Shades of Step Billionaire (6 page)

Jeremy clicked on his phone and reread the text:

Jeremy-

I’m sorry.  I need some time alone.

-Olivia

He couldn’t count how many times he had read that email over the course of the week, too many. Each time brought with it a fresh sting.  He sighed and tossed the phone into his gym bag. He sat down on the bench and began wrapping tape around his fingers. As he focused on the mundane task, his mind drifted back to the week before, the night she had disappeared from his place. He knew he shouldn’t have left the room to take that damn call. She was skittish, a flight risk. He should never have left her alone. A sinking feeling washed over him, just as it did that night after his phone call.  He had known she was gone even before he got back into the room.  He could feel it. The room was too quiet, too empty; the absence of her presence was palpable. He remembered crossing into the living room and searching for her. He checked the other rooms and found nothing. He knew had fucked up.

Fuck.

He leaned over the bench to tie his shoe, still lost in his thoughts of her. He couldn’t be mad at her for leaving, he knew it was a lot to take in, a lot to sort out. He just wished she had stayed so they could have talked things through together. At first, he considered going after her, chasing her down and making her listen to him, but he didn’t. Her text had come in shortly after she left, and he decided then to grant her request, and give her some time, space, but that had been over a week ago.  He had sent her one text midweek.

Olivia-

I haven’t heard from you. Contact me.

Jeremy

She never responded. He had spent the week checking obsessively for messages from her; but nothing. 
Why couldn’t he let her go?
If she were any other woman, he would have cut her lose days ago.  He didn’t chase women, they chased
him. Fuck.
He had never been in this situation before.
Infatuated.
He felt like a fucking school boy with a crush. The frustration had been building all week, and his patience was wearing thin. He was done letting her have the upper hand. He looked down at his shoe and realized he had still not tied the laces. Just then the locker room door opened.

“Yo Jeremy, let’s go!” a man’s voice yelled.

He stood up and pulled on his head gear, hastily fastening the strap.  He was late, again getting caught up in thoughts of her.  It happened a lot this week. His focus had been completely compromised. He couldn’t stop himself, couldn’t refrain from imagining, visualizing, fantasizing about her. He saw her face while giving presentations, her body while on the phone, her mouth open and craving while he wrote purchase agreements. She was everywhere, but nowhere. He stood up and slammed his locker shut, hard. Once out on the gym floor, he caught up with his sparring partner, Will.

“Hey man,” he said.

“Hey,” Will replied. Jeremy appreciated the minimal conversation. Will was a good trainer and sparring partner. He didn’t take it easy on him, he worked him,
hard
.  He had learned a lot from Will. Jeremy preferred to go to a public gym in the city instead of a privileged member’s only club that catered to spoiled rich men. Those clubs only pretended to teach you how to fight, but how could you really know how to spar if no one has the guts to clock you? He had lost respect for a lot of the guys who took the easy way at the pricy club. They showed up with a lot of bravado and tough talk but at the end of the day, they couldn’t fight, not really. Jeremy had searched out someone with experience, someone who could teach him, and someone who didn’t give a shit how much money he had. He found Will at a public gym in the city.  A former light weight and MMA fighter, he had the experience and toughness Jeremy was looking for.  Jeremy asked if Will would train him right away and they’ve worked together ever since.

Once in the ring, Jeremy danced and bobbed, avoiding jabs and throwing out a few punches of his own, but he was off his game.  Will’s glove came toward him causing him to duck, but not fast enough. He took a right hook to the head, followed by an upper cut. He stumbled and fell backward, landing on the rough canvass.

“Hey man, what’s going on with you tonight? I’ve never been able to kick your ass like this. Your head’s not in the game. Jeremy shook his head and stood up.

“I’m fine,” he lied.

“Bullshit,” he said.  Jeremy started to shuffle his feet again. Will danced up to him, eyeing him with a glint of knowing on his face. 

