The Billionaire's Heir: Billionaire Obsession (Tycoon Billionaires Book 4) (8 page)

“What the fuck are you saying?”

“Basically,
I
was the bargaining tool. I kept your dad out of jail. If I hadn’t been adopted, Quinlan Senior would probably still be behind bars now. You surely know the penalty for smuggling drugs and guns?” He glanced at Samira. “
You
know that, right, ma’am?”

Samira glanced down at the ground. The intense sun pounded down on the three of them – out here in the middle of nowhere. Ivan wrapped his arms around her again, pulling her close, refusing to let Jake derail them. “You’re saying your parents… your adoptive parents… blackmailed my mom out of a child? Out of
you
?”

Jake nodded slowly. “Yeah… I was devastated when my mom told me all this, of course. I always knew I was adopted, but I couldn’t believe even
my
old man would do something like
that
.”

“Does my mom know you exist?”

Jake grinned like the shimmering heat haze. “Well, she gave birth to me then handed me over, so I presume so. I’ve been trying to pluck up the courage to contact her – I know her address because being a private investigator and ex-cop gives me certain, you know, info. But it’s pretty hard.” His face lit up. “Hey, I can’t believe Joseph’s a rockstar! How about that? My little brother’s a rockstar. And Adam and Dylan are –”

“Shut the fuck up… I’m trying to think.”

Jake shot his brother an insolent look. “Pardon me for fucking breathing.”

Ivan sighed. “Listen, Jake, I’m going to need to see proof before I believe any of this. I don’t want you upsetting my family.” He leaned toward him, tensing his muscles. “I’m warning you now – stay away from my parents until
I
give you permission to contact them. Alright?”

Jake’s expression remained impassive. “Actually, we’ve got more pressing concerns than that.”

“Oh yeah, and what would that be?”

“I’ll be blunt here. Are you and Mrs. Langdon having a relationship?”

Samira shook her head. “I’m not really married to Mr. Langdon.”

“Oh? Well anyway, whoever you are… I think Langdon has something sinister planned.”

Samira planted her feet on the dusty ground. “Like what?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’ve been suspicious ever since he hired me. Hey, how about we go somewhere and talk.” Jake smirked. “I need to know how much you’re planning to pay me to help you investigate Langdon. I know your family’s worth a lot of money, Ivan. And I gather Mrs. Langdon means a lot to you, right? I bet you’ll pay me pretty well to turn double agent, won’t you?”

Ivan gazed at him in disbelief. “Wait… after this little family reunion you’re telling me all you want is a good price to help us?”

He shrugged. “My dad left me with a lot of debts and I need to pay them off. So how much will you pay me to spy on Mr. L for you?”

“Nothing,” Ivan said. “Because we’re leaving Texas and never fucking coming back.”

“He’s got my passport, Ivan,” Samira said. “I need it back before we can leave.”

Jake raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you can pay me extra to locate it for you?”

Ivan growled. “Blackmailing’s really in your blood, isn’t it?”

“Not
my
blood, Ivan. My blood’s Quinlan blood – just like yours. I know Joseph is on an anti-drugs campaign at the moment after his bandmate overdosed. Wouldn’t it be a shame if the press found out about Quinlan Senior’s criminal drug connections – I mean, how stupid would
that
make Joseph look? Perhaps the press might even find out about Mrs. Langdon’s involvement with those other dealers, huh?”

“Stop calling her Mrs. Langdon.” Ivan shook his head. “You’re really a lowlife, Jake, you know that?”

“Yeah, unlike
you
, I had a tough childhood.”

“Fine, if it’s money you want, then that’s what you’ll get. But I’m serious about this: do
not
approach my family until I’ve found out what kind of person you are. I’m already beginning to realize you’re an asshole – they don’t need
you
showing up and shattering their world.”

Jake chuckled. “They should’ve thought of that before they did what they did to me.”

Ivan grabbed him. “You stay away from them, or I’ll kick the shit out of you. Understand?”

Jake smirked. “Sure, whatever you say. My lips are sealed. Now what’s this about a passport?”

With the windows wound down and the sun beating hard on the roof, Ivan skidded the truck to a halt in the driveway of the ranch, feeling as if his whole world had shifted in an instant. He couldn’t believe he had another brother. How cool was that?

