INDISPENSABLE: Part 1: A Billionaire Romance (6 page)

“This is a very weird lease agreement.” Sarah settled on her tatty sofa and pulled her legs up underneath her.

Bella tapped lightly, and Sarah heard her friend pad in. She always wore fancy Friday socks. “Hey. That’s fine. I’m happy that you bring your work into our sacred drinks night. Knock yourself out.”

“This isn’t work, and it concerns you.”

“Me and that big stack of papers?”

Sarah looked at Bella over her reading glasses. “Yes.”

“Whatever it is, I didn’t do it. I wasn’t there…never slept with him…” Bella laughed.

“It’s nothing bad. This is a lease agreement for a very swanky apartment owned by the company I work for.”

“
Billionaire Brock
is paying for your living quarters?”

“No. It costs a packet. Which I can now afford according to my salary package, which I have checked out very carefully, and it is the same as my predecessor’s. I’ll also be able to pay out all my schooling debt.”

“The whole ninety grand? Oh my God. That’s amazing. Does the company cover that for you?”

“No. My salary will take care of it.”

“What is this salary anyway?” She waved her hands in the air in a dramatic flounce. “I guess you’re in the high six zeroes a year now.” Her raucous laughter filled the tiny bedsit.

Sarah just let her laugh and took a huge swallow of her wine. She refused to think about her salary. She just couldn’t even go there.

“Sarah? Are you okay? I was just kidding around. If it’s not that large, it doesn’t matter. Anything that helps you pay that debt and still lets you eat is great.”

“Bella…I’m not sure I can even think about it, let alone talk about it. The amount is obscene.”

Bella eyes went wide and sparkled. Then, she finished her glass of wine. And topped up, encouraging Sarah to do the same. “I feel a toast is in order. So hit me with it. It
is
in the six zeroes, isn’t it?”

Sarah could do nothing but grin.

Bella fanned her face with her hands and practically hyperventilated. “Oh my God, Sarah…tell me now, I promise I won’t be jealous. Much. Tell me how rich you are.”

“Five million.” Sarah couldn’t even say it loud. It was almost a whisper.

Bella just stared. “I’m sorry, I thought you said
five million
.”

Sarah looked across and nodded.

Bella fell silent, and then she screamed and ran around the room waving her arms. Finally, she ran back over to throw her arms around Sarah.

“That is mind-blowing. I mean, how does a person even spend that much money?”

“I guess ten grand a month on this new lease helps.”

“Ten grand! No. Are walls made of gold?”

“Brock Industries is a worldwide company, with headquarters in five continents. I’m twenty-four, almost fresh out of law school, and I’m not equipped for this.” Sarah eyes prickled with tears. “Oh Bella, what if I make a fool of myself?”

“I’m not the person you should be having this conversation with. I can tell you I know you’ll do fine, but if you have real doubts, you need to talk to Brock. You need to be honest with him.”

“I know. But I can’t. How can he understand how scary it is for ordinary people to suddenly have a salary like that? He must have ten times that in his bank account.”

“You can’t keep this bottled up.
Talk
to someone.”

Sarah thought about the panel of young people she’d just met. Perhaps Heather or Jasper would get it.

“I’m going to miss you around here though.” Bella gave a huge pout.

Sarah drank a big mouthful of wine. “That’s the bit that makes this about you as well. This lease has you written into it.”

“What the fuck? Me? I’m sure my tips won’t cover five grand a month to go halves in rent.”

“Would you believe Brock has a list of positions he feels you’ll be suited for?”

“Who is this man, Merlin? And why? Why would he want to employ me?”

“If you get the answer to those questions, please let me know.”

“Tell me about the apartment.”

“It’s a dual living situation. Neighboring two-bedroom places that are fully self-contained but also joined in the middle by a communal lounge, entertaining, and kitchen area. With a large balcony.” Sarah read off the page.

“That could work.”

“I’m going to see the place on Sunday. You should come, too.”

