Shades of Step Billionaire (13 page)

“That bed isn’t for sleeping,” he said, handing her the bathrobe. “I started the shower for you.”  Olivia really just wanted to collapse into bed and fall asleep in his arms, but she didn’t want to seem rude.  She took the bathrobe and headed toward the door.

“Aren’t you coming?” she asked.  Jeremy shook his head.  “No, you go ahead.  I want to straighten up in here.  I’ll shower later.” Olivia turned and headed to the bathroom.  She washed quickly and dried off, eager to crawl into the giant bed and feel the luxurious sheets against her skin.  She came out of the bathroom and frowned as she again saw Jeremy unrolling his sleeves, and buttoning his cuffs, just as he had done the night before.  An uneasy feeling settled over her.

“You aren’t coming to bed again are you?” she asked.  It was more of a statement than a question, as she suspected she already knew his answer.

“No.  Not yet.”  He kissed her on the forehead and guided her into bed. “I’ll try to finish up soon.” He pulled the cover over her as she reclined in the bed.

“Oh,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness. She hoped there wouldn’t be a repeat of last night.  She really didn’t want to wake up alone again.  She rested her head against the soft pillow as Jeremy turned off the light and shut the door. As she drifted off to sleep, she mulled over the events of the last few days. She was still uncomfortable with the fact that Jeremy was her stepbrother, and she had no idea how her stepfather would react if he ever found out about the two of them.  She realized of course, that he would probably never find out unless things got really serious between her and Jeremy, and it was definitely way too premature to even think about that happening; premature, maybe, but definitely entertaining.  She imagined briefly, what life would be like long term with Jeremy.  She could definitely see herself happy with him.  He seemed like the perfect man. Olivia sighed as she filled her head with dreams of the future and drifted off to sleep.

Jeremy ignored the work email he was supposed to be typing and stared out the window instead, distracted by thoughts of Olivia. She was an incredible woman, more exciting and eager than he could have hoped for. This weekend cemented in his mind what he had concluded the first night he met with her at the restaurant: He wanted her- in his life, in his bed and under his command. So far, she had been an excellent submissive.  For someone so inexperienced, she was willing and fearless. That was good; he just hoped it stayed that way.  She had only seen a glimpse of his world, just barely had a taste.  A scowl cast over his face.  She was eager and willing now, but he wondered.  Would she be able to accept him if she knew everything, could she handle the darkness inside him? Olivia wasn’t just someone to fuck, he cared about her.  He didn’t want her to end up getting hurt. A knot pitted in his stomach.  He worried he was playing a dangerous game. He cared about her too much to put her at risk, but he wanted her too much to let her go.  For now, he was willing to push things, see how far she could go.  He only hoped he could stop before he pushed her too far...

His thoughts were interrupted as Olivia walked into the sun filled room.  She smiled dreamily at him as she took a seat at the table.  Jeremy froze, enamored by her appearance. She looked nearly angelic.  Her hair cascaded in soft curls over her shoulders and she still seemed to have sleep in her eyes.  Jeremy had been with many beautiful women before, models, actresses, but none of them compared to how beautiful Olivia looked.  She had a realness that they lacked, an authentic quality that he had not been able to find in anyone else. 

“Morning,” Jeremy said.

“Morning,” Olivia yawned.

Jeremy poured her a cup of coffee. “You look nice,” he said, indicating to the new clothes she was wearing.  Olivia looked down at her outfit.  She was wearing a teal colored silk blouse paired with black pants and matching flats.  She smiled, laughing softly.

“You’re spoiling me.  I couldn’t believe it when I saw you had bought me another new outfit. I love it, thank you.” He knew he was coming on strong with the gifts, but he couldn’t help himself.  What fun was it being a billionaire if you didn’t have anyone to spoil?

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Olivia asked.  Jeremy shut down his computer and put it in his briefcase on the floor.

“I have to go back to the city in about an hour.  I figured I drop you off then. Olivia nodded.

“Okay, that gives me plenty of time to get ready.  I have a lot of clothes to pack,” she smiled.  Jeremy laughed. 

“Actually, my staff will take care of that for you.  This will give us more time together this morning.”  Olivia smiled broadly and seemed to relax.  Jeremy was too perceptive to let that go. 

