Page 24 of Playboy Billionaire's Fake Marriage

“Tell him I’ll call him when I’m ready. Thank you, Ada.” I dismiss her gently.

I go to Stella, a smile on my face as my eyes roam over her delectable form. Her tucked-in shirt emphasizes her small waist, and her grey skirt molds to her curves in a way that makes my mouth water, ending just above her knees. My gaze follows her shapely legs right to her black heels. I don’t remember anyone looking this tempting in work clothes. “Stella. Thank you for coming here.”

She shrugs with an air of boredom, “I thought I’d put an end to the constant nagging and just hear you out.”

That makes me chuckle because she’s the furthest from bored. I knew asking her to meet me here at Ocean Gate would pique her curiosity and it’s worked. “Well, that’s very kind of you.”

I take her elbow and lead her into my office. The moment we push through the double doors and step into the room, she halts in her step. “Oh wow,” she breathes, taking in my corner office. She looks around the space. It’s my second home in Manhattan because I spend so much time here.

The way she stares at the space makes me feel like my soul is being bared to her and I feel the first stirrings of discomfort.

The unusual polished oak flooring and wall paneling lend warmth to the otherwise impersonal office. Recessed lights in the ceiling and floors complete the modern look. Everything else is in beige. The plush rug, the executive desk and swivel chair and the cozy sitting area at the back. Wall-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline.

“Hmm.” She muses.

I instantly want to know what she thinks. Is she impressed? Does she like the decor, or think it’s pretentious? I want her to like it, although why on earth that should matter is beyond me. She’ll never have to come here again. Besides, if all goes to plan, it won’t even be my office for much longer.

“Is there a problem?” I ask.

She makes a sweeping gesture. “No, it’s uh, really nice,” she turns to face me, and while I enjoy the feel of her eyes on me, that knot of discomfort returns to my belly. “It’s not what I was expecting. I mean, of course, it’s a corner office. It’s just...”

“Let me guess,” I interject, “you were expecting a boudoir sleigh bed with velvet bars, whips and clamps?”

She chuckles and playfully nudges me.

“This is a place of business, Ms. Marsh. Sorry to disappoint but we try to keep it classy here.” I lead her toward my desk rather than the seating area.

“I guess I deserved that. I’m sorry. I should have reined in my reaction. I suck at hiding my feelings.”

“Nor should you Stella, at least not when you’re with me.” I see the moment she tenses that, so I lighten the mood again “In any case, the room you’re looking for is in my home.”

She gasps. “Are you serious? You actually have one of those... what’s it called? Playrooms?”

“Of course not,” I laugh gesturing to the chair opposite my desk.

She sits, then I take my seat, facing her. Then I allow myself the pleasure of simply looking at her for a moment. Her dewy skin, expressive green eyes which for the first time aren’t filled with irritation.

God, she’s fucking beautiful, this woman. In an understated way. I imagine she’d be breathtaking wearing nothing but her large butterfly tattoo and the pink flush of arousal. If I’d bothered to watch the last time in her apartment, I would know exactly how she looks when she’s coming.

“So, Ryan, who was that Mr. D?” Stella’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

The smile falls off my face, and I recall Ada mentioning that Don had come looking for me. “Did you see him?”

“I sure did,” she says, and the excitement in her tone makes me tense. “He was nice. And you know, he looks a bit like you.”

I ignore that and ask instead, trying to keep my voice level, “What did he say to you?”

Her smile widens. “Not much. We just flirted a bit, and I asked him out.”

My eyes widen in disbelief, “You did what?”

Stella only shrugs, “What, he’s hot, and I’m not one of your employees. Why, is there a problem?”

My scowl darkens as I grapple with how to respond, but before I can gather my thoughts, she drops another bombshell.

“I’m meeting him later tonight.”

“Like hell you are!” I roar, leaping to my feet.

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