Page 34

34

BILLIE

FASHION WEEK

T he plane touches down in London, and my nerves take over. Harper grabs my hand and squeezes it as we deboard. Brody follows behind us, not saying a word. We climb inside the blacked-out SUV, and the extra security my brother hired follows in another vehicle.

We head toward the W, a luxurious hotel that only needs one letter. The London location is one of my favorites, with the best views of the city. Conveniently, the fashion shows are held in the venue next door and have private entrances from the hotel.

Our crew, designers, and models arrived a few days ago to organize everything, and I’ve been updated on timelines and clothing arrivals. We are ready for tomorrow, and I plan to do a walk-through a few hours before our show begins. Josh’s feature is directly after mine, and I’m dreading it because I know I’ll have to see him.

Exhaustion covers me, and I’m already suffering from jet lag. I’ve been working myself to the bone, but it’s almost over. My stress level is at its max, and my anxiety is at an all-time high .

The vehicle zooms away, and Harper pulls out her phone as I stare at the fading sky.

Brody turns to me. “He’s arrived.”

I know he’s referring to Asher.

A smile touches my lips, and butterflies swarm me. “Best news I’ve heard all day.”

We’re keeping up appearances throughout this event until the Lustre stuff is finalized. After my showcase tomorrow, we’re running away together for two weeks. I’m looking forward to spending every waking and sleeping hour with him. It’s a silver lining.

“What’s the plan if Josh approaches me?” I ask Brody, somewhat concerned.

“I’ll be ready to attack, if he has the balls.”

We’ve worked through this scenario several times after Josh texted me yesterday. I swear Brody has a hard-on for smashing in Josh’s face.

I think everyone knows that we will never ever get back together, everyone except for Josh. I’m convinced he thinks he’s smarter than me. He’s not.

When I walked out of his penthouse, I knew I’d never return to him. Enough was enough; for once, I chose myself and my dignity.

Eden was right about Josh, even though I didn’t want her to be. She was also right about Asher. I wish she were here so I could thank her. That letter has lived rent-free in my head for a little over five years. She wrote it to me a month before she passed away. I didn’t listen. I was too stubborn and thought I knew best. Not many people like Josh, but now I know why. It was a hard lesson I had to learn, one I wished I’d have avoided.

The SUV slows outside the W. The hotel entrance is surrounded by people lined up, trying to catch a glimpse of those arriving for the event.

Brody jumps out first to clear a path for Harper and me. “Stay close to me. Both of you. ”

We’re greeted by paparazzi shouting our names.

“Billie! Billie! Right here! Harper! Smile!”

Brody instructs those rushing us for photos to back up. Flashing lights and clicking cameras overwhelm me as I move toward the hotel entrance. Harper grabs my hand, and I concentrate on putting one designer heel in front of the other while I try to cover my face.

“You okay?” she asks.

“I will be,” I explain.

She knows I hate big crowds of people.

We move to the front desk, where we are expedited. In less than a minute, penthouse keys are slid across the desk to Harper and me. I give Brody his, noticing the six buff guys in suits with earpieces, waiting off to the side.

“Do you think bringing the Secret Service was necessary?” I ask him.

“Yes,” he says. “If some shit goes down, it’ll ensure you and Harper are safe.”

He escorts us toward the elevator. We’re staying on the same floor so he can better monitor us. I don’t plan on leaving my room unless I have to.

The elevator stops on our floor with a ding, and we enter the hallway with marbled floors and high ceilings. There are three doors on this floor, all penthouses.

Brody leads the way to mine. “If you leave, promise you’ll tell me.”

“I will,” I say, and then I turn to Harper. “Do you have plans tonight?”

“Micah is supposed to arrive in a few hours. Might sit in the tub and wait for him,” she says, and I notice how Brody tenses beside me.

“Okay.” I smile at her. “The same rules apply for you. If you leave, let Brody know.”

