My Billionaire Hot Kiss: My Billionaire Romance Series, #12

Click here to get my never released book Tempting for free

Chapter One

Marcus

Monday

The cold brisk air whipped past my cheeks as I shoved the door to my favorite coffee shop open. I loved the warmth of this building, the friendly staff, the rustic atmosphere, and most of all, the privacy I found here.

There weren’t many places I could go without someone recognizing me and demanding a selfie, so privacy was something I craved desperately. Being in the public eye was all right occasionally, but a lot of the time, it was a little overwhelming and I needed a break.

Still, all of that would change soon enough.

To be perfectly honest, I couldn’t wait.

Can I get a cappuccino, please? I asked while blowing on my fingers. I needed caffeine and quick. I had a lot going on today. I had all my packing to do, which was my own fault since I’d had plenty of time to prepare, but that was how I lived my life. Right on the edge of panic and stress all the time.

Sure, handsome...

Ooh... The sound of a sultry female voice was enough to pull me right out of my busy thoughts. If there was one thing that I loved more than anything else, it was a super-hot chick.

Well, hello there. The charm instantly filled my voice. I turned everything up as I ran my eyes over her deep curves, her gorgeous breasts, her plump lips that would look fantastic wrapped around my... You must be new here.

I am actually; I started yesterday. I’m super excited to be in London. Her enthusiasm, plus her accent, suggested to me that the bright lights of the big city had her blinded, which was perfect for me to pounce.

Oh, yeah, where are you from? I leaned on the counter and glanced up at her under my eyelashes. I’d always been told that my sparkly green eyes were my best asset – well, until they saw me naked, of course – so I liked to use them to my advantage.

Devon, actually. A country bumpkin. I like it. City girls had gotten a little boring recently, and they expected far too much from me. All I wanted was some fun – I didn’t need people to fall in love with me.

And, what brought you here? I reached out and brushed a stray hair from her cheek, causing her to visibly shiver. I am in here; it’s on. She definitely liked me, which was great news.

I needed a change. I didn’t think the town I came from was big enough for me. I wasn’t sure if the recognition had kicked in yet, but she was certainly into me in a big way. All it would take was a few choice words, and she’d be wrapped around me in a heartbeat...

Oh, hang on a second. At the sound of my phone, I tugged it out of my pocket and noticed my best friend’s name on the screen. I needed to talk to Cameron, so I’d have to put this on hold for just a moment. I just have to take this; I’ll be back in a minute. I sent her a killer smile, which would keep her on my hook for a while. Hey, Cam, how’s it going?

Just calling to check in. You all ready for tomorrow? His tone was lazy and casual, which summed him up exactly. I was the fiery one, the one who made things happen. It was what made us work so well as friends.

Yeah, I can’t get out of here soon enough. What’s the weather like in New York? It better be hotter than here.

Everywhere is hotter than England; you’ll be just fine. He paused for a second. So, are you still sure about this? You know you’ll be giving up a lot, right?

I’m sure! I need a change; I can’t wait for it.

Well, I’ll be at the airport waiting for you. What time does your plane land?

Seven. As I thought about setting foot on American soil, my heart jumped excitedly in my chest. This life wasn’t working for me any more – things had to be better there.

I look forward to it. My loft looks amazing on the website. I can’t wait to get there. This would be freedom like no other. Not only would I be able to escape my family, but I would have a life, as well. Maybe I’d be recognized a bit there, but it wouldn’t be anything like here.

Well, see you then, all right?

Yep.

As I clicked the phone off, I sat back in my seat for a second and thought about what it was going to be like. A massive smile spread across my lips. I was far more excited than I’d ever been before. The quicker I got out of here, the better.

Here’s your drink.

Oh, of course. My eyes flicked back up to the waitress, and I could tell by the way that she was biting down on her bottom lip that she was still good to go. There was a deep, dark desire behind her gaze, and I wanted to know more. She seemed like a sweetheart on the surface, but I bet she was an animal in bed.

So, when do you... get off? I smirked and wiggled my eyebrows suggestively, causing a pink twinge to color her cheeks.

Oh, my shift ends in fifteen minutes, if you wanted to... hang out?

There was an intense stirring in my underwear; my cock was excited for what was about to happen next. She’d be riding it in a moment, as soon as I got her home, which luckily was right around the corner. Yeah, that sounds great –

"What is going on?"