“I will. I’m very interested to see what jobs Brock Devlin thinks I’m suited for. He doesn’t own a circus, does he?”

Sarah had to laugh. “Not that I’ve found so far. If you want in, I want in. I want this for you.”

“That’s not a good enough reason if you don’t really want it.”

“You’re my best friend and taking you with me is a way better option than leaving you.”

“I’ll make a deal with you. If you promise to talk to Brock about your doubts over this massive job, I’ll be there with you all the way. But anytime you want out, you take me with you again, no matter what. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Sweet.” Bella picked up Sarah’s phone to her. “No time like the present.”

“What?”

“Call him. Ask him to dinner. Keeping it in, isn’t going to help.”

Sarah slumped back in her seat. “No way. I’ve made rules. No socializing outside of business. No dates. No more anything.”

“You better call him right now, or I’m going to.” She waved the phone in the air.

“You know, in a perfect world, I would. I’d grab that phone, giggle, and apologize for being silly and ask him to dinner.” She took another drink. “Then, I’d go back to his place, have mad sex, marry him and live happily ever after. But life is no fairytale, and I can’t compromise my principles. I also don’t want to risk anything until I feel settled into the job with confidence.”

“This is a self-imposed punishment for reasons that should stay in the past. Why drag them into your future by hiding behind some crazy promises to yourself? You aren’t that same person anymore, Sarah. ”

“I chose abstinence until marriage. It’s not crazy. It’s not easy either, not when Brock is around because that man is used to getting any woman he wants. But, even he has limits. Brock Devlin is not going to marry me just to get sex.”

“He might marry you to get the best, most intelligent, loving wife in the world.”             

“Again, this is real life. Not fantasy.”

“I get why you chose abstinence, I really do. I just question whether it’s a kneejerk reaction that seems hard to get out of now because of pride, or just not wanting to be wrong.”

Damn it. Bella always knew exactly what the problem was. “It is what it is. If I can’t keep my promises to myself, then what’s the point? I might relax the rules and have lunch with him if everything goes well on Sunday.”

“You should. You should relax all your rules. In fact, you should abolish all rules.” Bella poured more wine. “Seriously. Life’s too short to be putting limits on yourself.”

Sarah sipped and considered Bella’s advice.
That made sense.

“What would you go back and tell sixteen-year-old Sarah, knowing what you know now.”

“That size twelve really isn’t fat and to let the parents go; they’re a lost cause.”

“Amen to that, sista. Keep going.”

“That the man you meet at eighteen will not love you forever. In fact, the downward spiral he causes will almost take your life, so keep away.” She choked the words out, unshed tears brimming her eyes.

Bella patted her hand and spoke for Sarah. “That you will survive all the bad and end up in a fabulous place so don’t give up. And you are going to meet a friend who will see through all the fake stuff and love the real you forever.”

Tears rolled down Sarah’s cheeks. She squeezed her friend’s hand. “That she will come to love a quirky and unorthodox girl who will pull you through. And that she’ll never look back to those dark days.”

Bella squeezed her hand back. “Keep going.”

Sarah took a breath. “That you will get a five million dollar salary at the most unexpected time but not before you need to practically starve and drink cheap-ass wine from a box. And the starving, cheap-ass wine days are the very best days of your life.”

Bella took over when Sarah faltered. “That you’ll meet a billionaire who is into you and that it’s okay to let him in, oh, and that you want mad monkey sex with him, which is also okay.” Bella stared at Sarah.

Sarah didn’t answer. She just let the thought marinate a little inside her head. Would it be okay?

“Come on, Sarah. It has to be better than telling yourself by the age of twenty-four you’ll be frightened to have sex, frightened to fall in love, and it’s okay to
not
live brave and strive for happiness above all things. That settling for mediocre is what she has to look forward to.”

Bella was right, again. By limiting herself, Sarah was living half a life. Was that the advice she wanted to give to herself at sixteen, to anyone at sixteen? No.

