Page 1 of Off Limits Billionaire

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ANABELLA

Flashes of muscular perfection writhing above me, bringing my body to heights of ecstasy I never imagined, replayed in my mind all morning as I sat behind the counter at Priceless Pierce. My family’s antique shop had survived two world wars, the Great Depression, the boom of e-commerce, and a few decades of political tug-of-war. Yet, it was now at risk of closing its doors, and all I could think about was the sweet perfection of our bodies entwined that had sent me into a sexed-up coma.

At least, it felt like a coma until I woke up the next day with Marcus Adler’s face next to mine.Oh crap. What had I done?! As quietly and quickly as possible I dressed and got the hell out of there. Grabbing my phone, I blocked his number so I wouldn’t have to worry about rejecting him if he reached out to me.

It was a mistake that I didn’t plan on making twice. However, that was easier said than done as the bell above the shop door chimed. A bright yellow and gold glimmer of light illuminated the eldest Adler son, as if he had paid the sun to help him make an entrance.

Tall and wealthy, just enough beard scruff gave him a rugged appeal that I refused to turn away from. A thick head of black hair and a thick head elsewhere had my eyes tracing his muscular frame head to toe as he took long strides to reach me from the front door.

An expensive pin-striped suit clung to his body perfectly. His brows were thick like an awning over his steel grey eyes, casting a shadow over them that made his gaze appear dangerous.

I busied myself to give my nervous energy somewhere to go. This way, it would be entirely believable when I blamed not calling him on my hectic work schedule.

I ducked under the counter and pulled out a few tools to clean a sterling silver pocket watch a customer had brought in. I wanted to pull it open and clean the gears too, so I set my mind to doing that as Marcus stopped in front of the counter.

Ominous and intimidating energy exuded from him as he waited for me to acknowledge his presence. A part of my imagination dreamed of him grabbing me by the shoulders, squeezing them just before leaning down to kiss me along my neck. My breathing betrayed my quickening pulse, which only drew a soft laugh from Marcus.

“You can’t ignore a customer, Anabella.” Marcus’s tone, deep, alluring, and charismatic, made me remember why I'd ended up with him in the first place. I wanted to feel him, to explore those depths of pleasure all over again, but I had left and never reached out.Ughhh! Being obsessed with billionaire cock was the last of my concerns, or it should have been.

“I’m not ignoring you, Mr. Adler,” I told him while moving my magnifying glasses from around my neck to cover my eyes. I deliberately looked down at the pocket watch to undo the hinge.

His perfectly manicured fingers tapped the counter as he spoke. “Mr. Adler? If you’re going to behave like a child, Anabella, then I’ll have to get you a car seat for when we fly to London next week.”

“Ha!” I scoffed. “You’re mighty sure of yourself. I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t even trust you.”

“Trusted me enough to let me taste that sweet—”

I cut him off. “That was months ago.”

“Three and a half weeks, but who’s counting?” He smirked.

My groan of annoyance should have been enough to derail the conversation, but Marcus had a tendency to get what he wanted. I huffed and rolled my eyes. “You, obviously … and the fact that you’re bringing it up says you’re not here for business, which means you can leave. The door’s that way. Come again soon.”

Marcus leaned over the counter and squinted those steel grey eyes at me, delivering a panty-dropping grin as he said, “I plan on making you come again real soon, but first, I need you, Anabella.”

“You need to take a hint. I’m busy, Mr. Adler.” I gestured toward the pocket watch set on the counter.

“Please, Anabella, enough with theMr. Adler. I like it so much better when Marcus comes off your lips.”

I liked it better when I came onhislips, but alas, there I was, annoyed that such an orgasmic experience had been wasted on an Adler.

“Marcus, please tell me what you want or leave,” I sighed, with feigned disinterest.

“First, I want to apologize to you.”

That got my attention and tore my eyes away from the gears and tools splayed in front of me.

“I’m listening.”

He gave me that billion-dollar smile as he spoke. “I apologize for not reaching out after our unforgettable evening. It had nothing to do with you and everything to do with your last name. Still, even with the turbulent past of our families, I don’t see why it should stop us from making some money together.”

“What do you meanyou’re apologizing?If anything, I should be apologizing for not reaching out to you, because technically I woke up and left you alone in the bed.”

He gave me a curious smirk before stepping away from the counter and looking around the shop. “I’ll give you that, Anabella.Okay. You ghosted me first.”

Damn right I did. I gave him an appreciative nod while he continued to browse.

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