Page 5 of Forbidden (Wicked Billionaires #1)

A large sandstone deck sits outside of it, and there are big sliding glass doors. It looks perfect for getting exercise, getting sun, and some natural vitamin D.

“If you want to work out, like everything, help yourself.”

We walk on, and Lorenzo shows me two other empty bedrooms and a sauna. As we push on, we pass a spectacular office overlooking Central Park. A desk faces Manhattan, and two other side desks are covered with movie scripts and movie posters.

Lorenzo slows at a large open door. “And this is where I live.”

He does not offer me a look inside, unlike every other room. The door is open, and I’m intrigued. I walk up to it, hesitantly, before peering in.

It’s massive, and a huge black bed sits in the center. White marble statues of women are in every corner.

Large black and white photos hang on the walls, and they are all sexual in nature.

Most look like body parts, and they are all sexy closeups.

They are sumptuous and teasing, almost like erotic fruit or flowers. I gulp, and my heart races. I’m unsure if I should avoid his eyes, and face, after exiting.

I screw up, and I back step instead. My butt slams into his rock hard body and crotch, and I jump, and peer up.

Our eyes lock, and I notice his are now cold and dark.

I did not expect to see that side of him, and it terrifies, and excites me. “Sorry,” I say gasping, and clearing my throat.

“No, I am, no one ever comes in here.”

Right! I bet a lot of people have come in there. And in all kinds of ways.

Lorenzo looks down at me, and our eyes hold for a beat longer than normal.

We walk to a complex looking security door, and Lorenzo flips locking handles. He opens the large door and enters a passage. Nervously, and semi naked, like him, I head up two flights behind.

After unlocking another high-tech security door, we are standing on the rooftop. The rain has stopped, and a light wind blows.

It’s stunning, and a sleek black helicopter sits on one side. Again, it is surrounded by old white Italian statues.

The other side of the rooftop is somewhat sheltered, and ornate. It has an ancient feel, with old stone gardens and trees.

Stylish iron furniture, and a large BBQ fill it out. Old eagle statues sit on all four corners and rose bushes are peppered around. Stunning views of New York City are also visible from every corner.

As we stand in the middle, we look around Manhattan.

The winds are intense, and they swirl around us, almost magically. It feels wild after the hot shower, hot whiskey, and time together.

Suddenly the wind picks up, and my robe flips up, showing my butt. “Oh God! Sorry.”

“That’s okay,” Lorenzo says huskily.

He is behind me, protectively and I twist the robe tighter around my butt. As I hold onto it, we dash back inside, my blood pumping.

Lorenzo locks both sets of doors, and we make it below. I laugh loud, charged with energy, and I feel alive.

After, Lorenzo shows me down the last side of the penthouse, we find an open deck area with a cute vegetable garden, palms, a juice bar, and refrigerator filled with exotic juices.

That is when I work it out. The penthouse has everything you would ever need. You could actually live or survive here, and likely, for as long as you wanted.

The grump is a recluse, or lone wolf, that much I can tell. I work it out fast, because I am one too.

Even if I consider myself kind, and balanced, and even if I’m a curvy book nerd, I am a lone wolf.

I prefer to read, learn, and chill alone, rather than going to endless social engagements, meeting new people, and just chatting.

Lorenzo is reserved, and he does not appear to like endless chatting, or small talk. He comes across as cerebral, and he knows what he wants.

He is obviously private, like me. We appear similar in some ways, and the idea worries me. It also excites me. I know there is a one percent chance of getting Lorenzo to kiss me or take me, but at least it’s a chance.

Now back in my bedroom, I place things around the huge room. My mind churns fast and even if I’m excited about being in NYC, my new job and this amazing place, I’m still turned on after being so close to his body. My heart is still even pounding.

My cell chirps and it’s Madison, again.

“So, what’s it like, and are you safe?”

“Oh my God,” I say.

“What, is it a dump?”

“It’s amazing, and it looks over Central Park.”

“No way!”

“It gets better.” I say, thinking about Lorenzo and pacing. I quickly explain how gorgeous Lorenzo is, and what I know about him. Also, that I will be staying with him for a while.

“Well if you like him, and want to try something, you’ll need to take action.”

“Right, and how? I’ve got nothing. The guy is a hot billionaire, and I have no cards to play. I’m a small-town girl with what?”

“Attitude.”

“Phah! I have zero Ace cards. No way to get him at all.”

“Maybe not...”

“Go on,” I say, listening while chewing on a nail.

“Well, if he’s used to sophisticated, sexually experienced, hot models, and… others. Try amplifying you.”

“What kind of strategy is that? And amplifying nerdy and curvy. Innocent. Playful. I’m near virginal!”

“Exxxxactly…!”

“Really?” I ask confused. “And how?”

“You’re different from the others he would have… tasted. You’re a new flavor.”

“Weird.”

“How many top models are virgin-ish? How many are likely sweet? And with small town hearts?”

I say nothing.

“Exactly. None! And how? You’ll have to work it out, Storm. That’s your other ace card, girl. You’re a nerd. Nerd the hell out, and find the key! Hook him and play to your strengths.”

“But-”

Too late. Madison has gone, and likely to customers in her cafe.

I look down on Central Park and Manhattan, and my mind processes fast. Does she mean I should play up my naturally sweet and innocent… thing ?

My crazy mind continues down that path, and I think about shopping for clothes. Clothes to help me if I try and snare Lorenzo.

I try to work out if I could ever get Lorenzo inside me.

We’re likely completely incompatible. He is cool, suave and perfect.

I, on the other hand, are sexually inexperienced, and I live in my head, when it’s not in books. I’m also shy, and I’m hardly cool.

I huff loud, as my devious mind processes. I pace while looking over New York City, and I mumble low, “Think curvy nerd… THINK !”