“I see how it is, women trouble,” Will smiled, tauntingly. Jeremy swung wildly at that. Will ducked, easily missing the punch. “See? You are totally off your game, dude,” he paused, dancing in front of Jeremy, ducking several jabs. “So what happened, did a female actually turn
you
down for once?  Turn tables on the playboy billionaire?” Will never brought up Jeremy’s wealth.  He was taunting him, baiting him to lose control.  It was a teaching moment, and even though Jeremy recognized it for what it was, he still fell for it. He swung again, wildly. Will side stepped his throw and got in a hook into Jeremy’s side.

“You’re just gonna wear yourself out with swings like that.  The
least
you could do is channel that frustration into your fight.  Make it work for you!” Jeremy focused on what Will was saying, trying to clear his head and focus his energy. Will cut left and Jeremy caught him with a hook, followed by a swift upper cut and a jab straight to the chest, causing Will to stumble backwards into the ropes. Will burst out laughing. “You’re a fast learner, that’s for sure.”

Jeremy hit the showers after their sparing session.  As he stood under the stream of warm water, he thought about what Will had said, to channel and focus his frustration. He realized that had been his mistake with Olivia. He had placed the ball in her court, which went completely against his nature. He was used to being the one in control, calling the shots. It was a new position for him to be waiting for somebody else’s decision.  It threw him off guard, off his game. He didn’t like it, and realized it was time to take back control.

Jeremy stepped out of the shower and toweled off, still thinking things through. If Olivia thought she’d gotten away from him for good, she was mistaken. It was time to go after her.  He knew her reservations, but he also knew the hunger in her eyes.  Her lust was real and there was no way he was going to let her fear or an artificial familial title get in the way of him claiming her as his own.  She belonged to him, she just needed him to convince her of that.  He slammed his locked shut with a new sense of resolve. Now that he had a plan to execute, he felt centered and focused again.

Olivia-

I’m coming to find you.
Tonight
.

-Jeremy

He stared at the text for a moment, wondering if it was too intimidating. He didn’t want to scare her, but he wanted to be direct.  He sighed. “No need to beat around the bush” he muttered as he hit send and pocketed his phone.
Let’s see how she responds to that.
His waiting period was over.
It was time for action.

By 8:30 pm he was rushing out of his building toward his car.  He had summoned his driver who was waiting by the curb. The driver nodded and opened his door as he jumped in the back of the black town car.  Jeremy stared at his phone display as he spoke to the driver. Now that he knew her name, getting her address had been easy.

“117 Maple Ave.”

“Yes, sir.”

He rode in silence, brooding about Olivia’s lack of communication. He knew he’d have a fight on his hands. She was stubbornly reluctant.  He’d have to convince her to give him a chance and to not worry about the fact that he was her stepbrother.  He understood why she would feel awkward about it, but he couldn’t understand why she would let that stop from doing something she wanted to do because of it.  He turned and stared out the window, formulating his approach.

Twenty minutes later his car turned onto Maple Street. It was an area where buildings had once fallen into disrepair and crime had risen, but recently had enjoyed revitalization. He had even considered buying some property in the area.  The car came rolling to a stop in front of a turn of the century brick apartment building. Jeremy got out and checked his watch.  It was nine o’clock.  He made his way into the building and jogged the stairs up to her apartment.  He was surprised to realize how excited he felt at the prospect of seeing her again.  His palms were actually sweaty and his pulse raced.
Like a fucking school boy.
He knocked on the door and waited.  Nothing. Frustrated, he debated his options.  He wasn’t going to give up this easily and was prepared to wait for her if necessary. As he headed back to his car, he punched in her number once more. The phone clicked and he heard the sound of a crowd in the background and glasses clinking, like at a restaurant or a bar.

“Olivia’s phone,” a girl’s voice said loudly into the phone.  Confused, Jeremy hesitated for a moment.

“Is Olivia there?” he asked.

“She’s in the bathroom right now,” she paused. “I’m Olivia’s friend, Claire. Are you a friend of hers?” Jeremy raked his fingers through his hair impatiently.

“Yes, we’re-,” he started, but was cut off.

“Ooh, Olivia hasn’t mentioned you before!” she said excitedly.  “You should come out and join us! We’re at The Corner Bar on Sixteenth Street” she squealed and then suddenly disconnected.  Jeremy looked at his phone, and debated calling back.  Instead, he hopped into his car.