He smiled at Samira. “Well that was a fucking turn up, huh?”

She chuckled. “It was.”

“He seems like an asshole, though. Pretty mercenary.”

She shrugged. “Understandable after what he’s been through. Sounds like he’s had a hard time.”

Ivan leaned over and kissed her. “You’re always so understanding of people, babe. You’ve got a good heart. Me – I mistrust everyone ‘til they prove themselves.”

“Then perhaps you’ve got more in common with Jake than you think.”

He ran his fingers down her cheek. “Perhaps. But I wonder if
he
has what it takes to be a Quinlan.”

“He is a Quinlan – if he’s telling the truth. And he does really look like you and your brothers. The family resemblance is clear.”

Ivan gazed in his rear-view mirror as Jake parked his car then started to walk over to join them. “Alright, let’s see if he can prove himself.”

They climbed out the truck and stood with Jake in the sunshine. Ivan draped his arm around Samira’s shoulders. Her body pounded with desire at his touch. “Ivan, stop it – Mr. Langdon might see.”

“Let him see. I’m taking you out of here – we just need your passport back. And Jake’s going to help. Right Jake?”

“As long as you pay me, I’ll do whatever you want. You should probably give me some gagging money, too. It would be horrible if–”

Ivan grabbed him by the shirt. “Listen, you mercenary piece of shit. I don’t care who you are or how we’re related – if you don’t keep your mouth shut, I’ll fucking rip your balls off.”

Jake laughed. That was something that really pissed Ivan off. He was so smug all time. Ivan guessed he’d probably been through a lot as a cop – as Samira had said. But still, he seemed unflappable, which was annoying.

Jake pulled himself out of Ivan’s grip. “I just thought it was time to discuss money, that’s all.”

Ivan released him. “Alright. Whatever Langdon’s paying you, I’ll double it.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Samira slung a hand to her hip. “Doesn’t it break your moral and professional code to take on clients with conflicting interests?”

“Yeah, but my morals are quite flexible, ma’am, depending on what’s on offer.”

Ivan rolled his eyes at Jake’s cocky levity. He’d always thought there could only be one Adam Quinlan in the world… now here was someone almost as bad. But he loved Adam – despite his stupid jokes. Ivan knew he himself tended to be on the serious side – more like Dylan. Well, perhaps it was time for him to show his light side too.

He turned to Samira and dropped to one knee. “Sweetheart, will you marry me?”

She almost fell over in shock, then she burst into laughter. “Of course!”

He stood up again, kissing her tenderly. “Great. Come on, let’s do it now.”

“Now? Ivan, have you gone crazy?”

“Isn’t she already married to Mr. Langdon?” Jake asked.

“Haven’t you been paying attention?” Ivan asked. “No, she’s not.”

Jake opened his mouth to argue, but Ivan got in there first. “That asshole’s been lying to you and everyone else on this ranch. And she never
will
marry him.” Ivan took ahold of Samira’s hands and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, okay. Let’s go to Vegas and do this right now. You get Quin. We’ll leave straight away.”

She grinned – still reeling from shock. “Ivan, it’ll take fifteen hours to drive to Nevada from here.”

“We’re not driving, baby. I’ll call my brother – he’s got a private jet based in San Antonio – we’ll find a pilot to fly us. We just need to drive to the airfield and we’ll be in Las Vegas in no time.”

Her beautiful face shone with happiness. “Are you actually serious about this?”

“Never been more serious. Go get our son and meet me back here. Don’t be long – we can buy whatever we need in Vegas. And obviously don’t talk to Langdon.”

She kissed him, then walked off – almost skipping. He watched her striding away in the sunshine – her short dress swayed as she walked, showing off her gorgeous curves.

He dragged his eyes away from her and slowly turned back to Jake, who was also watching Samira – a little too closely.

“She’s got a great body,” Jake said. “I bet she’s good in–”

“Do you mind?”

Jake smirked. “Sorry.”

Ivan stepped in front of him. “About that gagging payment…”

“Oh yeah?”

“Here’s my offer… You keep your fucking mouth shut, or you’ll be spitting out teeth thanks to
my
fist. Right?”

