The Billionaire Babe

13. AJ

Ihave been watching her all night. In another figure-hugging dress, sky-high heels, and her hair in soft waves, long and glossy down her back. Doesn’t Val have great boobs, AJ? All I can think about now is her perfect tits. They are perky, full, the kind that look like they would fit in my palms perfectly. I missed most of their conversation, but she has no reason to think her tits aren’t perfect, because they are spectacular. She looks like a million dollars. Sure, the other women here are pretty, fancy, all made up. But Valerie… Valerie is…

“Last guests have now left,” Cody interrupts my thoughts as he walks up to me where I stand at the back of the shop. It was a good event. Easy. Classy. We didn’t have any issues, and everyone was well behaved.

“Goods are now all locked up in the safe. Back door locked. Chloe is happy,” Brady says, walking to us from the back.

“Let’s send the other boys home. The three of us can stay until Chloe locks up,” I say, still watching Valerie talk with her friends, smile, and hug them, giving everyone her full attention. She has worked the room all night. I haven’t seen the smile drop, but I know it is fake, her arm grabbing near constant. You wouldn’t notice it because she has such confidence, but she doesn’t appear truly happy. I wonder what she does for fun.

“Are you going to take your eyes away from her anytime soon?” Brady asks me, and I hear Cody snort in laughter from where he is a few steps away, sending the rest of the boys home.

“If you’ve got something to say, you should just say it,” I mutter, sending him a glare.

“No. Nope. Nothing. Just an observation,” Brady says, a sly smirk on his face, and I crack my neck. “Just never seen you look at a girl like that before.”

“She isn’t a girl. She’s a woman.” My eyes are back on her, catching her watching me. I clear my throat. “Let’s finish up,” I say to Brady, and we walk over to where Valerie and her friends are standing.

“Thank you so much, guys; it was perfect!” Chloe says, her grin wide, her face now relaxed in complete contrast to how she was before the night started.

“Thank you. We loved helping you out. If you ever need us again, we are more than happy to come and do any event.” Brady talks for us as Cody comes to stand by my other side.

“Looking very dapper tonight, boys. Brilliant job,” Simone says as she finishes her drink.

“We are all done here. We’ll help you lock up and then be on our way.” My voice contains a little more bite and annoyance than I intended.

“Of course!” Chloe says. “Girls, are your drivers here?” she asks the others, and I look at Brady, who rolls his eyes.

“Yep. Gotta go. I need to be up for early practice tomorrow. Kisses.” Simone says her goodbyes.

“I’ll get the door.” Cody walks her out.

“My ride is here. I will talk to you guys later,” the curly-haired one says. I think her name is Chelsea, and I watch her kiss both Chloe and Valerie before walking out the door.

“Let me help you grab your things and hopefully my car will be here by then,” Valerie says, still smiling as she helps Chloe with a few bags, both of which I take off their hands as the two of them, along with Brady and I, walk out the door.

“Where”s your car, Val?” Chloe asks her as Brady locks the front doors and hands her the keys. I look up and down the street, but it is pretty quiet. There is one black car here aside from our rides.

“I don’t think he is coming. Something must have happened.” I watch Valerie as her hands fly across the screen of her cell. “It’s fine, I can grab a cab.”

“I’ll take you,” I offer before I can think it through, and her head shoots up to look at me.

“Oh. It’s okay, I don’t want to be a bother. I am sure a cab will be here soon.”

“I’ll take you,” I insist, my tone dominant. I watch her lips purse slightly as she looks at me.

“Okay. Thank you. That would be great,” she agrees with a sweet smile, and I give her a nod before wondering what the fuck is wrong with me. I have a week left until my fight. I can”t get close to this woman. Besides, I brought my bike tonight. That is going to make it even more painful for me. But knowing her, she probably lives around the corner. These rich people all live in the good part of town.

“Brady, help Chloe to the car with her things, then you and Cody take off. I’ll drop Valerie off and talk to you later,” I tell him, my eyes carrying weight, ensuring he doesn’t have another smart-ass comment.

“Sure thing,” he says, biting his tongue, his smirk threatening to break through, but we wait for the girls to say their goodbyes. Brady walks Chloe to the car and puts her inside, and as the car drives away, I see both Brady and Cody slip into the truck and drive off.

