Bidding on the Billionaire (Bad Boys Billionaire Bachelors Club) (4 page)

Chapter 8

M
andi knew that Sergio had said jet and hangar
for the trip, but hadn’t thought much more about it.  When they pulled up into
the hangar she suddenly realized just what a billionaire’s jet would look like
and saw that Sergio also had his own private crew.  It was incredible.

The
rich caramel leather seats on the jet were so soft and beautiful, and there
were engrained wooden accents throughout the jet, making it look and appear to
be a mansion in the sky.  No wonder why Sergio liked to travel so much—his jet
was better than most people’s homes.  Mandi hoped that Sergio didn’t think that
his money was what was appealing to her right now.  It was time with him that
Mandi longed for and getting to know the man behind the scenes.  She hoped that
he’d be a bit more relaxed with her and maybe open up.

It
made Mandi feel like royalty when the staff stood in a line as Sergio guided her
to her seat.  He introduced her to everyone, and the two sat down right next to
each other.  It seemed awkward at first because there were about twenty seats
on the jet, but Mandi realized that it would be even more awkward to not sit by
each other.  She could immediately smell Sergio’s cologne and it seemed to
immediate seduce her, making her wanting to get closer to him, to get
passionate with him.

The
one attendant on the jet was a beautiful statuesque blonde and Mandi couldn’t
help but notice that she was flirting with Sergio, but he didn’t seem to notice
one bit.  Mandi was very aware that Sergio was not taking his eyes off her, and
every little bit of turbulence or jolt that took place in the sky made their
bodies accidentally touch.  There was no other way for Mandi to describe what
she felt besides being blunt.  She was horny, and being next to a guy like
Sergio made her long to have an orgasm.  In fact, her nerve endings were
tingling so badly that she thought it may be entirely possible to have one
without even having intercourse.  It was crazy, and Mandi wondered if she was
just that desperate for sex or if Sergio had some sort of magical power to
bring out wild thoughts like that. 

The
conversation between Sergio and Mandi was casual when they first took off. 
Mandi realized that she’d never even spoken to Sergio alone for more than ten
minutes or so and that had just happened the night before.  She really didn’t
know him personally aside from what Sophia had shared.  Like many people, she
knew the side of Sergio that the press represented though and wondered how much
of that was even factual. 

The
flirty blonde attendant wheeled a cart up, delivering two steak meals to Sergio
and Mandi to eat.  Mandi looked at it, and it smelled great, but she was
suddenly feeling a bit exhausted.  She was on her fourth glass of wine, and the
emotional rollercoaster of the day was catching up with her.

“Is
anything wrong?” Sergio asked.

“No,
nothing at all,” Mandi said.

“I
know this is the first time you’ve been on a jet and on your way to Europe,
Mandi.  If you’re nervous, I’d understand.”

“Oh
no.  I’m not nervous or anything like that.  I’m just getting tired and
sleepy.”

“Well,
it is likely nearing when you go to sleep so that makes sense.  Let’s get this
meal put away so you can get some rest.”

Mandi
watched Sergio make a simple gesture and as if she was a mind reader, the
attendant came and removed everything.  Without saying a word, Sergio wrapped
his arm around Mandi’s shoulder and tucked her in close, placing his hand
gently on her head.  He played with the ends of her long hair and whispered,
“Go ahead and sleep right here.  I’ve got you.”

Sergio’s
words were soothing and comforting to Mandi.  His strength was so appealing,
and she didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation and tilted her head toward
Sergio’s chest and placed her hand on it.

Dreams
started to enter into Mandi’s mind and it was there that she was transported to
a sexual encounter with Sergio that delivered everything her wild thoughts had
imagined it would.  Their naked bodies were entwined around each other and they
were thrusting toward each other, showing their passion and intense desire with
reckless abandon.  Mandi could feel her body responding and her hips moving in
response to the thrust’s from Sergio’s hard-on.  She’d never come so many times
with each one being more intense than the previous.  Mandi couldn’t stifle her
moans as she asked for more.  It was a blissful dream that she didn’t want to
end, but suddenly it did.  Mandi awoke to a hand tapping her shoulder.

