Billionaire Romance: MAXIMILIAN (An Alpha Bad Boy Contemporary Mystery Romance) (Mysterious Billionaires Book 3, Anthologies & Collections) (86 page)

“I do, and I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe it. You’re an amazing woman and you ought to know that. You have so much to offer and I only hope I will be lucky enough to show you that.” He said. Denise’s lips parted and her heart felt like it was about to leap out of her chest. His eyes glanced down to her lips and he closed the distance between them. His lips were soft and warm as they moved against hers. Denise let out a soft moan and wrapped her arms around his neck, pushing herself closer to him. His arms snaked around her waist and he dipped his tongue in her open mouth, entwining it with her own.

After a few moments they broke away, panting for breath. Denise ran her fingers through his hair and stared into his eyes which looked down at her with such tenderness she wanted to cry.

“Bedroom?” She asked tentatively, hoping she wasn’t being too forward. Eric smiled at her and took her hand, leading her toward the hallway just off the main room. He flicked on the light which cast a dim glow over the room and Denise felt a little self-conscious. Eric pulled her over to the bed and sat down, pulling her between his legs as he looked up at her. He took in her concerned expression and brushed a stray lock of hair out of her eyes.

“I want to be able to see you when I make love to you.” He told her, kissing her again. Denise relaxed in his arms and climbed on top of him, straddling him. Eric tugged the zipped to her dress down and lifted the garment over her head. His eyes roamed over all of her curves and Denise was flush with desire. He was looking at her like she always hoped a man would. She unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders, kissing his neck as he finished taking the shirt off.

Eric unhooked her bra and rolled her over so that he was on top of her.  She unbuttoned his pants and slid them down. He kissed her deeply and she could feel his erection pressing against her inner thigh and she wanted more of him. She lifted her hips against him and he groaned.

“I was hoping to take this slow but you’re not making this easy on me, my mate.” Eric growled, grinding his hips against her. Denise stilled and pulled back enough to look into his eyes.

“Mate?” She asked confusedly. Eric blushed a little but didn’t look away.

“I was planning on telling you later, in a better way, but it slipped.” He said sheepishly. Denise tilted her head and continued to stare at him with a confused and concerned expression. Eric let out a sigh and pushed himself up, onto his elbows.

“I’m a lion shifter, so is everyone in my family. We don’t like to broadcast it because people tend to act differently when they know you’re a shifter. One thing about shifters is that we can sense our mate—the one person we are made to be with. The moment I saw you in the bar I knew you were mine.” He explained, his voice gentle and soft so as not to alarm her too much. Denise looked at him in shock and digested the information. A part of her screamed and wanted to run out of there as fast as she could. The other part of her, the more prominent part of her, felt like everything suddenly clicked into place.

“Is that why I feel so connected to you after such a short amount of time?” She asked. Eric smiled at her and nodded.

“Yes, that’s why. You feel that I’m your mate, too.” He said. Denise took a deep breath in and nodded, smiling up at him.

“Then I suggest you waste no more time in claiming me.” She said teasingly. Eric chuckled and kissed her, hooking his fingers in her panties and pulling them off. Denise yanked his boxer-briefs down and took him in her hand. She positioned him at her opening and lifted her hips, urging him to take her. Eric thrust inside her, filling her completely in one, smooth motion. Denise gasped and tossed her head back as her body adjusted to the incredible size of him. He began to move inside of her slowly, pulling out and pushing back into her depths gently. Denise wrapped her legs around him and he started to pick up the pace, thrusting harder and faster. Denise moaned and let out a cry when his tongue circled around one of her nipples. He drew the tight bead into his mouth and sucked on it as he continued to thrust into her.

Denise cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders as her pleasure built. Eric released her nipple and nibbled her breast gently. He thrust harder and Denise clutched on to him as he brought her to the edge of pleasure and pushed her over it. Her orgasm washed over her with such intensity she could barely breathe. Eric thrust again and again until he spilled inside her, finding his own release. She held onto him until her limbs stopped shaking and he collapsed beside her.