“That one day she’ll meet a sexy billionaire who is totally into her, and it
is
okay to want crazy monkey sex with him. If it doesn’t turn into forever, there will be even better opportunities around the corner.” Sarah exhaled and relaxed.

“Crazy monkey sex for the win.” Bella smiled.

“You only live once, right?”

“Ah. You must be Bella.” Brock stepped forward in his flawless suit and held his hand out. The way he looked should be illegal, a danger to public safety.

“You must be
Billionaire Brock
.” Bella said his name with the low, sexy tone she used at home when teasing Sarah.

“Bella!” Sarah couldn’t believe Bella had just said that in front of the man himself.

Brock laughed and smiled at Bella. He used a voice which Sarah assumed was meant to be Elvis. “Thank you. Thank you very much. I’m not dead, baby, I’m just taking a break.” He swiveled his hips.

Bella hooted at his impression, and Sarah glared at her then smiled because Bella’s laugh was simply infectious.

Sarah tried to get this back onto the professional track. Why she bothered she had no clue. “Good morning, Mr. Devlin. This is as much Bella’s decision as mine, so I invited her.”

“Of course.” Brock’s devastating smile warmed Sarah, and Bella couldn’t take her eyes off him by the looks of it. “And, Sarah, if you don’t call me Brock every time, I
will
spank you.”

Bella cackled at that order.

Sarah knew the blush had risen in her cheeks, and she clenched her thighs trying not form the picture in her mind. Too late.

“Let’s go then.” He turned his back on them and walked to the elevator doors.

Sarah felt a jab from Bella’s elbow and turned to see her mouthing ‘wow’ and waving her hands at her face like she was trying to cool down. Sarah shook her head rapidly to try get her to stop before Brock turned and caught her.

The doors dinged open, and Brock stood aside to usher the ladies in with his arm outstretched. “I know you’ll love this place.”

“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you choosing my living arrangements. I just want to mention that.”

“You’ll get over it when you see how perfect it is,” Brock replied.

“I’m already over it. I think it’s so romantic.” Bella grinned up at Brock like a big, doe-eyed Bambi. Damn her, she even batted her eyelids.

Brock reached out and patted Bella’s hair. “Nice Kitty.” Then, the pair of them grinned like they’d found the stash and helped themselves.

“I’m fighting a losing battle.” Sarah couldn’t believe that Bella had absolutely no resistance to this idea, or that she and Brock thought they were starring on the comedy hour.

“I don’t want you to feel pressured, Sarah. But you do need to be safe and not living in a dump.”

“It’s not a dump. It’s compact and basic, but it’s not a dump.” Every hair on Sarah’s neck prickled in defense. Just because she chose to live in Averswood, it didn’t mean she was less of a person.

Bella said, “It’s the community we love, isn’t it, Sarah? The sense of being a part of something, and understanding that people may have no money, but they have the most valuable commodity in the world to share. Love.”

Sarah watched Brock. His face softened a little. Without the hard edge, he was even more handsome. Darkness loomed in his eyes. He had baggage. He was human and could hurt. Maybe was still hurting.

“Indeed, Bella, indeed.” Brock answered, and then the lift doors opened. The fifteenth floor. He led the way, and Sarah had to admit the whole place was very upmarket—although it didn’t have to be much to beat from where they were.

Bella was right, sure the place was, well, a dump, but the loveliest people lived there. People who took nothing for granted because they knew life could be taken away any moment. It was a real community. Supporting and sharing, helping out. Sarah wondered what they would all think when Sarah and Bella moved in here and suddenly had money.

She tried not to think about that and studied the décor instead. The pale walls with carefully placed artworks along the wide hallway gave a quiet, relaxing feel. Very tasteful. Understated yet with impact. Sarah had imagined her own home decorated in a similar fashion one day.

“It’s so quiet,” Bella said.

“I’m sure you two ladies can liven things up a little.” Brock swiped a card and opened a door. “This is the self-contained communal area. You each have your own door, only opened by your own cards. Both cards will open this one, but you can’t use the other card to open to your personal quarters.”

