Read (2 Book Box Set) Loving The White Billionaire: 2 & 3 Online
Authors: Monica Brooks
Copyright © 2014 by Monica Brooks
This is a work of fiction. Names,
characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s
imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any persons,
living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely
coincidental.
Loving The White Billionaire III
All rights reserved.
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the express written permission of the author.
“S
o have you talked to your family yet?” Axel
asked me as we walked along the stands of the fresh produce market.
“Yes, actually, we talked yesterday while you were out with
Matt.”
“Did she ask you where you were?” Axel asked as he tested
the firmness of a ripe tomato.
“She didn’t, I guess she figured that I was still in Puerto
Rico,” I said as I reached for a green bell pepper.
“You’re going to have to tell her eventually, you know. You
can’t keep me in the dark forever,” Axel said before picking up and smelling a
cantaloupe.
“I’m not trying to keep you in the dark, I just would rather
you two meet in person,” I said as we wandered further into the store for some
meats.
“What kind of steak would you like?” Axel asked.
“Ribeye; that one,” I said pointing to the second one down.
“Well, that’s all good; except for if your family is going
to give me the cold reception you got from my former friends.”
It’d been almost a week since we’d been here. I’d already
let my former boss know about my new career choice, and received a warm
congratulations. When it came to my apartment, I still wanted to hang on to
that, so I sent a money gram to my landlord. My car payments were automatically
drafted as well as my insurance. Everything back at home was secure.
The only problem was with my family. Josie was okay, but
Josie was my best friend, not my mother. My mother was acting as though I’d
been gone for months, rather than two weeks. She’d called several times
yesterday, wondering where I was and of course how I was doing. Though my mom’s
intentions were good, she found it hard to accept that I was an adult.
Now the pressing issue in regards to Axel was finally
letting my mom know about him, firs of all, and then let her know that he was
in fact white. I never had to do this before, but I guess I could start
planning my speech. I needed to talk to Josie later on today. I knew that she
wouldn’t flip being that her father is white.
“I promise I will talk to her,” I said dismissively.
“I know that you will, but when Jaida?” Axel pressed as we
ordered a packet of assorted chicken.
“Axel, please don’t push this issue. I will handle it; in
the meantime, I just need you to trust me. Who's’ to say that when I tell her
about your color, that she will be any more or less accepting?” I asked as we
wandered towards the pasta.
“She’ll be a whole lot less shocked, that’s for sure. I mean
the woman doesn’t even know that I exist!”
“Ok Axel, let’s calm down a bit, your mom doesn't’ know
about me either. Are you telling me that it’s more likely that you’ll see my
mom before I see yours?” I asked as I selected a few bundles of pasta.
“Ok, you got me there, no my mother doesn’t know about you
yet. Though, if you wanted to, we could chat on Skype when we get back to the
house,” Axel said causing me to roll my eyes.
“You always have to one up me huh?” I asked trying to
control this grin.
“Oh baby, it’s not trying,” he said patting my bottom before
walking past me.
If my legs were longer, I would’ve been able to kick him as
he walked away laughing. Sometimes Axel could be such a smart ass.
“Axel, you’re a punk,” I said finally catching up to him.
He laughed and slung his arms around my shoulders, “I know,”
he said before pressing his lips against my temple.
“You know this all out of fear, right? It’s not you, because
I think you’re amazing,” I said as I greeted the cashier in simple Italian. I’d
picked it up from Axel during the week we’d been here.
“I understand. I mean the worse they can do is kill me,” he said
simply.
“I realize how ridiculous I’m being, but, you’re only my
second lover. This is not as easy for me as it will be for you.”
Axel nodded his head. Though he seemed like he wanted to say
more, he understood where I was coming from. This was not going to be easy, but
it couldn’t possibly go as bad as I thought it could. I imagined my brothers
trying to run him off, and my mom leading them into battle.
Though it seemed a little farfetched, there was some truth
in my worries. The bright sun brushed our faces as we head towards the car. The
weather wasn’t as warm as it had been, giving us the inclination to roll down
the windows. My hair flew back from my face in soft romantic curls as I ran my
fingers through my silky texture.
“Who’s cooking tonight?” Axel asked as we pulled up to the
house.
“Well, you wanted the grilled steaks we had marinating in
the fridge right?” I asked him as he turned off the ignition. His eyebrows shot
upwards.
“Oh, that’s right! Why did we buy these steaks then?”
“So that we can always have steaks prepared and ready for
times like these,” I said shrugging my shoulders.
“You’re a sneaky little thing, aren't you?” he said with a
playful wink.
“How about we let’s get that grill cranked,” I said hoping
out of the car with a bounce. I smiled at him over the roof of the car.
“Ok, but you’re cooking the side dishes.”
“Fine by me Ax.”