“Is it going to be like that every time?” Denise asked, panting. She could still see stars from her orgasm. Eric laughed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest.

“Give me a few minutes and we’ll find out.” He said, kissing the top of her head.

THE END

London, England, Crawford manor

Autumn 187. Noon.

A little bit more than a month had passed since Rose had turned eighteen. Nevertheless, her own reflection never failed to instill her with pride.

Perchance I’ve overdone it a little bit today?
she asked herself while measuring herself from head to toe.  Her hair was always the first thing to grab anyone’s attention, completely straight and as black as coal, stretching all the way down to her waist. Her heart-shaped face; as pale as alabaster and completely devoid of anything resembling a blemish, was just as lovely, if not more. And from the neck down, her lean yet shapely body practically refused to give primacy to her remaining parts. Her dress, a rare shade of turquoise, hugged her features almost as well as the corset did. With an approving nod, she gave herself another look. The way her emerald-colored eyes observed her reflection was a clear indication that she more than approved of her presentation.
No, I do not think so. After all, I have yet to find me a husband, and one must keep appearances!

Then, something she didn’t like to think about sprung at her like a jack-in-a-box.
Assuming that my parents even allow me to marry in the first place!
She almost bit the inside of her lip, but luckily, she was able to stop herself on time. At least for the time being.
Why raise me with high hopes and dreams, why teach me to strive for excellence in all ways, only to reject all of my suitors?

The Untouchable Rose
, her friends jokingly called her. She knew that there was no ill will behind those remarks, but it hurt every time. Practically everyone she knew was already either engaged or married, and she was the only one who was not allowed a man in her life. And it was all due to some misconception her parents had about their own (and by extension her) self-worth. Her gaze started wandering the room, not really focusing any part of its expensive furniture.
Yes, we are an esteemed family. Yes, we have the name and the money. No, I will get to not marry the Prince Regent anytime soon, so you might as well let me wed before I wither from old age—Oh, damn it!
She looked back into her reflection. There was a trickle of blood on her lower lip. She quickly took a step forward, grabbed a handkerchief from the table next to the mirror, and wiped the red off her face.

Oh, dear…
she looked at the thin piece of cloth as she withdrew it from her face. Along with the blood, it had taken a little bit of her make-up as well.
I guess I will have to reapply everything.
She didn’t mind making herself up. It made her feel good.
I wouldn’t mind having someone to do it for, though,
she concluded as she reached for the make-up cabinet.

Crawford manor, kitchen

Later that day

She was in the kitchen, enjoying a fine cup of black tea and resisting the ever-present urge to talk to the help, when her parents barged in. It was in a manner unbecoming of their stature, indicating that they had something important to tell her.

“Good day, father. You too, mother.” She dispensed with the pleasantries, in the precise manner that she was taught to.

“Top of the day to you, Rose,” her father said.

“We have got good news for you,” her mother added with a smile.

Of course. Predictable as always.

“So, what do you have for me today? Which ball are we going to parade me through tonight, only to give the boot to anyone brave enough to approach me?” Despite the content of her statement, she spoke in a courteous tone.

“Not this time, Rose. Tonight we are bringing you to Moore manor,” her father said.

“And it is no mere display this time, my dear. The young Duke has shown a genuine interest in you!” Her mother said.

The Duke? Duke Thomas Moore?
She blushed at the mere mention of the name. The Duke was well-known for a number of things: his wealth, his wit, and his good looks as well. A great many times had he caught her attention, and she never once missed an opportunity to take a closer look at him.
And it appears that the attraction is indeed mutual.
She smiled, and her parents’ grins widened in response.

“I see that you like the idea,” her father said.

“We are so glad that our tastes coincide!” Her mother added as usual.

