t work for that man anymore.”

“I think that is the best thing to do,” then there was a long silence. “Come home, love, it will all be all right.”

“Will it?” I really wondered if we would ever be able to return to right after all that transpired this night. “I was preparing to ask the same thing. Will things change in a bad way now that you won't see me at work?”

“I don't know,” he stammered for an answer. “I don't think so, I think it's best. We won't hide from others anymore, we could go on dates. We could actually be an average couple.”

**********

The next day was an even bigger challenge since I had to travel with someone who I completely despised now. The flight was delayed a few hours and I had to assist Lucian, pretending nothing happened. He was buying expensive clothes and toys for his daughters and wife back home. I was disgusted.

How could someone be so natural? Did his wife know what type of a man she had back home? I would have told her myself what a horrible person he was, but I didn’t know what good it would accomplish.

Was my day going to be any worse than the day before? Of course, after promising Theodore I was going to text him all day to let him know I was fine, I dropped my phone in the middle of a conversation and the screen broke. I could call mom from Lucian's phone but how could I let Theodore know I was fine without risking his job? We almost boarded the plane when I had the greatest idea.

“Lucian, can I call the office and let the accountant know my phone broke? We better put in for a new phone.”

“You are a smart girl. Here. Let everyone know so that they won't call you for nothing and get worried,” he eagerly handed his phone to me.

When I called the office, I let everyone know my phone broke and Theodore pretended he needed some document translations. His voice sounded relieved, I knew he couldn't wait for me to get back home. At the same time, Lucian was getting more anxious. I finished the call quickly and handed his phone back to him.

“Are you seeing someone from the office?” he asked me out of nowhere with that same disgusting upward look.

“If I don't necessarily like you that doesn't mean I am bound to someone. I’m a free woman. And because of your ‘one simple gesture’ I give up. Thank you for this chance but I no longer have any respect for you. I quit and if you ever touch me with your filthy hands again, I will break them off and give them to your wife as proof of your ‘simple gestures!’”

He stared back at me with an unflinching gaze and turned his back to me to get on the plane. We didn’t even share a single word, look or much more than just the space between each of our seats. And, it was best that way. I meant every last word I told him. I could begin rebuilding my life with a renewed energy and freedom that Theodore and I had never experienced before. Now all I wanted to do was go home and rest for the first time in weeks.

Chapter 7 - When The Past Comes Knocking

Home sweet home, a lovely place to be after all that madness. Suddenly, I could understand things better and have a better view of the exact inner workings of the company. Q10 was bound by secrets and affairs, not by respect and professionalism. Gossip hounds, favoritism, and back stories abound, I had had enough of this place and gained a much better appreciation for my snap judgment to leave that place.

Theodore was beaming from ear to ear when he saw me and I even saw a tear stream down his cheek. He loved my last lines to Lucian and said he wished he could say something as bold as I had. After leaving Q10, our relationship became stronger. Now we could do anything we wanted, so we rented a car and he drove me to another city. He surprised me with a romantic picnic served with a fresh fruit platter and a bottle of champagne. We came back home and held hands while walking to the farmer’s market to get groceries.

The following Sunday, I was home alone and enjoying a cup of tea in front of the TV. Theodore was visiting his daughter so I let him enjoy much needed father-daughter time alone. Shortly after midnight, I heard a knock at my door. Cautiously, I peeked through the peephole to see who could be stopping by at such a late hour.

“Please Raven,” an old, familiar voice called from behind the door. “Let me in! I have no one to go to! You are my only hope!”

“Jesus, Alex!” I was shocked to see my ex-boyfriend of four years standing at the front door. “What happened? Why are you crying?” I threw the door open to see him with his posture collapsed forward, tears pouring down his cheeks and his body shaking with every word.

“She left me, sh-she left and took everything!” he stepped forward and leaned into me. “My house, my car, my money.”

I was more than stunned on many levels. First of all, this is the man that left me and hung me out to dry yet he was here wanting my help. What exactly was I supposed to do? My emotions were mixed with vindication and sympathy. I’d never wished any ill will on Alex and I felt all the better about our split when Theodore came along. But, then again, the same tramp that split the two of us turned against him and a small sadistic voice in the back of my head celebrated. The more he revealed what had happened, the less vengeful I was. This was sad and no one would ever deserve this.

“What should I do?” he peered up at me. “Please, Raven, I beg you, I need somewhere to stay, at least for a few weeks till I get my salary and find a place. I have no one else!” he cried clinging to my shoulders. The desperation in his eyes filled my heart with empty satisfaction. But when he looked at me the second time, I realized that I was an evil person and a terrible human being if I just threw him back out onto the streets. He only had a big suitcase full of clothes and his ID. For the sake of respect, for the fact that I have given this man a part of myself in the past, I thought we could still be polite and help him as a friend.