She gives me a nod, then disappears into her room .

My cousin and I stare at one another for a few seconds.

“I don’t like him,” I whisper.

“I fucking hate him,” Brody says with a clenched jaw. “Anyway, have a good night.”

“You too,” I tell him, scanning my key.

The door swings open, only to reveal Asher waiting for me. He’s wearing jeans and a T-shirt, which hugs him in all the right places. My breath catches in my throat at the sight of him, and swirling emotions hit me all at once.

He rushes to me; our lips find each other. The stress from traveling dissolves as his lips move over mine with urgency.

“I missed you so much.” He pulls me into his arms. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving,” I say, and then I notice he has dinner waiting for us on the table. Candles flicker, and a soft smile meets my lips as he kisses me nearly stealing my breath away. “Why are you so perfect?”

“I’m hardly perfect.” Asher chuckles, releasing me from our kiss. He takes my hand and leads me toward the table, pulling out a chair for me. “But I am pretty damn close.”

I laugh and sit, admiring the food spread before us.

“This looks incredible,” I say, my stomach rumbling in anticipation. “What is all this?”

“I’m not sure exactly,” Asher replies as he uncorks a bottle of red wine and pours us each a glass. “I called in a favor from a chef friend. Told him I was having dinner with the love of my life.”

My cheeks heat. “I needed this so much,” I admit, sipping the rich, velvety liquid.

“I did too,” he says.

From where we’re sitting, we have the perfect view of London and its glittering nighttime lights. I can barely focus on anything other than how incredible it feels to be here with Asher.

“Where are you staying?” I ask .

“I have a room on another floor,” he tells me. “But I thought I’d stay with you instead. If you want me to.”

“Please. I was going to beg you. I don’t want to be alone,” I confess.

Asher reaches over and squeezes my hand. “You’re never alone, princess. Not as long as my heart beats.”

I blush at his words as his thumb strokes over my knuckles in a soothing motion.

“Hey, what’s going through that pretty head of yours?” he asks, his voice soft.

“I’m nervous about the show and what’s to come with Josh. Everything is changing so fast,” I admit, scooping up mashed potatoes so creamy that they melt in my mouth.

Asher grins. “It’s almost over, I promise.”

“Have you figured out who hacked his site?” I ask.

“Not yet.” He shakes his head, then pulls his phone from his pocket and shows me the site for Lustre Fashion.

“Less than twenty-four hours,” I whisper, watching the skull and crossbones laugh. “I kinda feel bad for him.”

Asher smiles. “You shouldn’t. Not after how he treated you. Not after he stole your designs for years. On the flight over here, I figured out how he’d gained access to your designs.”

I swallow the bite of chicken in my mouth, and it feels as if it’s stuck in my throat. “How?”

“I can’t tell you. But it was Hannah.”

My nostrils flare. “My assistant? Are you sure? Asher, she’s been with me since …” My words trail off.

“Since you and Josh started dating, right? She’s on Lustre’s payroll too,” Asher replies calmly.

I inhale sharply. “Of course she is.”

I pull my phone from my pocket and text Harper. She immediately replies.

Harper

I’M FIRING HER RIGHT NOW!

I let out a heavy sigh. How could Hannah betray me like this? How long has she been spying for Josh? I lean back in my chair, realizing that was the missing piece to my puzzle. It all makes so much sense now.

“I’m so sorry. She sucks for that.”

“I just can’t believe it,” I whisper. “All those years … she was a part of everything. Every fucking fashion show, every design meeting … Asher, she was there.”

“Yeah, but something changed.” His brows lift. “I found recent emails where she was panicking about feeding him information. The designs she did eventually share were so bad, Josh didn’t believe it was legitimate.”

I smile wide, happy I followed my gut. “I sealed our designs tight. The only people with access were me, Harper, and my directors. Nothing was to be sent digitally, except the designs we planted as fakes.”

