Page 26 of Seduced By a Billionaire

“Make it thirty,” she said smiling. “Thank you.”

“Consider it done.” He bowed slightly at the waist and backed out of the doorway leaving her and Daisy alone in the massive apartment-sized guest quarters. There was even a small kitchenette with a coffee maker and dorm fridge for God’s sake. She walked to the double French doors and looked out, admiring the view of the pool. It was massive.

She spied another vase filled with the most exquisite roses she had ever seen. Walking over to investigate she bent down to sniff, taking delight at the light rose fragrance. The outer petals of the rosettes were a soft peach blending to an apricot center. She pulled out the card and opened it.Ella, My sincerest gratitude that you accepted my offer. Your help in my time of need is appreciated. Yours, Kyle

Oh really? How convenient. Practically calls me a mercenary, completely disrupts my life, puts a serious dent in my already tarnished reputation, then thinks a couple dozen roses are going to make it okay.It was going to take a whole lot moremea culpafrom him for her to even consider letting him off the hook he was currently dangling from. She reached for the fancy box and lifted the lid. Her hands automatically stroked the fine silk lingerie in a pale shade of aquamarine. She pulled out a matching lightweight dressing gown and rubbed it against her cheek.Sumptuous.

Whoever had brought her luggage had also deposited the newly purchased litter box and litter in the closet. She took the time to set that up and made sure Daisy knew where it was. She put out the cat dish in the galley kitchen and heaped Daisy’s favorite dried food in one side and water in the other. “I know you’re freaked out now but in a few days we’ll both be adjusted. I promise.” She scratched her behind the ears. Deciding to take Kyle at his word, she changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top.

She opened her French doors and stepped out onto the balcony. A gentle breeze stirred her hair. Inhaling the floral scent in the air, she spied magnificent magnolias in full bloom dotting the landscape. There were white and pink dogwoods as well. The poolside was ablaze with color from the perennial beds surrounding the area and the potted urns filled with bright annuals. An arbor next to the pool house had twisted vines climbing and weaving around the cedar beams, the purple blooms of wisteria dangling like clusters of grapes.

An hour later, Ella’s head was reeling after the grand tour. Geesh! A game room, a home theater, a library for God’s sake! Family kitchen, formal dining room, butler pantry, wine cellar, a study, personal gym, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, indoor and outdoor pools, sunroom, grand room, and even a music room with the requisite baby grand piano…it blew her away.

Ending her tour, Richard deposited her back at Kyle’s bedroom door after she’d picked up her medical bag. He was asleep so she allowed herself a few moments to just stare.

“Like what you see?” Kyle said lazily.

Bristling she said, “I was just looking over my patient’s bruises. They’re fading fast.”Fake it til you make it.

He returned the favor as his eyes slowly raked over her body from the top of her head all the way to her sandaled feet then back up again. He obviously liked what he saw as his eyes glittered with desire. “Glad to get your professional analysis,” he said. “You in those shorts? Damn! Looking like a goddess and all, those thighs are about to give me a heart attack.”

“I guess you’re feeling a little more rested?”

“Most of me, but I wouldn’t say certain parts of me feel rested at the moment.”

Eyes rolling, she said, “Spare me. Maybe now is as good a time as any to have that discussion about the rules.”

“Rules, what rules?”

“The one’s I alluded to when I agreed to accept this job.”

“I’m all ears, but can I have a drink first?”

“Of course.” She sat her satchel with her medical paraphernalia on the floor next to his bed then walked over to a side table to get the small pitcher of ice water someone had left there.

Kyle was content to enjoy the view of her delicious ass. Rules be damned. He intended to enjoy every minute of this and get his damn money’s worth. Hey, if it led to a little dalliance, he could handle that. She had brought it on herself when she decided to take advantage of his wealth and need. It had been far too long since he had felt this level of desire for anyone.

After refilling his cup, Ella pulled up a chair and sat facing Kyle, who continued to stare at her with impenetrable eyes.

“First, this is to remain strictly professional,” she said. When he stayed silent, she continued, “I call the shots. I’m your nurse and nothing more. No more comments about my legs or any other part of my anatomy. Keep your hands and your eyeballs to yourself.”

His eyes glittered, but he held his tongue.

“Aren’t you going to respond?”

“I’m listening, please go on, this is most intriguing.”

“Furthermore, you will treat me with respect, or I walk. Do we understand one another Mr. Bennett?”

“One hundred percent Ms. Palmer. Shouldn’t be a problem. I’m really not that into you anyway. Opportunists bore me. I’ve had enough to last several lifetimes. Anything else?”

Ella blushed beet red at the insult but kept her cool. “Let’s do that assessment now.”

As Kyle watched her wrap the blood pressure cuff around his arm, he felt a pang of remorse at lashing out at her so harshly. He had to remind himself that she had brought it on by becoming greedy. Priding himself on his ability to read a person, he had been stunned by Ella’s reversal. When she had demanded two times over his original proposal, which was overly generous to begin with, he had told himself it was better to know now who he was dealing with. He had pushed aside his disappointment and hurt; to be blindsided further along into the relationship would have been worse.

She grabbed his wrist to take his pulse while the cuff squeezed his bicep. Her touch electrified him. He watched her as she noted the blood pressure results in a log, then ran a thermometer across his forehead. “How is your pain level today from one to ten?”

“Six after the meds…was a nine before you got here.”

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