Page 3 of The Billionaire’s Secret Twins (Love for the Holidays #11)

Angie

S ix months later.

“Hold on, Carmen. I’ll get it for you.”

The young woman throws me a grateful glance because she’s pregnant and doesn’t want to overdo things. She clambers down from the small step-stool, and I get on instead, reaching up high to grab a bottle of cleaning fluid.

“Here you go,” I say with a smile. “There’s no need to climb ladders while you’re expecting. If you need something, just ask for me or Orlando to grab it for you.”

She nods.

“ Si, senora. Gracias .”

Then, Carmen scurries off in her maid’s outfit, the cleaning fluid in one hand.

I let out a sigh because I can’t believe I just saw that!

Pregnant ladies need to be pampered and cared for, but Carmen’s still working a full forty hours each week.

She says she needs the money because her husband is a substitute teacher, and doesn’t have a steady paycheck.

I understand, and I admire her resilience and determination to provide for her growing family.

But I also want her to be safe, and it can be tricky sometimes.

I wish labor conditions in the United States were different, but running a household has always been challenging I suppose.

Then again, my job has been a good challenge for the most part.

There’s ten of us on staff, including me, Orlando the butler, Mrs. Goodyear in the kitchen, as well as a full complement of cleaners, gardeners, and other assorted staff.

That’s not including Mr. Masters’s personal trainer, nor the masseuse who comes in twice a week to massage our billionaire boss.

Dominic Masters has everything a man could want, and lives a life that most can only dream about.

As I pause in the doorway of the main kitchen, one of the maids approaches me with a troubled expression.

“What is it, Lucy?”

She fishes out something from her apron pocket and holds it out with two fingers. OMG, it’s a lacy g-string that looks half-torn!

“What should I do with this?” she whispers, her cheeks blushing a fetching pink. “I found it under Mr. Masters’s bed and I’m not sure where to put it.”

I think for a moment. It must belong to that red-headed woman who was here three weeks ago.

What was her name? Eliza? Elise? Lizzy? Whatever it is, I know what to do immediately.

I pluck it out of her fingers, and then stride to the trash can and drop it in before letting the metal cover shut with a resounding clang.

“She won’t be needing it,” I say with a smile. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

“Oh, I won’t,” Lucy giggles. “It’s just ... well, does Mr. Masters ever sleep with a woman more than once? I swear, that man gets so much action it’s incredible.”

At that comment, my face goes impassive.

“I’m not sure,” I say in a light tone. “And what Mr. Masters does is his personal business. It’s not our place to question the boss.”

Lucy’s features are immediately penitent.

“Oh of course, I didn’t mean...”

“No, it’s okay,” I interrupt. “Thank you, Lucy. If you see anything else of that sort, just throw it away.”

She nods silently, still flaming red, and then scurries off to finish the rest of her tasks.

Meanwhile, I’m left alone to ponder Lucy’s question because the answer is a definitive “no.” Dominic Masters doesn’t sleep with any woman more than once.

He absolutely meets ladies, and brings them home for a filthy night between his sheets.

We’ll hear their grunts and moans, and on occasion, the young woman will appear at the breakfast table the next morning, flushed and well-fucked with her hair askew and her curves used.

But it’s not my business, even if sometimes, I feel a pang of jealousy in my heart.

It’s ridiculous, I know, because why would Dominic Masters be interested in me?

I’m a plain grey mouse in my plain grey housekeeper’s uniform, especially when compared to the glamorous and beautiful women he brings home.

I blend into the surroundings, while they’re a coveted jewel, sparkly and gorgeous.

But it’s fine. I nod politely, and offer said woman a cup of steaming coffee and a plate of cut fruit.

The young lady inevitably simpers and nods, helping herself to a juicy strawberry before sliding into Dominic’s lap and winding her arms around his bronzed neck.

Then, a few kisses are in order as I slip out of the dining room silently.

More than once, I know the couple’s retreated back to the bedroom for more shenanigans, and there was one memorable time when they ruined the breakfast buffet by doing it right there on the table.

But it’s not my business, and I make sure to show no judgment nor emotion.

Again, I’m nothing but the lowly housekeeper, and it’s my job to serve unobtrusively.

But still, my thoughts sometimes run away with themselves because I’m not dead.

I have eyes and ears, and it’s literally my responsibility to be aware of what goes on under this roof.

So I know it’s been a while since Dominic brought a woman home.

He’s been sleeping alone, and I’m not sure why.

Maybe he’s seeing someone that we’re not aware of?

Maybe they meet elsewhere? It’s possible, seeing that Mr. Masters has multiple homes scattered throughout the world.

The billionaire keeps apartments in New York and London, although I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s only a fraction of his real estate portfolio.

This is a man who likely has a pied à terre in every major city, just because he can.

Suddenly, my walkie talkie crackles.

“Angela,” a low male voice growls. “Can you come to my office please?”

Speak of the devil! I depress the button and bring the set to my lips.

“Of course, Mr. Masters. I’ll be there in five.”

Then, I quickly smooth my blonde hair back and straighten my plain grey gown.

My shoes are serviceable black flats, and although I don’t wear an apron, I quickly pull one out of my pocket and tie it around my waist, just in case Mr. Masters needs me to serve.

It’s fine. It’s my job to anticipate his desires, even if my heart’s fluttering in my chest.

Calm down , the voice in my head speaks.

Don’t get all flustered because Dominic Masters reached out to you.

It’s nothing. He likely spilled his coffee and wants you to bring a mop to clean up.

