The Billionaire Goes For Broke: Book 1: London (3 page)

When Michael walked into his office the next morning, Steve Carlisle was already putting up the projector. Michael sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Another meeting?” He asked and Steve turned to greet him with a smile.

“Of course. You need to speak to the marketing team right now. The new update’s bugs are getting impossible to handle by ourselves Michael.” Steve crossed his arms on his chest. Michael couldn’t have carried out his London operation without Steve. The man was a management genius!  At fifty, he was one of the most successful tech managers in London and Michael had been lucky to be able to pluck him away from the other company he was working for. He promised to pay him triple of what he was originally making, bought him a new house and handed over his reins. Steve didn’t disappoint.

Michael sighed again as he crossed the room to his desk and sat down.

“So what are we going to do? We can’t help but wait for the tech team to fix the bugs.” Michael said, feeling the urge to roll up his sleeves. He was a good businessman, the best problem-solver around; and yet, now that his company was successful, he didn’t want to have to deal with any of that. What had he worked so hard for the past eight years for? If he couldn’t simply kick back and relax now?

“Our customers can’t wait that long Michael. They’ve paid for a software protection that’s riddled with bugs.” Steve was serious, the kind of babysitter who Michael didn’t want. He was annoyed with Steve’s tunnel vision at the moment, though he knew that he needed it.

“Okay. I’ll talk to the marketing team. Put me through to them. After that, I want to speak to the tech team. Pronto. They need to get this thing sorted, yesterday.” Michael was running his hands through his hair. If only everybody worked as efficiently as he did. He wasn’t a one-man show anymore, running a huge organization meant that he needed to take care of other people’s inadequacies. Something that his perfectionist personality couldn’t handle.

Steve was mumbling under his breath as he patched Michael through to the team in Palo Alto. Michael did eventually roll up his sleeves and sat back in chair, it was going to be a long day at the office.

Three virtual meetings later, Michael switched off the projector connection and banged his fist on the table.

“I don’t believe this!” He yelled out, to nobody in particular. His jacket was off, his sleeves were rolled up and he was beginning to feel warm in London. He could hear Steve breathing loudly in the corner of the room and he looked up.

“I warned you before Michael. This was going to happen. You should have spoken to the team way before.” Steve was pacing the floor of the room now and Michael was following him closely with a steady gaze.

“You were supposed to handle this Steve. You said you would.” Michael hissed, now angrier than he could remember when he last was. By the looks of it, he would have to make a trip to Palo Alto offices soon to get this sorted himself. A prospect he didn’t look forward to, especially now that Victoria Collinger had made an appearance in his life.

“I’m going out for lunch.” Steve said suddenly, placing a hand on the gold-plated doorknob of the office door.

“What? Now?” Michael was surprised, but also a little relieved. He needed a break, away from Steve’s mumblings.

“I’m meeting my daughter for lunch at the park. I shouldn’t be longer than an hour. We need to call New York after that.” Steve banged open the door and walked out. Michael enveloped his face in his hands. He was tempted to press the buzzer and call his PA, Jackie, in and ask her to get him a Tuna Melt sandwich; but he was enjoying the alone-time to himself. How had all of this happened? Why couldn’t he just enjoy a few weeks of peace without his offices exploding in a new kind of problem? Why couldn’t people simply take care of things on their own?

The doorknob turned and he looked up just as the door flung open. Michael’s brows crinkled and he sat up straight in his chair.

“Your father’s gone to the park to meet you there.” He said, wondering how Danielle had got in in the first place. She had a sly smile on her face, her short blonde hair neat and gently grazing her shoulders. She had painted her lips a deep red and her eyes looked exceptionally blue and large.

“I know. I texted him to meet me there.” She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. She was in a tweed mini-skirt, that barely reached mid-thigh. A white satin shirt was tucked in and she was wearing brown high wedge-heeled shoes. Michael gulped; Danielle always dressed younger than her age. He knew she was twenty-one, Steve had already told him that, but right now she looked like she was still in high school.

“Danielle, I’d like it if you left. I need to do some thinking to myself.” Michael leaned back in his chair, absolutely amazed by her confidence. She had strode over to his desk and placed her hands on it, leaning in towards him so that he could see her cleavage bursting out through the top of her shirt. He couldn’t deny it, Danielle was sexy. She was also his employee’s daughter, she was also too young for him. But she was constantly coming on to him. For the past four months, since they’d been introduced by Steve at a party; all Danielle wanted to do was seduce him into getting into bed with her.