God damn it, am I ever going to catch a break here? Of course, this was way worse than a phone call from Cameron – this was my all-too-perfect older brother Paul.

He loved being a royal, and he adored following the rules. He was the people’s prince, unlike me. My reputation came more from my partying, happy-go-lucky lifestyle. Paul and I couldn’t have been more different. It was amazing to believe that we’d both come from the same parents, and because of that, we were never going to get along.

If he was here, it could only be bad news for me. He only sought me out to make my day a million times worse.

What do you want, Paul? I sighed, my charm falling away. The waitress vanished from my vision, which was probably for the best. This could only get ugly, so she was better off out of the way. Why are you here?

You can’t be serious – you aren’t really going tomorrow, are you? He was the same height as me, causing us both to tower over everyone, had similar light brown hair, and the same eyes, but that was where the similarities ended. I loved designer clothes and awesome shoes, whereas Paul was constantly in a suit, like the bore he was. You’re not leaving England? What’s the plan here?

I told you that I was going to America. Why are you acting so surprised? It took all that I had not to roll my eyes at him. It was as if he existed in a bubble of his own making, never seeing anything else going on around him. I need to get away from Father and the nightmare he brings with him.

I know you told me, but I assumed it was just another crazy Marcus threat. I didn’t think you’d go through it. You’re always saying shit like this.

"I am not." Okay, maybe I do...but that’s beside the point. This time, I mean it. Well, it doesn’t matter. I’m going. My flight’s booked, I have an apartment sorted, it’s all done.

Paul’s expression softened, and he took on a kinder tone. You should stay, he pleaded, sympathy flooding him. We need you here; you’re no good to anyone in New York.

I sighed deeply, wishing that I didn’t have to go through this explanation again. I’d made my mind up. I knew what I was doing. Nothing could change my plans – especially not Paul and his fake sympathy. He didn’t care about me, really. I was sure that this was far more about status and reputation than anything else.

I’m going, Paul. Dad is never going to change, and we’re never going to get along. I’m not happy here. I don’t want to be in England anymore. I need a change. This will be the best thing for me, and I know that might be hard for you to understand, since you’re more concerned with everyone else, but I need to do this for myself.

So, you’re being selfish again? Paul snapped right back into his normal mode, stripping any empathy away. I should’ve known that it was too good to be true. That’s just so fucking you, Marcus. You only ever think about yourself.

He stood up, skidding his chair nosily backward, staring at me like I was the Devil the entire time. "You’re an asshole. Maybe you should go."

I could’ve defended myself, but I was done arguing pointlessly. No one would bother to see my point of view, so I no longer cared about theirs, either. It wouldn’t matter soon enough. I’d be gone; they would all be here – it was done.

Fucking asshole, I thought bitterly as the door slammed loudly. Does he not care that might be our last conversation? Without our country in common, will we even bother talking again?

Is... everything okay? The waitress was back by my side in an instant, sending me that sweet smile. I might’ve had all the fun sucked out of me, but I suppose I could get myself back in the mood. Especially with this sexy little girl staring up at me. Did you still want to go?

Yeah. All right. Sounds good. I stood up and slung my arm over her shoulder. By the way, what’s your name? You aren’t wearing a nametag. I might as well find out this chick’s name if I was going to be calling it out in a few moments. 

Tamara; what about you?

Is she serious? Does she actually not know who I am? Or maybe this is just a game, and she is doing her best to play it cool. I didn’t want to be recognized, it was why I loved it here, but I knew the girls all knew me. I guess it was a little weird, so I decided to test her.

Oh, my name is Luke. She gave me an odd look, but didn’t pull away. And my apartment is just around the corner, so let’s go there.

She didn’t resist as I guided her in the right direction. She was just as keen about this as I was. I could almost feel the heat rising through her already. Her body was prepared and excited, which turned me on even more. All memories of Paul were gone – now all I could see was her.

Tamara had no idea that she was quite important to me, in a strange way. She was going to be my last hook up before I left the country completely. She was going to be my last English girl for a while. The next woman all over me would be some crazy American chick, and from what I’d heard, they were wild. I was sure it’d be fun!

Still, this was going to be fun, too. I was sure of it. This little country bumpkin was going to get the ride of her life, and I wouldn’t even have to worry about any awkwardness tomorrow. I’d be gone before that could happen, ready to start my new life.