Jake laughed. “Right, it’s a deal. So, what shall I tell Langdon? She’s run off with one of his farm hands?”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something. Just remember how much you’re getting paid.”

“I sure will.” Jake fell serious. “Hey, did you just say Samira’s kid was yours?”

“Yeah. It’s a long story which I don’t have time to go into right now.”

“Oh it’s okay. I know where babies come from – my parents gave me a good education.”

Ivan stared at him. Then he laughed. “You’re a fucking joker, aren’t you?”

“Something like that… But it’s nice to know I’ve got a nephew. I’m not super keen on kids, but I guess being an uncle might be good for me.”

“You’re not his uncle yet. You need to earn that title.”

“Look, Ivan, I know you think I’m an asshole, but I…”

Jake trailed off. They both glanced up and saw Samira heading back with Quin in her arms. She looked beautiful. So light and free. The perfect combination of mother and lover.

She grinned at Ivan and halted in front of him, making his heart flash with love.

“Lola gave me his bag of things to… why are you both staring at me like that?”

Ivan glanced at Jake. If he was checking her out again, Ivan really would rip his balls off.

“Let’s go get married.” He said, opening the passenger door of the truck. “See you when we get back, Jake. Try to get her passport, okay?”

“Sure, I’ll do my best.” He winked. “Enjoy your wedding night.”

As they flew into a little airfield on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Samira was fascinated to see that the city was a beacon of bright lights in the middle of a desert, surrounded by mountain ranges. It was stiflingly hot as they climbed out of the private jet, but the waiting air-conditioned limousine was cool and luxurious as it drove them into the center of ‘the strip’ – a four-mile straight road where all the action seemed to be centered.

Ivan sat with Quin on his lap, pointing out the window and talking to him as if they’d known each other forever. It warmed Samira’s heart to see them getting along so well, and she allowed herself to be swept along with the excitement of the all-night party that was happening outside.

Las Vegas billed itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World for a reason. It was as if polite American society had let rip and exploded into hedonism – buzzing with the excitement of when the circus was in town. But this entire place
was
the circus. The eighty degree heat at night meant that everyone here was scantily dressed – Samira had never seen this much flesh and bondage gear in public before, not even in LA. There were elated people everywhere, spilling over the road and waving into the car. It was as if a magic fairy had dropped glitter over this little part of the desert, and up had sprung Las Vegas.

As they sat in the car, Samira felt liberated – free from the shackles of normal life. But she knew she couldn’t tolerate this high-end opulence for long. She was already yearning for a walk in the countryside to counter all this lavishness.

The car pulled up outside the massive five-star hotel that Ivan had booked during the flight, and she took Quin from him, holding her little boy close against her as they stepped onto the sidewalk. She smiled shyly at the drunk merrymakers who were swarming around, and she gripped Ivan’s hand tightly. It was like reality on steroids. Not somewhere she wanted her six-month-old baby to be.

The hotel was breathtaking with its huge foyer, casino, and art gallery. They checked in and Samira decided that Las Vegas was too hectic and noisy for little Quin, so they arranged to have him taken care of at the hotel daycare center. Samira interrogated the woman who would be giving him her personal attention, and she felt satisfied that she could be trusted.

They both kissed Quin goodbye, then they went shopping in a huge and crowded mall. They bought expensive gold wedding rings, and Samira found a pretty white dress, which was sleeveless, knee-length, and lacy. It was decorated with roses around the neckline and she felt like a little girl in it – as if she could fly with the butterflies.

Ivan bought a designer suit, and they both got dressed in the store – climbing back into the limo in their wedding gear, and laughing at how fun and spontaneous this was. It felt good to be free.

They asked the driver to take them to the Chapel of the Flowers, which was on the outskirts of the main strip – and much more tranquil. It was set in lush grounds with water fountains – obscuring the noises from the street like a little bubble of serenity away from the craziness outside.

They handed over their ID and paid for the marriage license, then they waited outside the little chapel for the legal official. Samira’s chest jangled with nerves and excitement. Was she really about to do this? Marry the man of her dreams, who she’d thought she’d lost forever? It was like a dream come true!

