Her Billionaire Secret Part 3: An Alpha Billionaire Romance (3 page)

“Don’t turn around,” he ordered. “We have some idiot at the kitchen window.”

Claire’s heart skipped a beat. It was all starting again. She stood and gave Tevis a look of panic. Her throat was dry and she couldn’t speak. They wouldn’t stop at the basement windows. There would be press everywhere she went.

“They haven’t seen your face. Walk to the stairs and keep on going,” he said with a look of understanding. “I’ll sort this out.”

She looked at him blankly.

He picked up her camera and placed it in her hands. “Claire, off you go. Don’t worry.”

Her ability to concentrate and speak came back in one. “I’m sorry, Tevis,” she whispered.

He stepped towards her and put his hand on her face.

Another flash.

“
You 
have nothing to be sorry about,” he said quietly. He looked past her to the window and his tone of voice turned impatient. “That young man, however, should be exceedingly worried.”

He stalked past her and Claire fled. She dashed up the stairs to the ground floor reception and raced up the four flights of stairs to Tevis’s suite of rooms. With her heart racing, and her breath ragged with exertion, she dropped to her knees in the middle of the floor. She was still there five minutes later when Tevis entered the room

He sat down beside her and looked into her face.

“Okay now?”

She didn’t know what to say.

He picked up her cold hand and cradled it in his. “I can handle all this. Don’t worry.”

He had no idea what the past had done to her. How her mind reacted to the threat of being chased by photographers and journalists. It was ironic really, how she’d chosen a profession that at one time she hated with a passion. Her camera had been her therapy when her world had been dark. 

She gave him a weak smile. “It’s okay. It was a bit of a shock, that’s all.” It was a lie. There it was again, her self-defence mechanism— covering her inability to talk about what happened.

He pulled her to him and gave her a single kiss. “If you’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she murmured against his lips, glad he couldn’t read her mind.

Tevis helped her to her feet. The wobble in her legs had almost gone. She could act this out, she knew she could.  She glanced up at Tevis. He still had a look of concern on his face.

Claire broadened her smile. He appeared to relax.

“That’s better,” he smiled back. “Let’s get ready and I’ll show you the wedding venue.”

“We’re travelling there first?”

“In a way,” he grinned.

“You’re still not going to tell me are you?” she moaned.

“No, I want to see the look on your face when you see it.

Forty-five minutes later they were both ready. Claire was surprised to find Christine had provided a far less formal outfit than the one for the family party. The dress was cornflower blue with birds printed on the sheer fabric. Close fitted in the bodice, it dropped down into wide flowing skirts to skim her knees. A matching pair of kitten heels completed the look. She decided to leave her hair long, tucking it back behind her ears. Finally, she hung her camera by its strap over her shoulder.

Tevis once more dabbed her skin with Clive Christian No. 1 and fastened the diamond necklace around her neck.

“Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?”

“Too many times,” she laughed. In that moment all her worries were on hold. It was just the two of them. “I’m in danger of beginning to believe you.”

“I don’t tell you enough.” The look he gave her made her heart skip.

If only she could stay and make this all real. She pushed the thought firmly away. She intended to enjoy the fantasy of today.

“You, Mr Drummond, look exceedingly handsome.” She gave him a deliberate top to toe once over, taking in the soft casual shirt and form-fitting pants, finally coming back to his eyes.

“That’s the first time you’ve commented on my looks,” he said wryly. “You’ve called me names, but I’ve never received a compliment.”

“Are you fishing for one?” she laughed.

“No, but I do wonder how you feel about me.”

I love you.

“I was wrong about you. You’re kind and considerate, and I owe you an apology.” She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.

“And…”

“You’re damned good in bed.”

“Is that all?”

She didn’t respond. Inside she knew what he wanted to hear but she couldn’t say it.

He looked at her with a small smile as if he could see the reality on her face. He dipped his head to her ear and brushed her lobe with his lips.

“Claire Bretton, I love you,” he said softly. “One day you are going to love me too.”

Chapter Five

TEVIS

He led Claire up to the fifth floor and then on to separate stairs which led to the roof. The door was already open ready for the guests to be led through. They were early, just as he intended, and there was no one else around.

Claire hadn’t said a word since his declaration but she hadn’t resisted when he took her hand. Tevis knew she was holding back. Time was running out and he couldn’t let her go. No way was she going to leave if he could help it. He didn’t know why he’d suddenly told her, perhaps to give her something to latch on to. A reason to stay by his side.

It wasn’t enough. He knew it. Not enough to love her and not be loved back.

“Close your eyes,” he said quietly.

Claire complied without comment. That was a first. He led her out onto the roof garden and positioned her in the centre of the area for the wedding.

“Stay there and keep your eyes closed.”

He went back to the entrance and flicked a switch. His Claire stood like a vision in the middle of the floor as the lights danced their way around the elaborate set.

He swallowed the lump in his throat and smiled. “You can open your eyes now.”

***

CLAIRE

“It’s a fantasy garden.” Her words came out in a whisper. It seemed like sacrilege to speak the words louder.

“Sort of,” Tevis smiled back. “A secret garden, Ellie’s favourite childhood fantasy.”

“Oh Tevis, she’s going to love it.” Already Claire was itching to take photographs. She swung around taking it all in.

The floor was laid with grass and bamboo screens cut off the view of the rest of London. Lavishly decorated with flowers, miniature trees and flickering lights, the whole set was a delight to the senses. In the centre was a small stage, and to one side a row of instruments and bamboo furniture and cushions were scattered around.

She lifted her camera and turned to Tevis. “Can I take some photographs now?”

“That’s why I brought you up here,” he grinned.

