The Billionaire's Terms: Prison Or Passion (11 page)

“Yes,” Alicia said, rubbing suddenly sweaty palms down the sides of her jeans. The store was beautiful with clothes just as amazing as the last time she’d gone shopping with Adam.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Morgan,” the woman said. “I’m Nancy and Mr. Meyers called and asked me to help you select some outfits.”

 

“I’m not sure…” she started to say, worried that there had been some mistake.

“Don’t worry about anything,” Nancy said reassuringly. “I understand what the weekend entails and I’ve already selected some outfits for your review. But if none appeal to you, there are many more.” Nancy was efficiency personified. “If you’ll come this way, I’ve arranged for a private room for you,” she said.

Alicia couldn’t think of anything else to say. She followed Nancy through the store, her hungry, fashion starved gaze caressing the lovely outfits sitting on the racks or mannequins as she walked through the store. She longed to reach out and touch the incredible fabrics but didn’t want to be obvious about her naiveté towards this kind of shopping.

“Here we are. I hope you don’t mind but I’ve requested tea for you as well,” she explained, her hand waving over a silver tea set. “Why don’t you take a seat and I’ll bring out some of the outfits so you can choose which you’d like to try on first.”

This was a completely different shopping experience than Alicia had ever had in her life. Usually, she had to go through the sales racks and mix and match jackets or blouses to find something that looked tailored and professional for work. Most of the clothes were out of season as well.

“Here we go,” Nancy said and brought out several outfits.

Alicia was in heaven. She sipped strong tea while shirts, tops, evening gowns and day clothes were brought out for her, all in her size. Alicia chose several quickly but Nancy wouldn’t let her stop with only what was needed for the weekend. She explained that several alternative outfits were requested since the weekend was to be free of restrictions.

With Nancy’s help, three hours later, Alicia was the excited owner of several sophisticated, beautiful new outfits including a figure hugging evening gown in soft green that wrapped around her waist, creating a suggestive V, then flowing out to a graceful waterfall of chiffon and another of a sleek, black silk strapless dress that didn’t reveal anything but her arms and shoulders but held her figure lovingly. It would be exciting to wear both dresses, as well as the other outfits that were masterpieces of design and fabric engineering.

“Might I also suggest a quick trip to the salon?” Nancy said smoothly. “Perhaps a slight trim to get your hair into a sleeker style?”

 

Alicia eyed her hair which was pinned up on her head right at the moment. “Oh, I don’t think Adam would pay for something like that,” she said.

“I think if it was the right style, he’d like it,” she suggested. “We won’t cut it short, just shape it slightly. I’m sure George could add a touch of color as well. Nothing too dramatic but just enough to enhance the natural shine. What do you say?”

Alicia bit her lower lip. What Nancy was suggesting sounded wonderful but could she? Should she?

Two hours later, Alicia was weighed down with bags that were quickly loaded into the trunk of the long, black car, her hair styled so that it curled softly around her shoulders.

As soon as she walked into the penthouse, she knew that Adam was there. She could feel him when he was near and that feeling alone scared her. What would happen in a few weeks? Would she become addicted to the man? But how could she? The man hated her. He considered her no better than a criminal, or worse, a prostitute since he was having her pay off her debt in bed. But there was no getting around the fact that her body wanted him and her heart was completely tuned to him on so many levels.

A moment later, he walked out of the bedroom and looked up from the newspaper he had been reading. His eyes widened slightly, then narrowed as he took in her whole appearance. His perusal was stunned as he looked at her hair, her tee-shirt that didn’t have threadbare areas and the slim fitting khakis that she’d worn home from the store instead of her usual well-worn jeans that she’d owned for the past five years.

“Do you like it?” she asked, one hand reaching up to touch her newly styled hair. That was the part that made her the most nervous, she knew. He’d only given her permission to buy new clothes. What would he say about the extra expense? She decided to get it out in the open, free herself from his painful gaze. “I’m sorry about the expense. The lady at the store recommended it but you obviously don’t like it and I’m sorry I spent your money on something other than clothes,” she said, her shoulders sagging. “I’ll go put these away,” she said, trying to lift her spirits up.

