Page 6 of Owned By a Billionaire

His bloodshot blue eyes held mine. “You did? I mean, it messed with your head that much?” There was a note of surprise in his voice. “I’m truly sorry. I had a bit too much to drink, and I can get a little demanding.” He clicked for the barman, ordered a shot of vodka, and then pointed at my glass.

I nodded. “G&T.”

“I asked Reynard to arrange this meeting so I could personally apologize.”

“I’m fine now. And I was only kidding about the therapy. You really needn’t have bothered.”

He chuckled at my droll delivery. “You’re a special girl, Carol.”

I had to fix my stare on my glass to stop my eyes from rolling at his patronizing response.

Helmut placed his large hand over mine. “Can we start again?”

I huffed. “I guess so.” I held up a finger. “But this time, we only hang out somewhere public. No hotel rooms.”

“That’s a promise.” He downed a shot, then, wiping his mouth, he pointed at the chilled bottle on the bar. “Leave it there.”

The bar person nodded and passed me my drink.

“There’s this little gathering tonight.” Helmut regarded me. “The invitation stipulates willing partners only.”

“Willing?” I frowned.

He fidgeted with his glass. “It’s a swingers’ party.”

“Like partner-swapping?”

“You’ve heard of those?” He looked shocked, as though I were some delicate flower.

“I’m not completely naïve to the proclivities of certain indolent married couples.”

His brow pinched. “You’ve attended one of these?”

I shook my head. “I’d prefer to sit through endless re-runs ofE.T.”

He laughed. “I enjoyed that movie.” Then he stared at me for a moment. “You’ve changed from when I met you. You’ve become more assertive.”

I just gave him a subtle smile.

“I’ve got a nice little blue pill.” His eyebrows bounced.

“And you won’t touch me?” I stared him straight in the eyes.

His mouth curved down as he pulled an exaggerated sad face. “Am I that repugnant?”

My face remained blank. I wasn’t about to sweeten the obvious.

Instead of acting offended, Helmut snorted a laugh. I got the feeling he enjoyed being whipped.

“I’m more of a passive observer. If you know what I mean?”

“You’re a voyeur?”

He flinched. “You make it sound sinful.”

I shrugged. “Each to their own.”

He nodded solemnly, like something else was behind his affliction. “One must come with a willing partner to these events, and what better way to gain entrance than to bring a beautiful woman known for being passionate?”

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