“Mandi,
are you alright?” Sergio asked.

Mandi
was confused and not sure how to respond.  She’d been sleeping so soundly, but
suddenly she remembered what she’d been dreaming about and paused.  She
couldn’t let on that she had such an intense dream about the guy that was
touching her right now and whose lips were close enough to kiss.

“Everything’s
fine, Sergio. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“You
were dreaming, and well…you started acting out a bit,” Sergio said.  He
couldn’t hide his smile or his embarrassment.  “If you would have went any
further with riding my lap up and down it probably would have…”  In lieu of
saying anything else Sergio just pointed to his lap and Mandi looked down.

She
couldn’t believe it.  She had her skirt hiked up and was pressing her pelvis
into Sergio’s very noticeable erection, and she could feel how wet she was in
her panties.  Mandi couldn’t say a word because she was so horrified and no
words could do anything to alleviate the complete and utter embarrassment she
felt at that moment.  Sergio tried to help by being casual, adding, “Luckily we
both have our clothes on our else we’d already be very intimately acquainted.”

Mandi’s
face grew redder and she was instantly hot, not knowing how to handle the
situation.  Words began to flow out of her mouth.  “I’m so sorry, Sergio.  I
was just dreaming…I didn’t…I don’t know how…oh my gosh.  I really don’t know
what to say.  Is there anywhere I can go hide?”  One of Mandi’s natural defense
mechanisms was to throw some humor into situations in which she was
uncomfortable and dry humping Sergio when she was dreaming about having him at
the deepest level was definitely uncomfortable.

“You
don’t need to apologize to me, Mandi.  I’ll admit that I found the whole thing
highly entertaining.”  Now Sergio’s grin had widened and he was looking wildly
sexy—that look one usually had right after sex.

“I
still don’t quite know what to say.  I cannot believe that happened and
honestly I am horrified about it.”

Sergio
took Mandi’s chin and lifted it up so he was looking her right in the eyes. 
“It’s alright, Mandi.  You were having a dream.  Yes, it was naughty, but it
was us doing something very intimate.”  Sergio paused, looking like he wanted
to choose his words carefully before continuing.  Mandi breathed in, trying to
calm her pounding heart and he continued.  “I’d like to continue this dream,
but with you awake this time.” 

Mandi
could hear the intensity in Sergio’s voice and sense the urgency in his words
and she didn’t hesitate.  She wanted the same thing and it was hers for the
taking at that moment.  Sergio’s lips traveled down her neck, kissing her
slowly and leaving a searing trail of desire lingering on her skin.  His one
hand masterfully unbuttoned the top few buttons of her blouse and gently grazed
the top of her breast while his lips began to kiss them.  Mandi didn’t dare
open her eyes, wanting to keep the sensation she was feeling and experience
this.  A small voice in the back of her mind tried to discourage her, reminding
her that there was a flight attendant around who was probably witnessing the
entire thing.  Yet, she shut that voice out because she wanted this.

Without
warning, Sergio scooped Mandi up into his arms and whispered that he was going
to take her to a place with a bit more privacy.  He moved to the back of the
jet where there was a private sleeping room, and swung the door open.  Mandi
looked around and raised her eyebrow, revealing her exact thoughts.  Sergio
smiled, “It’s for long trips like this when I need my…um…sleep.”

“Yes,
that’s very important I’d suppose Mr. Leon,” Mandi said.  She wasn’t going to
let her thoughts drift to any place that didn’t give her this experience that
she was longing for.  “We should get lots of rest and relaxation for the busy
week ahead of us.  It’s a masterful plan.”

“I’m
glad you see it that way,” Sergio replied.  He was enjoying the playful banter
of Mandi and continuing where she’d left off in her dreams.