“No,” his one, harsh word stopped her. “I like it.” He walked away, tossing the newspaper onto the sofa as he passed to the bar. He poured himself a large glass of bourbon and tossed it back, hissing as the liquid burned down his throat. “You’ll need to pack that stuff up. We leave in fifteen minutes.”

Alicia nodded quickly and hid her eyes. Otherwise, he’d see the anger flashing in them. She didn’t really want to get into an argument with him. He didn’t seem like he was in a good mood and she was so she just left him standing there, fuming silently as she went into the bedroom and pulled out her old, beaten up suitcase.

Adam watched Alicia walk to the bedroom. He’d noticed the flash of anger and almost smiled. Almost. His humor was washed away as he watched her walk, his body instantly responding to the gentle sway of her hips, the graceful glide. Her shoulders were back and her head held high and he wanted to call out and apologize. But he didn’t trust himself.

Dammit! The moment she’d walked into the room, he’d wanted to pin her down to the sofa and make love to her. And then he’d noticed her hair. He had no idea what she’d done to it but it looked sexy as hell! He had enough trouble concentrating and she had to go and do something to pretty herself up even more? Was she just teasing him? Did she know the effect she had on him and wanted to punish him?

No woman would have that kind of power over him, he told himself. He would just have to gain some self-discipline around her. And that had to start right now. He poured himself another glass of bourbon and swallowed it quickly, hoping the pain would snap his mind out of the funk it had been in since he’d walked into the penthouse and she hadn’t been there.

He’d been angry, he realized suddenly. Over the past month, he’d become used to the idea of Alicia being here when he came home. Even if it was late at night, he still liked to smell her as he slipped under the sheets, cover his body with hers. Some nights, he had the intention of only holding her while he fell into an exhausted sleep. But as soon as he touched her soft, silken skin, his body would not allow him to leave her in sleep. He had to possess her, put his stamp on her. She was like a drug. And he had no intention of trying to find a cure.

Forget the idea of gaining some discipline around her. What he needed to do was work her out of his system.

 

“Are you ready to go?” he called out.

She appeared in the doorway, lugging her suitcase behind her. “Put that down,” he snapped, walking quickly over to her and taking the heavy case out of her hands. “Bill will take care of that,” he snapped. Just the smell of her hair, all soft and smelling like flowers, made him harden painfully. He wanted to just sink his fingers into her hair and his body into her softness. But he held back. He was looking forward to having her relatively alone for the weekend. He wasn’t concerned about her being with his friends at his country house. She would behave or she’d pay for it. And he’d watch her like a hawk. If she even tried to steal one thing, he’d….

Adam didn’t know what he’d do but he vowed he’d keep her out of trouble.

 

“Let’s go,” he said and walked out the door. Bill appeared a moment later and picked up their suitcases. He followed Adam and Alicia out the door and into the car.

The drive to his country house was done in almost complete silence. For two hours, Alicia stared out of the window in the back of the long, sleek car and watched the countryside pass by while she listened to Adam conduct business on the phone beside her. Despite her anger with him, she was impressed with the extent of his knowledge. He seemed to be able to recall facts and figures off the top of his head and he went through endless calls on various subjects. Most of the subjects she had no idea what he was talking about.

When Bill turned the corner into a long driveway, Alicia gasped in surprise. Adam’s country house wasn’t what most people would call a house. It was more along the lines of an estate! The gracious looking mansion with the weathered stones was out of some sort of historical romance novel, complete with turrets on both ends and pointed windows on three stories. The structure was massive and elegant, just like Adam himself.

“Ready?” Adam asked when she didn’t get out of the car immediately.

 

Alicia jumped and pulled herself forward. “Yes, I’m sorry,” she gasped, opening the door before Bill had a chance to do it himself.

Adam didn’t show her around. Instead, he led her up the long, winding stair case, right into the large, master bedroom. Alicia stood there while Bill placed their cases beside the bed.

“I took the liberty of phoning ahead and Lord and Lady Marshall have already arrived,” he said, before backing out of the room.