His eyes sparkled and his smile grew brighter before I
ducked back under to fetch the groceries. As we handled the load half and half,
we brushed shoulders before we walked through the doorway. Axel went straight for
the back door with the charcoal he’d left by the glass just outside.
Ruffling through the bags, I started to unpack them and set
them aside before preparing the zucchini. As I rinsed the vegetables, my mind
began to wander. I started to think about the past week. The morning after I’d met
Axel’s friends, I remembered immediately how much better I’d felt compared to
the night before.
My head was resting right in the nook of Axel’s shoulder and
his chest. My sight was obscured by his chest as it rose and fell. I watched
the movement for a few moments before lifting my head. His eyes were the second
thing that I saw. They were half masked, but I could tell that they were on me.
My lips lazily formed a smile as I leaned down to kiss his
sturdy peck. My lungs expanded deeply as I covered my mouth. I felt the tugging
of his fingers through my messy locks and smiled when he retracted only to
touch my lips.
“Good morning, beautiful,” his voice caused goose bumps to
make patterns down my arms.
“Good morning, handsome,” I replied.
He smiled tenderly; his eyes bright as the wind brushed in
through the open window. The way I felt at the moment, I didn’t even remember
the anger I experienced last night. It was as if he’d erased my memory during
my sleep. But I did remember one thing; Axel’s mention of love.
His promise of love. It made me wonder what was going on in
that heart of his. Did he already love me? Or was he falling in love with me?
Apparently I’d been staring too long, because he had this confused look on his
face.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked inquisitively.
“Nothing…” I lied with a chuckle.
“Well, if nothing is putting that smile on your face, then
I’m officially jealous,” he said.
“I’m thinking of you,” I started, but stopped when I thought
of how he would react to his pillow talk comment.
“Oh really?” he asked suggestively.
“You’re such a guy,” I commented with a playful roll of my
eyes.
“I have a beautiful, naked woman lying on my naked body;
what else did you expect?” he asked as he pulled me into a kiss.
“This is true; I’ll give you that one.”
“You’ll give me all of you if I asked,” he stated.
I opened my mouth to refute, but I couldn’t. Axel wasn’t
just a guy; he was much more than that. Axel was something special. My heart
beat like a snare every time he came into the room. The hairs on the back of my
neck rose to attention when he spoke.
“You scare me sometimes, Ax,” I said.
“How so?” he asked with a bright smile.
“How you know me so well. Even after just a few weeks. You
know me more than Ethan ever could; most of it is just from paying attention.”
“When you’re studying a subject that interests you,” he said
lying on his side as he repositioned us. “I mean really, interests you; it’s hard
not to learn every little thing about said subject,” he said as his fingers
caressed my lips.
“Oh yeah?”
“My favorite subject was geography. I loved to learn the
beauty of the land,” he said as he smoothed the skin from my abdomen to my
breast. “The features and the inhabitants,” he said brushing warm fingertips
against my lips before gently tapping my forehead.
“I like that analogy,” I said closing my eyes when he traced
the outline of my cheekbone.
“Good. Now how about I make you some breakfast. I’m going to
get freshened up, you do the same, and I will be back with some food.”
“Sounds great.”
The veggies were chopped and ready to go into the pan by the
time I’d finished daydreaming. Luckily for me that I didn’t slice a finger. As
I cranked up the heat on the stove, I spread olive oil on the surface of the
pan before I heard the sizzle of the veggies.
I focused on the sound of metal against metal and turned my
head to watch Axel as he prepared the grill. Turning down the heat on the
veggies, I made my way towards the door. The solid frame of the door supported
my weight as I watched Axel. He’d placed the steaks down above the flames; they
sizzled, crackled, and let off a tantalizing aroma.
My mouth watered, and not just because of the steak. The way
his shirt laid against his sturdy chest and broad shoulders made me hungry. He
looked so good manning the grill the way he did. I had to stop myself from jumping
him right then and there.
His eyes flashed when they locked with mine. A smile creased
his lips before he waved me over. Turning to go back to the kitchen with a
plate, I crossed the yard until I stood beside him. The steaks caused my mouth
to water in anticipation of a first bite. Axel was a master when it came to
grilling!
Without another glance, I turned around as quickly, but
carefully as I could, and made it to the table in record timing. Yelling out
towards Axel to grab the veggies off of the stove, I took a seat and waited for
Axel to join me.
“Wow, I’ve never seen you so excited; you forgot a second
plate, drinks, and silverware.”
“I’m sorry; all I was worried about at the time was the
steaks,” I said with a chuckle.
“Ok honey, we’ll get you squared away.”
“So,” I said after slicing in and taking a juicy bite, “I
guess you’re still serious about the status of your relationship with Dillon
and Jeremy.”
“Yes, we’re done,” he said plainly while taking a bite of
his steak.
“You know how I feel about that.”
