Page 5 of Most Eligible Billionaire CEO

My inexperience as an escort shines bright.

Embarrassment colors my cheeks.

His face softens. “From what Todd tells me, you’re smart and you pick up on things quickly.”

“I am and I do.” I smile despite my discomfort.

The waiter returns with our drinks and some tempting appetizers. A few sips of my gin and tonic gives me the courage to ask a question I’ve had on my mind since Todd told me that the uber-successful and very eligible Bryce Van Der Linden was the first client of many to get in touch with him to secure ‘Amanda’s’ services.

“Bryce, may I ask a question?”

“Of course.”

“What should I say if someone asks about our relationship? How should I refer to you?”

“Good question. There’s a strategic reason behind hiring a gorgeous and sexy woman who speaks multiple languages. People will spend more time admiring your beauty and being impressed by your language skills than figuring out our relationship, but if someone were to ask, simply tell them you’re my director of international business. It’s a quick and simple way to put an end to any further questions they might have about us.”

“Got it. My language skills were the determining factor in selecting me over the other women at the agency?” Did I just ask that? “I’m sorry, Bryce. That came out the wrong way. I’m not questioning your decision,” I say, fumbling over my words.

He leans in dangerously close, his cologne—which I’m sure cost an arm and a leg—tickles my nostrils.

Holding my brown eyes with his dreamy blue ones, he places a hand on top of mine, and says in a suggestive voice, “Your language skills are a bonus. I selected you because you’re beautiful and you have an incredibly curvaceous body.”

His silky words make my nipples stand to attention and send tingles cartwheeling to my pussy.

Good Lord.

Although the evening is a glamorous gala where some of the richest and most successful businesspeople in New York City rub shoulders, it’s tiresome. I spend the evening glued to Bryce’s side, shaking hands, smiling, making small talk in four languages, and faking interest in what’s being shared with me.

You’d think, with that much money, they’d know how to have more fun.

Bryce is all business during the gala. Other than a few conspiring looks we exchange during the evening, we don’t have much time to interact with each other because there are too many important people to meet.

“I’m going to freshen up. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” I say before leaving his side.

I reapply my makeup and lipstick with meticulous attention, in the hopes of buying myself some time away from this boring evening. I assess the final result, and head out of the bathroom.

I set off in the direction of the bar, determined to find a way of making this evening more bearable, but a voice stops me.

“That was a long bathroom break, Amanda.”

I turn around, startled.

I recover. “You know us women, we take much longer than men.” I feel like he’s caught me doing something wrong. “I was going to get a drink. Want one?”

“No, thanks. As for your drink, you’ll have to take it to go.” I flinch. “I can’t shake another hand or make any more small talk.” You and me both. “I called the chauffeur. The car is outside.”

“I’ll nix the drink idea.”

“Let’s go.” He places a hand on the small of my back and I bask for a moment in the shiver that runs up my spine.

As we drive back to his hotel, I stare out the window, a bit nervous about what Bryce expects of me now that the gala is over.

“Amanda?”

Slowly, I turn my head to meet his eyes.

“You were really great tonight and I can’t believe you survived the last three hours like a real champ,” he says.

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