Or maybe, he needs to shine his shoes, and wants you to bring the polish.

It’s going to be something domestic and impersonal.

Of course, the voice is right and yet I can’t stop my heart from racing. Stay calm , I scold myself. This is no way for a housekeeper to behave.

Then I take a deep breath and smooth my hair back once more before squaring my shoulders. The door to his home office is large and solid, so I knock firmly.

“Mr. Masters?” I call. “It’s Angela.”

“Come,” a deep voice sounds.

I push open the door and step inside. My cheeks are burning but maybe it’s not too obvious. I smile and bow my head slightly.

“You called, Mr. Masters?”

“Yes, come in, Angela,” he growls. “And close the door behind you.”

My pulse jumps again, but I remind myself to maintain a professional facade. There’s nothing personal between us.

“Of course,” I murmur in a polite tone before shutting the solid oak door behind me. “How can I assist?”

Mr. Masters gets up and strides around his desk before sitting on a small couch in the guest area of his office. He motions for me to do the same, and I obey, lowering myself into the chair opposite his.

“Thank you for coming,” he says.

“Of course, sir,” I respond . “Is there something I can help you with?”

He steeples his fingers beneath his chin and throws me a long look.

Again, I can’t help but notice how handsome this man is.

His dark hair is brushed back in a smooth but casual wave, and those blue eyes are piercing yet contemplative at once.

Plus, Dominic Masters is tall, even sitting down.

His legs are long, clad in fine suit pants, and his dress shirt immaculate, even if it’s unbuttoned at the top right now to show off a strong, bronzed throat.

“There is something you can help me with, Angie,” he says. “May I call you that? Angie, instead of Angela?”

I flush again but nod.

“Of course, sir.”

“Please call me Dominic,” he responds. “No need for Mr. Masters when we’re in private.”

I shoot him a quick look because where is this going? It feels like it’s getting personal, but I nod politely.

“Of course, Mr. Masters. I mean, Dominic.”

He lets out a low chuckle before sitting up straighter.

“Thank you for your hard work running my household, Angie. My move to Austin has been smooth sailing, and I believe I have you to thank for that.”

“Of course,” I say. “I’m happy to assist.”

Dominic inclines his dark head.

“You’ve been so helpful, in fact, that I could use you at another of my properties.

Next week, I’m hosting a small drinks event at my penthouse in New York, and I’d like you to put it together for me.

It’s just a small get together, maybe twenty or so people, and of course, you’ll have my New York staff at your disposal.

But I do need it to go off without a hitch, and I believe this is something that you could manage easily and well. ”

I nod.

“Of course. Just give me the contact info of your assistant in New York, and I can instruct them from here. I don’t know the catering company you use in New York, but I’m sure someone on your staff does? Nonetheless, it’s not a problem, Mr. Masters. Consider it done.”

The billionaire pauses for a moment, his blue eyes twinkling.

“No, I wasn’t thinking that you’d organize the party from here. I was hoping that you’d accompany me to New York to oversee the shindig. All expenses paid, of course, and I’ll provide a bonus because this event obviously goes beyond the scope of your normal duties.”

I pause, surprised.

“You want me to come to New York?”

“Yes,” the billionaire says in a smooth tone. “It’s an important event, and I’d feel more comfortable knowing that you’ll be in charge. I can’t afford for this party to hit a snafu, so I need to put someone at the helm whom I can trust.”

I blink, still unable to believe my ears.

“New York?” I whisper. “Manhattan?”

Dominic’s blue eyes twinkle.

“Yes, my penthouse is in Manhattan, and it’s an incredible island.

Of course, it’s not growing the way Austin is, which is why I’ve chosen to base my business here.

But New York is a beast unto its own, which makes it even more important that I have people I trust at my side. So what do you think? Will you come?”

“Next week?” I whisper.

A black brow arches as Dominic inclines his square jaw slightly.

“Yes. I realize it’s not very much notice, but again, I believe in you, Angela. I think you’ll be able to pull off the party at a moment’s notice, and that’s why I need you there.”

He needs me! the voice in my head breathes with joy. But then I cut short that sentiment. Dominic Masters needs you as a party-planner. As a housekeeper. As an employee. He doesn’t need you on a personal level, so it isn’t that kind of “need.”

Of course. How could I have thought otherwise? I bow my head and nod.

“Of course, I’d be happy to accompany you to New York, Mr. Masters. Just let me know when we’ll be leaving.”

“Immediately,” he speaks. “Tomorrow. Again, we’ll have about a week in the city for you to prepare, and then the drinks event will take place on Friday night.”

I flush, my mind already whirling. But I know I can get it done.

“Certainly,” I murmur. “Please, keep me updated. Is there anything else you require?”

The powerful billionaire stares at me, those blue eyes gleaming. But his expression is inscrutable, and he merely shakes his head.

“No, I’m good for now. I’ll let you know when the car is expected, and we’ll be in flight by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Certainly, sir,” I say before standing. “Thank you for the opportunity, and you won’t regret it.”

Dominic doesn’t reply. He merely nods again, those blue eyes watching me as I take my leave. I swear I can feel them glued to my rear end as I exit his office, but I know it must be my imagination because the billionaire would never look at me like that.

Then, I’m back in the hallway by myself, the silence ringing in my ears.

Oh my god, what just happened? Am I traveling to the most exciting city in the world with the handsome Dominic Masters at my side?

I know it’s just a work trip where I’m the help .

.. and yet I’m looking forward to spending time with my billionaire boss all the same.