“I understand that, but I have already made my decision,” he
said.
“Ok,” Was all I said before Axel changed the subject.
I knew that he didn’t want to talk about it, but I did.
These are people who he has known for many years. To drop them because of their
opinion of me is huge. I know that Axel is very fond of me, but I would like to
know how much.
“I
wanted to take you to Venice tomorrow,” Axel
said as we walked the beach hand in hand. Axel had gotten a new bikini for me
as a gift. It was navy blue, and crisscrossed in the front. It flattered my
curves and contrasted well against my brown skin.
“Oh? How far away is that from here?” I asked him as I side
stepped a spiky seashell.
“About three hours.”
“Wow, so we’ll staying in Venice for a little while I’m
guessing,” I said with a smile.
“Just a couple of days; I think you’ll like it.”
“I’m pretty sure I will.”
“You haven’t been there before, right?” he asked.
“No. When I went with my dad that time, it was to Sicily.”
“Oh, how did you like that?” his footsteps playfully toyed with
the sand as we stood still.
“It was beautiful. We didn’t stay in anything lavish, but,
the view, the culture; everything was amazing.”
“My mom would love to hear you say that. She’s very proud of
her culture,” he said against my forehead as we stood, palm against palm. He laced
his fingers with mine before he spoke.
“She has every right to be. And so do you.”
“Of course. We all do,” he said palming my face before
taking my mouth in a slow and tender kiss.
“Mmm,” I commented.
“Like sugar,” his tongue slid over his lips.
“Is this a private beach?” I asked him as I began to run my
hands along his body.
His smile brightened his irises as his laugh lines made
their sexy appearance. My bottom lip was between my teeth as I held onto his
neck. He held my waist snugly as he laid me against the warm beach sand. His
hands groped my chest before he laid his hand against my neck.
“In fact, it’s mine.”
***
Going to Venice was like traveling
to a new world. Although we were still in Italy, it was like fishing in West
Virginia, and then dining in New York. The smell was different, the atmosphere
had changed, and most of all, the look was transformed. We’d arrived not too
long after one; we’d left a quarter till nine.
I was a little tired from travel, so Axel had rented a small
riverside villa for us. It was gorgeous which is nothing less than what I
expected. Though it was considerably the smallest location yet, It still quite
spacious.
Axel decided to go out and get fixings for a late lunch
while I stay in the hotel and slept. He wasn’t gone for five minutes before I
curled up in the bed. I drifted off into a nice deep slumber.
When I woke up, I heard rustling in the kitchen, and figured
it was Axel preparing lunch. I decided to stay warm for a little bit longer.
This bed was hugging me better than my own mother, and I didn’t want to leave
its embrace just yet. My stretch caused a moan to escape from my lips, my
muscles quivering against the strain.
“Are you awake in here, baby?” Axel asked as he poked his
head into smile at me.
“I’m just soaking up this warmth.”
“Here, let me open the windows and blinds for you.”
Warm sunlight spilled in like fine wine. My skin drank in
its warmth and became intoxicated by the shine. I smiled and closed my eyes as
I continued to relish the feeling. I wasn’t used to being treated this well,
but a girl could get used to feeling like a princess.
“You look so comfortable; I'm almost tempted to join you.”
“Come on in, there’s plenty of room,” I invited.
“Don’t you want to eat some lunch?” he asked as his feet led
him towards me.
“I do, but what I really want is to lay here for a little
while.”
“Are you not hungry?” Axel said as he curled up next to me.
“I am a little. How about you bring the food in here?”
“Sounds good. I made us some sandwiches,” he said before
disappearing out of the room and into the kitchen. I smiled upon his arrival at
sight of those sandwiches!
“Prosciutto? Oh, I love prosciutto!” I said as I held my
plate under my mouth as I bit into my sandwich.
“It’s prosciutto, provolone cheese, tomato salad and
lettuce, on top of Italian bread.”
“Axel, you spoil me likes this, and I’ll never leave.”
“Well, then, I know how to keep you,” he said with a wink.
“That and all of the tantric sex. You keep those two up, and
I’m your girl for life.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a girlfriend this easy going,”
he commented in appreciation as he slowly chewed his sandwich.
“Well, to be fair, neither have I,” I said jokingly as I
covered my mouth while laughing.
Axel laughed along with my corny joke and shook his head at
my goofiness. I could tell that was something he loved about me with the
twinkle in his eye. And there it is again: the “L” word. Love.
I found that the more time I spent with Axel, the more and
more I used that word to describe things that I admired about him. I noticed
how I
adored
things rather than just
liked
things.
But I didn’t dare say it aloud. As a matter of fact, I found
myself purposely avoiding that word around him. It wasn’t like I was afraid
that he wouldn’t say it back. I was just afraid of hearing myself say these
words.
