Page 11 of Lucas (The Valeur Billionaires #2)

Chapter Eight

LUCAS

“ Y ou agreed to two years without sex?” Liam laughs so hard he has to hold his stomach and nearly falls off the chair. “You? Lucas Valeur?”

I narrow my eyes. “I don’t see what’s so funny.”

“Come on, Lucas. You? The notorious playboy? Only fucking your own fist? Hey, I saw an ad for an inflatable sex doll. You know, they make them pretty realistic now. You want one? I can order it for you.” He wipes tears of laughter from his eyes.

“Haha. I invited you to my house to look at the contract, not to laugh at me. You’re good with contracts, right?”

Liam nods, his eyes already scanning the document I've handed him. “Of course. Law is a fascinating field, you know. The intricacies of legal language, the potential interpretations... It's like a complex puzzle. ”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Liam has degrees in software engineering and law. He did the law degree just for fun, he doesn't even work in the field. Yeah, he's like that. Getting degrees for enjoyment, as if they're collectible trading cards or something.

Sometimes I’m not sure how we’re even brothers. If I would have had to guess who was the adopted one, I would have chosen Liam.

Liam lifts his eyes, the amusement still present in his gaze.

“You know damn well what the contract says. Valeur has the best lawyers in the country, and I’m sure they explained it to you.

You’re going to lose Valeur Real Estate.

I’m just making sure Valeur-Tech didn’t sneak in here somewhere because I’m not willing to lose my company to this folly of yours.

” He hands me back the papers and I snatch them from his fingers.

“I don’t intend to lose anything.”

Liam leans back, a calculating look in his eyes. “Lucas, you’re underestimating her. Ava Gant didn’t get to where she is by being stupid. She’s a shark, just like you. And now you’ve put blood in the water.”

I scoff. “Please. I can handle Ava Gant.”

“Like you handled not putting a risky clause in the contract? Face it, she outplayed you there.” Liam grins.

I glare at him. “She didn’t outplay me. I let her think she did. It’s all part of the plan.”

Liam raises his hands in mock surrender. “If you say so. But I know you, Lucas. You’re impulsive. You don’t always think things through. And that temper of yours... It’s going to get you in trouble one day. ”

“My temper is fine,” I snap.

Liam gives me a pointed look. “Case in point.”

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my irritation. “Look, I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got this under control. Ava Gant won’t know what hit her.”

“I hope you’re right. Because if you’re not, it’s not just your ass on the line. It’s all of ours. Valeur Real Estate, the whole empire Dad built. It all comes crumbling down if you fuck this up.”

The weight of his words settles over me. He’s right. It’s not just about me. It’s about the family legacy.

“I won’t fuck it up,” I say, my voice firm with conviction.

Liam studies me for a long moment, then nods. “Okay. I trust you. But Lucas...be careful. Don’t underestimate her. And for God’s sake, keep it in your pants.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Wow, words of wisdom from my little brother. When did you get so smart?”

Liam grins. “I’ve always been the smart one. You were just too busy chasing skirts to notice.”

I give him the finger. “Fuck you.”

It’ll be okay. I’m not going to turn into my father. I said it, and I meant it. Only cowards cheat, and I’m no coward.

“Of course, you know Dad’s going to murder you when he reads this clause? That you’re putting the company at risk? Valeur Real Estate was the first company in the empire. He’s especially fond of it.” Liam arches an eyebrow, the one with the scar running through it.

“He won’t know if you don’t tell him.” I narrow my eyes. “I have no intention of letting him read the contract. That’s why I have you. ”

“What did he say about the marriage?”

I lick my lips. “Well, he wasn’t thrilled, but he sees the bigger picture.”

Liam says nothing.

“Hugo!” I call out.

My house manager enters the living room. “Yes, sir?”

“We’ll have dinner now in the sunroom.”

“Yes, sir.” He smiles and leaves the room.

“Who knows about this agreement?” Liam asks.

“Right now, you. I’ll tell Dad about the agreement soon, minus a few details.” I bite my lower lip. “I’d tell Logan, too, if he bothered to spend some time at home. I expect you to keep this confidential, okay?”

He nods.

We make our way to the sunroom on the other side of the house.

I love sitting here whenever I get the chance.

The walls and ceiling of the room are made of glass, giving you the feeling of being in the middle of the forest. The trees surround it completely, and all you see is endless green.

I take a deep breath, even though the windows are closed.

“I always forget how beautiful and pastoral it is here,” Liam says as we enter and sit at the set table. “I understand why you enjoy living here, away from everything.”

I look around. There are a few pleasures in this life. Women, food, nature and mountain biking. Cycling keeps me in good shape, and it combines nature. Two out of four in one hobby.

“How did you convince Ava to agree to the clause where you have decision-making power in her company? Doesn’t she understand what you’re trying to do? ”

Hugo enters with plates in his hands. “Leaf salad with pomegranates in reduced balsamic dressing.”

I wait for him to leave the room before answering.

“I explained to her that I’m not going to put in two hundred million without making sure the money is invested properly.

She’s clearly not the brightest manager in the world.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place.

” I smirk. “Like taking candy from a baby.”

Liam laughs. “It’s a smart plan, taking the company from her in a completely legal way.

When she realizes that she herself caused the destruction of her legacy, it will hurt more than if you had taken over by buying shares.

That will be sweet revenge. Although you’re giving up two years of your life here. ”

“Yes.” I nod. “It’s a heavy price, especially when she’s so annoying and intolerable.

But not too heavy for victory in a twenty-year war.

If I tried to take over from the outside, there’s a good chance they would have noticed the massive stock purchase.

This way, they’ll have no idea what hit them. ”

Ava and I go out on a date to the most prestigious restaurant in the city. Unlike last time, when I had no idea how the photographers knew we were there, this time, I leaked the date. I want all the pictures. And the best part is Ava gave me the idea to do it.