For the next twenty minutes, she took a multitude of shots while Tevis watched her from a seat in the corner. There were surprises everywhere—including tiny crystal fairies and treasure maps with keys, along with little dishes of rose petals to use as confetti. Claire lost herself in her world of photography and only resurfaced as the first guests arrived. From that point onward she focused on candid shots of friends and family as the rooftop garden filled with people.

Boyd was the last to arrive and Tevis joined him on the small stage to wait for the bride. The registrar stood to one side and everyone turned expectantly to the entrance as music played gently in the background. Claire didn’t recognise the male singer on the track but the song was one of Ellie’s. Several of the guests looked at Boyd, who was grinning.

“Son, I didn’t know you had a singing voice,” Charles Drummond muttered from the side.

“Shush, Dad, you’re ruining the romantic effect,” Boyd barked back as laughter rippled through the guests.

Ellie entered the rooftop on the arm of her father, a look of wonder and a wide smile filling her face. Her gaze fell on Boyd and Claire knew that for her, in those few seconds, there was no one else there.

Ellie was utterly beautiful in a finely embroidered full-length dress. Her hair was artfully arranged so that blond tendrils fell around her long slender neck. Boyd took her hand and the ceremony began.

What was it about weddings that made people cry? Claire had never experienced the deep emotions that filled her as she watched the couple make their vows. She hadn’t been to a wedding since she was a child and certainly not to one as romantic and simple as this. The whole scene before her became a rippled watery view as she fought back the tears.

Then everyone was smiling and laughing as Boyd swung Ellie into his arms and kissed her. Claire snapped away capturing every moment.

The partying went on for hours. Waiters moved among those on the rooftop serving drinks and food. On the floor below them, there were more rooms set out for the guests to relax in.

Claire went down to take more photographs and as she passed a window, dismay replaced her happiness. From behind the gauze curtains, she looked out to the street below at around twenty photographers and journalists lining the pavement opposite. She stepped back bumping into the firm body of Charles Drummond. He caught her and straightened her up.

“It's been a long time since a young woman fell for me,” he chuckled.”

“I’m sorry, I should look where I’m going,” Claire responded, her face turning red.

“You have nothing to apologise for Claire. I was being nosey, trying to see what you were looking at.” He glanced over her shoulder. “Not a nice lot.”

“No,” she responded. She had no idea how much Charles Drummond knew.

“Tevis has come up with an idea for getting Boyd and Ellie out of the house for their honeymoon.”

It sounded as though Charles was assuming the paparazzi were there for information on Eloise Grace.

“He has?” she responded, glad that Charles hadn’t connected them with her.

“We’ve all damned well got to get dressed up. Not you—you’re staying here.” He glanced out of the window again. “Fancy dress,” he grunted. “We’ll be driven out of the security entrance totally unrecognisable in makeup and costume.”

“Hidden in plain sight,” she responded with a smile. “Very clever.”

“Yes, Ellie will be right in the middle of us all…” he waved his hand at the window, “…and that gang of reprobates won’t have a clue.”

He took her arm and tucked it through his. “Come away from the window and don’t let them spoil your day.” He led her back up the stairs to the roof garden.

As the afternoon moved into early evening the mood changed to relaxation. The lighting was subtly dipped to a soft blue tone and the guests took it turns to pick up an instrument and play tunes. Some tunes were simply a strumming along to popular songs. Other guests were more accomplished players. Every now and then, Ellie would enchant everyone with renditions of her favourite songs.

Claire was stroking the neck of one of the guitars as Tevis stepped up to her side with a glass of wine in his hand for her. She took it with a smile and put the glass to her lips for a small sip.

“Do you play?”

“I used to.” She traced a finger down the polished wood. “It’s been a long time since I last touched a guitar.”

Tevis took the glass from her hand and placed it on a low wall and she looked at him with surprise as he picked up the instrument and offered it to her.

“Here, have a go.”

“I don’t know if I’ll remember.”

“Claire, you saw my attempt,” he growled. “Anything would be better than my version of
 
Wild Thing
.

She grinned wickedly but didn’t say anything. He’d been awful. Boyd had joined in and made it even worse.

“Look...” he cocked his head at the other guests chatting in small groups, “...they’re too engrossed to notice what you’re doing.”

She took the guitar from his hands and sat on the low wall where he’d put her wine glass. Her fingers danced carefully over the strings, as she listened to the notes resulting from her tentative exploration. She looked up at Tevis.

“Go on,” he encouraged, taking a seat next to her. “Play something for me.”

Claire started picking her way through the melody of
 
Moon River
. She was hesitant at first, but Tevis nodded at her—encouraging her to continue. Shyly she closed her eyes and lost herself in the memories of the music.

She had no idea how long she played, the tunes came tumbling out. Some made her smile, others brought a little sadness. She continued plucking at the strings until she realised the only sound she could hear was that of her playing. Slowly she opened her eyes as the last notes of her favourite song tumbled from her fingers.

Everyone was watching her.

“Claire, that was beautiful,” Ellie was sat at her feet, leaning against Boyd. “I didn’t know you could play.”

“I only play for my own entertainment—I haven’t done it for a long time.” Claire placed the guitar back on its stand.

“You should play more.” Tevis was looking at her oddly. “You go to another place when you do.”

She shrugged her shoulders and retrieved her wine glass.

“I didn’t recognise most of those songs,” Ellie queried. They’re beautiful. They’re not pop songs.”

“My father wrote them.” She fiddled with the fine crystal stem.

“Including the last one?”

“Yes.” She looked away, she had no idea why she’d played it.

“What’s it called?”

“
Claire’s Lullaby
.”

Chapter Six

TEVIS