Page 24

24

BILLIE

A sher still lingers on my skin, and my body buzzes from his touch.

How am I already so weak for him? This was never supposed to happen.

I try to recompose myself, wanting my heart to stop thumping so hard. I squeeze my thighs tight and can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. I’ve never done anything so … risqué. Or in public. My heart races, and I feel myself growing obsessed with him. That scares me.

I make my way to the main floor and glance down the hallway, spotting my brothers, still arguing with one another. They’re heated, and I can’t tell who’s winning, but they both look furious. I can’t face them right now, so I slip away. Quietly, I take a different hallway, walking as fast as I can to the elevator. Just as I step in and the doors are about to close, Brody enters, glaring at me.

“I didn’t tell them,” he says.

“I know. Thank you. I’m sick of it. I would’ve never told Easton to stay away from Lexi. I wouldn’t have dared to tell Weston not to pursue Carlee. But they don’t respect me in the same manner.”

“It’s not that,” he replies .

I swear this elevator is being hand-cranked; it’s going so slow.

“Asher’s in a dangerous situation with Lustre. Being around Asher publicly could be unsafe for him. Do you understand? You’re putting him at risk. And if anything happens to you I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. That’s not what you want.” He shakes his head, frustration etched across his face. “Let Asher do his job. Don’t distract him.”

My brows knit tightly together. “I—I didn’t?—”

“Yeah, I know you didn’t think about that. Stop being a selfish brat for once and listen. Fuck. ”

The door jolts open, and Brody storms out. I can’t remember the last time he snapped at me, but it’s not the first. Sometimes, he’s the only one who can get through to me.

I hold my head up high, forcing myself to keep performing for the public. I set my shoulders back and raise my chin. This event is now my runway as I walk through the foyer to the reception hall.

I scan the room and find Louis laughing with a large group of people. I grab a glass of champagne, downing half of it in one gulp, and Harper walks up to me, looping her arm in mine.

“Everything okay?” she whispers.

“It will be,” I tell her. “One day.”

She takes a step back, her head tilted. A small smile meets her lips, and then it grows wide. “Oh my God.”

“Don’t.”

She searches my face. “You’re in love with him.”

I breathe out, knowing I can’t deny it.

“How can I help?” she asks.

Harper has always had my best interest in mind. It goes both ways.

“Please help me avoid Asher publicly. We can’t be around each other.”

“Why?” she asks.

“It’s bad for business,” I tell her, repeating what Banks said to me in the Hamptons. “It’s very important that everyone believes Louis and I are together.”

“I’m on it,” she says, turning me around toward the crowd. “Go to your prince. He’s over there.”

“Thank you,” I tell her.

She gently pushes me forward. “You’ve got this, Ice Queen.”

I move forward, joining Louis with a grin. He interlocks his fingers with mine, and everyone around us notices the affection.

“I missed you,” Louis says genuinely as I finish my glass of champagne and grab another one.

“I missed you too,” I repeat back.

I meet his eyes, remembering what Brody said and what Asher asked of me. I lean in closer, and he tries to steal a kiss, but it lands on my cheek. I must do this.

“Aww,” one of the women says. “The two of you are absolutely stunning together.”

“Thank you,” Louis states, his green eyes shining with pride. “She’s my diamond.”

Easton and Weston appear on the opposite side of the room. Their eyes meet mine, and I look away, focusing back on Louis, but I’m not really listening to the conversation. I laugh when I’m supposed to, offering yeses where appropriate, but my mind is somewhere else.

Mrs. Easley, an editor at one of the major newspaper publications in attendance, asks Louis about his father. As he speaks fondly of the king, I glance over her shoulder and see Asher chatting with a cute redhead. Her hand brushes his shoulder, and she takes a step closer to whisper something in his ear.

Our eyes meet, and with a cocky grin, he barely flicks his brow at me. Asher rubs his nose with his finger and laughs at whatever the woman is saying. I can’t help but notice it was the same finger he had buried deep inside me thirty minutes ago.

“Don’t you agree, Billie?” Louis asks, pulling me back to the conversation .