“You seem relieved,” he said. Olivia smiled and bit her lip sheepishly.

“I guess I was feeling confused about why you didn’t sleep in the same bed with me. I worried that maybe you weren’t really interested in me, but then when I came down stairs-,” she paused as she fidgeted nervously with the hem of her blouse.  “When I came in just now, you were really welcoming, which was reassuring to me.”  Olivia laughed nervously. “I’m not usually this neurotic; I guess that was making me a little insecure about how you felt about me, and then it occurred to me-,” she paused, taking a sip of coffee.

“What occurred to you?” Jeremy asked, his tone cool.

“That when we both signed up for the dating service, we were each looking to satisfy
sexual
urges.  I didn’t really think about getting into a relationship.  I realized you might not have been, either.  I guess, I’m just wondering where we stand.”

Jeremy stared at the table for a moment, contemplating his response.  He decided it was time to play his cards, and lay everything on the table. She might bow out, but at least he’d know early and move on before anyone got hurt.  He planted his elbows on the table and rested his fist under his chin, staring directly into Olivia’s questioning eyes.  She deserved the truth, and deserved to know exactly what he wanted from her.

“Olivia, you’re right. I wasn’t looking for a relationship, I was looking for a sexual match.”  Suddenly, Jeremy felt restless. He sat back and raked his fingers through his hair and then paused, staring at her. “I was looking for this.” He reached down and pulled out a document from a folder in his briefcase. He slid it across the table to her. He had been debating all weekend whether or not to show it to Olivia.

“What’s this?” she asked. 

“A contract.”  Olivia looked confused.

“A contract, what for?” she asked, still confused.

“It isn’t a legal contract, per se.  It’s an agreement, between you and me, that defines the terms of our relationship.  It is not uncommon for dominants and their submissive partners to sign these types of agreements because it clearly labels the roles and expectations of both parties in the relationship.” Jeremy watched Olivia closely, searching for her reaction.  She listened to him quietly, without much emotion.  Then she scanned the document.

“Jeremy, this details how I’ll dress, what undergarments I’ll wear-,” her eyes grew wide, “or
not
, and even how I’m supposed to groom myself down
there
.” She said, sounding alarmed. She set the document down on the table and crossed her arms.  Jeremy could tell she was troubled, but he wasn’t going to give up yet.

“I know, it’s a lot.  You see, when I signed up for the dating service, I was ultimately hoping to find someone to enter into an agreement such as this.  It requires unwavering loyalty and commitment, and it extends the dominant submissive partnership
beyond
the bedroom.

“You mean like a full time job?” Olivia looked up from her reading. Jeremy shook his head.

“More like a role.  You would be my submissive, completely available and compliant to me at all times, except of course, when you are at work or are attending other pre-arranged social obligations.

He sat back and let her continue reading.  He knew he might lose her in this moment.  It was what he wanted though, and if she wanted to be with him she had to sign it.

“What if I say ‘no?’” she asked.

If you sign the contract, you are agreeing to not say ‘no’ to me,
ever
.  You still have the safe word, or course, and you can use that at any time, you just have to remember- that comes with a consequence.

“What if I say ‘no’ to signing the contract?” she asked.

Jeremy sighed, his face resolute. “Then we’re done here.” He knew his words were harsh, but they were true. He had waited to present this to Olivia until he had a glimpse of what she was capable of handling. Now that he had, he was confident she would be an excellent candidate to fill the role of submissive he had been searching for.  He realized springing the contract on her might be heavy handed, but that’s how he operated.  It never benefited anyone to go easy on them, at least that was what Jeremy thought.

“Olivia, I’m looking for a full-time submissive.  Not someone to play with occasionally. It’s intense, but I promise to do everything to make it a profoundly rewarding experience for you. I will demand everything from you, but your satisfaction is my ultimate responsibility, and I take that job very seriously.  It is why I want to dominate- so that I can control your pleasure, push you through your limits to heights of bliss you didn’t know were possible.”

“I guess I’m still confused. Do you care about me?  Are we in a real relationship, or is this just sex?”

Jeremy looked deeply into Olivia’s eyes.  He could see the concern on her face, and the need for reassurance. “Of course I care about you, and it is a real relationship.  It is just one that happens to have strictly outlined parameters.” Olivia turned back to the document.

