Page 2 of Off Limits Billionaire

Every piece in the space was an antique. Our family’s treasure trove lies in the clocks lining the walls. A few grandfather clocks were waiting to be discovered by an intentional collector. However, the frequency of collectors coming into our shop had dwindled significantly over the years.

The Pierce family was no stranger to hard times, but this just felt different. Something needed to be done and soon. It’s the only reason why I’d entertain Marcus. Somewhere in that stupid apology, he had mentioned making money together.

Our shop sat on the first floor of a three-story building in Center City Philadelphia’s historic district. My grandparents stayed on the second floor, while my two brothers lived on the top. Me? I enjoyed my semi-private space, living with my best friend Nina in a two-bedroom townhouse not too far from there, near Ridge and Kelly Dr.

I couldn't help but watch Marcus as he circled around the room, delicately stroking the side of a grandfather clock. The clock was one of my favorites, with porcelain inlays and gold trim. There was a portrait of cherubs painted all over the smooth surface. The gold face held another portrait of a tree that matched the style of the rest of the piece.

“Please don’t touch and leave your fingerprints all over it,” I told him, which drew his gaze back to me. I grabbed a dusting cloth to come around and wipe it down. I found myself rubbing the clock vigorously, bending down in front of Marcus to make sure I wiped every blemish off the beautiful timepiece.

He inhaled sharply through clenched teeth. “I can keep my hands off the clock, but if you keep bending over like that, I can’t make any promises about you. It’s really a shame our families can’t get over this messy feud.I’m sorry. I’m here to propose a deal if you’ll hear me out and stop distracting me.”

“I’m distracting you?” A low grumble escaped my throat as I stood up straight and returned to my seat behind the register. “What are you proposing?”

“There’s a private Auction at Montclair’s in London. It’s rumored that a rare Godschalk grandfather clock is going on the block. I want it.”

“What does that have to do with me?” I asked him.

“I want an independent authentication and you’re the best outside of August Pierce.”

He was not wrong about my Grandpa Augie, but there had to be something else.

I asked, “Why would I even think about doing anything with you?”

Marcus returned to the counter, planting his hands firmly across the top and leaning in so close I could smell his cologne. The aroma was alluring, a mixture of some sort of chocolate, cinnamon, and leather. I wanted to rake my fingers through his hair, bringing his face close to kiss him, but quickly tossed the idea out of my head. Handsome and off limits, even though we’d already crossed the line weeks before.

“Because you need me just as much as I need you.”

“Ha!” I scoffed. “In what universe?”

“This one.” He jabbed a finger into the glass. “You know that Adler Realty is one of the premier brokerages in Philly, right?”

I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting out loud how successful his family had become. Mainly because their success was at the expense of the Pierce family.

He shrugged and continued. “We got a line on a list of properties about to head into foreclosure. This property and the one next door need to get right side up on the mortgage or else you’re out. I promise I’m not here to rub it in, but because I absolutely need this clock—”

I never liked people digging into my family’s financial affairs. I felt my desire to entertain Marcus’s offer evaporating by the second. “Anyone can authenticate the clock, whatelsedo you want?”

He raised his hands in surrender. “All business, I promise. I know one of the auctioneers at Montclair’s. They said the clock is in shambles. The restoration aside from the authentication will net you a decent enough fee to get caught up so your family’s legacy doesn’t get folded into the Adler portfolio.”

“You asshole!” I spat. “You think that because we slept together that I’m supposed to just roll over and perform for you because youneedsomething?”

“It’s not like that at all, Anabella. I want you because you’re the best and I never settle for anything less. Our personal history, family history, all of it … just let it go for a second and think about it from the business side of things. I know your rate and other horologists are just obscenely expensive.”

“Well I can tell you that I’m even more expensive because I’m super busy. You’ll have to pay triple my rate since this is last minute, and it requires travel.”

“Super busy?” His eyes scanned the shop before landing on the pocket watch still sitting on the counter. “Yes, you’re bogged down with work, but I’m desperate. That said, it’s the last time you’ll hear me beg.”

“That was you begging?” I giggled.

“I will triple your rate, plus cover your travel expenses. I’ll give you until tomorrow afternoon to decide.”

“Oh wow, an entire 24 hours. How generous of you.” I shook my head and started crunching the numbers in my head. The deposit alone for my horology consulting fee would cover our utilities and the deposit for the restoration would cover the overdue mortgage payments. I needed to stop being a bitch and really think about his proposal. Marcus extended his hand out to me. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” I let my hand slip into his and shook it. The strength of his fingers wrapping around mine took me back to that night where he'd held me with the same amount of force as he drove himself in and out of me like a man who couldn't get enough.

I had to be honest. Being with Marcus had been one of the best nights of my life, but he was Marcus Adler. He winked and pulled his hand away, leaving me to wonder if he remembered our night together as vividly as I did.

The way Marcus walked out of the shop, such confidence, seared his words into my memory. He only wanted the best and never settled. Did that sentiment extend to our night together? Had I been thebestoption for him that night?

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