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  Breathless for the Billionaire

  Billionaires Love Curves Book 3

  Gia Blackwood

  Copyright © 2019 Gia Blackwood

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed by any means or in any form without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical review and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  DISCLAIMER

  The characters, places, and events portrayed in this book are a work of fiction. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. The model(s) featured on the cover of this eBook are in no way associated with the story’s characters.

  1

  Violet

  I pull out my cellphone again to check the time. It’s already 4:15 and my sister was supposed to meet me at four on the dot. I should have expected her to be late. She always is. It wouldn’t matter so much if I didn’t have to be at work by five and at this time of day the traffic is a nightmare.

  I tap my leg anxiously and open the camera app on my phone to examine my face. Much to my chagrin, the bags under my eyes seem worse than yesterday. My eyes seem a dull, lifeless blue rather than their old vibrant sapphire. My hair is flat and lusterless, too, since I haven’t had the time to properly care for it. After a year of working three jobs—a barista, a server for a catering company, and a copyeditor—I’m a complete disaster.

  I don’t get to mourn my appearance very long. My sister Katie walks through the door of Lacy’s Café, our longtime hangout. When she asked me to meet her for a quick lunch, I knew it would be a tight squeeze with my schedule, but I can’t say no to my baby sister. It’s probably my biggest flaw. Ever since I was young, I’ve been her caretaker. It’s only recently that I took on three jobs to do that though.

  She smiles brightly when she sees me and I can’t help but envy her shiny blonde hair and small athletic body. Unlike me, Katie is the picture of health. She’s also the Barbie doll every man dreams of. It’s just not fair. Right now she’s a college student, working hard in her pre-med degree, so she has no time for work. Until a year ago she didn’t have a need to work either. She had a full ride to her university, including room and board. Then she fell too deep into the college, partying lifestyle and her grades dropped. I had no idea she had lost her scholarships until she came to my apartment crying one night and completely wasted. She had lost every single scholarship and couldn’t continue her studies.

  So of course I did the sisterly thing and agreed to pay for her education. Our parents passed when we were young so it’s always fallen on me to provide for us. I went from one job to three within a week. Sometimes I wish it could be different, but it is what it is. Katie is my beloved little sister and I know she’ll return the favor one day.

  I offer her a tired smile when she gets to the table. She sits across from me, hanging a designer purse from her chair.

  “Where did you get that?” I ask.

  She caresses the bag like it’s made of gold. “It was a gift. From Brent.” She says the name like a sigh, her face taking on a dreamy look. I only raise my eyebrows. “He’s just this guy who’s after me. This loaded guy.” She smiles as if pleased with herself.

  “He must be to buy you that purse. Just be careful.” Katie’s only response is to wave carelessly and stare lovingly at the bag. My stomach growls. “Anyway, should we order?” I look down at the menu and realize how hungry I am. Did I even eat breakfast today?

  Katie shrugs. “I’m not really hungry actually.”

  I stare at her blankly. “But you’re the one who wanted to get lunch.”

  “I know, Vi, but I didn’t mean to actually eat.”

  “Fine,” I sigh. “Don’t eat, but I need to get something in me before I get to my next job.” I flag down the waitress and order a panini. I should be able to choke it down pretty quickly. I look at Katie as she pulls out her phone and starts sending off texts.

  “Cool, cool,” she says. “Which job is that again?”

  “I have to be at a catering event by five.”

  “Ooo, cutting it a bit close, aren’t you?”

  “Yep, but you said you wanted to grab lunch and you’re important to me so I made time.” I hear my voice begin to sound annoyed so I take a deep breath. I know how Katie is, but she’s young. I can expect her to be inconsiderate at times.

  “Right,” she says, finally looking up from her phone. “About that, I really need to borrow some cash.”

  At her words my exhaustion is replaced with irritation. So that’s what this is about—she never wanted lunch. She only wants more money. I’m tempted to give into my anger and tell her no when the waitress comes back with my food. Instead of saying something I’ll regret, I take a bite of my panini. After I’ve stanched my annoyance a bit, I meet her pleading eyes.

  She’s wearing the sweetest expression, both pleading and sad at the same time, and it melts away the rest of my anger. “What for?” I ask wearily.

  “Textbooks.”

  “In the middle of the semester?”

  She nods. “I didn’t think I’d need this one, but apparently I do. I have a test on Monday that will cover it.”

  Textbooks. Those were expensive necessities. I can’t say no to this as much as I want to. I think about my bank account and suppress a grimace. “How much is it?” There might be some trouble with my rent this month, especially since my landlord keeps raising my rent without notice. A shady practice.

  She folds her hands in front of her like she’s about to say a prayer. “Only five hundred.” From her tone, she knows that five hundred is a lot to ask after I’m already paying thousands for her tuition and boarding fees. That amount is going to hurt. I think about the number of instant noodles I’ll be eating in the near future. And the number of extra shifts I’ll have to work. Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten this panini. “Please, Vi. You know I’ll pay you back.”

  I sigh. “I know, Katie. Okay. I’ll PayPal you the money.”

