Page 17 of Billionaire Devil

My pulse riots. The universe sure does have a sick sense of humor, bringing this demi-god into my morning, whenhere I am looking like I just escaped from the nearest asylum.

I take a deep breath, trying to not freak out, when I get a whiff of his scent. Of course he smells like crisp mountain air mixed with just a hint of spicy cologne. My senses feel personally attacked.

Without waiting for an invitation, he strides in, broad-shouldered and tall, his athletic body filling my tiny apartment with zinging, stormy man-energy.

“I took the liberty of bringing you a supersized one-sugar black Americano. I figured milk wouldn’t go down too well but the sugar might help restore your electrolyte balance.” He holds out an extra-large cup of coffee withThe Bear and the Bean’s logo wrapped around the heat-protective cardboard band. How did he know that place has my favorite coffee?Andthat I like black coffee with one sugar?

It’s thoughtful, that he’s considered how I might feel. Possibly the most thoughtful thing anyone has done for me in…a while.

He holds out the coffee and I take it from his hands—Jesus, they’re big—and try to ignore the sparks that shoot up my entire arm then funnel directly to myveryintimate regions when our fingers touch.Yikes. My panties are getting…oh god.But he’s crazy if he thinks me looking like this is a sign I’m ready for anything other than a 90s romcom marathon in bed.

“What are you doing here?” I can’t help asking. “And how do you know where I live?”

I watch as he makes himself at home in the midst of my organized chaos, stepping over one of my open suitcases with his long legs, leaning casually against the kitchen counter. “I might have asked a few subtle but well-aimed questions to my somewhat-tipsy assistant last night.”

Tipsy. That’s a very kind way of putting it. I grab an oversized t-shirt and put it on, since I’m basically standing here in my underwear. “She gave you my address?”

“Affirmative. I really need to check her data protection and confidentiality training is up to date.” He smirks briefly, then looks deadly serious as he says, “Are you ready to go?”

I try to fold my arms across my chest while holding hot coffee, to attempt to hide my nipples, which are reactinga lotto someone who is essentially a stranger. An extremely hot stranger, but a stranger, nonetheless. “Do I look ready to go anywhere other than my own funeral?” I attempt to deadpan—because making a joke of this is all I’ve got.

“You did seem to enjoy the tequila last night.” His eyes actually twinkle. “And the champagne.”

“I blame you entirely for that.”

“Sloane’s the one who got you started. And she’s your ‘bestie’, so…” he shrugs.

“Yeah, that’s a life choice I am starting to reconsider,” I mutter. “Look, I’m not sure why you’re here, but I’m not exactly up for visitors right now.”

A frown darkens his absurdly handsome face. “You don’t remember our trip?” For a fraction of a second, he looks at me like a wounded puppy.

“I mean, vaguely, but that was a joke, right? You can’t really be serious about wanting to come with me.” A light laugh escapes me at the ridiculousness of the situation. “I mean, aren’t you some kind of in-demand investment wunderkind?—”

“Wunderkind?” he grins.

“Isn’t that what they call people who succeed in a very competitive profession at a young age?” Ow, that one hurt my brain.

Colton presses his tongue against his bottom lip like he’s attempting to hold back a laugh. “I’m not that young. I’m twenty-six. Plus there was some nepotism involved—not that I’mnota successful investor. I am. My private portfolio outperforms all three of my brothers’ most quarters. I was trained well, but I also have a knack.”

“Oh.” I’m not sure what to say. “That’s nice.”

“And yes, I am in demand.” More twinkling of those deep blue eyes, and it reminds me again that this guy is famous for his charm and where it lands him—specifically into the beds of rich, beautiful women.

“Exactly.” My reply sounds both pointed and not-at-all-affected by this dazzling package standing in front of me. I give myself some points for that. “Which is why I’m wondering why you’re here.”

He pauses, his eyes barely narrowing. “I’m overdue for a vacation. Your chariot awaits.”

I blink at him, my smile almost lingering. This really is too much. The vision of him is literally blazing with waymore big, ruggedmanlinessthan I can handle right now. “Look…Mr.—”

“Seriously?” He laughs, cutting me off. “Call me Colton. Like you did last night. I insist.”

“Colton, this is?—”

“Going to be a trip of a lifetime, I’m glad you agree.” He goes over to the window where he gestures down the street. “I already got the RV.”

“The what?”

“You’re dealing with a Maddox here, so we’re doing this in style, Sunshine. This baby hasallthe bells and whistles.” His words hang in the air like a punchline waiting for laughter. Only, it doesn’t seem like he’s joking. Is this gorgeous, fresh-air-and-worn-leather-scented hunky playboy actually serious about a week-long road trip to California? With me? “This was the biggest one I could get without a Class A license. I don’t have one because all I own are Shelbys, Lamborghinis, Corvettes, a Hummer and a Maybach. Oh, and the Maserati. And three Ducatis. And a couple of limos. I figured fuck the chauffeurs. I’m going to drive you myself.”

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