“I’ll leave you alone, but not before you kiss me.” Danielle leaned in further, enjoying the fact that Michael couldn’t help but stare down her shirt. He gulped as discreetly as possible and looked back into her eyes.

“Danielle. You have to go. Your father could return any minute and find you here like this.” Michael said, trying to push away the image of what she must look like from behind, with her skirt ridden up to reveal her butt as she was leaning in towards him like that.

“Father’s going to be walking around the park for an hour now. He knows I’ll be late. He’ll wait there till he can’t wait anymore.” Danielle said, straightening her back.

“So you’ve got your father wrapped around your finger then?” Michael asked, still in shock that she could possibly still be trying to seduce him. Danielle licked her lips evocatively as she smiled. He noticed how plump and soft her red lips looked, how her straight blonde hair fell over her eyes as her head moved.

“Lets not talk about my father anymore, Michael.” She said, slowly walking around the table till she reached his side now. Michael swiveled his chair to face her, but wasn’t smiling.

“It’s Mr. Castle for you, young lady.” He said, hoping that would serve as an effective reminder. It obviously didn’t because Danielle proceeded to pop the top button of her shirt so that her cleavage was further reveled. Michael instantly looked away, choosing to ignore the throbbing between his legs.

“Michael.” She said insistently and he continued shuffling the papers on his desk. “Look at me Michael. I know you want me.” She continued, a laugh in her voice as she spoke. He couldn’t help it, he had to look.

Danielle had unbuttoned her shirt to the middle of her torso so that her breasts stuck out. She was wearing a red silk tight bra that barely contained her ample bust. They were big, lifted high and she was biting down on her lip. He had no idea how he still had the courage and the strength to resist pouncing on her, even though she looked absolutely delicious and she was offering herself to him.

“You need to leave, now Danielle.” Michael raised his voice and turned from her again. He could feel his cock growing hard now and she took a few more steps towards him.

“C’mon Michael. It’ll be fun. I’ve had a crush on you since we first met.” She said, in a cooing voice. Michael’s breathing was growing raspy and he cleared his throat.

“You’ve made that abundantly clear Danielle. You’ve been throwing yourself at me for the past four months. But this has gone too far. Your father works for me, he’s also a friend. I can’t encourage this. Leave. Now.” Michael’s voice was still raised, and he made sure to make steady eye contact with her as he spoke to her this time. That seemed to finally have an effect on her, and she slowly straightened up and started buttoning up her shirt.

The smile on Danielle’s face remained however, and Michael wondered why she was even attracted to him in the first place. Well then, he often wondered what any of the many women who were attracted to him, saw in him.

“I’ll leave for now. Mr. Castle.” She said, stressing on his last name devilishly with a smile. “But you won’t be able to resist me for long.” She had finished buttoning up her shirt and she started walking towards the door again.

“Good bye Danielle.” Michael said, looking away from her and picking up a pen now. He wanted to pretend she had interrupted his work, that he won’t spend the whole day thinking about her now once she leaves.

“Goodbye Michael. And for the record, father would be delighted to hear it if we got together.” She said with a wink just as she opened the door to step out.

Michael grunted and heard the door close, before he looked up and then back down to his throbbing hard cock.

“What the hell…” He said aloud and allowed his voice to drain away. Michael was used to women throwing themselves at him, but he wasn’t used to resisting them usually. But he knew Danielle was out of bounds, that he couldn’t possibly do that to Steve, who was responsible for taking care of a lot of the business that Michael had washed his hands off.

He threw his head back and swiveled in his chair. Danielle, Victoria, Victoria, Danielle…and Jenn. Why was he thinking about Jenn again? Why was she taking over his thoughts all of a sudden? He could barely remember her face anymore, unless he looked at that small torn picture of hers he still carried around in his wallet. But that was memory’s sake anyway, not because he missed her or anything. Why was he thinking of all this? Victoria…she should be the one his thoughts needed to concentrate on. He was going to see her again, in a week’s time, give her some time out on the town, then bring her back to the house. Danielle…he didn’t want the image of her breasts cropping up in his mind again, not so close to seeing Steve.

Michael shook his head wildly, just as the door opened and Steve walked in.

“What are you doing?” Steve asked, catching Michael shaking his head. Michael couldn’t hide his surprise.

“What are you doing back so soon?” He asked, clearing his throat and straightening his tie.

“Danielle texted to say that she wouldn’t be able to make it. So I thought we’d call New York now.” Steve walked into the room and pulled out a chair in front of him.

