Billionaire Temptations: Rich, Ruthless & Obsessed

Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

Anna

I packed an overnight bag, and Wes and I returned to his penthouse for the night.

“I really don’t want to deal with all this,” I spoke as my head rested on his chest. “To be honest, it’s not my problem.”

“He didn’t just steal from your father; he stole from you, too. You’re still a part of that company until you sign papers that say otherwise. Don’t forget that. Do you want to let him get away with what he’s done? I know you think your dad deserves it for trusting him so much, but this affects you. You need to fight for what’s yours. Look at me, Anna.”

I lifted my head from his chest and stared into his eyes as he ran his finger across my cheek.

“Wouldn’t it give you great pleasure and closure to let your father know that the man he invested time in and chose over his own daughter screwed him over?”

“It would.” I smiled.

“Then that’s why you need to go back to California and tell him.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Good, we’ll fly out tomorrow.”

“We?” I asked.

“You really don’t think I’d let you go alone, do you? I’ll admit, I’m anxious to meet the man who hurt the woman I—” He paused.

“You what?” I asked.

“I think I’m falling in love with.”

The corners of my mouth curved upward as I reached up and softly brushed my lips against his.

“I think I’m falling in love with you too.”

“Really?” He smiled.

“Yeah. Really.”

His grip on me tightened as our lips locked in a passionate kiss.

The next afternoon, Wes rented a private jet that flew us to California. I sat in the seat by the window and stared out as the plane sifted through the clouds.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Not really. I don’t want to see my father or Matthew.”

“I know you don’t, but don’t forget, they made you who you are today—a strong, independent woman. I’ll be right there with you. If anything happens, I have your back.” He brought my hand up to his lips.

“Thank you.” I glanced at him with a small smile.

We landed in L.A. and climbed into the car I had waiting to take us to the Four Seasons Hotel.

“It’s nice to see you again, Miss Young,” Xavier spoke.

“Thank you, Xavier.” I smiled.

“Here is your room key to the Presidential Suite. I will have your bags brought up. As always, it’s a pleasure having you stay with us.” He nodded.

“How often did you stay here?” Wes asked with an arch in his brow.

“Enough.” I grinned. “I actually lived here for a while after I graduated college. There was no way I was moving back in with my dad and step-monster.”

We entered the Presidential Suite, and Wes was kind enough to tip the bellman who brought up our bags.

I sat on the couch for a few moments to collect my thoughts before heading over to the company because the war would have begun once I got there.

“Are you having second thoughts?” Wes asked.

“No. I’m just preparing myself.”

“Do you need sex first?” He winked.

A smile crossed my lips.

“You gave me exactly what I needed this morning, Mr. Carter.”

“Okay. Just asking.”

We left the hotel and climbed into the black sedan at the curb. When we entered the Young Vine Enterprise building, Roland, the security guard, stopped me.

“Anna,” he spoke. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to see my father, Roland.”

“You’ve been banned from the building.”

“Of course I have.” I smiled. “This is really important.”

He took hold of my arm, looked around, and walked me over to the corner.

“Your father isn’t here. He and Mr. Bondi are at a golf outing and won’t be coming back. Your best bet is to catch him at home.”

“That’s right. It is that time of year for the annual golf outing. Thanks, Roland.”

“I just want you to know you did the right thing. I don’t like that Mr. Bondi.”

“I don’t either.” I smirked. “Come on, Wes. It looks like we’re paying a visit to my childhood home.” I sighed.

The car drove up the long, winding driveway and pulled up in front of the Young Mansion.

“How do you know when your father is going to be home?” Wes asked.

“He’ll be here in a couple of hours. He and Matthew will walk through the door, laughing like they always do, and then they’ll go into the living room for a drink until Clarissa tells them dinner is ready.”

“And what about your stepmother?”

“Nina is most likely at the spa, like always when there’s a golf outing.”

We walked up the paved steps that led to the front door. I placed my hand on the handle and took a deep, cleansing breath. I opened the door, and we entered the large marbled space with the oversized Persian rug Nina had bought when they were on vacation in Peru. I always hated that rug.

“Oh my gosh! Anna.” Clarissa smiled as she emerged from the kitchen, holding out her arms.

“Hi, Clarissa. It’s good to see you.”

“Oh my. I’ve missed you.” She placed her hands on each side of my face.

“Clarissa, this is Wes Carter. Wes, this is Clarissa. She’s been with us since I was a child.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Carter.”

“And you as well, Clarissa.”

“Anna, does your father know you’re here?” she asked with a concerned voice.

“No, and I don’t want him to. I want to see the look on his face when he sees me. Where’s the step-monster?”

“Mrs. Young is at the spa. She’ll be joining your father and Mr. Bondi for dinner.”

“Told you.” I smiled at Wes.

“Anna,” she took hold of my hand, “your father is very angry.”

“I know he is, and he’s about to get a whole lot angrier.”

“Oh, dear lord.” She made the sign of the cross. “Can I get the two of you anything?”

“No. We’ll just help ourselves to the bar.”

“Very well. If you need anything, just ask.”

I led Wes into the living room and walked over to the bar.

“Neat martini?” I asked him. “We’re going to need it.”

He let out a chuckle. “Sure.”

I made the martinis and took them over to the couch, where I handed Wes his. As we were talking, the front door opened, and I heard my father's and Matthew's voices. Instantly, my stomach felt sick. I took in a deep breath as I looked at Wes.

“What the hell are you doing here?” my father asked as they walked into the living room.

The look on both of their faces was priceless.

“Hello, Dad,” I spoke. “Matthew.”

“You have some nerve showing up here,” Matthew spoke. “If you came here to beg for my forgiveness, you can forget it. I will never forgive you for what you did.”

“Please, get over yourself. You aren’t worth begging for forgiveness from.”

“Anna, I’ll ask you one last time: what the hell are you doing here?” my father commanded.

“I need to talk to you about the company.”