“How long will the agreement last?” she asked.

“Three months.”

“Why three months?  Why not one month or six months or a year?”

“Three months.”

Olivia swallowed hard and looked back at the paper, her brow furrowed in thought.  Jeremy sat back, and let her consider her response. He had made his best effort, and now it was time to let her decide.  He had been in enough business deal to know not to get too attached to any outcome, but he had to admit, he’d be disappointed if she turned him down.

Jeremy sat back and patiently waited for her decision.  He watched, as her eyes traveled over the contract, reading and re-reading the details of the document.  He was glad to see she was being so thorough.  Finally, she looked up at him, her eyes wide with concern. “Jeremy, I want to…but I’m afraid.”  Jeremy took her hand and looked deeply into her eyes.

“Olivia, nothing in life is without risk. I have found that most things worth pursuing are scary.” He knew he was pushing her, but he believed it was the right move. She needed to be challenged, he could sense it.

“So, Olivia, you have a choice, so what’s it going to be?” Olivia continued to stare expressionless at the contract.  Jeremy thought it must be over. Despite his effort to remain detached, his heart sank. He sighed in defeat.

“Okay,” he said, and pushed back from the chair. Just as he was about to stand up, Olivia raised her hand off the table and reached, shaking, for the pen.  Jeremy turned and stared in disbelief.  She was doing it. Olivia signed the document.  Coiled tension instantly released and Jeremy exhaled loudly.  He stood up and pulled Olivia up into an embrace.

“You made a brave choice,” he said. She smiled weakly.

“Brave or stupid, I’m not sure which yet.” 

By the end of the hour they were on the helicopter headed back to the city.  Olivia had been quiet most of the flight, Jeremy assumed because she was processing the implications of the agreement she had signed.  As they reached the outskirts of the city, her phone buzzed.  Olivia glanced at the display and swore softly under her breath. 

“Trent again,” she said, clicking off her phone.  Jeremy whipped his head around as she said his name.

“He’s
still
calling you?” The guy was thick. Rage burned inside him at the thought of Trent trying to contact Olivia.  Jeremy wanted to pound him, and make sure he never considered trying to get in touch with her again. After what he pulled outside the bar, he was lucky he only got knocked out.  Jeremy could have done much more damage.

Olivia’s phone chirped, indicating she had a new voicemail message.  She deleted it without listening to it.

“Has he been calling you a lot?” Jeremy asked.  Olivia sighed and nodded.

“He’s left about twenty messages this morning.”

“Twenty messages just from this morning?  Olivia, he’s not stable.”  Jeremy turned to face her, his eyes filled with concern. “I wish you would reconsider staying with me in the city.  You can still take the subway and have your freedom, but I would feel a lot better knowing you were safe.”  He hated the thought of her being in danger and didn’t know what he would do if anything were to happen to her.  Olivia shook her head.

“No, Jeremy, he’s just leaving messages.  He doesn’t have any way to find me.  Please, don’t worry.  I’ll be fine.  I want to go home.”  Olivia held his gaze, determination sparkled in her eyes.  Jeremy knew she wouldn’t budge. 
Damn it.
  He looked over at her, remembering the terror in her eyes the night Trent attacked her. He never wanted her to go through anything like that ever again.  Olivia might not think she’s in danger, but Jeremy felt differently.  He gritted his teeth in rage, thinking about Trent and decided then that he would take the proper steps he felt necessary to protect Olivia.

They landed at the helipad on top of Jeremy’s building and transferred to his waiting car. Olivia stopped him as they approached the waiting vehicle.

“Jeremy, I don’t mind going by myself.  This seems like an unnecessary trip for you.”  Jeremy was shaking his head even before she finished speaking and nudged her into the car.  Once they were seated, he pulled her in close and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her deeply.

“Why would I let you ride alone when I could be in here kissing you?” he teased.  He pulled her in close and they relaxed together as the car sped through the city.  Her body felt natural next to his, like she was meant for him. “I’m happy you signed the contract, Olivia,” he said, whispering into her ear.  She was silent, but squeezed his hand in response.  He knew she was weary about their agreement and he silently vowed to do everything in his power to make the experience a positive one for her.