  Just like that her guilty expression is replaced with a broad smile. “Oh, Vi, you’re the best!” She jumps from her chair and runs over to hug me. I return the hug, patting her back. “I love you so much!”

  “I love you, too, sis.” I really do. If only she can finish school, Katie has such a bright future ahead of her.

  She rises, straightening her dress. “Okay, now I’ve gotta run. I’m heading to a study group now, but try to get that money to me ASAP.” She kisses my cheek. “Later, Vi!”

  I toss out a weary goodbye and watch her retreating form. Five hundred bucks. That’s a few extra shifts for the next few weeks. My eight-dollar panini is looking pretty pathetic right now. Actually, I don’t even feel hungry anymore. Just tired. And sore. Is it just me or does my throat hurt?

  I suppress a groan, wolf down the rest of my food, and run to my next job. More than anything else, I just want a break. One night that doesn’t include working or thinking about money.

  Something tells me that’s not going to happen anytime soon.

  2

  Jack

  It’s my second week bartending at Noble Concotions and I have it running like a well-oiled machine. The atmosphere is laidback and charming, the bar sleek and spotless, the music more of a background ambiance rather than blaring club music. In short, I’m very satisfied with how my newest business is shaping up. This lounge is the newest addition to my string of recent enterprises. Before I throw a formal grand opening, I always test out my new endeavors myself by doing the dirty work. That’s why I’m bartending here. Undercover of course. If people knew who I was, then I would ne
ver get a real feel for the place.

  I finish polishing off a glass and set it neatly in place. Everything is perfect. I make a few more drinks as guests pop in slowly. It’s a Tuesday night so I don’t expect too much in the way of traffic. Plus it’s a new business so many people haven’t heard about it yet.

  I don’t mind. I want to be sure the place is perfect before it gets too much attention. If only it wasn’t so mind-numbing. I’m almost tempted to chat up an attractive redhead who’s been giving me eyes all night. But no. I’m not one for flings. Too much trouble. More than likely she would want more from me than I’m willing to give.

  I learned that lesson the hard way. My last ex started off as a fling. Laura was a one-night stand who turned into more because of her insane persistence. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. I gave in. Fell for her even. Until she left me out of blue for some guy she met at a bar.

  No. Relationships are not for me. I swore off of women to focus on my work. Maintain my cold and calm demeanor while I pursue my interests.

  I hear the door open and yell out a greeting without looking. “Welcome,” I say. “Be with you in a sec.”

  “No rush,” a sweet voice says softly, so sweet that I immediately turn my head to find the source. I almost drop the drink I’m preparing when I do, but I quickly refocus on the task and finish up.

  Holy hell. That girl, whoever she is that just walked in, is beyond smoking. She blows the redhead seated at the bar out of the water. The sight of her make me question all of the things I was just telling myself.

  Swearing off women?

  Maybe. But then again maybe not. If anyone is going to make me break that rule, it’s this woman right here. I stand straighter and get to work.

  3

  Violet

  At the end of tonight’s catering gig, the last thing I want to do is walk home. I dearly wish I could just call a cab and be done with it, but there is no way I’m going to spend the cash I just busted my ass for on a ride. I take a few more tired steps only to stop and sit on the curb. My feet hurt more than usual.

  The only time I really get to spend off my feet nowadays is the few hours I’m sleeping. Other than that I’m juggling three jobs and the occasional shift at the shelter. Multiple times I’ve told myself I should at least give up the volunteer gig, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I’ve been homeless before. It was only for a couple of weeks, but that was enough.

  That crap sucks the life out of you. I’m grateful to have an apartment. Grateful that my sister is cozy on her college campus. Going back to help at the shelter feels like paying the universe back for getting me out of there. So it’s another job I have, even if it’s unpaid.

  I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the chill night air. It’s almost midnight and I have to be up in the morning for another job. Now that I think about it, it's not just my feet that hurt. All of me does.

  Why is my body so achy? I think of my sore throat from before, which has thankfully abated, and hope I’m not getting sick. I cannot afford that right now.

  I rub my legs, trying to summon the will to get up. I need to move, but I just want to sit. The flicker of a neon sign nearby catches my attention. Noble Conconctions, it reads. A bar? I’ve never noticed it before.

  I could use a quick drink, if only because I’ll be able to sit a while longer. With a huff, I rise and make my way inside. It’s dimly lit and surprisingly clean. Must be new.

  That’s the thing about working so much. I spend so much time grinding away at my jobs that I never notice when things change. Like a new business popping up so close to my apartment. I make my way to the large, centrally placed bar that’s open on all four sides and slide into a stool.

  “Welcome,” the bartender says casually with his back still turned. “Be with you in just a sec.”

  “No rush,” I tell him. I mean, I’m mostly here to rest my feet so I’m glad to wait.

  Seeing as it’s Tuesday night, there aren’t many other patrons, but it’s also not completely dead. I settle in, waiting for the bartender to finish up with a couple across from me. When he does, he turns around and my breath catches in my throat.