Sergio
placed Mandi on the bed and she laid back, stretching out her body.  Sergio
leaned in next to her and slowly stripped away her clothing, revealing her
lingerie.  Mandi watched his expression and could see that he was surprised. She’d
picked some of her sexiest for the trip and could see that it had been a good
choice. 

“Black
lace with leopard print,” Sergio commented. “I never would have expected this
and now I’m more aroused than I was out there during your dream.  You are one
sexy woman who is full of surprises, Mandi Jenkins.”

Sergio’s
words must have made him think of something else because his eyes suddenly
darkened, as if they were trying to hide the desire they had just shown
before.  Was he having second thoughts?  Mandi hoped not because she wanted
this so badly.

“What’s
wrong, Sergio?”

“I
want you so damn bad right now, Mandi, but I’m not ready to jump into a
relationship.  It’s just not the right time, and with you being Sophia’s best
friend…I just don’t know.  Maybe we should be more cautious.”

Mandi
felt that familiar sense of frustration surface in her.  She didn’t say
anything about wanting a relationship with Sergio right now.  Why would he jump
to that conclusion?  Was that natural for all guys?  What she wanted was
physical intimacy and some animalistic passion with one of the sexiest guys
she’d ever seen.  That was what she needed.  “Just shut up and fuck me,
Sergio,” Mandi said.  Her face looked determined and her eyes were not holding
back expressing just what she expected.

“You
don’t care if it doesn’t lead to anything?” Sergio asked.  He’d been down this
road enough times to know that what women said in the moment and what they felt
later often clashed.  He didn’t want to do that to Mandi.

“Term
it whatever you want Sergio…an affair or a business arrangement.  I don’t
care.  I need to feel you inside of me.  It’s been way too long since I’ve felt
something with a man.”

Mandi
looked at Sergio and saw his eyes soften.  The desire was definitely there but
he was suddenly resisting her.  Why would he do that after all those passionate
words?  And there was certainly no point in taking her back to this room just
to get her hopes up. 

Finally
Sergio spoke again, seeing that Mandi was speechless, stunned by the sudden
rejection.  “As much as I want to have that kind of an affair with you I must
decline.  I won’t leave you unsatisfied though.”

Mandi felt his
hand slide into her panties and he slowly pulled them down, causing her to gasp
from the arousal that stirred up so quickly in her once again.  Sergio slid his
fingers into her and moved them up and down; thrusting his hips like he was
rhythmically rocking in and out of her.  Mandi accepted his actions and groaned
out her appreciation.

Eventually
Mandi found Sergio’s lips traveling down her stomach and reaching the very spot
he’d just satisfied so masterfully with his fingers.  As his mouth went on her
she could feel his tongue flickering in and out of her, moving around her soft
folds and causing her to erupt into further ecstasy. She moaned, clenching down
below. She’d never experienced anything like this before and she didn’t know if
it was because it had been awhile or if it was all Sergio and the insatiable
desire she had for him on every level at that moment.  He increased his fervor
with his tongue, licking her clit and going deep inside of her.  She shivered
and writhed, unable to hold back/ The finale came when Mandi’s entire body erupted
in uncontrolled quaking, causing her moaned Sergio’s name.

Mandi
couldn’t even speak as Sergio slid back up and lied down next to her, wrapping
her exhausted body into his arms.  “Did you like that arrangement, Mandi?”

She
nodded her head yes, not having the energy to even respond.

“That’s
good,” Sergio smiled kissing fully on her mouth and brushing his tongue against
hers.  “Next time may be more adventurous so I’m glad we’re off to a good
start.”

Mandi
smiled, turned on by the taste of herself on his lips. It was such an erotic
thought to be so close to Sergio.  More adventurous?  Now that was something
she definitely looked forward to and it also meant that Sergio was committed to
not being all work during this vacation.  That was a great thought.

Both
Sergio and Mandi fell asleep in each other’s arms, and awoke to the sounds of
the jet’s pilot announcing that they were within thirty minutes of landing in
Rome.