“The Corner Bar on Sixteenth Street,” he commanded the driver as he slammed the door shut behind him.

Olivia’s hand shook as she read the text from Jeremy.

Olivia-

I’m coming to find you.
Tonight
.

-Jeremy

She knew she’d have to face him sooner or later, she just didn’t know what to say yet.  What could she say that didn’t sound ridiculous?
Yes, I’m infatuated with you dear stepbrother, and I want you to tie me up and spank me? Oh, god.
Why couldn’t he have been anyone else?  It wasn’t fair. The one person she could express herself freely to was off-limits. She knew Jeremy didn’t share her opinion, but he had
never
acknowledged their familial relationship. It made sense, given that, that it wouldn’t be an issue for him now.  She felt differently, though. His father had practically raised her. How could she do that to him? Have a sexual relationship with his son? And what if the press found out?  Jeremy was a well-known business man. Their relationship would certainly be fodder for the tabloids.  Would she be able to handle the public fall-out from that? What about her friends, what would they say? She sighed. She knew she shouldn’t be so focused on what other people thought.  Jeremy had a point when he said that their feelings were the only ones that mattered. For the most part, she agreed with that.  However, the practical side of her also knew that those other concerns would be stressors on them as individuals and as a couple.  Just then her phone chirped. It was Claire.

“Hey! Are we still meeting at The Corner Bar tonight? She asked. Olivia hesitated. 

“Yes, as long as Trent isn’t going to be there. Are you
sure
he won’t show up?” she asked.

“Yes, I told you he and the other guys are going to check out the new sports bar on Fifth Street and watch the game. You have no worries, it’ll just be you and me,” she said.

Olivia pursed her lips. She wanted to avoid Trent at all costs. As far as she was concerned, she
never
wanted to see him again.  “Okay, but you owe me one!”

“Deal!” Claire squealed into the phone.  She had begged Olivia to go the bar her friends had discovered recently.  Claire loved hanging out there, but Olivia had refused to step foot in it for fear of seeing Trent. After their last interaction, Olivia knew she should stay far away from anywhere he might turn up.  But, Claire was a good friend, and had asked her to go there several times before.  Olivia felt bad turning her town.  She suspected Claire was interested in someone at the bar, and wanted Olivia there as her wing-man. Fair enough, that’s what friends do.  She was happy to help along a budding romance, especially since her love life seemed so fucked up at the moment. It was nice to be able to focus on someone else.

“I’ll meet you there at 8:00pm,” she said.

At 8:00 Olivia stood in the entry way of the bustling bar.  Dark paneled wood was highlighted by brass details and neon signs.  The place reminded her of pictures she had seen of Irish bars and English pubs.  The staff all wore European soccer jerseys.   She surveyed the crowd, searching for Claire.  As she turned, she saw arms waiving at her from a booth in the corner. Clair had already gotten them a table.

“Over here!” she yelled.

Olivia smiled as she made her way toward the table. A young man, late twenties with blue eyes, sandy hair and an athletic build was sitting next to Claire smiling at her. “I knew it!” Olivia muttered to herself as she made her way over to them.  She had suspected Claire had a new man in her life. Her smile widened as she noticed how happy Claire looked. She also noticed her companion had his hand around her shoulders. “Hi!” she stared pointedly at Claire as she slid into the booth.  Claire beamed excitedly.

“Olivia, this is Vince. Vince, this is Olivia,” she said, gesturing a greeting. Vince held his hand out for Olivia.

“Nice to meet you,” he said. Olivia flashed her eyes at Claire, silently praising her for a good find.

“Nice to meet you, too,” she said.  Claire tipped back, finishing off a mug of beer. “Have you been here long?” she asked Claire.  Claire smiled sheepishly.

“About an hour, just long enough to have a couple of beers. They’re on special!” she smiled. Olivia nodded her head in understanding.  Claire was in her happy place. She’d had just enough beer to make her extremely friendly, social, and most of all
flirty
. Just then Vince stood.

