The Beautiful Billionaire

LINDEN

“What a surprise when I checked my schedule for today.” I rose from my seat to meet Moses Braddson, one of the world’s most powerful and influential billionaires, and he was standing before me, aging like a fine wine.

“How are you, Gabe?” We shook hands before he pulled me into a hug like how he did to his son, Striker Cade, one of my brothers and best friends.

“I’m good, boss. Thank you,” I replied as I pulled back. I still wondered what this visit was all about. He always called and met me in his estate if he wanted to talk, so Moses being here perplexed me.

“Can I offer you something?”

“Gabe, I’m like your father, and you’re still calling me boss and treating me like one.”

“I owe you—”

He gestured for me to stop. “You don’t owe me anything. I am the one who owed a huge debt to you.”

“If you mean Cade, I will always protect his ass, take a bullet for him because that’s what brothers do, boss. I call you boss because I have a huge respect for you, and you’re my best friend’s father.”

“Thank you. I know I can still count on you no matter what.”

“Of course. Since I can’t offer you anything, may I ask what this surprise is all about?”

“Walk with me.” As he slipped a hand into his pocket, he went to the door, and I left no choice but to follow him.

“Of course.” I buttoned my dark blue Italian suit and followed him out of my office.

It never ceased to amaze me every time I was on the seventh floor overlooking the full view of Wade Lounge of my new building that had just opened eight months ago. My dearest sweetheart London, Striker’s wife, called it a fancy donut because of the design, while I called it state-of-the-art.

Since The Firm signed a multi-million dollar contract with Hover Defense and Security, my life changed drastically. I built my own building and hired thousands of people. I opened five more HQ in other states and countries, and the Firm was officially named Osmium Resource Group.

“This is really a great view,” Moses looked at the glass roof where he could see the clear blue sky, the offices across us, and the lounge I named after my fallen brother.

“Come on, boss. Just spill it. What do you have in mind?” I stopped before him.

“I heard you declined the job Gustav gave you two weeks ago.”

I sighed. “You came all the way here for that?”

“No, Gabe. I want to know why.”

“I could have emailed you and explained the reason in two pages.” My face broke into a smile. “And yes, because he didn’t want my men to do the job. I’m done doing favors. And I don’t know him personally to do what he asks—” I stopped when I realized what I said. I sighed, and he seemed to understand my point. “Boss, I only do favors for my family without a thought. You know that.”

“I know. Thank you for doing that to Lake.”

I wanted to roll my eyes because that was classified unless Lake told him. Before I could say something more, he already said what I had in mind. “I know everything.”

“Then you know why I declined.”

“You just told me.”

“You know that was not the real reason.”

“I know that too. Remember why my son left for Winterbourn after rescuing London? Because she was too young for her, and he thought she didn’t deserve someone like him.”

“Whoa!” I raised my hand. “Boss, a client is a client. I’m the boss, and I follow that rule every day. I declined because I have tons of work to do in my office, and the teams have all their assignments; that left me and Jasper to handle the office job.”

“I call it bullshit.”

I shrugged. “Just say it already.”

“You’ll thank me later.”

“Now you sound just like Linus.”

He chuckled. “Gabe, take it as your vacation.”

“You know I don’t have to ask your permission if I want a month-long vacation, right?”

“Because you worked so hard for the past years. Your company is in good hands. You deserve a whole year off.”

“I can’t call it a vacation when I have to find a woman in hiding. What’s that call me? A bounty hunter?”

Moses laughed. He found it funny. “She’s a pretty bounty. When I first met her, she was just in high school, and I imagined her and Striker to be together.”

I sighed in defeat, surrendering to my newly appointed job. “Fine.”

“She’s with her loyal bodyguard.”

“I know what to do. Gustav filled me in. I will just snap her bodyguard’s neck, roof her, put her in a crate, and hand deliver her to her father. Why did she run away anyway? Who’s handling her business?”

“People, she pays to do the job, and she can do her job anywhere in the world.”

“Good for her.”

“Do what’s necessary, Gabe. Just bring her here safe.”

“If you say so, boss.”