Mandi
was aware that she was wearing a wild grin on her face, but she didn’t mind. 
She had enjoyed what Sergio had offered last night and couldn’t wait for more. 
It was the perfect start to her Roman adventure.

Chapter 9

T
he day was just starting as Mandi and Sergio
landed in Rome, making for a most beautiful and tranquil scene for Mandi to
witness.  She looked out the window of the jet, taking in the bright orange and
pink hues of the sunrise and noticing the beauty of the city below coming to
life.

“It’s
so beautiful,” Mandi said, looking at Sergio with an enthusiastic smile.

“It
really is.  There are times when I think that I’d like to live here, but it
just isn’t practical with most of my business dealings being in New York and
Los Angeles.”

“That
definitely wouldn’t be too convenient, would it?” Mandi commented.

“You
on the other hand…you have a business that would be very well received here.”

“I
suppose you’re right, but that was my mother’s dream more than mine.  She never
made it here you know, she passed away the year she was finally going to get
the trip to Rome she’d always wanted.”

“Well,
we’ll make sure you do it justice in her honor,” Sergio said, squeezing Mandi’s
shoulder.  “She’d be very proud of you.”

Mandi
smiled.  “So, what’s first on your docket, Sergio?”

“I’ll
give you a tour of the city as we drive out to Benvenuto, the family villa. 
It’s absolutely gorgeous, and unlike anything you can find in the city.  It
overlooks the ocean.”

“Isn’t
benvenuto Italian for welcome?”  Mandi didn’t know a lot of Italian, but she
had a grasp on a few words.

“You’re
absolutely right, it is.  My grandmother used to always entertain and invite
everyone into her home.  She was a lively and generous woman who appreciated
the beauty in everything and everyone.  She named it and that was that.  What
she said also went, according to my parents and grandfather.”  Sergio laughed,
and Mandi noticed something relaxed and joyful in his eyes, and then it quickly
disappeared after he continued talking.

“Then
I have to go to the factory and the office this afternoon, and you’ll be
getting a tour of Ostia Lida while I tend to business.  It’s a wonderful small
town and I think you’ll really enjoy it.”

Obviously
Mandi liked the thought of going out and exploring Italy a bit more, but she
was disheartened that Sergio wouldn’t be with her while doing it.  She quickly
reprimanded herself, knowing that Sergio was a business man and that the
factory’s fiftieth anniversary celebration was an important event.  She was
being silly and that was no way to start off this week.

“Well,
hopefully you’ll be able to join back up with me for the evening,” Mandi said. 
Inside her head it was a hint that she wanted more of the bliss she’d
experienced on the jet, but she also wanted to get to know the man Sergio in an
emotional sense, not just physical.  That was the part of him that was most
mysterious to her.

“I’ll
be back for a late dinner if you wish to wait and join me,” Sergio said in a
rather monotone voice, not showing any enthusiasm.

“I
didn’t mean to invite myself,” Mandi countered, feeling instantly awkward about
the entire conversation.

“Oh
no, it’s not that.  It’s just that my schedule is usually so sporadic and
unexpected things come up when I’m traveling.  I hate to keep people waiting,
but it’s necessary when there are business dealings to address.”

“I
understand,” Mandi said.  “We’ll just play it by ear.”

“Now
that is a brilliant plan.”

A
half hour later Mandi and Sergio were through customs, and on their way to the
front, where a chauffeur was to be waiting for them.  Sergio would get his own
vehicle when he got to the villa, a Ferrari 599 GTO that was black and
sleek—Sergio’s words.  His eyes lit up more talking about that car than they
seemed to at the thoughts of dining with Mandi.  She was struggling trying to
stop the negative thoughts from flooding her mind.

The
drive through Rome was minimal because the airport was on the outskirts of the
city, and you didn’t need to go through the entire city to get to Ostia Lida. 
Mandi thought the outline of it looked impressive and as they drove down the
highway toward the coast Sergio pointed out the silhouette of where the factory
was, describing a bit of what the environment was like there, number of
employees, employee loyalty, etc.  Business was another thing that lit Sergio
up apparently because his enthusiasm was equal to that of a child’s going to
Disney World.