“It's alright, you can sleep on the couch,” I motioned for him to come in. “Are you hungry? I have some steamed veggies and tofu.”

“You are a goddess!” he wiped his tears away with his coat sleeve. “Thank you! I promise I'll do my best not to bother you.”

There was only one thing I had forgotten.
What will Theodore think about all this? How would he handle this situation? I would explain that there is nothing between Alex and me but will he have enough trust in me? Will we weather this next storm?
My mind began to back pedal and try to figure out a way that everyone would be happy, but all I found was excuses and lies that I could create. I didn’t lie before, so I wasn’t going to start now.

What if he gives me an ultimatum?
I was trapped. I couldn't just tell Alex to move somewhere else, I may not love him, but I had enough of a conscience that I didn't want to leave someone homeless. Especially someone I once cared about.

After Alex settled in and had fallen asleep, I dressed up and went to Theodore. He was preparing to go to bed and was surprised to see me at such a late hour. I was going to avoid any fights around his sleeping daughter. I bought some coffee and asked him to stay with me in the car, smoke and talk a few minutes. He agreed. As I waited for him downstairs, my legs were shaking and I felt deathly scared of how he’d handle the news. I knew it and could feel it. I was going to lose him.

“Hey, love!” Theodore smiled big. “What’s going on, what’re you up to this late? How was your day?” He pulled me in close and embraced me tightly.

“Tell me more about yours, please,” I said and kissed him passionately. I was afraid that I was going to leave without touching his lips for the last time. We both went out to sit in my car.

He started telling me stories about his daughter and ex-wife. I found most of the words coming out of his mouth to be muffled, somewhat drowned out by the frantic message bouncing around in my head. Too afraid to tell him the truth and face the consequences, I zoned out and didn’t listen to a word he was saying.

“Raven, you're crying! What's wrong with you?” he said, snapping me out of my deep thoughts.

When I headed to his house, I had the entire scenario planned out in my head. It seemed to be a winning situation in which I could at least quell his concerns and he would be understanding. But, at that moment, when my eyes gave me away, I knew the jig was up. And, I inadvertently blurted out what happened in the worst way possible.

“My ex...he moved in. His wife left him with nothing, he had nowhere else to go.” Theodore’s smile dropped instantly.

Silence. His beautiful green eyes turned away from me, his expression faded into a marble stone. He clasped his hands over his mouth and his posture sank.

“Do you still love him?” he muffled through his hands.

“Of course, I don't,” I reached to touch his shoulder, “I only want you. It is just temporary, as friends...”

“Who does that, Raven?”

“I'm just helping him!” I shook my head frantically.

“Then why are you crying?” he still averted his gaze.

“I'm afraid that you are going to leave,” I was openly sobbing. “I love you! Please, you—”

“I know what you are going to say, but honey, you haven’t even considered moving in with me. How can you stand him but not make plans with the one you say that you love? It's not normal.” He threw his hands up in protest.

Desperate, I took his face between my palms and cried on his chest. His heart was beating fast and I realized that he too was crying. It was all over. I made a huge mistake. Theodore was my only love, my true soul mate and I lost him.

“Stop crying, Raven,” he gently pushed me away from him. “I'm not good at these things. God, I love you like a fool! Was I just a crush? Or was I just good when you needed comfort?”

“Don't say that please,” I reached out to him and he moved away. “You said you were going to stay with me. I will do anything, just forgive me this time.”

His eyes closed gently and a small stream of tears flowed down his cheeks. I wanted badly to bring him close to me, but he wasn’t even letting me touch him. Instead, he surprised me and pulled me into him. “I can try then...” he spoke softly.

Theodore kissed me then carried me in his arms from the car to his bedroom. It was the first night we made love without exchanging a word. The next day, I woke up alone, with a note on the side of my bed.

Forgive me, Raven. I can't do this. I only want you for myself. Come back if you decide to be with me. But if you don't, just let me forget about you.

Love, Theodore

It wasn’t going to end this way, so I resolved to get up and go after the man I loved. But, where would he go? This was his house and he still had his daughter, so he couldn’t go far. Or, could he? And if she was with him, I wouldn’t want to make her first impression of me to be that of a crazed lunatic as I cried and begged for her father’s forgiveness and understanding. I leaped to my feet, put on my clothes and burst out the door, intent to fix this and claim the man that I love. Whatever it took...