Page 73 of Misdeeds of a Billionaire

“Well, I left my phone at the hotel.” I smiled sweetly, when I actually wanted to lunge across this reception desk and wrap my fingers around her slim throat. “But don’t worry, I’ll gladly go back to my room—that he paid for—and let him know that I missed him since I’m flying out tonight. I’ll give him your name, Miss—” I glanced around, looking for a name sign.

She swallowed, her expression finally cracking. I held my breath as she reached for the intercom.

“Mr. Ashford. I have Miss—” Then she realized her mistake. She hadn’t even bothered to ask me my name. She had to be the worst assistant ever.

“Dr. Swan.” It was petty, but I couldn't keep the snobbery out of my voice. I never thought myself better than anyone, no matter who they were or what they did, but this woman pissed me off so badly, I wanted to rub all my accomplishments in her face.

She hesitated, biting down on her Botoxed lips. I bet she wouldn’t feel them if they were bleeding, she’d had so much work done. I jerked my chin toward the phone. “Tell him Dr. Madeline Swan is here for him.”

I didn’t know what possessed me to say Madeline. He was the only person on this planet to have ever called me by my middle name in full, and only when he fucked me. A shiver snaked down my spine.

How would I survive Byron?

We weren’t even in the same room, yet I already felt consumed by him. By the memories of his scent, of his hands on my skin, by the sounds we made when we both came—grunts and moans.

“Sir, it’s Dr. Madeline Swan.”

I held my breath as I waited, my heart thundering in my chest.

“Yes, sir.”

She hung up the phone and gave me a sour look. “Go ahead through that door. Wait in the executive lounge for his meeting to end.”

I bet it killed her to say it.

Without sparing her another thought, I turned around and signaled Billie who stood with Ares by the elevator.

They rushed to me and the three of us made our way through the final door that would lead me to the one man I hoped never to see again. And now, I was seeking him out. Our footsteps were soft on the white marble as we made our way through to the office suite.

Everywhere we looked, gold accents, lush flowers, and beautiful paintings decorated the space. Sleek modern furniture mixed with old-fashioned elegance. Black lacquer was in such contrast to white marble, you could see the outline of the furniture reflected in it.

There was no doubt where Byron’s office was. Even without the golden plate “Byron A. Ashford, CEO” by the door, it was easy to spot the biggest and best office. The corner office.

Of course. Nothing but the best for the liar.

I mentally slapped myself. None of it mattered. We needed that money. The endgame was getting out of our predicament and returning to our normal life. I’d get a job as a surgeon either here in the States or back in France. Ares would go to school, make some friends, and our life would go on.

“Should we wait in the guest lounge?” Billie whispered, her eyes darting to the right to a small waiting area. The golden plate next to it read “Executive Guest Lounge.”

My eyes traveled to the heavy, mahogany double doors. Muted men’s voices came through it. The meeting might go on for a while.

“Yes, I guess so.”

Ares’s eyes darted to where the woodenThomas the Traintable sat, and his eyes lit up. Without prompting, he ran to it and fell down to his knees.

I folded my knees and sat next to him. “It’s a beautiful train set, isn’t it?”

His blue eyes lit up. “Can I take it home? Please, Maman.”

Guilt twinged in my chest. My stomach hollowed.

Ares never complained, but I knew he missed his toys. We were only able to bring the bare minimum with us, and not to mention, we didn’t have a home. At least, not here. Our father had left us his little home on the French Riviera, and while it wasn’t worth much, we could settle there.

It’d be a roof over our heads.

“No, love,” I murmured softly. “But one day we’ll have one. I promise.”

I vowed right then and there, I’d do whatever Byron demanded.