“Wow. I mean…this is amazing. Oh my God, a fireplace! Light it right now! Look at the huge bookshelf; I can get my books out of boxes. I guess I won’t be needing them to sit on anymore.” Bella twirled around. “Friday wines will be so awesome in here. Brock you’ll have to join us one night. We can tell you our stories.”

“Bella. Mr. Devlin…
Brock…”
Sarah quickly corrected “…is my boss, and soon to be yours, it seems. So I don’t think sharing cheap boxed wine on a Friday night with us is really appropriate, or desirable. I’m sure his Friday nights are full enough being the country’s most eligible bachelor
and
businessman with the highest worth.”

“Just one night, to say thank you, Sarah. That’s all I want. I’d never get an opportunity to have a job I love, let alone live in a place like this,
and
be with my best friend.”

“I’d love to join you both. Thank you. I’m free this coming Friday evening.”

“Yay! Thanks, Brock. I’ll make snacks.” Bella clapped her hands rapidly.

Sarah hit her in the arm. “Traitor.”

“Here is your apartment key card, Bella. Go take a look around. It’s partly furnished, but of course you will swap it out for your own stuff when ready. Keep the card for the night.” Brock handed Bella hers, and then held Sarah’s out for her.

“I’m going to lounge around for a few hours and get a feel for the place. If Sarah agrees I’ll be happy to move in here and discuss work options.” Bella looked serious. “But if you don’t want to, Sarah. I’ll stick by you. Okay? Do not do this for me. You need to be happy.”

Sarah nodded, and the warmth of Bella’s hug helped her to relax. “Thanks. Bella. I couldn’t do this without you.”

“Thanks to Brock, you don’t have to. And don’t forget to have that talk with him. I’ll meet you back at home later, and you can tell me what you’ve decided. I have a hot date this afternoon.” She waggled her eyebrows.

Sarah wished Bella hadn’t said anything about talking to Brock because she knew he wouldn’t let it go until he found out what she meant.

Sarah smiled when Bella’s squeal of delight sounded through the wall. “This place is definitely a winner for Bella.”

“And what about you, Sarah?” Brock moved in closer. Too close. Her body reacted immediately. Everything about Brock Devlin kept her motor running. “I’d like to think I’d chosen well for you.”

Sarah opened her door and stepped through. Stunning came to mind. The high-end finishes and attention to detail made her feel like Alice stepping into Wonderland, as she walked through the hall, past a bedroom, and into the living area.

She gasped and clutched her hand to her heart when she saw artworks by her brother on the wall. The ones her parents had hidden from her since her brother’s death. What the hell? Was anything she had private anymore? Sarah’s chest shutdown and despite taking huge breaths she didn’t feel like the air was going in.

Fleeting pains sparked around her heart, and her limbs stiffened, as the panic attack set in.
No. No. Not now. Not here with him.
The throat constriction started and the fear took over.
Stop being an idiot. He’s going to think you’re crazy.
Sarah tried to breathe hard and deep. But no air would go in. She felt faint and ill. Why did she ever think this was a good idea? Why did she think she could ever be normal?

“Sarah. Sarah. It’s okay. Calm down. Think happy thoughts, Sarah. I’m sorry, if I’d known what this would do to you. Oh, Sarah, I’m such a dick.”

She could hear him, but his voice sounded far away, he looked far away, and she was sure this was the time she was going to die. This was it.

“Sarah, please. Sit down. What do I need to do?” He put his arms around her, and the edge of the darkness skirted with light. “I’m here, Sarah. I’m an idiot. I promise I’ll never do anything like this again.” He held her close, and Sarah realized they were sitting on the sofa, and he still held her whispering things to her.

Her throat eased up a little, and her arms and legs relaxed. Her heart still tried to hammer out of her tight, sore chest, but she tried to breathe more evenly and calm. Then, she realized Brock was talking her through the breaths. She tried her best to calm down, but every time she looked at her brother’s art and remembered he wasn’t here because of her parents she couldn’t breathe again.