“Thank you, Gabe.” He offered his hand for a handshake.

“Of course.” I gripped his hand. “Don’t tell Cade about this. Just tell him I’m on a business trip.”

***

I just stepped into the private jet when my phone rang. It was Striker calling me. Of course, I should expect by now that Moses would never keep a secret from his son.

“Cade,” I answered with disinterest.

“Business trip, huh?”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” I could see him grinning at me.

“I know you know what’s this trip all about.”

He laughed out loud. My ear began ringing. “Do you need help?”

“Fuck you.” I went to the chair after the flight attendant took my duffel bag.

“I love you, too, brother.”

“It’s your Pa’s fault. And you know I can’t say no to that old man.”

“He’s sitting next to me.”

“Of course he is.”

“Well, good luck. If you need help, just make SOS out of the seashells. We’ll be there in a jiffy.”

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“You’re gonna have fun. Enjoy and collect some cute colorful tiny umbrellas—”

“Fuck you, Cade.”

“Seriously, though. This is an easy job.” He had no idea what I put myself into, but I wasn’t going to tell him that, to make more fun of me.

I thought of it as another job, like I did more times than I could count. I was on a solo mission this time but I did my assignment.

“I’ll see you soon, brother.”

I took a nap after the take-off because I needed my strength. I would be working alone, and I didn’t know how long to convince the subject to get home. Looking at these pictures on her Instagram account, I knew she had that fierce fire in her.

As soon as the jet landed at Trapani airport, I was picked up by my contact and traveled to Marettimo by ferry, where the subject was at this moment.

I typed a quick message to Jasper, the COO of Osmium. Jasper had been running the HQ in Canada for the last two years. When we changed the name and transferred to our new building Osmium, I promoted him. He had changed a lot and helped Feds catch bad guys. He redeemed himself, and I couldn’t be prouder, and so as his sister Sadie, who was married to my brother Cenric Wollf.

LINDEN: Keep my location off the radar. Only Sax and Kye know from the ORG.

JASPER: Done. Contact me if you need anything. Be safe.

LINDEN: I’ll be fine. Thanks.

First, I had to blend in. I took a quick shower and changed into something suitable for the evening. A bar a few blocks from my hotel was a little remote but closer to the villa where the subject stayed.

The sun just began to set, and the view of the ocean was spectacular in an orange and blue hue.

I realized Moses was right. I might need a vacation after all. After being honorably discharged from the service, I quickly went to work when Cenric hired me and Beck as his bodyguard. Since then, I have never stopped working for almost five years. I hadn’t any regrets, though. I met good people and found new friends and family.

Someone said the fruit of labor was the sweetest of all pleasures, and I agreed. Despite many obstacles and rejections, I wouldn’t be here today without my hard work, dedication, and determination. My brothers— I owed them big time.

Despite the spectacular view from the outside of the bar, where open tables under umbrellas, I went inside. It was crowded with local patrons and tourists. The musicians were playing local music on the small stage.

The stools were almost occupied but one. And just what I expected, I would find my subject here in a pretty floral dress with her watermelon caipiroska. She crossed her long shapely toned legs, showing off those creamy thighs. But Quinn Hunter was nowhere near her.

I drew a deep breath before occupying the stool next to her that caught her attention. I was welcomed with her big, round dazzling Celadon blue eyes, reminding me of a hot young Hollywood actress. Her feature was just stunning.

It had been a long damn time since a woman interested me like this.

“Sorry, is this seat taken?”

Her skeptical eyebrow arched, and she shrugged. “You found me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Congratulations. How much my father paid you? I’ll make it double—no three times. Just leave me alone.”

I played a decoy. “How much what?”

“Oh, come on. You’re an American, and you—” She inspected me from head to toe. “Obviously, in the military—”

“Was. Yes.”

“Well, thank you for your service, sir.”

“Welcome.”

“And you work—”

“I was just asking if the seat was taken, lady. And I came here to order a drink and spend my days on this beautiful island since my boss literally forced me out of work to have this vacation.”

She shut her mouth and swallowed. So, she bit it.

