Yours Completely: A Cinderella Love Story (Billionaires and Brides #1) (45 page)

I had never felt like this before. It was a pleasure so deep that I wasn't sure how either one of us was going to survive without it.

He rolled to his side, tucking me into the nook of his shoulder. His arms encircled me, wrapping me in his warmth and protection. I was safe here. I would always be safe with him.

I closed my eyes, feeling sleep coming to finally claim me from the stresses of the day. Bastian's breaths were a soothing melody that was drawing me into calm serenity. I knew this couldn't last. He was a billionaire and I wasn't part of his world. But, even knowing that, a spot of warmth settled in behind my breastbone and didn't leave even as I drifted off.

I
entered the details for the last painting in the room into my tablet. I needed to turn on a light, but the light from the hallway was just enough for me to finish. The appraisal was going faster than I had anticipated, which was wonderful. It meant I could justify spending time with Bastian without feeling guilty about not working.

This was supposed to be a job. Except it was so much more than that now. This was a vacation, a job, and something else. A romance? A fling? I didn't know what to call what was going on between Bastian and me. I just knew that I was enjoying it.

I still felt a little guilty about my father, but being ahead on my work even helped with that as well. I had continued to receive updates from him, the nurses, and even Jackie. Everyone promised he was doing just fine and that I had nothing to worry about, but I still felt like I had abandoned my father to hook up in the Caribbean. I knew that wasn't true, but it still nagged at me. Working helped that feel better.

The small hairs on the back of my neck tingled, telling me that someone was watching me. Turning slowly, I found Bastian leaning against the door frame. He filled the doorway, both in presence and body. His lean muscles were tight under a dress shirt with a tie and dark slacks that accented the wonderful curve of his ass.

“Are you spying on me?” I asked, grinning playfully.

He stepped forward, walking into the room and making my heart start to speed up. I loved the way he moved. “You get this little line, right here,” he said, gently touching my forehead with one of his fingers. “It's quite charming.”

I couldn't help but blush a little and smile. He stepped closer, putting his hands on my neck, preparing to draw me in for a kiss. His arms flexed, showing me his muscles. I loved those muscles.

“But, I do think I like it better when you smile,” he said softly, soliciting another smile. “Yes, I definitely like it better when you smile. It's close, though.”

“I like it best when you smile,” I replied. I loved the way his hands felt on me. I pressed my palms against his chest, feeling the rock hard pecs underneath.

“Really?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. He smelled so damn good. I didn't know how anyone could smell so wonderful.

“Your whole face lights up,” I whispered. My heart was fluttering. Every nerve in my body screamed for his touch. He leaned forward and pausing just above my lips. I held perfectly still, smiling as he hovered just millimeters from kissing me. “It's absolutely breathtaking.”

It was hard to think of anything but his hands on me. The way his fingers caressed my skin and how he seemed able to elicit pleasure from just looking at me properly. I pressed my hips against his, asking but not taking.

“Though, there's another face that I think you like just as much,” I whispered, watching his lips. They were so perfect. Full, yet masculine.

“And which one is that?” he asked, his perfect mouth curving into a curious smile.

“This one,” I replied, making the most ridiculous “O” face I possibly could before dissolving into a fit of giggles.

“I do not look like that,” he said, his face stern and serious. It made me laugh even harder. He shrugged. “I guess I'll just have to prove it to you”

He released me and undid the top button of his shirt, loosening his tie in the process.

“Right here?” I asked, looking around the room. There was a small lounge chair and a writing table from the 18
^th
century, but most of the room was dedicated to the art on the walls.

“Why not?” he purred, unbuttoning each button one at a time. I gasped a little when he slid the shirt from his shoulders. I loved how broad they were and how strong every inch of him was. The suit was nice, but naked was even better.

“I guess it
is
still your house,” I whispered, my mouth watering at the sight of his body. He was all strong lines and sinew. Every inch of him radiated strength and desire.

“Damn straight,” he agreed. His voice was low and hungry. His eyes shone with want.