Val and I watch them leave. The street is so quiet at this time of night, to the point I hear her stomach growl.

“Hungry?” I ask her, raising an eyebrow. Her cheeks flush a little as her hand wraps around her stomach.

“I didn’t get a chance to eat much tonight,” she says, sounding a little embarrassed.

“I know a place.” The words feel foreign as they fall out of my mouth. “They make the best burgers in the city.” I follow up as she looks at me a little wide-eyed. I feel my jaw pop, waiting for her answer. I can’t recall ever asking a woman out to eat. Now I stand here next to one of the wealthiest women in the country, asking if she wants a burger. It’s like my sensible mind can’t stop my mouth from talking.

“I can’t remember the last time I had a burger…” she says softly, like she is almost talking to herself. I frown at the statement, because who doesn’t eat burgers? She bites her bottom lip as she thinks, another little quirk of hers that I have noticed.

“Let’s go,” I say, making up her mind for her before I can talk myself out of it. Taking Little Miss Perfect out for burgers is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever had, but it’s happening. I start walking toward the curb.

“So where’s your car?” Valerie asks, and I hear her heels on the pavement behind me, so I know she is following.

“Just here,” I say, stopping next to my bike.

“What? What is that?” she asks, her voice rising an octave as she comes to a sharp stop.

“It’s a bike,” I explain sarcastically.

“I know it is a bike, but I’ve never been on a bike before. I don’t even know how to ride a bike.” Her words tumble over each other.

“Just sit down and hang on to me,” I tell her. “Here, put this on.” Grabbing a spare helmet from my bag, I put it on her head. I don’t ask her to tie it up, I just do it for her, looping the chin belt and pulling it tight to ensure it is nice and secure. I bite my tongue at the smirk that threatens at how cute she looks.

“But is it safe? I am not really dressed for the occasion,” she says, and I look down at her body. She most certainly isn’t. I let my eyes wander over her. I like the way she is tiny but still has curves. She could definitely do with a few burgers in her life, but she has enough to grab on to.

“Here,” I say gruffly, trying to get these thoughts under control. Pulling out my leather jacket I wear when I ride, I hold it out for her to put on.

“I don’t think that is going to fit me,” she says, but I slide it on her anyway. I zip it up at the front and roll the sleeves a little. She is right, it swims on her small frame. It is almost longer than the dress she is wearing, but it at least will keep her warm.

“Fits just fine,” I grumble. She looks ridiculous but so fucking hot at the same time.

“But I’m wearing Jimmy Choos, and my dress is too short…” She keeps going, and I don’t give a shit about the heels, but the dress concerns me. It is too short.

“You will be fine,” I assure as I straddle the bike and sit forward a little. “Put your foot here and then jump on.” I guide her as my teeth clench, my body finally catching my mouth now that I realize her fucking fantastic legs are going to be wrapped around my middle. I wonder if I can actually ride with her behind me after all, because my cock is so fucking hard right now, I may not be able to ride in a straight line. She stands near me, glancing at both me and the bike, looking unsure.

“It’s alright, sweet thing. Live a little,” I tell her, almost in a challenge, and then hold out my hand. My words have the desired effect as I watch her swallow and take a breath.

“I can’t believe I am doing this,” she mumbles quietly to herself before she places her small, soft hand in mine, and I hold hers tight.

“Foot there, hands on my shoulders, and then throw your leg over and sit.” She follows my instructions and sits behind me. Her legs curve around my thighs, and I look down, spotting only bare, silky skin and her long, luscious legs. Her dress has ridden up and barely covers her ass, and I swallow hard and start the bike. The roar rumbles out of my Harley, vibrating through my body. I love this bike. It is my one indulgence. Something I saved years for. It is literally the only asset to my name. The lunchbox-size apartment I live in is not far from the gym but is only a rental, one where the hot water doesn’t even work on some days. But this bike, it is my pride and joy.

“What do I hang on to?” I hear her yell, her legs now settled around me, and I am itching to touch her.

“Here,” I say, leaning back, grabbing her hands and pulling them around my middle. She holds me tentatively as I rev the engine and take off quickly. Letting out a small squeal, her grip on me tightens. I severely underestimated my need for discipline for this ride. I am not even sure why I offered. But after watching her all night, I couldn’t not.

We ride to the end of the street and stop at the red light.

“You alright?” I ask her.