More long, slow breaths. He rubbed her shoulders.
Why did I have to make myself look so useless in front of him? He’ll laugh at me. He won’t want me to work for him now
. That deadly inner voice hadn’t stopped. That was the worst part.

“That’s better. Your breathing is more normal now.” He kept rubbing her back.

She had calmed a little. She glanced back up at the art and breathed through it.
It’s ok. You’re fine. That was years ago
. Nice even breaths. Her body shook a little less.

“Good. You sound a lot calmer. How do you feel?”

The cramping chest and throat had subsided, and the pains had faded into a dull ache. Her throat felt raw and dry. “Can I have some water?” All she managed was a raspy whisper.

“Sure. Are you okay while I go and get some?”

She nodded. He’d stayed with her, comforted her. He wasn’t running a mile away, making excuses as he almost fell backwards going out the door. He wasn’t yelling at her, or laughing. Brock had done his best, even though he had no clue what was happening to her. But her anger with him was still real.

If she bottled it up, would she ever be able to look at this art without having a guilty panic attack? Bella was right. Sarah had to move on from the past and ignoring it wasn’t helping. She needed to experience the feelings. Express them. She wondered if he would still be around after this.

Clearly, Brock Devlin was used to just taking what he wanted. People fell over themselves to keep him happy so much he had no understanding he’d crossed a line. None of her situation was his fault, but his trying to manipulate her at every turn to get what he wanted had to stop.

She had to set some boundaries and very clear ones. Maybe she couldn’t help how she felt about him sexually, but she could draw the line where her personal life and past were concerned.

Seeing those beautiful abstract oils, framed and hanging, ripped the scars back to open wounds. She’d been so angry when she’d found her brother hanging there, so angry he’d gone and left her alone, and she was so angry now.

But the art was here, and he’d the best of intentions, so it seemed.
He’s going to hurt your stupid ass.
Now, she felt back to normal. She’d gotten through another panic attack, but not alone. Brock assisted her and supported her, but he had brought in the catalyst that started it.

“What game are you playing?” She spoke quietly but firmly.

“No game. If I’d known…I thought you’d love to see them.”

“I do. But that’s hardly the point. What gives you the right to put my life under a microscope?”

“I told you the company does thorough checks.”

“Can you even hear yourself right now?”

“What?” he stood up and paced the floor.

“Brock, you can’t see it, can you? It might be a billionaire thing, but you can’t keep thinking you know what’s best for me. You haven’t lived my life.”

“I’m sorry, but the company…”

“If you say it’s company policy one more time, so help me…I’ll get the folder full of policies and stick them where the sun don’t shine. You wanted this for you. Not me.” She waved her arms indicating the apartment. “You aren’t treating me like any other employee. You’re treating me like a special project. Like some Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady.”

“I’ve done the same for many employees.” He looked away, and she knew he still hadn’t got why she was upset.

“So you look up everyone’s drug-overdosed, artistic,
dead
brother’s artwork and hang the works on the walls for them? Stop hiding behind the damn company and grow a set, will you?” Sarah moved a step back from him. The anger still seethed through her. But it wasn’t a panic attack, so far so good.

“Drug overdose? I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Brock looked surprised, but it wasn’t enough to stop the rush of emotions hitting Sarah right now.

“Of course you didn’t know. You were too busy trying to be my savior instead of my friend.” She wanted to cry, or scream. She wanted to hit something. “You have no right to try and fix things for me. To try and fix me. To get me on your side so you can get me to have sex with you.”

“Sarah…I—”

“Shut up. Just shut up.” Sarah held her hands over her ears. Her voice peaked with frustration. “You just don’t get it, do you? You can’t even understand why I’m hurt and angry.”

“Of course, I can understand it. You don’t have a monopoly on being hurt, let down, and abandoned.”

“Then, why find the one thing that will rip me apart. Are you trying to break me down emotionally, so I’m dependent on you?”