The chapel was beautiful inside – it was old-fashioned, but very bright, with marble floors, cream walls, and a high ceiling. There were four rows of pews on either side of the aisle, gold drapes at the huge windows, and massive bunches of white lilies hanging from each of the marble pillars.

She had no idea how much this was all costing, because Ivan was taking care of that. Every time she asked about prices, he would just kiss her and tell her not to worry. She knew he was extremely wealthy, but that actually had nothing to do with her love for him. It just made things easier.

She laughed out loud as she suddenly realized she was about to spend the rest of her life with a handsome, charming, gorgeous billionaire.

“What?” he asked, smiling.

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how much I love you.”

“I love you too. So much.”

They shared an affectionate smile.

She smoothed down her dress. “You sure I look okay?”

“Samira, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait for you to be my wife. I want to spend forever with you and take care of our little boy together.”

“This is the happiest day of my life, Ivan.”

“Me too. Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get hitched.”

She laughed. “Okay.”

The legal official informed them they were ready to begin, and he ushered Ivan down to the end of the aisle to stand by the marble altar. There was a witness sitting at the front – provided by the chapel – so all Samira and Ivan needed to worry about was getting their vows, rings, and kiss right.

Samira stood by the door, holding a single gala lily, and – as the classical stringed music started – she embarked on her short stroll down the aisle alone. A pang of sadness struck her as she suddenly wanted her parents to be here – for her dad to be walking by her side. But they’d been tragically taken from her at a young age by the Iranian regime that she never wanted to return to.

She pushed away her sadness and grinned as Ivan turned to watch her walking in time with the music. They both laughed at the craziness of the situation. But it was somehow incredibly romantic. All they needed was each other. That was the irony of getting married in Las Vegas – which was all glitter and no gold – but
their
marriage was all gold and not much glitter. It was Ivan and Samira stripped bare, and that was all she wanted.

She halted next to him. The legal official was dressed in a white tux and he smiled warmly at them both – clearly pleased to be doing this for a living.

“Hi,” she whispered to Ivan, unable to stop grinning.

“Hi,” he said, trying not to laugh.

Samira felt as if she was floating. Or dreaming. A few days ago this man had been dead to her, but now they were about to get married!

The official spoke softly. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Samira and Ivan.” He proffered a little tray toward Ivan. “Ivan, please take Samira’s ring.”

Ivan took ahold of Samira’s hand and slid the wedding band halfway down her finger.

“I’ll get you the biggest rock of an engagement ring when all the crazy is over,” he whispered.

She laughed. “I’d like that.”

“Okay, Ivan,” the official said. “Please say your vows to Samira.”

Ivan gazed into her eyes. They’d worked on their vows separately in the plane on the way over, so she had no idea what he was going to say… “Samira, I’m so happy to take you as my wife. I’ve loved you since the day I saw you there on that LA beach, and I’ll continue to love you forever. You’re like the Los Angeles sunshine, warming my soul with your beautiful radiance. You light up my life and bring out the best in me. I promise to always be the best person I can – to ensure that you’re happy and satisfied in every way. Forever.”

Samira’s eyes prickled with tears of joy, but she swallowed the emotion, refusing to cry.

“Thank you,” she said, gazing into Ivan’s gorgeous love-filled eyes.

“Your turn, Samira,” the official said.

Samira picked up Ivan’s ring with shaking hands and slipped it over his finger. She gazed deeply into his eyes, feeling as if their souls were merging.

“Ivan, I’m so happy to take you as my husband. I’ve never met such an amazing person as you – someone who respects me and treats me with such tender love. When we’re together, my life sparkles like sunlight on the ocean. You make me laugh and you make me feel complete. Being with you is like coming home to the place I’ve been searching for all my life. I can’t wait to start our wonderful life together as husband and wife.”

They smiled into each other’s eyes. Ivan winked, making Samira laugh.

The official grinned. “And now my favorite part: you may seal your vows with a kiss.”

Ivan stepped forward and wrapped Samira in his arms, sweeping her off her feet and supporting her weight. She laughed with elation. He gazed down at her, then kissed her strongly – making her feel secure, loved, and a little light-headed.