“Steve. We need to fix this.” Michael said, folding his arms in front of him. He meant his company, Danielle, his thoughts about Jenn…so basically, his whole life.

He needed to get away. That’s all he knew for sure, sitting in the office, going back and forth with the tech team all the way in Palo Alto was overwhelming. Even Steve had taken his leave for the day. Michael stood up with a jerk from his table and rushed out of his office.

“I’m off Jackie. Take the messages and send me an email before you leave for home.” Michael said without looking at her. He was a little embarrassed of her now, not entirely sure of how much she knew of his encounter with Danielle. Ah, Danielle! He hadn’t been able to stop thinking of her either, those massive breasts bursting out of her shirt, her short tweed skirt, how large her eyes looked that morning. Michael shook his head as he crossed the hallway and to the front door of the house. Perks of having his office in the house, were that he was free to leave work whenever he felt like it.

Outside, his chauffeur came hurrying towards him.

“Good evening Sir. Should I bring the car around?” Samuel asked, looking smart and well-kept in his uniform. Michael didn’t care much for the uniform, in fact he didn’t care much for having a chauffeur. He intended on driving himself around when he got used to the London streets.

“Yes, thank you Samuel.” Michael said and pulled out his phone from the pocket of his pants. He had been offline for only a few minutes and already the messages and emails were pouring in. He switched his phone off. If things continued this way, he would have to leave London, not for Palo Alto but for Lakshmi, his beloved Island.

Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth, Prosperity and Success…was a name he had chosen after much thought. Michael had bid on the island in the Caribbean when it came up on the market two years ago. At the time, his financial advisers had not been sure if he could afford it, but Michael knew he needed it. He needed a private getaway for instances like this. But what was he running away from? Michael had never been a quitter. Challenges inspired him, he was always a fighter. Why couldn’t he deal with a small issue with the new product then? Why did he want someone else to handle it? It was his company, his baby, he started it from scratch…why didn’t he care anymore?

Michael heard the smooth crunch of the Mercedes pull up in front of him. Samuel got off, sprinting over to his side to hold the door open, but Michael had got to it first anyway. He settled himself into the soft leather backseat, loosening the tie from his neck.

“To the National Portrait Gallery, Samuel.” Michael called out, as Samuel sat down in front, adjusting his mirrors.

“Trafalgar Square?” Samuel asked, sounding a little surprised. Maybe he didn’t expect Michael to be the sort of person to visit a museum. Whatever it was, Michael didn’t feel the need to explain, so he only nodded.

Samuel revved up the engine and Michael rolled the windows up. The National Portrait Gallery seemed to be the only place in the city, where he could wander around in peace for hours, where people left him alone and maintained whisper levels of conversations. Michael’s mind was overwhelmed with thoughts, concerns…he was now certain that there was a disaster looming, that things were going to fall apart. In spite of all the luxuries, and the riches and the beautiful women he could surround himself with; the one thing that he had still not been able to acquire for himself, was the sort of support and assurance that he used to have…with his mother, and then with Jenn.

What was wrong with him? Why was he thinking of Jenn again? He had support, he had Steve. And his new friends in London. He had Victoria, a woman who knew how to keep him on his toes. One thing he knew for certain was that as long as he surrounded himself with her, he would always be entertained. Danielle was another issue, with her he needed to be careful. He knew he had a certain animalistic instinctual attraction towards her, but it needed to be avoided at all costs. Steve would not be happy if he learned that Michael Castle fucked his daughter. Why would he? Steve knew Michael. They had been working together for over six months now, Steve had witnessed the women who threw themselves at Michael and the way he responded to them. He would never, in his right mind, want his daughter to be associating with a man like that. No, he was better off pursuing Victoria instead.

“We’re here Sir.” Samuel said and Michael felt the car break to a stop.

“Thank you Samuel.” He said with a quick smile, took off his tie and stepped out of the car. The time he was going to spend at the museum was going to be effective. Staring into the beautifully human portraits, painted by some of the most celebrated artists in the world…there was always something calming about it. Looking at those faces of the people who posed for those portraits, reading the plaque explaining their lives and their history. Michael was always overwhelmed by every trip he took to this museum, an oasis in the desert of London.

Michael climbed the stone steps of the gallery, brushing past tourists who posed for photographs in front of the entrance. He walked through the polished marble floored reception area, smiling when he realized the receptionists recognized him now. He had attended a few fundraisers for the gallery earlier, and donated his own money. He’d forgotten that people had started to recognize him around here; that was the very reason he had left America in the first place.