Once
they pulled into the front driveway of Benvenuto, Mandi couldn’t believe the
exquisite beauty of the villa.  She’d only seen things like it in pictures and
they couldn’t compare to the real deal.  It had grand columns on it, a
Mediterranean style roof with the clay tiles, and large windows with black
wrought iron accents.  To the right you could see the family’s vineyard that
was used for creating their own private label wine too—something that Sergio
said was a family hobby.  It was so spread out, and two stories high.  There
was a giant fountain in the middle of the front driveway that was decorated
with statues and had Benvenuto carved into the stone around its base. 

“Sergio,
how many rooms are in this place?” Mandi asked, not even being able to grasp
the breadth of the villa.  Apparently there were small quaint villas and then
monstrous villas.

“The
main house has thirty rooms total, and the servant house has eight.”

“Wow!” 
Mandi shook her head, putting the Leon family financial status into an entirely
different category.  She’d obviously known that they were very well off and had
been to their magnificent properties back home, but this…this was unbelievable.

Before
her and Sergio could get into the house they were greeted in the front driveway
by a whole group of people—Sergio’s relatives.  There was his Aunt Diedre and
Uncle Marcel, plus Angelica and Frederic, Sergio’s eight and ten year old
cousins.  They were all so nice and eager, happy to see Sergio and curious
about his companion. Mandi smiled at their welcoming manner, befitting of the
villa name, and let them take her around and explain everything.

After
about ten minutes Sergio must have decided that Mandi was okay because he told
her that he had to get going and would see her later.  He didn’t hug her, kiss
her, or do anything to indicate that he’s just rocked her world hours before. 
What was the deal?  He was definitely serious when it came to business.

The
tour of the villa was delightful and every room told a unique story about the
history of the Leon family and what they’d been through in their lives.  Mandi
briefly thought of her own small family and could barely relate.  She had one
aunt who lived on the west coast and two cousins, who she’d only seen a handful
of times.  Closeness wasn’t part of the Jenkins family plan, except for Mandi’s
mother.  She embraced their relationship and ensuring that they were as close
as could be.

Mandi
couldn’t believe the guest room she had either.  It had its own bath,
fireplace, and overlooked the ocean too.  It was amazing.  The doors opened up
to a veranda overlooking the ocean and Diedre told her to enjoy the fresh ocean
air as much as possible during the daylight hours because it brought a rather
big chill when nightfall came.

“We’ll
give you some time to shower and relax before we take you into Ostia Lida to
look around, sound good?”

“Yes,
it sounds lovely.  You certainly speak English very well,” Mandi commented to
Diedre.

“I
studied in the states for years,” she replied.

“Well
that explains that,” Mandi said.  “I must admit, I am looking forward to a
shower and changing out of my travel clothes.”

“Good,
just come on down to the pool in back when you are set.  The kids want to go
swimming and I am going to enjoy some fresh air with them.”

“I’ll
see you down there in a bit,” Mandi said.  Diedre shut the double doors that
entered into her room and was gone.  Mandi chuckles softly, hoping that she
would indeed be able to find the pool when she was ready to go down.  The place
was huge.  She also wondered how far away Sergio’s room was from hers.

Mandi looked
out at the ocean for a moment and could see the pool off to the right.  At
least she’d know which direction to head.  Her mind was on overdrive and she
was admittedly disappointed that Sergio had taken off so quickly, but she
didn’t want to act like a twit about it.  He had business that needed to be
done.  She’d take her chances and wait to eat with him when he got home tonight
so she could wind down from the day with him.