“Of course,” I reply with a laugh, clueless about what they were discussing.

“When can we expect a royal wedding?” Mrs. Easley asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I chuckle nervously and say, “The Crown must approve everything. You know that.”

“Not always,” she counters, leaning in with a conspiratorial whisper. “Sometimes, love is more important than anything else. In the past, some royals have simply given up their crown to be with their person.”

“That’s not a traditional method though. I’d want the Crown’s approval for marriage, considering I know how faithful His Royal Highness is to his country. It’s important that whoever he makes his queen is suitable for everything that he is.”

He proudly grins, pulling me just a little closer to him.

Mrs. Easley nods, understanding. “And that’s why you two are the perfect pair.”

I nervously chuckle and turn toward Louis, wanting to escape this conversation or at least segue it to something else. “If you had to choose between love or power, which would it be? Only one though,” I ask him, curious about his answer.

“Is it true love? One that lasts until my last breath?” he asks.

“Yes,” I confirm.

“True love is worth losing everything,” he admits softly, then winks at me.

Something flickers behind his eyes, and I wonder if he’s thinking about his secret girl, the one he has continued to keep hidden.

“I agree. True love is what I’d choose too.” I take those words and hold on to them tightly.

Louis knows how I feel about Asher; I explained everything that had happened in the Hamptons on the way here. He’s happy to keep playing pretend. It benefits us both.

Mrs. Easley eats up the conversation. “I’m very happy for you. When there is a wedding announcement, please allow me to interview you.”

“Absolutely,” I say, knowing it won’t happen. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Someone walks up, laughing, and she gets pulled away, leaving Louis and me to ourselves.

“That was entertaining. Where did you go?”

“Ah, well, let me just say, my brothers are pissed at me right now. They caught us together,” I whisper.

“That explains their attitude.” He watches Weston and Easton take the stage, and his eyes meet mine. “You should get ready for your speech.”

“Shit, I almost forgot,” I tell him, finishing my glass of champagne in a hurried gulp. “I’ll be right back.”

I glide across the room, catching a glimpse of Asher, who’s flirting hard with that woman. Jealousy creeps over my body like a shadow, but I push it away, reminding myself that he must do this, especially after he archived the posts of us.

Earlier today, he uploaded a single photo of his feet in the sand. Mine were just out of view.

He titled it New beginnings .

It’s our secret.

Just like how this relationship must be—for now. This has become a total mess, and it’s my fault. I was selfish tonight, using Asher’s greatest weakness against him—me.

I step onto the stage, joining my brothers. The crowd gives the three of us a warm applause as Weston takes a moment to thank everyone for attending.

“Also, a very big thank you to everyone at the museum who has helped make this night flawless. And a special thanks to my dad for continuing this tradition so that we can continue to do the same.”

Easton takes the microphone next. He goes on for a few minutes, then wraps it up. “The jewelry is spread throughout the museum so you can enjoy art while also being a part of something bigger than us. Good luck.”

Applause fills the room, and then I’m handed the microphone. “Hi! Wow, welcome to the eighty-seventh annual Calloway Carat Gala. I speak for my entire family when I say we are truly honored that you have graced us with your presence tonight. In this room, we have people from all different walks of life and countries. Each year, I give a speech about the importance of entrepreneurship and striving for greatness. And every year, I can see some of you staring at me with glazed-over eyes, so I thought we might skip that part this time.”

Easton stares at me, nearly begging me not to go off the rails. Weston wears the same expression of worry.

“I created a special set of cufflinks that I’ve named King of My Heart, and it was designed with lots of care and precision. At first glance, these pieces may look like regular diamonds, but they change colors. I used chameleon diamonds—some of the rarest in the world, each weighing in at three carats. Now, some might wonder why I chose that specific diamond for this setting. Well, it’s to remind everyone that there are times when you don’t fully understand someone or something at first glance. It’s easy to get it wrong. Sometimes, a diamond just needs a change of environment to show you just how beautiful it really is.”

I swallow hard, feeling Asher’s eyes on me. When I look up, he’s smiling, and it gives me a little boost. I quickly glance away, knowing I can’t get lost in him right now.