Asher grins. “So fucking smart, princess. Proud of you, Little Miss CEO.”

“That means a lot to me, Ash.”

We eat until we’re full. I yawn, and so does Asher.

“Tomorrow is a huge day for you,” he says, picking up our plates. “You should get some rest.”

Just as he moves to the kitchen, there’s a knock.

He opens the door to find a bellhop holding a massive bouquet of dark red roses. Asher signs for them, tips the young man, and brings the arrangement to me. A note is attached to it, and I pluck it from the top.

Can’t wait to see you again.

“What the fuck? Who sent these?” Asher asks .

My blood runs cold when I realize they didn’t come from him.

“I want them out of here,” I say, grabbing the flowers and entering the hallway. I set them next to the door.

Brody leans against the wall, scrolling his phone, and looks up at me. He tilts his head. “Harper was sent flowers too.”

“From who?” I ask.

“Micah,” he mutters. His eyes lock on me. “Do you know him?”

“No. They’re probably from Josh. Dispose of them,” I tell him. “Ensure nothing else is delivered to my room while I’m here.”

“Okay,” Brody says.

“Who knows my room number?” I ask.

Brody shakes his head. “No one other than us.”

I move back inside the penthouse, where Asher is waiting for me. He grabs my hand and leads me to the bathroom, where water is already running. Candles flicker around the edge of the tub.

“I thought we could relax,” he says, sliding his hands over my body.

“Yes, please,” I whisper.

“Let’s get you out of this,” he murmurs against my lips.

The second his fingers graze the zipper of my dress, I’m already a fucking mess. My body aches for him as the fabric falls to my feet, leaving me in my lacy black bra and panties.

Asher drinks me in as his fingers trail down my spine. Sparks ignite as he unhooks my bra, letting it fall away. My breasts bounce free, and he takes his time kissing my neck as he barely tweaks one of my nipples.

Candlelight dances on the marble walls, and steam rises from the tub. Being here with him like this, with his hot breath on my skin, feels like a dream.

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” Asher asks hoarsely, cupping my face and drawing me into another kiss.

“Yes,” I say, melting against him, parting my mouth wider, allowing our tongues to dance together. I feel his cock against my stomach, hard and fucking throbbing, and I need him like he’s my sustenance.

“I hoped I’d see you tonight,” I confess. “I was so worried I wouldn’t.”

Asher lifts my chin. “I can’t sleep without you next to me.”

My hands slide under his T-shirt, pushing it off his body, revealing his chest. “I’m addicted to you.”

I gently drop to my knees. My fingers undo his belt, and I yank his pants and boxers down in one swift motion. His cock springs free, the tip already glistening with pre-cum. I don’t hesitate—I take him into my mouth, my lips wrapping around him like he was made for me.

“Princess,” he growls, his voice raw, as he thrusts his fingers through my hair.

My tongue swirls around the head, and I love teasing him. I take him deep in the back of my throat, and his hips jerk forward with a groan.

I dive back down, taking him as far as I can, gagging a little as the tip hits the back of my throat. I’m working him up so damn fast that I can feel him trembling, trying not to lose it. I smirk around him, sucking harder until he’s panting. I pull away before he loses himself, but I’m not done yet. I want him to unravel.

“Mine,” I say, looking up at him, knowing he’s the man I’ll marry one day.

“Always,” he tells me, his grip tightening in my hair. I focus on him and his cock, heavy in my mouth.

I worship him the way he deserves.

His moans only encourage me to keep going, to push him to the very edge. My hand works in rhythm with my mouth, and I twist and stroke him.

“So close,” he whispers, his body tensing.

His eyes are hooded and full of need, and I can taste him.

I moan around him, the vibration making him curse under his breath. I pull back, letting his cock slip out of my mouth with a pop, and look up at him through my lashes.