“This is insane,” she says, half in fear and half in awe. I chuckle as the green light ignites, and I kick off down the street at speed.

“Aggghhhh!” I hear her mini scream, her hands gripping into my shirt at my chest, her legs now squeezing around my middle, holding on tight. Setting the pace down a little, I start to cruise. There is not a lot of traffic at this time of night, and as I ride around the streets, I feel her body soften, now enjoying the ride. We can’t really talk, which is a good thing, because I can barely concentrate as it is. Her hands are on my chest, her fingers digging in. Her tight little body is pushed up against mine. I can feel her perfect tits pressing on my back, her body keeping me warm. But it is her legs that are teasing me the most. I see them out of the corners of my eyes. I can’t take it any longer, so I let go with one hand and drop it to her bare knee that is at my side. Cupping my hand around her leg, I hold on to her, my thumb tracing a small pattern back and forth over her bare skin. I shouldn’t be touching her, but the minute I do, I feel her soften even more and her hold turns into more of a hug. One that feels too fucking comfortable. I can’t remember the last time someone hugged me. This feels… nice.

I drive through the streets to my side of town. The burger joint is still open at this time of night, but thankfully the crowd is thin and, by the looks of it, safe. I pull the bike up and park.

“Jump off the same way you got on,” I tell her and I hold out my hand for her to take as she peels herself from me, her dress barely doing anything to cover her backside. I am glad no one is around to watch her.

Once she is off, I step off in front of her and remove her helmet.

“There, it wasn”t so bad, was it?” I ask, waiting for her verdict as I slip the jacket from her shoulders.

“No. It wasn’t,” she says, fixing her hair. “I don’t know much about bikes, but this one is nice. Pretty comfortable, actually.” Pride swells in my chest.

“Comfortable?” I ask her.

“Yes. I have helmet hair now, don’t I?” Her hands run through her long dark hair, her eyes alight with color. She is smiling, clearly happy, and warmth spreads through me.

“Not a thing wrong with it,” I mumble, imagining seeing her hair ruffled on my bedsheets, looking thoroughly fucked and perfect.

“Mr. Burger…” she mumbles, taking in the shop signage.

“Best burgers in Baltimore,” I tell her, and she smiles at me. “Let’s go before your stomach growls again.” Grabbing her hand automatically, I pull her along the sidewalk and inside. Her hand is small in mine, and it isn’t until we are almost to the booth that I realize I have done it. It’s a move I never make a habit of, yet here I am tugging her behind me, not wanting to let her go. Needing to have her close to me. As I walk us inside, I feel her other hand rest on my forearm, keeping me close, and my nerves settle a little. I feel like a king leading his queen, even though we are in a shitty diner about to eat burgers.

The place is quiet at this time of night, which I like. The traditional black-and-white tiles coat the floor, the booths red vinyl, and pictures of yesteryear scattered around the place.

“So, you come here a lot?” she asks as she ducks into the booth seat, and I sit opposite her. Mr. Burger is clean, but nothing like I am sure she is used to.

“Sometimes.” Although, I do come here almost weekly. “I haven’t been in a while. I need to keep fight fit.” Burgers a week or so out from a fight is unheard of for me. Yet another thing I completely forgot about since seeing her tonight.

“Tell me about this fight you have coming up. Have you faced this opponent before?” she asks as her head tilts slightly, her hair falling subtly to the side. She looks genuinely interested.

“He is a new guy. I haven’t seen much of him, to be honest,” I tell her with a shrug, not sure how much detail to go into. I’m not used to sharing information about myself. No one has really ever asked me too much before.

“Rago something-or-other, isn’t it?” My eyebrows hit my hairline.

“Sounds like someone has been doing their homework.” I never told her about my opponent, and I smirk, calling her out on her internet sleuthing.

“Well, I am not agreeing to have burgers with just anyone,” she teases as Betty, the waitress, comes up to us.

“Anthony James, it isn’t like you to come in here on a weeknight,” Betty greets us, and I give her a look as my full name leaves her. “Ohh, and aren’t you a sweet thing.” She ignores my scowl as her eyes sweep across to Valerie, placing a menu in front of her. Val picks up the menu and gives her a wide smile, her eyes almost sparkling under the dim lighting.