I felt a light tap on the button of my nose and smiled when
I concentrated on Axel’s smile. There were times when he was the only one to be
able to snap me out of my daydreaming. My active imagination was going to be
the death of me one day. At least that’s what my parents told me.
“I love that look on your face when you’re thinking hard
about something,” Axel commented before collecting and deposing of our dirty
plates.
“I could imagine how amusing it must look,” I said.
“It’s absolutely beautiful. Of course it is all the time,
but especially when you are concentrating. There’s something about your eyes
and the way your irises seem to dance. Your eyebrows furrow so slightly, and
you lips pout.”
“That’s beautiful to you? Because the picture you just
painted in my head makes me sound like a fish!” I said with a short chuckle.
“I’m serious, Jaida. There’s nothing more beautiful than a
woman with a beautiful mind.”
Well, I love the look you give me when I call you Ax. Your
eyes light up even brighter than they are, and your laugh lines show,” I said
tracing one of them with my finger.
“You’re making them deeper, I hope you know that,” he said
as he laid a peck on my palm.
“That’s always a good thing to hear.”
“Speaking of good things, I wanted us to go out to eat
tonight, and then I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh really?” I perked up when he said surprise.
“Someone looks intrigued,” he commented.
“Well, you’re really good at surprises, Axel. One day, I
need to surprise you with something. I’m starting to feel outdone,” I joked,
half seriously, half not.
“You don’t have to do anything special for me.”
“Of course I do. Look at all of this,” I said metaphorically
as I monitored towards the room, “You’ve really spoiled me.”
“Really, honey, all you have to do is keep being you, and
let me have every bit of it,” he said against my neck.
“Oh, you can guarantee that!”
After a lovely dinner by candlelight and beautiful sunset,
Axel and I were now touring the streets. As we walked, Axel was like my
personal tour guide. He knew everything about the buildings, the people, and
how this place came to be.
I was so intrigued by his street savvy as we began to walk
towards the canals, that I wondered how often he visited. It made me optimistic
about learning this culture more extensively in the future.
I was about to ask what we were doing, when I heard the
sound of a violin playing softly in the distance. At first it was like a
whisper, but then it grew louder and I realized then that the person that was
playing was coming closer.
I realized immediately that the person was not just a street
performer, but that he was playing just for us. I looked up at Axel to see that
he knew exactly what was going on. I smiled, hoping that he would reveal his
secret when a simple red rose was held before me.
I took it gingerly in my hand as I thanked Axel. I was so
confused where he got it from. By the time I went to turn around, Axel had his
hand at the small of my back, and was leading me towards what seemed to be a
dock.
As I got up to it, I realized that was exactly what it was,
and on it stood a man dressed in stripes. Oh! A gondolier! Something that I’d
only seen on TV was in living color in front of me. He extended his hand
towards me, and escorted me onto the gondola.
The violinist came as well, and perched himself beside the
gondolier as he began to push his way down the canal. I felt so special in the
moment that I could’ve cried. Who else had ever done something this special and
romantic for me?
I noticed with more delight that Axel had a blanket ready,
some wine chilled, and fruits and cheese for a light snack. This man was too
perfect, but I loved every single second of it. I curled up close to him and soaked
in this moment.
I didn’t want this to end. I knew that it had to, but right
at that moment I felt like I was the only girl in the world. I wanted that
feeling to last forever. But I didn’t need all of this to make me feel that
way. Every time I looked into those frosty blues, I knew that all he saw was
me.
***
Though our trip to Venice only
lasted a day, I was more than ready to get back to Tuscany. There was something
about that house that made me feel warm. I felt more at home there than I did
back in the states! Arriving back four hours later, we immediately trekked
upstairs and fell into bed together.
The night before had been intense and passionate, and our
long car ride did nothing but fuel the passion we had for each other. As soon
as we reached the sheets, our clothes came off in an explosion of lust and
heat. Our clothes lay scattered across the floor, in an array of colors, and
the sheets hung off the bed by the time we were done.
“I hope you enjoyed yourself in Venice,” he said as I lay on
his shoulder, back against chest.
“Is that even a real concern? Of course I enjoyed myself, Ax
that was the best time of my life,” I said as he nuzzled his nose deep within
my locks.
“That’s good to hear, sugar.”
“I’m so sleepy right now. You put me out every time,” I
commented.
“You do the same to me,” he said after a huge yawn.
“I’m glad that I have that effect on you, it makes me feel
special.”
“Oh, you are definitely special, my dear,” I heard in a
whisper.
“Promise me something, Axel,” I whispered back.
“Anything.”
“Promise me, that no matter what happens, you won’t give up
on me.”
He was silent for some time. I honestly thought he’d fallen
asleep. Maybe he was thinking? I didn’t know, but I started to feel
embarrassed. The next thing I heard was a soft as a feather, I almost didn’t
understand it.
“I will never give up on you.”