Chapter Two

Blair

Monday

W hat do you want for lunch, biotch? I teased my best friend, slapping her playfully on the ass as I passed her. Sandwiches? Pasta? Croissants?

Why don’t you order in? she replied, grabbing a load of my takeout menus. I’ll never get why you insist of cooking when you could just get someone else to do it for you. Also, I don’t understand why you live in such a small apartment when you could buy the whole damn block. It’s completely baffling.

I rolled my eyes. Maddie was always doing that, giving me backhanded remarks about my money status. I got that she was probably a little jealous, having come from a less wealthy background than me, but did she always have to make our differences obvious? I went out of my way to ensure that wasn’t the case, and I always either ensured she could afford what we did or I paid for her. Just because I came from a very wealthy family, didn’t make me a stereotypical rich person.

Plus, I wanted to experience life as a young, normal person. Here I had neighbors and a community; if I lived in the sort of home the rest of my family did, I would be isolated. I needed my social life – it kept me sane.

I like cooking. I shrugged innocently, refusing to rise to her bait. But sandwiches aren’t really cooking, are they? So, I think I can handle it.

Sure, whatever.

I watched from the corner of my eye as she flopped onto my couch and flicked the television on. The only subject that ever caused any weirdness between us was cash, and I hated that. I needed to change the subject and quickly, before the day was done.

So, did anything happen with you and that guy the other night? You seemed into him.

Hmm? Which one? The dark-haired one? Nah, he puked all over my shoes outside the club. She screwed up her nose in disgust, which made me giggle. This was a much safer topic: guys being general assholes was something we could both agree on, given our history of crappy relationships. He was okay, but too stuck on himself already. We both know how it turns out with arrogant guys.

Yep, they cheat on you. I could remember the humiliation of walking in on Harry making out with another woman at his house party all too well. I should’ve known it was coming – he was constantly telling me that girls fell at his feet – but I had still been shocked. It had put me off dating for a very long time.

"Or they get so boring that you can’t stand to be around them anymore. Do you remember how Jake was constantly at the gym, or talking about the gym, or trying to get me to go to the gym?" Maddie shook her head in confusion, still unable to get her head around that months and months later.

Yeah, he was crazy. I smirked as I handed her some food. He should’ve known that trying to get you up for a run at six a.m. was a lost cause.

I know, right? God, we’ve had a bad time. I think I might lay off guys for a while. They always kill my buzz.

I laughed loudly, having heard this a million and one times before. Every time someone treated Maddie badly, she would make this vow but it’d be forgotten the next time she saw a hottie. She was a sucker for a cute butt. I actually had been keeping away from guys. I just wasn’t making a big announcement about it. Yeah, okay, I’ll believe that when I see it.

Oh, God, who’s that? Maddie rolled her eyes dramatically when a knock at the door interrupted us. This is why you should live in a fuck off huge house. It’d be much harder for people to come and visit you.

Maybe that was why I liked to live in an apartment, not that I’d tell Maddie that. I enjoyed having people around me, even if they were unexpected guests. Well, it’s probably just my brother, and I wouldn’t be able to keep him away wherever I lived.

Just as I expected, Maddie’s entire body language changed at those words. It was an unspoken thing between us, but we were both acutely aware of it. The one person Maddie really wanted was the one person she couldn’t have.

Cameron treated Maddie like a little sister, not much differently to how he treated me. He would never see her as a sexual being, but that didn’t stop her from trying. I’d tried to let her know in a gentle way, but she wouldn’t get the hint. She was convinced they would end up together. I could just tell.

As I swung the door open, I wasn’t surprised to see my brother standing there, leaning against the doorframe with a casual smile playing on his lips. He was wearing clothes that probably cost more than my apartment, but wore them in such an effortless way that they looked oddly affordable. He tugged his hat of his head and ruffled his hair – the move that always made Maddie sit up straighter, as if he was doing it just for her.

If only she knew. He did that for everyone, and all the silly suckers fell for his charm.

Hey, Cam, what’s going on?

He pushed past me, making himself at home no matter what I wanted. I loved him like crazy, but he drove me crazy sometimes. We had a real love-hate relationship going on.

Maddie’s here. I was trying to warn him, but when he spun around and wiggled his eyebrows at me, I knew he was about to play a game with her. He knew exactly how she felt and entertained it from time to time. I wanted him to stop it, to help her move past him, but he wouldn’t ever listen.

Oh, you know how it is, I just wanted to come and visit my poor, bereft sister.

