Page 50 of Owned By a Billionaire

Her smooth brow nearly creased as she studied me for a moment before softening again. “See, you know about my past.” She ran her hands over my thigh and stopped short of stroking my cock.

“Not enough though.” I held my ground, despite her attempt to turn me from inquisitor to ravaging lover, and took her hand away before I lost yet another round. “Why is that detective poking around? And why do you keep that snake Crisp so close?”

She wrapped her arms around my neck and drew me in close again. “Why don’t we go to Como for a week? We can reveal our souls there, if you like.”

I got lost in the fragrance of her silky raven hair, and as my hands traveled her contours, almost unconsciously, her suggestion suddenly registered. This time, I stepped away from her abruptly.

I bit my lip and eyed the liquor, all golden in the sun. Temptation to take a nip or two came calling, and since it was midafternoon, that’s exactly what I did.

She looked hurt. “What’s the matter?”

“Do you want one?” I held up the bottle before pouring myself a generous measure.

She shook her head.

I took a swallow and cleared my throat. “Como’s been sold.”

Her eyes widened as though I’d told her that a family member had been murdered. “I didn’t even know it was on the market. Why didn’t you tell me? I would have bought it.”

“That would have felt odd.”

“You should have told me. I would have paid you double, triple your asking price. Why didn’t you?” She looked angry all of a sudden.

“But it was too small. I recall you complaining about the size of the bathroom. Not to mention the bedroom.”

“I would have pulled it down and rebuilt something larger.”

I gulped down my Scotch and poured another shot, frustrated at her tone and at myself for being so complacent where she was concerned. Normally, I would give as good as I got. “It was mine to do with as I pleased, Caroline.”

I walked to the window and turned my back to her.

“No one’s questioning that, darling. But why not tell me? It was a rare jewel.” She sounded like she might cry.

I turned to face her. “It’s only a villa, Caroline. It’s not someone’s life.”

She remained lost in her thoughts, and her frown intensified before she stared up at me again. “Tell me the real reason why, Cary.”

The reason, however, was more complicated than me being broke. She would have discovered Markus Reiner, and that would have opened a Pandora’s box.

“Oh Cary.” She fell down on the sofa. “I loved that villa. I even saw us living there part of the year.”

I sighed. Yes. Our time at Como had been magical. Perfect. “It was with a heavy heart, for sure. I needed the money.”

“Why didn’t you talk to me?”

“The same reason you won’t let me into your world, I suppose.”

She paced about. “Put me in contact with your solicitor, and I will double the buyer’s offer.”

“I don’t think that will work. It’s a famous Hollywood actor who has sworn everyone to secrecy. It’s too late.”

She huffed loudly.

“There are more villas around.”

“Not in that prime location. I’ve already looked.” She sat on the couch and cupped her chin in one hand, looking despondent.

I joined her and placed my arm around her. It was like I was consoling her for losing a loved one. “I’m sorry, Caroline.”

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