“And here I thought this day would never come!” Rose exclaimed, more for herself than for her parents to hear. Her thoughts races as the picture of the Duke replaced the sight of her parents. Impressively tall, lean and wide-shouldered, he looked amazing regardless of what he wore. And he
always
wore the finest fashions. His long, golden locks were almost as impressive as his face or blue eyes, but in tandem they dazzled every girl who was fortunate enough to lay eyes on them. And Rose was fortunate enough to see him a great many times, although she had never gotten the chance to actually speak to the man.
I wonder what that will be like!

“Ahem, Rose!”

“Right here, girl! We haven’t left the room yet!”

“Ah, excuse me! I have drifted off slightly, it seems!” She smiled just a little bit, in a sly attempt to take some attention away from her lapse in proper demeanor. If anyone else did it, it would fail outright. However, Rose was so beautiful, and so, so
good at it
that her parents couldn’t help but let it pass. “I am afraid that this has caught me by complete surprise! I did not expect you to settle for me marrying anyone below, well—below the Prince Regent himself!” She said, more as a jest than an actual remark.

“Oh, really? What a charming coincidence!” her father replied.

“Neither did we. But sadly, the man keeps refusing every time we bring it up,” her mother concluded with a dry smile.

Not knowing what to say in response, Rose merely did her best to maintain her immaculate presentation. By all accounts, it worked, and her parents soon left her alone with her tea.

Sometimes, I just cannot tell whether they are serious or joking.
She tried to wrap her head around it, then realized the distinct lack of steam coming from the direction of her cup.
It is cold,
she shrugged.

With a disapproving look on her face, she turned toward the maid. “Claudette, would you please be a dear and make me another? That would be
really
appreciated!”

“Of course, milady,” the woman replied as she approached, took the cup from Rose’s hand and stepped away from her.

Sometimes the so-called life of privilege is not easy at all!
she concluded as her thoughts drifted toward the future.

Moor manor, main hall

Evening

Oh, my Lord!
Rose knew that the Duke was positively
filthy rich
, but she could not fathom as to how much. Until she saw the place where he received visitors, that is. Lavishly decorated with gold, crimson, and a generous helping of the finest crystal, the main hall of Moore manor simply radiated opulence. Even her parents could not hide their wonder, and it was not rare that they were invited to see the Prince Regent as well. She also knew that this was not their first time here, and still they stared at
everything
.

This is all fine and dandy, but where is my betrothed?
she thought as her eyes kept racing across every small (and not as small) detail, in restless search for the Duke. He was still nowhere in sight.

She flirted with the idea of asking the butler about it, but it seemed unbefitting of her. There has to be a reason for her fiancée to be late to an event that is taking place in his own house, and she would not press the matter needlessly. However, as if he had read her mind, the older servant approached her seat, took a bow, and spoke. “I apologize for the master’s tardiness once again, our most esteemed guests. He is out on a matter of most grievous urgency, and shall be with us shortly.”

Rose was just about to say something, when her parents spoke in her stead.

“Oh, I am certain that there is a good reason for it!” Her father opened up the two-part statement as usual.

“No need for explanations, dear! God, we all know how
difficult
it can get!” Her mother said in addition.

With a repentant expression, the butler nodded. “Might I offer another round of refreshments as we wait? I dare say that I make a positively
wicked
cup of tea!” He said, letting his gaze fall on every present party.

I could do with one,
Rose thought for a moment, but then she realized that her parents did not ask for anything and quickly changed her mind. “Ah, no need, at least not for me. The sight of this interior alone is enough to keep one ward!” She said as she put her smile back on. There was no need to fake it; it was as genuine as it could be.

“Ah, the young master has a penchant for theatrics and impression, I am afraid. None of this is an heirloom from his family. He has bought it all. And it cost a fair bit, if I recall,” the butler said, retreating to his previous position.

As if by design, the large pair of doors opened up at that very moment, letting in the most spectacular specimen of masculine beauty Rose could ever dream up. He was everything she remembered, and more. Every little feature was just the way she remembered it, except it was real, and much, much better for it. With a swagger only someone of his appearance could pull off (without appearing ridiculous, that is), the Duke approached his guests, took a deep bow, and spoke.