“Thank you so much for being here. My grandfather would be so proud. Good luck, everyone.”

I hand the microphone back to Weston and then walk off the stage. Louis waits for me with open arms, pulling me in for a hug.

He leans in and whispers in my ear, “Amazing speech.”

“Thank you,” I say as Weston continues to work the crowd.

If being the COO hadn’t worked out for him, he’d have found a way to shine as a public speaker—or perhaps even become president. I guess that could still happen.

Pulling away from Louis, I scan the crowd for Asher again, but he’s nowhere to be found.

It’s better this way. No temptation.

For the rest of the night, Louis and I play the part of the perfect couple, entertaining various groups of people. We dance and laugh, sipping champagne like we’re the quintessential duo. My brothers watch me from across the room, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern, but I ignore them.

By the time the night ends, I’m pleasantly tipsy.

Louis and I leave hand in hand, still laughing. Once we’re in the car, he gives me a high five.

“I think we did it,” he says, leaning back against the seat with a satisfied grin. “My team will be thrilled. A scandal is the last thing they want.”

“I know. We need an exit plan that doesn’t tarnish either of our images,” I explain.

“A nondramatic breakup is totally doable. We just tell them the truth—we’re much better as friends than lovers. It’s respectable,” he says.

I can see right now that he’s on top of the world.

Having everyone believe in our charade gives him more privacy with his secret girlfriend, and honestly, I want that for him.

The car slows as we approach my building, and we continue our little act. Photographers capture the simple good-night kiss we share, and then I slip inside. As I move into the elevator alone, a smile spreads across my lips. I can do this.

The doors slide open, and I step off the elevator, my heels clicking on the floor. Just as I turn my head, Asher’s door cracks open, and his eyes rake over me. I swear I can feel his gaze like a physical touch. He doesn’t say a word as I move closer.

Suddenly, he reaches out and grabs my wrist, pulling me into his place with a force that sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach. The door slams shut behind us, and just like that, we’re alone. Just us—finally.

I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper against his mouth. “I lost control tonight. It won’t happen again.”

“Please don’t apologize.” His lips trail across mine, down my neck, and over my chest. His hands and fingers explore me. “You’ll be the fucking end of me, Billie.”

“Ash,” I whisper, thrusting my fingers through his hair.

My heart pounds so hard that I can feel it in my throat. The air is thick with anticipation as the room glows softly from the lamp in the living room. I look up into his eyes, and they sparkle like diamonds. I love the way he makes me feel like I’m all he’s ever wanted.

Am I?

When I’m with him, it feels like I’m exactly where I should be. It feels right . It’s never felt like this with anyone else.

“You wrecked me tonight,” I breathe out, my voice shaky as his lips crash into mine.

His kiss is savage, his tongue forcing its way into my mouth, claiming me, owning me. I whimper, my hands brushing over his skin, sending goose bumps trailing across my body. He touches me everywhere, reading me like Braille, like he’s trying to memorize every inch of me.

“I could say the same about you. Your speech was brilliant,” he compliments.

In one fluid motion, he’s got me in his arms, carrying me to the bedroom like I weigh nothing at all. I’m so turned on that I can barely think straight. He sets me on my feet and takes a step back.

“Now, this is picture-perfect,” he mutters, drinking me in.

I barely have time to catch my breath. His hot and relentless mouth kisses down my body, biting and sucking at every inch of bare skin he can access. Asher carefully unzips my dress, and it falls into a puddle around my feet on the floor. My breasts are fully exposed, my panties soaked through. The rush of cool air hits my skin, and I stand in front of him, completely vulnerable. My breathing is ragged, heat pooling low in my belly as I realize how he’s looking at me. It’s possessive and hot and greedy. I can hardly believe how my body reacts to him.

“The way you look at me makes me weak,” I whisper.

He kisses me. “You’re like a dream, Billie.”

Asher drops to his knees before me, as if he’s worshipping me. And he is.

Carefully, he unbuckles the high heels strapped to my ankles, kissing up my legs before guiding me back onto the bed. He slides my panties down, kissing and sucking my thighs like he’s savoring every inch of me.

