Free Billionaire Alpha 1: (A Bad Boy Billionaire Novel) by Ali Parker

fingers.
    "Actually, yes. If you need something, talk with Linda."
    He turned toward Bethany, as she sat, frozen with shock. He looked down at her with something like hunger and control in his gaze. "It looks great on you. I love the way it teases me to want to see more of your skin. His fingers brushed by the heart-shaped locket, and she shivered, her eyes locked on him, unable to help herself.
    Sadie huffed loudly and left as Damon moved back slowly, his gaze still holding Bethany still. She took a slow breath, realizing a desperate need for air.
    "I thought you were going to kiss me. What a mess that would create." She sat down in the chair beside her. "If they knew I was your sister and then you planted the seed that we were somehow interested in each other … "
    "No one will know you're my soon-to-be stepsister, and I think planting that seed is the best way to remind everyone else that I'm unavailable. I was thinking about it this afternoon. I'll inform my father, and I'm sure he'll be all for it. I promise not to push you past your comfort zone. Least not yet." He turned and walked from the office, his movements smooth, his butt fitting in his slacks far too well.
    Bethany sunk back in her chair and touched the necklace around her throat, her eyes closing. He'd been so close. Just a bit more and his lips would have brushed hers. She swallowed hard, wanting to know what it would feel like, what he tasted like.
    She exhaled loudly, standing and gathering her things before she made a bad decision on her part. Going to see him again would only cloud her conscience. He seemed to be perfectly fine playing any part he deemed appropriate. Too bad his ethics weren't in line with hers.
     
    *
     
    Matthew greeted Bethany at the door, his famous bear hug her reward for a long day at work. He sat her down and took her bags, walking with her excitedly toward the kitchen. His voice was soft, and he kept glancing around, as if trying to ensure that no one was involved in his business but her.
    "I had something really cool happen today," he whispered, hanging her handbag on the inside of the closet door. "An art dealer in Seattle called and they want to see one of my paintings in a few weeks."
    "Matt, that's great. Are you going up there by yourself?"
    "It's right after your mom and my dad get married. I wanted to see if you would go with me? We could totally get two rooms, no problem. I just don't let too many people know about my talents, so this would be great for us to grow closer as siblings."
    "I don't see why I can't go, as long as it's not during class and Damon lets me take off from the firm."
    "Oh, yeah. I called him earlier about it."
    "You did?" She followed Matt outside, sticking her head into the kitchen to wave at her mom and Kent before joining her almost stepbrother.
    "Yeah. It was his idea that you go with me." He smiled and walked toward the edge of the balcony, the air muggy and less than ideal for her business outfit.
    "He told you that you and I should go to Seattle?" Was he trying to throw her off on Matthew? Seemed odd. Damon wasn't the family-type guy, from what she could tell. Why he would try and build her relationship with Matthew was concerning. Unless he hoped they might find something more in each other. Damon wanted her to fall in love with Matt?
    "No, silly. He's going with me for sure, and he told me to invite you. He wants to get to know you better and thought this would be perfect."
    Lust rolled over her as she reached up and touched the small heart necklace her mother had given her for her sixteenth birthday.
    "What time did he call you?"
    "Just now. Well, actually, just before you walked in the door. He's great, isn't he?"
    "Yeah … great."
    She turned and looked toward the long stretch of green grass, her thoughts scattered. What was Damon up to? He wanted her in Seattle with him, and something told her it wasn't for business or familial reasons at all.
    Could she be so cursed?

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