I was aware I had caught the bartender’s attention, so I ordered my drink. “Negroni, please.”

The bartender took my order and went to mix my drink. But before that, he bounced his gaze between me and the most beautiful lady in the bar tonight.

She cleared her throat. “Um. This is a free country. The seat is yours.”

“Thanks.” I quickly sat before she changed her mind or, worse, left.

“Sorry. I’m kind of cynical to see a big guy like you and an American.”

“All good.” I briefly looked at her side before I faced the bartender who just placed my drink.

“I’m Estelle.”

“Linden.”

ESTELLE

“Are you sure you wanna go alone?”

“I’ll be fine.” I looked at Quinn through the mirror as I did my final touch on my makeup. His tall and athletic physique stood at the door with brows squeezed together, his brown eyes pinned on me.

Quinn Hunter had been my bodyguard for three years. He was loyal and dedicated and would do anything for me, even maybe catch a bullet— I hoped it would not come to that. When I had a conflict with my father, Quinn stayed even if Gustav Bladwyn was the one who hired him. I couldn’t ask for a better man to protect me than Quinn.

“You know what to do,” he prompted, unimpressed.

I sighed as I picked up my panic button. “Yes, sir.”

“I’m serious, Estelle. Unless you wanna go back to your father.”

“I just want a drink and walk down the beach alone.”

“Are you,” he said hesitantly. “Going to bring home a date?”

His question made me laugh. I turned to face him. His expression didn’t change.

“What made you say that? Because I’m going out alone? You know I can still bring home a guy with or without you, right?”

“You might pick up—”

“That was one time.” I turned to face the mirror again when I remembered I had almost got taken by a cute guy hired by my father to bring me back home. “Dad knows my type, and it won’t happen again. I already learned my lesson.”

“Very well. I’m just an SOS away.”

“Don’t worry. The bar is just around the corner.”

“Maybe we should relocate. I had a feeling that someone might tip your father where you are.”

“I don’t think so. I only used cash. I don’t use my own credit cards anymore, and there’s no way Dad would go to that length to monitor my bank transactions, but I’m still careful.”

“I just don’t want you to get in trouble while I’m not with you.”

“And you did that thing to bounce the IP address every time I did my conference call, and I’m still using the prepaid phone.”

“I hope so, but you know you can’t hide from your father for the rest of your life. You eventually have to decide to go back home. You have businesses there, Estelle.”

“Do you think I don’t know that? Consider this my vacation.”

“Vacation, huh? Have you been enjoying this so far?”

I rose to my feet, propped my hands on my hips, and threw him a glare. “What’s up with you today? You’ve been grumpier since you woke up this morning.”

“I’m sorry. I overstepped.”

“No. Tell me, what’s wrong? Is everything okay back home?”

“Nothing. And everything’s fine.” I wasn’t convinced, but when it came to my safety, I knew he wouldn’t jeopardize it. He would inform me if my father found us.

“I paid a huge amount to keep us off the radar, Quinn. You need to chill out. Have fun. This is a beautiful island with a lot of beautiful women and handsome men.”

“Okay. Just be careful.”

“Maybe you should just come with me. Or just go out and hook up with the tourist or local girls. You need to get laid, Quinn.”

“No, thank you, ma’am.”

I grabbed my bag and slipped my phone inside. A few minutes later, I was already in my favorite bar. Of course, Quinn didn’t miss checking me out every five minutes; sometimes, it was annoying how thorough and protective he was.

The watermelon Caiparoska was to die for.

“Should I tell the kitchen your dinner for tonight?” The bartender already knew me.

“Maybe later.”

“You’re alone.”

“Quinn is being Quinn today.”

“Hmm.” He nodded.

I took another sip of my drink. Then someone just talked. His deep voice rumbled. It took me a while to take in, but I knew he was American. The accent was definitely a New Yorker. What caught me off guard was how tall he was, taller than Quinn, towering over me. He was broad and muscular but not too bulky, with pure muscles just by looking at his sinewy biceps, and he was probably cute. He also smelled good, like soap and fresh, like he hadn’t been under the sun.