  Holy crap, the man is attractive. He’s tall and broad, medium-length dark hair framing a face with defined cheekbones and a straight nose. His lips are almost too full for a man’s, but they make my thirst all too real.

  I swallow and work to maintain a straight face.

  “What can I get for you?” He finishes up with the couple and now he’s right in front of me, deep, dark eyes bearing down on me with an intensity that leaves me breathless.

  It takes a second for my brain to work, but I manage to choke out an order, mostly because it’s the same thing I always order in a bar. A whiskey sour, the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and my drink of choice.

  He nods, straight-lipped, and begins preparing it. I watch as he does, noticing for the first time how heavily built the man is. His muscles ripple as he works, very obvious now through his white T-shirt. Part of me wants to hit on him, maybe take him home tonight.

  I quickly dismiss the idea. For one, he’s out of my league. I’m too afraid of rejection to ask out someone as hot as him. Two, he’s probably not into bigger girls. There’s a cute, slim redhead nearby he’s more likely to go for. Three, my body hurts too much to get down and dirty anyway. In short, it’s a bad idea. I’ll stick to enjoying the view.

  He comes back and places my drink before me. I thank him, expecting him to turn away as soon as he collects payment. Instead, his gaze stays focused on me.

  “What’s your name?” he asks.

  This time I don’t fumble over my words at least. “Violet,” I say. “Violet Finch.”

  He smiles. Or at least I think it’s a smile. His lips curve slightly anyway. “I’m Jack.”

  “Just Jack?”

  He nods. “Just Jack.”

  “Well, Just Jack, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” He doesn’t say any more, but he’s staring at me. Hard. I have to clench my legs and steady myself by leaning forward on the bar. I'm fairly sure that gaze could seduce a nun.

  “So…” I say.

  “What brings you in tonight?” He looks down at me and I remember I’m in my work uniform, a formal black pencil shirt and clean white button up shirt. Right. This is my catering outfit. That must be why he’s staring so hard. I’m not exactly dressed for a place like this.

  “Just off work,” I say. “Felt like having a drink.” I lift my whiskey sour to my lips and take a deep gulp before I realize it’s a bad idea. The burning liquid pours down my throat before I’m ready for it. That is a strong drink. I go into a spasm of coughing that leaves me breathless. By the time I settle down, I know I’m red in the face and very ready to dig my own grave and lie in it. Talk about embarrassing.

  “I swear I’m not new to drinking,” I say, my voice still hoarse. I raise my eyes to his, expecting to see laughter or scorn. Instead he’s staring at me even harder. Is that… concern in his eyes?

  “You alright?” he asks.

  “Yeah, yeah. It’s just been a long day… Or week. Or year, I guess I should say.” It really has. I can feel my head start to pound as I speak.

  “Why don’t you tell me about it?”

  I focus on him for what seems the first time, meeting his hard gaze. Is he trying to play the confidant, like some barkeep from a movie? “There’s really not much to tell,” I say slowly. “About a year ago, my sister lost all of her college scholarships when she let her GPA dip too low. Now I’m her scholarship.”

  “I see. Is this a loan or a grant your giving her?” He raises his eyebrows.

  “This is family,” I say firmly. I’m a strong believer in the idea of a family unit. Maybe because I’ve never really had one. My sister and I are all we have. Once upon a time we were best friends despite our seven-year age difference. I think about our earlier encounter and I have to admit we’ve grown apart. It brings my mood e
ven lower. I’d do anything for Katie. Working extra hard for a few years to give her a better future is nothing in the grand scheme of things. I just wish she appreciated it a little more.

  “But it’s her fault.”

  “She’s doing better now. Staying out of trouble.”

  “Sure,” he says, eyebrows slightly raised.

  “She is.”

  He grunts in response and I wonder why I’m giving him the time of day anymore. He doesn’t know me or my sister. “I don’t have to justify myself or my actions to you, buddy. You may be hot as hell, but that doesn’t give you the right to judge me.” I feel my already red face flushing more. My words are probably sharper than I intended but I mean every word. I grab my drink and down the rest in a few gulps. This time the delicious burn settles nicely, making me feel more confident than I’ve felt all night.

  I rise to my feet and notice they no longer hurt. I don’t know if it’s the whiskey or the slight high I got from telling off a total hottie, but I appreciate it none the less. These no-longer-hurting feet are going to march me straight to—

  The sound of a girly ringtone splits the quiet air of the bar and I rush to pull my phone out of my purse. I have that specific ringtone assigned to Katie. She never calls me this late. Worry stabs at my heart as I answer the call.

  “Katie? What’s wrong?” Loud music muffles her voice so that I can only make out every other word. “Where are you?” I struggle to keep an even tone. The only thing I hear is either laughing or crying. Both possibilities are concerning. “Where are you, Katie?” My brain struggles to decipher the words coming from the other end of the line, but I think I make out one thing. The Palace. The name of that place makes my blood run cold. “I’m coming,” I say. “I’m heading to the Palace now, Katie. Don’t move.” What the hell is she doing there? I thought she was studying tonight. Fuck, I don’t have time to think about it.