The car rolled to a stop along the curb in front of her three story building.  Jeremy quickly collected the boxes of clothes from the trunk.  The stack of boxes nearly covered his eyes, it was so tall.

“Please let me carry those for you, sir,” his driver pleaded.  Jeremy wouldn’t hear of it.  He was determined to escort Olivia home personally.  Besides, it was fun.

“Thanks, but no.  I’ve got this,” he said merrily.  Olivia rolled her eyes playfully and they headed toward her building.  After a few flights of stairs, Olivia glanced over her shoulder as Jeremy struggled to follow her up the three flights of stairs.

“Are you happy you turned down your driver’s offer to help with those boxes?” she asked.  Jeremy craned his neck over the top of a box.

“I’m fine, keep walking.”  They reached the third floor and walked down a short hallway to Olivia’s apartment.  As they reached the door, Olivia gasped.

“Oh, my god,” she exclaimed.  Jeremy’s view was blocked from all the packages he was carrying, but he could tell from her voice she was distressed.  Quickly he set the load down on the floor in front of the door.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.  Olivia’s eyes were trained on the door.  Jeremy turned to look.  Pinned to the door was a picture of Olivia with Trevor.  They were obviously a couple when the shot was taken, smiling and holding hands.  The picture looked ideal, except that it was held to the door by a knife that speared through Olivia’s heart.  Jeremy’s mouth ran dry and he started to shake, enraged by the menacing threat.

“He knows where you live,” he said, his voice thick with rage.   Olivia turned to him, her face in shock.
“I don’t know how,” she said, her voice sounded tinny and far away, as if someone else was speaking.  She turned back to the picture and then back to Jeremy again.  “I don’t understand why he’s doing this.” She reached up and pulled the knife from the door.  Jeremy grabbed the picture and ran his finger over the slash in the photo.  The threat was real and he was not about to let him hurt her.

“Olivia, are you finally convinced?  Trent is
dangerous
. I think we should call the police, tell them about this,
and
about what he did on Friday.  He should be locked up.”  Jeremy looked at Olivia, desperation in his eyes.  If she was sympathetic to that loser before, maybe this would wake her up.  Trent was a maniac.  Olivia frowned.

“Jeremy, I know he had been aggressive and threatening lately, but I don’t want to go to the police.  I think he’s just handling the break up badly, and his behavior is being influenced by the steroids he’s been taking.”

Jeremy sucked in his breath and tried to calm down. He couldn’t believe Olivia was blowing this off so lightly.  He mentally counted to ten before speaking, managing to control his tone.    “Roid rage doesn’t excuse him of anything.  It doesn’t matter
why
he attacked you and is threatening you.  All that matters is that he is a threat to your safety.”  Despite his best effort, his seething anger was thinly veiled behind his tightly controlled demeanor.  He could tell from Olivia’s expression, Trent wasn’t the only one she was afraid of in that moment.

Jeremy took another deep breath and looked into Olivia’s eyes.  He wasn’t about to give up, not entirely.  The thought of her being in danger was unacceptable to him.  “Fine, if you won’t go to the police, then you’re staying with me. No arguments.” He stood still, gazing intently into her eyes.  Olivia bit her lip and looked down again at the picture. “Can you honestly say you feel safe staying here by yourself?  How are you going to feel when you leave here to go to work or out with friends, worrying that he could show up at any time and hurt you?” Olivia was quiet, her head downcast. “Do you feel safe here?” he asked again.

She shook her head slightly. “No,” she answered quietly, her voice tinged with sadness. Jeremy lowered his head closer to hers and wrapped his hands around her arms, pulling her in closer to him.

“Then stay with me, at least until he stops harassing you.”  Jeremy fell silent and gave her a chance to think.  His pulse raced and his face burned, he assumed it was a result of adrenaline flooding his system.  He knew he wasn’t going to calm down though, until he was certain Olivia wasn’t in danger.  He looked down at her as she considered her options.  She looked vulnerable, delicate. Despite her fragile appearance, it appeared she also had a strong will.  He admired that, but he hoped she would also be reasonable. Finally, after an impossibly long moment, she looked up at him.

“I’ll stay with you.  I just need to get some things.” Relief flooded him as Olivia turned the key in the lock and opened the apartment door.