Heat skittered through my belly, then directly south. The confidence in his voice only turned up the flame from slow burn to forest fire.

He dipped his head and let his lips slide along my throat, igniting yet more flames along the sensitive skin. Bastian paused at the delicate hollow of my throat, right where my pulse was beating out his name. He nipped at my collarbone, sending a tremor of sheer desire straight through my core.

I arched my hips, begging him for more. I needed more. I didn't care where we were anymore. I didn't care about the work or the 18
^th
century furniture. All I knew was that I needed him. I needed him more than I had ever needed anyone.

That alone surprised me.

I had never craved Chad this way. I had never felt this alive with anyone. Bastian had the ability to turn me on with just a glance. The way he looked at me... I knew he wanted me as much as I wanted him.

As he nibbled on my shoulder, pausing only for a moment to draw my shirt up and over my head, I realized I was falling for him. And falling hard. It wasn't just the sex, though what he was currently doing to me was making it hard to think of anything else.

It was how he made me feel.

Safe. Wanted. Perfect.

I closed my eyes, reveling in his arms. I was falling for him. I was falling for the billionaire.

A billionaire.

“Something wrong?” Bastian asked, pulling back, his eyes dark with lust and want. I had frozen without meaning to. He was a billionaire. I couldn't be falling for him. I shouldn't be falling for him. It was like falling for a prince, and I was no Cinderella. There was no way I would ever fit in his billionaire world.

I shook my head, pushing the dark thoughts aside. “No, keep going,” I murmured, arching my hips into his again. My body didn't want him to stop and was urging my mind to follow along.

“You taste so good,” he murmured, running his tongue along the ridge of my collarbone. Uncontrollable fires of need raged within me. I focused my attention on Bastian, ignoring the emotions rolling around inside of me.

Right now, Bastian wanted me. Here, on this island, in this room, he wanted me. I didn't know how long this feeling could last, but I knew I couldn't waste this moment. For today, I just wanted to think about how he made me feel. To enjoy this moment, even knowing that I wasn't worthy of it.

I didn't know why he would want me. Just that he did.

And for now, that was enough.

I
'm sorry, baby. I was an idiot. I love you. Don't be like this. Please call me.

Delete email.

I stared at my laptop screen. Whatever Chad and I had once had, it wasn't love. I could see that now. I had been in love, but looking back I didn't think he had been. He had wanted something from me, and I hadn't been able to give it to him.

I sighed and changed tabs to check my myFace.

Chad Malin lists you as in a relationship. Do you accept?

No. Delete. Again.

I scrolled through my news feed, seeing pictures of friend's babies and puppies and the occasional funny cartoon. Dad had posted that I was coming home today with a smiley face. Jackie had liked it.

A news article on Kindling Romance scrolled up. The picture showed all three of the handsome owners smiling for the camera in front of their New York office. I smiled back at Bastian and clicked on the article.

It was just an update on the launch of their new dating app. The news article claimed that it would change the dating game yet again, and I almost believed it. If Bastian was involved, he was certainly a game-changer.

I read to the end and saw a related article.
Who is Billionaire Sebastian Belrose?

My mouse hovered over the link as I considered clicking it. I knew who Sebastian Belrose was. He was the wonderful man I had just finished paddle-boarding out on the ocean with. I had just spent the last week having the most amazing time with him. Sebastian Belrose protected me and treated me like I was special. I didn't need a clickbait article to tell me that.

I clicked on it anyway. I couldn't help myself.

The article was full of useless speculation. It seemed that very few people actually knew the real Sebastian Belrose. He had managed to keep the major secrets of his life out of the public, letting Gabe and Leo have the spotlight.

Model turned actress, Anastasia Nichols and billionaire Sebastian Belrose were thought to be an item last year, but have since been seen with other people.

A picture of Bastian and the most beautiful woman I had ever seen filled my screen. The two of them were obviously on a date at some sort of fancy restaurant. She had on the most amazing, form-fitting, red dress and her hand was resting on his arm. The picture had him caught in mid-laugh from whatever clever thing the stunning woman had to say.