The
shower was heavenly and Mandi enjoyed it thoroughly.  The shampoo and soap
smelled so good.  She wondered what she should wear when she went out
sightseeing around the town, and decided to wear a pair of jeans, fun sandals,
and a t-shirt.  It was casual, not too dressy, and comfortable, plus she liked
the way her butt looked in those jeans.  Maybe Sergio would too.

The
tour with Diedre, Angelica, and Frederic was very fun and it was exciting to
see how people in the Italian culture shopped, spent their days, and enjoyed
life.  They had a passionate and exuberant quality to them that Mandi found
endearing.  Mandi got to meet many people who worked at the factory too and was
introduced as Mr. Sergio Leon’s friend from the States.  Mandi thought to
herself that friend seemed so unfitting.  She didn’t know what she was, but she
knew that she wanted to be more than just friends.  Even though she’d told
Sergio it was physical she was quickly beginning to realize that she’d lied
only to herself in order to connect with him on some level.  He’d probably seen
right through it and that’s why he wouldn’t actually have intercourse with
her.  Was he avoiding her now?

By
5:00 that day Mandi was somewhat toured out and rather sick of the nagging
thoughts in her mind.  She wondered how Sergio could have gotten under her skin
in such a short amount of time—barely 48 hours.  It was crazy.  She passed on
dinner with Diedre, Marcel, and the kids in order to dine with Sergio later.

Just
to pass some time waiting for Sergio to arrive home Mandi decided to give her
sketching a go and she tried to draw the beautiful statue that was standing
majestically in the corner of the veranda.  She looked at it and then down at
her sketch, commenting aloud.  “Not too bad considering how long it’s been
since you’ve tried.”

“I’ll
say, it’s very good,” a voice from behind said.  Mandi jumped up and turned
around.  It was Sergio.

“Oh
my gosh.  I didn’t hear you.”

“Obviously,
you were into your thoughts, and your conversation,” he said, laughing.  Mandi
blushed.  She did talk to herself on occasion and couldn’t stand when someone
busted her doing it.

“Are
you ready to eat?” Mandi asked. 

“I’m
starving.”

“How
was your day?  Hopefully you took care of all your business.”

“In
my life you take care of one thing and then something else happens right away. 
It’s never ending, but it is part of the responsibility.”

Mandi
looked at Sergio and she was pretty sure that she was indicating that she’d
gladly accept a kiss, embrace, or anything to get some assurance that Sergio
hadn’t regretted what happened on the jet.  She didn’t get it, but he was very
friendly and polite—just like a business dinner.  Hmm…

Sergio’s
smart phone was sitting on the table next to him while they ate and it kept
buzzing.  Instinctually, he’d pause from what he was saying and lean over to
look at who it was.

“Are
you expecting a call?” Mandi finally asked, not appreciating being second
fiddle to a phone.

“No,
sorry.  It’s just a habit and I like to dress things proactively rather than
listen to a plethora of messages and whatnot.  That’s not as efficient.”

“I
suppose that efficiency is…”  Mandi stopped midsentence because Sergio’s phone
buzzed again and she had lost his attention.  This time he answered it though. 

He
got up and walked away, going out into the hallway so he was just out of
earshot.  Mandi sat there, wondering how long he’d be.  She sighed and took a
sip of her wine, delighting in its crisp flavor, but not delighting in the
feeling of isolation that was developing in the pit of her stomach.

Sergio
came back into the room and covered his hand with the phone and whispered,
“This is going to be awhile.  You just finish without me and I’ll see you at
breakfast tomorrow.”  Without so much as another word he affectionately patted
Mandi’s shoulder, grabbed his plate, and took off somewhere.

Well, that was
that, Mandi thought. If being in a relationship with a workaholic was like this
she was beginning to understand why that Olivia may have strayed after all.  It
seemed like it might be pretty lonely.  Were a few passionate moments really
worth it?  Yet to be determined!

The
next day brought Mandi new hope of a more enjoyable day with Sergio, but it
turned out that he was out the door way before breakfast started and Mandi was
once again left to be entertained by Diedre.  She was nice and most lovely, but
she was not Sergio.