Michael entered the first room and that was when he finally breathed. The circular large room was practically empty, completely silent, and the bottle-green walls were covered with ornate frames and portraits. He licked his lips and closed his eyes, savoring that one moment of peace before he opened his eyes again and inched closer to one of the paintings.

She was a noble lady, who had posed for that painting of hers several hundred years ago. She had a smile on her lips, a twinkle in her eye and she was wearing a feathered hat that hid her beautiful golden hair. Michael stared at her, longing for that lady’s peace and composure. She looked like she was happy, Michael wished he was happy in the same way.

A voice behind him jerked him out of his reverie and he quickly turned because he thought he recognized it. When he looked, he realized he was right. It was Steve. Michael’s brows furrowed in confusion and surprise, and then awkward realization. Steve hadn’t noticed Michael because he was walking with a woman on his arm, and he was whispering into her ear. He was whispering into Victoria’s ear.

They were walking along the wall, on the other side of the room; completely unaware that Michael was staring at them. He could feel his neck redden with rage. Steve’s hand was on the back of Victoria’s waist. She was in a long black dress with a slit on the side, which revealed her milky long legs every time she took a step. She had tied her hair into a bun this evening and a sparkling jeweled pin held the bun in place. Her shoes were high black heels, and the whole outfit matched her dark plum colored lips. She was dressed for a date.

Michael still couldn’t believe it. What was Victoria Collinger doing with Steve Carlisle? Steve was a married man, more than twenty years older than Victoria. What did she see in him? Sure, Steve was rich, successful, came from an elite British background; but Victoria had appeared to enjoy herself with Michael. He had made it as clear as day that he wanted to see her again. Why would she want to go on a date with Steve after all that?

Michael whipped around just as Victoria was raising her head, hoping that she hadn’t seen him. His hands were clenched, his heart was beating fast.

“Michael?” He heard her raised voice, and bit down on his lip and shut his eyes tightly closed.

“Michael?” She had come closer to him and he finally turned.

“Hello Victoria.” He said, trying to smile but failing miserably at it. Her eyes on him were enough to remind him that he had been inside her. And now she was with someone else, Steve Carlisle of all people.

“Are you following me on my date?” She laughed and asked.

“No. I happened to be here.” Michael said, not joining her in her laughter. Steve was hovering in the background, clearly embarrassed that Michael had caught him cheating on his wife.

“If you say so. I’m sure you know Steve Carlisle. He tells me he works for your company.” Victoria threw a look at Steve behind her.

“I didn’t know
you
know Steve.” Michael said, the polite smile returning to his lips now. He pushed his hands into the pockets of his pants and squared his shoulders. He wasn’t going to let on how this was affecting him.

“Oh, Steve and my father used to be business associates. I’ve known him since I was a teenager.” Victoria bit down on her lip as she spoke to Michael, seemingly enjoying the discomfort that the two men were in.

“And you’re on a date with him now?” Michael asked and Victoria immediately burst out laughing.

“And what’s wrong with that?” Victoria asked as Steve’s face turned red. He was refusing to look at Michael directly.

“Nothing. It’s your life.” Michael said with a smile and shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ll see you at the food festival then?” Victoria asked as she stepped back to grab Steve by the arm again. Michael remained smiling, refusing to seal the plan with a response. He knew he wasn’t going to see her at the food festival. He was wrong about her. Victoria Collinger was a player, she was taking all of them for a ride and Michael wasn’t going to be a party to that.

“Have a good evening folks.” Michael said instead and walked out of the gallery room, heading towards the main door again. He couldn’t possibly be in the same place as them, there would be no peace or quiet there. He thought Victoria was the one, that he had finally met a woman who could set his heart racing, be strong and independent and successful and also a delight in bed…all at the same time.

What he hadn’t expected was the lack of loyalty and trust. Steve! How was he not guilty about dating his friend’s daughter? While still married to his wife? His own daughter not very much younger than Victoria.

Michael ran down the steps of the gallery again and waved to Samuel who was leaning against a lamp-post. Samuel waved back and scurried away, to bring the car back around for him. Michael could feel his head throbbing now. This was all way too much. His life was falling apart, he was in shambles. None of the decisions he had made seemed to be right ones.

His heart was racing as he waited for Samuel to bring the car around, just as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, expecting an email from New York or Palo Alto, but it was a local text message. From Danielle. How did she get his number?

Still thinking of you. XXX

The message read, and Michael breathed out deeply. He didn’t give it a second thought, his fingers were doing the typing.

Meet me at my house in thirty minutes.

He wrote back.