“Hi, I’m Valerie.” She introduces herself with a big grin, and Betty almost swoons at how polite she is. I imagine she usually doesn’t get more than a few grunts from the people who come here.

“Nice to meet you, Valerie. I’m Betty. I will be your server tonight.” I have never heard Betty speak like that before in my life. And I have been coming here for years.

“The usual for me, please, Betty,” I tell her, not entertaining her clear need for information on Valerie.

Valerie is looking at me with a small smirk on her face. “And for your date…?” Betty asks, her head moving to look at Valerie. I remain silent, not correcting her.

“I’ll have whatever he is having,” Valerie says, putting down the menu.

“Coming right up. Nice to see you here with a friend, AJ,” Betty says, then gives me a wink before she saunters off to pit in our order.

“So you do come here a lot?” Valerie asks, smiling like she has caught me on something.

“Seems like it,” I tell her, pressing my lips together to prevent them from quirking up.

“I can’t remember the last time I had a burger.” She sighs as she looks around the diner. “I can’t even remember the last time I was ever in a place like this.”

“Why is that?” I ask, interested to learn more about her. She looks out of place here. We both do. I am still in the black suit and she’s in her dress and heels. It almost looks like we stepped off a catwalk. I undo my shirt cuffs and roll the sleeves up to my elbows, then unbutton my shirt at the collar so I can breathe. Watching her at close range like this has me hot.

“To be honest, I really don’t know. I guess burgers and diners are not really what my father would have thought was appropriate.” She bites her bottom lip in thought.

“What do you eat, then?” I ask, wondering if she really is the type to have lobster and gold-leafed shit like I imagine all rich people eat.

“Urgh, fish and salad,” she says with a groan. “I have had so much fish and salad in my life that I think I am growing gills.” She rolls her eyes.

I lean over the table and put my hand on her chin, eliciting a small gasp from her lips. My hold firm and possessive as I look deep into her eyes before I move her head one way and then the other slightly. “Nope. No gills,” I confirm, letting her go and sitting back again. I watch her tongue dart out and wet her lips.

“You should see the fin that is growing out of my back, though. It is frightening.” She’s making fun of herself, but I’m still tempted to ask her to show me. When I notice her biting her lip, I realize I’ve been staring at her for too long.

“Do you always do as your father wants?” I ask, wondering exactly how close she and her father are because I am sure he wouldn’t think I was appropriate for her either. Even I know I’m not.

“I used to. But not anymore.” Her eyes alight with determination, and I nod.

“Sounds like I brought you to the right place, then.”

“Well, if Mr. Burger doesn’t live up to the hype now, I will be disappointed,” she says with a laugh, her mouth wide, eyes bright. Fuck, she is stunning.

“I would only suggest the best. You will not be disappointed when you are with me.” The words sound more seductive than I was planning, and I see her chest rise and fall a little faster as she looks at me.

“Two choc malt milkshakes for you,” Betty says, cutting into our moment and putting our drinks down. “Burgers won’t be long.” Valerie clears her throat as Betty walks away.

“So, how did you get started in security?” she asks me, and I am momentarily silent as I watch her lean forward and take the straw in her mouth and suck. I have never been more jealous of an object in my entire life. I hear a small moan escape her lips as she tastes the chocolate, and I think I almost go into cardiac arrest. I swallow roughly as she sits back, oblivious to the fact that I am staring at her once again.

“We started Fortress about six months ago. Still trying to build it up, get some clients. We have each worked and trained in different parts of security before, though. I fight and have been a bouncer before. All three of us have trained in defensive driving and personal security somewhat.” I watch her take in the information. “What about you?” I ask, still not really knowing exactly what she does.

“I’m a lawyer. I have worked in the family business my entire career. Straight out of college. I love it. It was always my dream to be the CEO, like my mother was and her mother before that.” I can see it. The way she holds herself. Her quiet confidence, her sass. She has the guts and determination to make it.

“I can see it,” I tell her honestly, and her eyes lock on to mine.

“You can?” she asks, like she is astounded that someone could see that in her.

“Yeah. As long as you survive Mr. Burger, you have no problems.” My smirk shines through at seeing her look at me with her relaxed grin and sparkly eyes.

“At last, he smiles…” she murmurs, taking the straw in her mouth again before Betty delivers our burgers, and it is then I realize that this is the first date I have ever been on where I have actually smiled.