“How bad do you want it?” I ask, teasing.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he guides me back to him, and I take him all the way down my throat. I swallow around him, nearly suffocating on his cock as my throat muscles tighten. I suck harder, faster, my tongue working the underside of his cock as I bob my head. Asher’s hips buck forward, and he groans out his release. I swallow him down, my tongue lapping at the tip to make sure I don’t miss a single fucking drop.

When I finally pull away, he’s breathing hard, his chest rising and falling like he just ran a marathon. He looks down at me, his eyes filled with something close to admiration, and I can’t help but smirk.

“Fucking perfection,” he mutters, pulling me to my feet and sliding my panties from my body. “Time to get clean, dirty girl.”

Asher leads me to the tub and climbs in first, and then he guides me in. I settle between his legs, my back against his chest. His hands are on my breasts, and his mouth is on my neck. I can feel his cock stirring to life again as it presses against my back.

Asher takes his time, like he’s memorizing me as his fingers trail down my stomach. He continues further down until he’s between my legs, gently brushing my clit.

I gasp as I grind upward. He chuckles as he circles my sensitive bud with his thumb. His other hand slips lower, two fingers sliding into me with ease because I’m so wet for him.

“This pussy is mine,” he mutters in my ear.

I can’t even form words. All I can do is moan, my hips rocking against his hand as he fucks me with his fingers and rubs my clit in tight little circles. I bite my lip to keep from screaming, but it’s impossible to stay quiet when it feels so damn good. The water sloshes around us as I move, splashing over the side of the tub, but I don’t care. All I care about is how he’s driving me closer and closer to the edge without apology .

I whimper, my nails digging into his thighs. “Please …”

“You’re so damn greedy,” he says, his voice dripping with satisfaction. His fingers are magic with the perfect amount of pressure.

I nod, and my breath releases in shallow gasps.

He increases his pace, thrusting into me harder and faster, and I can feel the pressure quickly building. He has my body memorized, knows exactly what I like and crave.

And as if commanded, I’m falling. Pleasure crashes over me as the orgasm takes hold. I come so hard that it nearly knocks the breath from my lungs.

My eyes slam shut, and I cry out his name. My body convulses as I lose myself, my pussy clenching around his fingers. He holds me through it, his arms strong and steady, until I stop throbbing.

I lean back on his chest, his mouth close to my ear, his arms wrapped around my stomach. A content sigh releases from me as the candlelight casts a dreamy glow in the room.

“Thank you,” I whisper, and he holds me tighter.

“For what?” he asks.

“Loving me.”

It’s the first time I’ve felt relaxed all day, and it’s because of Asher.

“I’ll always love you,” he promises. “All I ask is that you love me in return.”

I twist my body so I can meet his eyes. “I do love you, Asher. When I look at you, I feel it here.” I hold my hand against my heart. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”

He leans forward, kissing me, and it’s full of emotion and want and pure longing. This is the way it was always supposed to be, I think. Me and him just like this.

His thumb brushes against my cheek. “I can’t wait to leave London and spend the next two weeks with you.”

“It’s the only thing keeping me going. The thought is like warm sunshine after a disastrous storm,” I admit .

We stay in the tub until the water is no longer warm, but we’re both so comfortable that neither of us moves.

“Come on, princess,” he eventually says.

I carefully stand, and so does he. Asher grabs a few towels, and we take turns carefully drying each other off. It’s sensual and silent, neither of us needing words. Once we’re no longer wet, he lifts me into his arms and carries me into the bedroom, which is lined with a wall of windows that overlooks the city.

Asher sets me down on the mattress, and I pull the blankets down. I slide between the sheets, and he joins me, wrapping his strong arms around me. I lie on his chest as he runs his fingers through my damp hair.

“Did you read Eden’s letter?” I ask him. It slipped my mind before.

“Yes. Thank you for sharing that with me,” he says, and I can tell he’s smiling. “She was right. As always. I can almost hear her saying I told you so .”

That thought brings me comfort as I drift away to dreamland with the man of my wildest fantasies.