I looked up at my reflection in the wall mirror, noting how I appeared nothing like the supermodel in the photo.

My hair was a disaster as I hadn't brushed it yet after our morning paddle-board session. In fact, there was even a piece of seaweed still lodged in it from when I fell in the water. I hadn't showered yet, so I hadn't put on any makeup. My nose was sunburned and freckles had started to pop up on my cheeks.

I wasn't anything close to a model. Why would he even bother with me? I wasn't anything spectacular.

My computer binged as an email arrived. I clicked to check it, thinking it might be an important update from Dad, only to find it another message from Chad.

We are perfect for one another. You know you'll never do better than me. Please give me another chance. I miss you. I know you miss me.

I hesitated to delete it, reading it twice more before finally hitting the delete button. I flipped back to the article on Sebastian, looking at the perfect woman that was making him laugh. He was so handsome and the two of them made an amazing looking couple. They would have beautiful children. Besides, looking at their elegant surroundings, I would never fit in there.

Maybe Chad was right. Maybe he was the best I could have hoped for. I looked in the mirror again and saw another piece of seaweed.

Bastian deserved someone better than me. He deserved someone who could fit in his world and complement him. I would never be able to wear that red dress without being incredibly self conscious and having to adjust it every two seconds. The woman in the picture didn't appear to have that problem.

I sighed and closed the window. I needed a shower.

***

I
followed the smell of bacon into the kitchen. Bastian was busy mixing something in a bowl while bacon hissed and sputtered on the stove behind him. He had showered and shaved, but was wearing just a t-shirt and shorts. He smiled as he saw me come in.

“Ready for breakfast?” He held up the bowl. “I'm making waffles.”

I went to the coffee pot, pouring another cup. This was the last day of this tranquil domestic scene. The last day I would have this coffee mug and the last time Bastian would make me waffles. I didn't want this dream to end.

“I can't wait,” I told him, smiling and sipping at my coffee. He grinned and poured the first waffle into the waffle iron.

“You want to make the eggs?” he asked. “Yours are better than mine.”

I smiled at the compliment and went to the fridge to pull out the eggs. I was going to miss this.

“You're awfully quiet,” Bastian noted, checking his waffle before flipping the iron. “You okay?”

I pushed the butter around the skillet, watching it melt and change into something else.

“I leave in a few hours,” I said finally, my heart aching at just saying the words. I didn't want to leave, but I had to get back to my life. I had to get back to Dad. He was getting a pacemaker and I needed to be there for him. I had responsibilities and I couldn't stay in the Caribbean playing happy honeymoon forever.

“I know.” Bastian's voice held as much sadness as mine did.

“What happens next?” I asked. I cracked an egg, watching it sizzle in the butter before I mushed the yolk into a yellow mess. I turned around slowly to watch him.

“What do you mean?” Bastian removed his first waffle and put it on a plate. It was a perfect golden brown. He added more batter to the iron.

“What happens with us, Bastian?”

It was one of the few things we hadn't discussed this past week. We both had silently agreed to avoid it, finding other topics far more interesting. Our time together had been better than either one of us could remember, but we both knew that talking about it meant that it would come to an end. Except, even without discussing it, it was still ending.

“I don't know.” He ran a hand through his hair, spiking the still damp golden-brown tresses up. “I don't want to lose you, though.”

I turned around, focusing on stirring the eggs. I knew what had to be done. What had to be done to keep us both from making promises we couldn't keep.

“I think we should just end it.”

“What?” Bastian's voice cracked slightly.

I turned the heat down on the eggs and turned around, biting my lip. This needed to be done. I was giving him his life back because I wouldn't fit in it. I never would have fit.

“I have to go back home,” I said slowly. “You have to go back to New York. I can't work in NY. You can't work in my tiny town.”

“We could find a way,” he insisted. He set down the bowl of waffle batter.