“My break’s over. I better head back,” he said. He leaned over and kissed Claire while Olivia looked around the bar awkwardly trying not to stare. After he left Claire turned to Olivia.

“Isn’t he great?” she asked.  Olivia smiled.

“He seems nice.  How long have you been seeing him?” she asked.  Claire beamed.

“A few weeks, he’s a bartender here at night.  During the day he goes to school.  He’s working on his M.B.A.,” she said proudly.  She nodded to Vince at the bar and pointed to her empty beer mug and then held up two fingers, ordering for herself and Olivia.  Vince nodded and sent two beers over with a waitress. Claire smiled as she set the drinks on the table. Olivia could tell she was anxious to be alone and chat about Vince.  She leaned forward as the waitress left with a gleam in her eye.

“I’m going home with him tonight,” she whispered.

Olivia’s eyes widened and she grinned. “Does he know that?” she asked.

“Not yet.  I wore my new underwear from Victoria’s Secret, the red lace thong and matching bra!” Claire pulled the collar of her buttoned down shirt open and exposed the silky strap of a red bra. 

“Ooh la la!” Olivia said.  Claire and Olivia giggled as they watched Vince at the bar.  Olivia glanced at Claire as she looked after Vince with an expression of excitement on her face.  She was always impressed by Claire’s outgoing adventurous nature. She hoped she could one day be that free.  Olivia was thrilled to see Claire happy.  It had been a while since she had anyone special in her life.  She hoped it worked out for her. 

Claire and Olivia spent the next hour catching up on work, gossip and Vince.  Olivia didn’t say anything about Jeremy or the dating service, she couldn’t. She felt bad keeping things from her best friend, but she didn’t want to bring up the topic while she herself was so confused about it. Thinking about Jeremy again reminded her of his text. 

I’m coming to find you. Tonight.

Shivers ran down her spine at the thought of his words.  She didn’t have any idea what she was going to say if she saw him.
How can I resist him? I want him so badly.
Part of her wanted him to show up and take her. The thought of that alone was thrilling to her. He turned her on more than anyone else ever had.  Despite that temptation, she still knew it wasn’t right.  No matter what he said, he was off-limits to her.  Claire sighed and took a sip of her beer.
Maybe I’ll just hide out here with Claire until closing.
She figured he might stop by her house, but there was little chance he’d be there if she stayed out too late.
I’m such a coward.
She took a sip of beer and looked at Claire who was staring wistfully over at Vince.  Olivia grabbed her purse and slid out of the booth.

“I’ll be right back,” she said and headed for the ladies room.  After a brief trip to the bathroom, Olivia quickly returned to the table.  She smiled as she approached Claire in the booth. “Oh, good you have my phone.  I panicked when it wasn’t in my purse.”

Claire patted it coyly. “Safe and sound!” she grinned. At first was suspicious of the playful look in Claire’s eyes, it usually meant she was up to something. She probably changed her ring tone to something obnoxious or took a funny selfie. Before she could call her on it, Olivia was distracted as she saw three new beers sitting on the table. “You better slow down if you want to wait for Vince to get off work,” she warned as she slid back into the booth. 

“Uh, those aren’t mine,” Claire said.  Olivia’s heart sank as she caught sight of Claire’s worried expression.  A feeling of dread washed over her as Claire silently mouthed the words, ‘I’m sorry,’ just as Trent, Sam and Derek sat down.  They were all wearing the team jerseys they always wore when they watched sports.  They looked like typical sports fanatics, which is what they were. All three played football, but as a defensive lineman, Trent by far was the largest of the three.  He was tall, muscular, and beefy. When they first started dating, Olivia found his powerful form alluring, but now she found it simply intimidating.  Trent nudged her deeper into the booth, blocking her exit.

“Hey, Olivia,” he said, inching close to her.  He smelled like sweat and beer.  Olivia smiled nervously.  She didn’t want a scene, and she didn’t want to deal with Trent, especially when he had been drinking.  It had been months since she had seen him. She looked closer. He was bigger, thicker, and more muscular than she remembered.  She wondered if the rumors about him taking steroids were true.