Maddie giggled flirtatiously, and it didn’t escape my notice that she’d pulled down her top a bit to show off some cleavage.

Maybe pass off some charity, he continued.

Why do you care where I live? I replied exasperatedly. It doesn’t affect you. You live in your mansion, and I don’t complain about that.

Yeah, because I’m living where I’m supposed to be. You don’t belong in a hell hole like this – this is where poor people live.

I know. Maddie rolled her eyes and leaned in closer, all the while pursing out her lips toward him. I keep telling her that.

Cam sent her the eye, and I spotted a blush rising in her cheeks. He was doing something to her, winding her up, and if I didn’t interject soon, this would be a real problem.

I know, she won’t listen –

What are you doing here? I snapped, needing to end this before it became a whole bitch about Blair fiasco. Maddie would say anything to please Cameron; it drove me insane. I wasn’t even sure she realized she was throwing me under the bus half the time. This had been going on for ages, and she still wasn’t getting the hint. What’s going on?

Oh, well, I just came to tell you two that Marcus is moving over here. He’s coming tomorrow. I know we had dinner plans, but I won’t be able to make it because I’ll be making him feel welcome.

Your best friend Marcus? The lord or whatever he is? I was stunned – the guy was British royalty. Why the hell is he coming over here? That didn’t make any sense. I’d never met the guy myself, but I’d heard enough stories to feel like I knew him, and he wasn’t someone I wanted to entertain.

Unfortunately, Maddie wasn’t as smart. Ooh, a lord? Just like that, her gaze was taken off my brother. For real?

Yes, he’s got some very English title, he said as he waved his hand dismissively. "But I wouldn’t think of going after him. He’s bad news."

In what way?

I turned away, pretending I didn’t care, but intrigue made me listen in to my brother’s answer. Much as I didn’t have time for a playboy in my life, I did want to know what was bringing him away from his royal duties to America.

"He’s just a player, the sort of guy who will never settle down."

A bit like you, then? I bit out, unable to resist the dig. I meant it for both of them, but Maddie was off in some dream world, imagining herself as some lady. Ugh, it’s sickening. I love my best friend, but why does she have to go after men who are bad for her? So, I guess you’ll be out on the town more, putting it about more regularly.

I don’t know, we’ll see. I’m picking him up from the airport tomorrow.

We should come with you, Maddie insisted excitedly. To help and meet your friend. He’ll be wanting to meet new people while he’s here, won’t he?

Did you not hear what I said? Cameron chuckled and shook his head. I’m serious, you two want to keep the hell away from him. He won’t ever be after a long-term thing. He’s a typical ‘hit it and quit it’ type of guy.

But Maddie wasn’t about to be put off that easily. Well, someone has to change him. She glanced at me and smiled brightly, but I wasn’t going to give her any validation. Eventually, he’ll meet ‘the one’ and settle down. You will, too.

Okay, whatever. If there was a hint in there, Cameron wasn’t getting it. I’ll pick you up on the way. Now, I have plans that involve being out of this dirty area, so I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Later!

As he slammed the door shut behind him, Maddie squealed like an excitable schoolgirl. Oh, my God, did you hear that? A lord is coming to live here – do you know what that means?

It means another asshole playboy hanging out with my brother and generally being a douchebag. This was nothing to be excited about, and the sooner she understood that, the better. I’ve never actually met Marcus, but I’ve heard a lot about him. I’ve read about him in the press, too. He’s worse than Cam even suggested. I wouldn’t go anywhere near him.

Oh, forget Cameron, what does he know?

I wanted to comment, to ask her how she could just drop her longstanding crush after one remark about some lord, but I couldn’t because we’d never actually talked about her feelings before. This didn’t feel like the right place to start that awkward topic.

Oh, my God, I might have to go shopping tomorrow. What am I going to wear? What sort of clothes do you wear to meet an English lord?

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the plates to wash them up in the kitchen. Maddie was on a roll now; there was no stopping her. She didn’t even need me to answer her; she’d talk until there were no words left in the world.

What does it matter if there’s some new guy in town? Who cares? It wouldn’t make any difference to me, except for the fact that I’d be dragged along to the airport to pick him up. At least once I’d seen a little awkward flirting, I could get back on with my life. I would just have to try and protect Maddie from getting royally screwed over... pun not intended.

"What are you going to wear? Look nice, but not better than me. I