****

Feeling as if she was floating on a cloud, Samira held Ivan’s hand as they went back to their hotel and picked up Quin – who was sleeping soundly after having just been fed. Excitement crackled through her. The ceremony had been perfect… now came their wedding night…

The hotel room was extravagant – Ivan was a pretty down-to-earth guy, but he loved to treat Samira with luxury. She padded across the thick carpet, with the air-conditioning cooling her after being out in the Las Vegas heat. This room was bigger than her childhood apartment back in Iran – and it was the sort of boudoir that Hollywood starlets would be accustomed to. The king-sized bed was in a separate room through an elaborate archway, and there was a side-room with a crib for Quin, where Samira laid him down to sleep.

She kissed him tenderly on his smooth little forehead, feeling complete now his daddy was back on the scene. And he was her husband! Optimism about staying in the US and drawing a line under the last year sparkled inside her. All she needed was her passport and they’d be set...

She said goodnight to her son, then strolled back to greet her husband, who was waiting in the main suite, sitting on the squashiest couch Samira had ever seen.

He stood up. “Would you like some Champagne, Mrs. Quinlan?”

He gestured to the mahogany table, where he’d arranged for Champagne, roses, and chocolates to be waiting.

“You’re so romantic,” she said, as her insides leapt with love.

He poured them both a drink, and they clinked glasses. Then he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.

“Here’s to a long and happy life with you, Mr. Quinlan,” Samira said.

“It will be, so long as you’re by my side, Mrs. Quinlan.”

Samira laughed. “I’d better get used to being called that.”

“You wanna take a bath?” he asked.

She grinned. “Well, this is our wedding night, so we’d better make the most of it.”

“Definitely. I’ll just say goodnight to Quin, then fill the tub for us.”

He kissed her, then she watched proudly as he went off to see the baby. They’d taken to each other so well – Samira knew Ivan was going to be a wonderful father. She sipped her Champagne suddenly feeling as if she was on vacation. This room was an escape from reality – a magical moment that no one could take away from them. Their private universe...

Ivan led Samira to the extravagant bathroom, where he’d filled up the huge heart-shaped tub with bubbles. He’d even lit some scented candles and dimmed the lights. He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling her neck. Samira felt snug. But as he started to nibble her earlobe, her contentment turned to lust.

“You’re so hot, Samira,” he said. “I wanna strip you out of this sexy little dress and rub bubbles into your gorgeous toned body. Then lick them off.”

Arousal surged through her body. “I like the sound of that.”

Ivan unzipped Samira’s dress and it fell to the floor, then he unhooked her bra and tossed it away. She turned to face him, wearing nothing but her silky panties. She knew she looked good – her breasts were plump and her body was curvy. He stared at her, grinning in awe. Then he dropped to his knees and gazed up into her eyes.

She ran her fingers through his hair, grinning. “It’s too late to propose to me, Ivan. I’m already married.”

He laughed. Then he lowered his head and nuzzled his face into her panties. He flicked out his tongue and swirled it over her clit. Samira’s body filled with blissful pleasure.

“Yes, Ivan,” she groaned, grinding her hips into his face.

He stood again, then he undid his shirt and stripped it off while she watched.

“Get in the water and play with yourself for me,” he commanded.

She laughed as the lust pounded in her clit. He was still wearing his trousers and it turned her on to know he was semi-clothed while she was practically naked. She bent to peel off her panties.

“No,” he said. “Keep them on.”

Samira smirked. “But they’ll get wet.”

He shrugged. “Just how I like your panties, sweetheart.”

He held out his hand and helped her climb into the sudsy water. She felt warm and rosy – the Champagne had gone to her head and Ivan’s dominating sexiness was making her feel ultra-aroused.

She sunk down into the water, getting herself completely wet and soapy, then she stood up. He watched with his hand in his pants, unable to resist touching himself now. She was proud to put on a show for him. She grabbed some bubbles and rubbed them into her breasts, making them plump up even more, then she delved her fingers into her wet panties, feeling naughty and sexy. She skimmed her fingers over her clit with one hand, while massaging the bubbles into her breasts with the other hand. He stepped forward and kissed her hard on the lips, then he made his way down to lick the bubbles from her rock-hard nipples.