I approach the passenger door, open it for Ava, and help her out. She’s wearing a long, deep blue dress with an open back. The fabric starts right above her derriere, not an inch more. It’s the boldest dress I’ve seen her in, and I did my research. Did she wear it for me?

I place my hand on her bare back, and she flinches.

“Relax, honeybee. We’re supposed to be in love,” I whisper.

“Don’t call me that.”

I keep my hand on her back, her soft skin scorching under my touch, and I take a deep breath. The fact that I hate her and the Gant family doesn’t diminish my attraction to her, and that irritates me.

I lead her inside, well aware of the flashing cameras. We sit at a central table where everyone can see us. The candle in the middle of the table flickers.

“You staged it all, huh?” Ava looks around, a fake smile plastered on her face. “We’re sitting in the easiest spot to photograph.”

“I need to make sure our relationship is well publicized before we announce the engagement. I don’t want it to look like it came out of nowhere. The marriage has to look real for my investors to buy the idea that I’ve changed.”

Ava smiles, and it appears genuine this time. “You’re a predator, just waiting for the right moment. If they think you’ll change, they’re idiots.”

“You’re comparing me to a wolf? I’m flattered.

” I signal the server to come take our orders, and he immediately complies.

“I’ll have the steak, and the lady will have the chicken.

And for starters, we’ll take the beef carpaccio.

” I hand him the menu. “Oh, and a bottle of 2009 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru.”

“No, I’ll also have the steak,” Ava says, her eyes smoldering. “Thank you. ”

The server bows and leaves the table.

Ava leans back. “You’re used to making the decisions, right? Taking what you want by force?”

“I rarely need to make an effort to get things, and I don’t need to use force. People want to please me.”

The server reappears with the bottle and lets me taste it. I approve, and he pours into our glasses.

Ava takes her glass and sips. She tilts her head and swirls the glass. “This wine is excellent.”

“At thirty thousand per bottle, it better be.”

She swallows and fixes me with a stare. “You just spent thirty thousand on a bottle of wine? I can pay two salaries at that price.”

“So can I. And I can also buy a bottle of wine if I want to.” I gaze into her green eyes that look dark in the dim space. “I can be good to you. You don’t need to fight me.” It will be easier to win if she lowers her defenses.

“That’s not going to happen, Mr. Valeur. You’ll need a lot more than a bottle of wine to convince me there’s good in you. You are, after all, part of the notorious Valeur family.”

She licks her lips, drawing my gaze to her full, parted mouth. How would those lips feel around my cock, her sharp tongue…? I stop that train of thought. This needs to stay professional.

“Don’t even think about it,” she says, catching me.

“About what?” I feign innocence. “I was just thinking that I’m hungry.”

The server arrives and places the carpaccio and bread in front of us. “ Bon appétit .”

She tears off a piece of bread and dips it in the olive oil on her plate. “This bread is divine.” She purrs and throws her head back. “Wow.” She takes another piece, and her hand wanders on her neck, moving down toward her cleavage. She moans softly.

“Stop that.”

“Stop what?” She returns her gaze to me. “I was just thinking how delicious it is.”

“Okay, you made your point,” I say, my cock hard now and painfully straining against the zipper in my pants. I restrain myself from trying to adjust it so as not to attract attention. Luckily, I put a napkin on my lap earlier. “So, what do you want to talk about?”

“I’m not interested in talking to you.”

“I don’t mind if you’re quiet in the car or at home, but we’re in public with paparazzi around. You can’t ignore me the entire meal.” I plaster on a fake smile. “Everyone is watching us.”

She looks thoughtful for a moment. “Okay, then let’s talk about the wedding. I want a small event.”

“Not going to happen.” I finish the carpaccio and put down the fork.

“What do you mean, it’s not going to happen? It’s my wedding.”

“Mine too. And I need a big, high-profile wedding for appearances.”

“So, I have no say at all in planning my wedding?”

I shrug. “Not in the venue or guest list. But if you want to be involved in the design, you can talk to Cora.”

“Cora?”

“My sister. She’s the best wedding planner there is, and I’m not saying that because she’s my sister.”

Ava smiles widely, but the look in her eyes tells me she’s furious. “So, I’m supposed to plan the wedding with your sister, who probably hates me, too, because she’s a Valeur, but that’s okay because she’s the best?”

“Exactly.”

The server brings our main courses, and we fall silent. Ava maintains her smile, but her posture is stiff as a board. She’s angry, and it shows.

“You need to relax a little, Ava. It’s just business. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Relax?” Her jaw tightens. “That’s your solution to everything? Just relax, and it will be okay?”

“My solution to everything is an orgasm. If you want, I’m willing to give you one.” I wink. “Or three.”

“You’re unbearable.”

I notice a man standing right behind the window, trying to hide behind a bush. “There’s a photographer right in front of us.”

“Where?” Ava turns her head.

I reach out and grab her chin to stop her from turning. “Don’t look. We need to give him a show.”

“A show?”

“A kiss. Something worth reporting in the headlines tomorrow.” I’m still holding her face, my thumb caressing her jawline. “I want our picture published.”

She shakes her head. “There was nothing in the contract about kissing. I’m not okay with you kissing me.”

“Why?” The corner of my mouth rises in amusement. “Are you afraid you might like it?”

“I’m not afraid of anything, and you’re the last person on earth I would enjoy kissing.”

“Then you shouldn’t have any problem kissing me now.” I rise from my chair to lean toward her and plant my lips on hers.

I keep the kiss casual but linger long enough to make sure the photographer gets the shot he’s waiting for.

“Fuck.” I recoil, licking my lower lip and tasting blood. “You bit me.”