“Spread your legs for me, princess,” he commands, his voice rough and undeniably sexy.

It’s a simple request, but the way he says it makes my pulse quicken. I obey without hesitation, trembling with need.

I watch him, loving how his eyes darken as they roam over my naked body. I nearly beg for his touch, for him. Asher leans forward, and I can feel his hot breath against my clit. Anticipation curls in my stomach as he moves closer. I gasp as his hot tongue glides up my slit, teasing me, taunting me, claiming me. A cry escapes my lips, my hands fisting the comforter as he circles my clit with precision.

“You know exactly what I want,” I whimper, my hips instinctively lifting off the bed to meet him.

The way he sucks on my sensitive bud sends shock waves through me; each flick of his tongue takes me higher. The pleasure builds to an unbearable peak as he works me expertly with his mouth and fingers, curling them inside just right.

I take it all in—how he makes me feel, my breathlessness, my insatiable need for him. It seems too good to be true.

How has this man always been in my life and I’ve never really noticed him until now?

Asher buries his face deeper, and I feel myself tightening around his fingers. The pleasure intensifies with every stroke of his tongue and thrust of his digits.

How has he memorized my body and every sensitive spot? I’m drowning in the sensation of him, of us, of this.

“Ash,” I gasp, my voice barely above a whisper, but it’s enough.

I’m lost in the moment, spiraling into a blissful haze, where nothing else exists except for him and the pleasure he’s giving me. My thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind, rustling across the sidewalk on a nice autumn day.

I’m completely consumed by the need to feel more of him.

It’s intoxicating, overwhelming.

I can’t think straight; every nerve ending is on fire as he brings me closer to the edge.

How can the man I’ve hated for so long make me feel so alive?

Just when I think I’m about to break, he pulls back slightly, a devilish grin on his lips.

“Flip over for me and arch that pretty pussy for me,” he demands.

I instantly do as I’m told. My body trembles with need as he kisses and palms my ass, diving into me from behind.

Moans echo off the walls, and I’ve never heard the noises that release from my throat. I’m completely under his spell.

Asher’s tongue fucks me from behind, and I want more of him. His tongue and mouth return to my sensitive bud as he fully devours me, and I can barely take it. He’s relentless, working me so fucking good that I see full galaxies.

“I’m gonna come,” I whisper, my voice breaking as the orgasm crashes over me, wave after wave of pleasure ripping through my body.

He doesn’t stop, working me through it until I’m a trembling mess, begging for mercy.

But he’s not done with me yet. Before I can catch my breath, he’s sliding down his pajama pants. My heart hammers in my chest as his thick cock springs free. Asher slowly pushes into me, inch by glorious inch. He’s so fucking big, stretching me in the best way possible as he fills me.

“You were made for me,” he mutters, his fingers digging into my hips as he pounds into me.

I scream his name with every thrust, wanting more, wanting all of him. He fucks me like he’s claiming me, like he’s trying to make sure I’ll never forget him. And, God, I don’t ever want to forget. The way he feels inside me, the way he looks at me—like I’m the only fucking thing that matters in the world—it’s intoxicating.

“I’m yours, Ash,” I whisper, my nails digging into his back as he drives into me again and again.

“Say it like you mean it, princess,” he says.

“I’m yours,” I scream out. “And you’re mine, Ash. You fucking belong to me now.”

“Fuck yes,” he growls in response, his hips slamming into mine as we both lose ourselves in the heat of it.

When he comes, it’s with a roar, his cock pulsing inside me as he spills himself deep. I can feel him everywhere—in my body, in my fucking soul—and I know there’s no going back from this.

I crumble again, clinging to him as the waves of pleasure crash over us both, our bodies trembling together in the aftermath. We stay like that for what feels like forever, wrapped up in each other, neither of us willing to let go.

The warmth of his body next to mine and the soft rhythm of his breathing make everything else fade away. And as we drift to sleep, legs tangled in the sheets, I know I’m falling for him. Hard.

I just hope I can survive him.