“Hi, Trent,” she said weakly.  Her brain scrambled to think of an excuse to leave. If she wasn’t careful, he’d cause a scene. Panicked, she glanced over at Claire who shrugged her shoulders and gave her a look of sympathy. “I though you guys were watching the game at the new sports bar,” Claire asked. Trent shrugged.

“Nah, that place sucked, we bailed,” he said as he grabbed a handful of pretzels from the bowl on the table. He dropped half of them as he tossed them into his mouth.  Then he tossed back half his beer in three gulps. Derek and Sam both laughed nervously.

“Trent got thrown out,” Derek said.

“Shut up!” Trent motioned aggressively with his arm to Derek who pursed his lips closed.  It didn’t matter.  Olivia didn’t need to hear anymore.  She knew what Trent was like when he drank.  He was looking for a fight.

“Come on, man.  Let’s see if the dart board is available,” Sam motioned to Derek.  The two disappeared into the crowd.  As they walked away, Trent inched toward Olivia in the booth.

“I want to talk to you,” Trent said, leaning in close to Olivia, “privately.”  Olivia tensed inside as Trent placed his hand possessively on the back of her neck. His eyes were glazed over which happened whenever he drank too much.  Olivia knew she had to get away from him.  He was volatile.  She thought about making an excuse and announcing that she would be leaving, but Trent might offer to escort her home.  Better to just slip out unnoticed first chance she could get.  She just had to be careful that Trent didn’t see her leaving the bar.  Luckily, before she could even respond, Derek and Sam rushed up to the table again.

“Dude, the dart board is open,” Derek said.  Trent whipped his neck around toward Derek.

“Grab it!” he ordered.  The three grabbed their beers and rushed off for the dart board.  Before leaving the booth, Trent grabbed Olivia and planted a kiss on her before she could even turn away. “Wait here for me, we’ll talk later,” he said and then took off toward his friends.  Olivia wiped her mouth let out a heavy sigh as he walked away, relieved to have some space.

“He doesn’t seem to understand that you two broke up. That’s creepy,” Claire flashed her eyes.

“Yeah, I don’t think tonight’s a good night to remind him, either.” Olivia said.  Her thoughts drifted back to the phone conversation she had with Trent the other night that had ended with him screaming obscenities at her.  She hated to admit it, but he was scaring her. “Claire, I’m going to go.  Will you do me a favor and distract him if he looks for me?  If I can make it to the subway station without him catching up, I’ll be home free,” Olivia said as she pulled on her jacket.  Claire nodded.

“Sure, no problem.  Look, I’m sorry he showed up.  I thought for sure they wouldn’t be here tonight, but I’m glad you got to meet Vince,” she said.  Olivia’s eyes widened.

“Vince is very nice, and very cute.  Have fun tonight!” she said and gave Claire a quick hug. Olivia kept her head low as she moved toward the exit, trying to be discrete. The entrance was about fifteen feet in front of her, and there were enough people standing around to give her a bit of cover as she snuck out.  Unfortunately, once outside, she’d have to cross in front of the bar which was all windows, on her way to the subway station.  The best she could do was to keep her face down as she walked and hope Trent didn’t see her. She glanced up at him as she approached the door to leave. He was just stepping up to the dart board.
Whew.
Relief flooded her and she pushed the door open and stepped into the twilight.

The streetlights had just come on as she quickly skirted along the sidewalk in front of the building.  She walked briskly, hoping to get past the wall of windows quickly.  As she neared the corner of the building, she let out a sigh and quickly glanced over her shoulder to make sure she hadn’t been followed.  The sidewalk behind her was empty, and no one was leaving the bar.  Elated, she quickened her pace, anxious to get onto her subway home. She turned her head just as her body suddenly slammed into something large.

“Oh!” Olivia exclaimed as the shock of impact reverberated through her skull. She shook her head, trying to regain her composure and felt strong hands grab her by the arms and pull her into the alley.  She didn’t need to see his face to know who had grabbed her, it was Trent.

“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” His face was inches from hers. He was pushing her deeper into the alley as he spoke, past crates and boxes and behind a dumpster.