When I drifted my gaze up— oh, boy, I wished I could take my words back. I just accused this cute— no, this man was definitely not cute— he was hot. He had a five o’clock shadow dusting his prominent sharp jawline. His aquiline nose reminded me of a famous 20’s heartthrob actor. He was a few years older than me, but the quiff-messy hairstyles looked too damn good on him.

He just gave me a quick nod when I apologized. I guessed I just ruined his mood. I felt like a bitch.

“The rest I could do is buy you a drink for my unwanted behavior.”

His dark eyebrows quizzically arched as he gestured outside. “Under that big umbrella?”

I smiled. “Under that big umbrella.”

“Eliam, make two for dinner.” I rose from the stool as I told the bartender.

“Dinner?” Linden also slid from the stool. “We’re already having our dinner.”

“Oh, don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s dinner time, and it’s rude to eat alone while you’re with me.” I walked toward the door. He was fast and already there before I could push the door open, helping me out.

A small smile spread across his full lips. He was charming. Linden, whatever his full name, was a handsome and hot fella.

“You can eat your dinner alone. It’s no biggie, really. You already apologized and offered me a drink.”

“Too late. The linguine with clams is delizioso.” I did it with my fingers, making him chuckle.

We occupied the table that oversaw the dark ocean. The breeze wasn’t chilly tonight, just perfect if it was a romantic night with this stranger.

“So obviously, you’re from the US. What brought you to Marittemo? Aside from running away from your father.”

I was almost taken aback, and it didn’t miss his hawk eyes. But then I remember accusing him of working for my father. I was just glad that he seemed unaware of who I was.

“My father isn’t conservative and believes in old ways, but when it comes to business, he will do anything to keep the money running. So he arranged a marriage to the son of the wealthiest businessman. He believes in a business alliance.”

“Excuse me?” His response was sincere. He really didn’t have any idea who I was, or he was just good at it.

“Yeah.”

“Wow. I know arranged marriage still exists, but can’t you find a man on your own?” He looked at me, really looked at me. His sapphire blue eyes met mine.

“I’m not ready to settle down. Sure, I had boyfriends, but the last man I dated two years turned out to be a jerk, a cheat. Because I was more successful with the business, he made sleeping around his own venture.”

“Sorry to hear that. You deserve more than a jerk, Estelle.”

Then I realized I overshared while he shared nothing. I laughed. I didn’t admit I needed to let that out of my chest to a stranger. “Tell me about you, Linden.”

“I work at the private military contractor—”

“You mean like a mercenary?”

“That’s too venal. We have ethics. We work by our code.”

“I’m not judging, but I feel like it’s too dangerous.”

“Can be.”

“So what brought you here asides from your boss forcing you out of the office to take this vacation.”

“There’s that—my boss. I can’t say no to him. It’s not because he’s my boss, but I greatly respect him.”

When our dinner arrived with a bottle of red wine, he respectfully dismissed the waiter and poured us wine.

I could see the reaction on his face as he took the forkful into his mouth. “Wow.”

“Yeah. That’s my first reaction.”

“I could make a mean linguine, but this is fantastic. It’s the balance of white wine, lemon, olive oil, and garlic didn’t overpower the clam. Given we are just beside the ocean, the clams are fresh.” He chewed it very well and dawned it with the wine. “Perfect. Not chewy or hard. It was tender and juicy.”

“You cook?”

“A little,” he replied humbly.

“A little? I know this is good pasta because it’s delicious, but you just told me what’s in here one by one. No one could tell that unless he knows his way in the kitchen.”

“You can literally taste them,” he argued, even amused.

“What else—” I stopped as I realized this was just an apology dinner. That was all. We would not meet again. He wouldn’t want to see me again. And he was older than me.

Jeez, Estelle. Get a grip.

After our dinner, he rose to his feet. “Since this was your treat, I wouldn’t insist on paying.”

“You won’t dare. Thank you, Linden, for having dinner with me.”

“It was lovely.” He took the hand I held out, shaking it firmly. When our skin touched, I did my best to ignore the little jolt in my body. His hand was big, and I could tell by the veins that he worked hard.

“Good night.”