 

“Lord and Lady Marshall?” Alicia asked, awed and suddenly nervous.

Adam glanced back at her and immediately noticed the anxiety in her eyes. “Yes. They’re my friends who are staying here this weekend.” He walked over to her and kissed her hard. “I guess that means we should go greet them instead of letting me show you around the house. I’ll show you around later, eh? And I’ll end with the bed over there.”

Alicia’s knees were already weak as he touched her lips, his hand skimming over her back and ribs to rest just under her breasts. “I guess so,” she gasped.

 

“What would you rather do?” he asked, dipping his head to nibble on her throat.

Alicia wanted to yell at him for ignoring her so completely for the past two hours, working during the entire drive and being completely inconsiderate. brushing against her skin, nibbling on her earlobe, she couldn’t argue. think except to wonder about the amazing things he could make her body feel. But with his lips She could barely

The voice came from a distance but it was booming nonetheless. “Meyers! Break up whatever you’ve been doing and get down here!”

 

Alicia jumped slightly but Adam only lifted his head and sighed heavily.

“A friend of yours?” Alicia asked, embarrassed that her voice sounded husky and uneven. She tried to take a step backwards, put a little space between their bodies but he wouldn’t let her.

“Not anymore,” he growled.

 

“Meyers! I know you’re here. I just saw Bill leave so come on down!” the voice boomed again.

 

Alicia laughed softly. “I don’t think we’re going to get any peace until you show yourself.”

 

Adam rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed again. “What was I thinking to invite them for the weekend?” he asked rhetorically.

 

“I gather they aren’t close friends?” she asked tentatively.

Adam shook his head. “Actually, they are two of my best friends. I just don’t want them around right at this moment,” he replied. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back and took her hand. “But I guess there’s no way out of it at this point in the game. We’d better head downstairs or they’ll come up looking for us. At least Gary will. Eleanor has more manners than to intrude.”

Alicia laughed again, thrilled with the frustration she could see in his eyes. It felt wonderful to know that she had put that frustration there. For the past two weeks, she had felt like a puppet guided by his strings. Each time he touched her, she was his willing partner. And now, he was showing her that she wasn’t the only one. Well, at least at this moment in time. He’d be back in control soon, she wagered. Adam wasn’t the kind of man that would allow anyone to have control for very long.

She felt a warm glow come over her as he led her down the stairs. This time, he didn’t put a proprietary hand at the small of her back. He wasn’t demanding something from her either. He was guiding her down the stairs with his fingers laced through hers, as if he really wanted her company.

“It’s about time, old man,” the deep, booming voice said as they rounded the corner and entered a large, beautifully decorated great room.

The room had two story stone walls that could be intimidating but because of a decorator’s gentle and creative touch, the atmosphere was cozy and intimate. Alicia instantly fell in love with the room as well as the amazing view out of the windows that lined one wall of the great room. The cliffs of Dover were spectacular. The waves were crashing against the cliffs in the distance and farther out, she could see the wind whipping the water into white frothy tops. She’d heard about the cliffs but had never had the chance to come out and see them before.

“Nice view, huh?” a soft, feminine voice said from beside her.

 

Alicia tore her eyes away from the windows and looked at the woman next to her. She was stunning!

The woman extended her hand towards Alicia and smiled. “I’m Eleanor. And this obnoxious brute is my husband, Gary. I’m assuming you are Alicia, am I correct?” she asked, her expression filled with genuine friendliness.

“Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Alicia said, taking the other woman’s proffered hand. “And you’re right, the view is amazing.”

 

“I couldn’t agree with you more. I keep asking Gary to buy this place off of Adam but you’re man is just selfish and won’t even discuss a price.”

 

“Can’t put a price on relaxation, Eleanor,” Adam said, engulfing the woman in a gentle hug.

Alicia stepped back and tried to hide the jealousy that coursed through her mind and body when Adam touched the beautiful woman. But Eleanor caught the look and smiled reassuringly.

“I think the boys are off to play a round of tennis. How about if we grab ourselves a couple of cold drinks and head for the pool, Alicia?” she suggested, moving to stand by her husband and put a hand on his arm.