“My most sincere of greetings to the Lord, Lady, and Heiress of house Crawford!” He straightened himself out after the first sentence. “Most tragically, I have been occupied by a most pressing matter that I could not have possibly avoided. I regret the matter deeply, and I hope that you can all forgive me!”

He is so charming. So perfect.
Rose barely even heard what he was talking about. Every last bit of her attention was focused on the Duke, not on the reason for his tardiness.

“Now, now, we are all serious people here…”

“And we realize that business sometimes has to take place before pleasure.” Rose’s parents answered him with one of their usual joint sentences.

“What about you, my most enchanting maiden?” The Duke turned toward Rose. “Do you accept my humblest of apologies? Or do you choose to bear me the ill will I am so deserving of?”

“Oh, I could not possible bear
anything
ill toward one as charming and eloquent as you, Duke Moore!” Rose said. She did not even need to note the subtle and not-so-subtle hints her parents kept passing to her. The answer came as naturally as it could.
Indeed. He is the one. I am certain of it!
The way his face brightened up when she spoke only served to confirm it. He was positively enraptured by her. She could see it in his eyes; the kind of pure, raw emotion that not even noble breeding could stifle. Yet, filtered through the demeanor of a proper gentleman, it became something else entirely; something greater than the sum of its parts.
Like the Duke himself. No matter how perfect every individual part was.

“I assume that Roger here has provided for your every need?” He turned toward her parents after giving her a seductive wink. “Besides the one for company, obviously. I am afraid that he is a little bit challenged in that department.”

“Quite so, sir. Then again, so is everyone when compared to your resplendent persona, I am afraid,” the butler was quick to deliver a rebuttal. He did not even wait for Rose’s parents to speak. Luckily, they ignored it, and so did he.
This intrusion would most definitely not have gone unattended in our house!
Rose noticed.

“Everything we wanted for, Roger has provided.”

“Even his company was enjoyable!”

The Duke smiled in response. If he had noticed anything peculiar about the way Rose’s parents talked, he kept it to himself.
The way a proper gentleman should.
Then, smiling all the while, he strode to his chair in the center of chamber, and sat into it, signifying that that the main event of the evening was about to begin.

“But in my elation, I seem to have forgotten that this evening was not about me! Indeed, we are all here to discuss my engagement to the lovely one, or am I mistaken?”

“My Duke,” Rose was the first to make her voice heard, despite the expressions this caused her parents to form. “If I may be so bold as to assume, there is naught to discuss. I am absolutely
smitten
by both you, your impeccable demeanor, and by your domain, and unless I am mistaken, I assume that you feel the same way.” She did not as much as look toward the Lord and Lady Crawford. She did not mean to, she knew that they disapproved.
Regardless of their opinion, I do not care.
A fire was building up within her bosom, and the flame threatened to consume every trace of civility. She knew that her outburst was improper, but something told her that the Duke would not mind.

And indeed he did not, for his smile widened quite a bit. “Ah, there is the fire I have sought all this time!” The Duke said. “Ever since I first laid eyes on Rose, I knew that she had the zest! It made me want to have her for myself. To grasp her, make her mine, and not let anyone else ever get the chance.” It appeared as if he was talking to himself more than to Rose’s parents. Somewhere halfway along the sentence, though, he explicitly turned toward them, and the tone of his voice changed drastically. It was still charming and noble, but somewhat cold, as if he was about to talk about business rather than pleasure. “My Lord and Lady Crawford, I do not thing that there is but one reason for us to doubt the perfection of the match between me and your daughter. She and me, we understand each other completely, ever since the initial spark! Imagine how close we can get as the years go by! I give this engagement a big, resounding
yes
!”

Her parents remained silent for a good moment or so. Then, in complete synchronicity, they smiled in an identical way.

“Now, that is just marvelous!” They exclaimed in unison.

Rose smiled as well, the fire within her bosom threatening to steal even more of her precious self-control. But she was able to keep it under control, at least for the time being.
He knows exactly what to say to impress them!
she concluded in wonder.
I wonder what he is like when it comes to actual deeds.