Billionaire Playboy Read online

  “Then I propose a challenge to you,” he said with a twinkle in his eye that both alarmed and excited me.

  “Okaaaay.”

  “You live here. Stay here for a month and we’ll test the theory.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I get to fuck you every night for the next month. If by the time the month is over you’re not head over heels in love with me, then five-hundred thousand dollars will be deposited into your bank account.”

  “Five hundred thousand?” I crunched my nose up at him, not sure if I was fully understanding what he was proposing. Was the man insane? He had to be, I couldn’t be hearing him right.

  “Fine. You get five-hundred thousand upfront for participating in this little experiment. And another five-hundred grand at the end of the month.”

  He had to be fucking with me. I mean, really, who in their right mind offered such a thing? Maybe he’d watched Indecent Proposal too many times. Well, he wasn’t Robert Redford and I sure as hell wasn’t Demi Moore.

  “You’re out of your mind? Or is it a hobby of yours to mess with the hired help?”

  “I’m completely serious. You look at me as if I’m some womanizing low-life. I want to prove to you that sex can be enjoyed without that silly love stuff getting in the way. It’s nothing more than an activity two adults can indulge in.”

  “And where does all this love stuff get involved in the equation?”

  He grinned and gave me a wink. “Just an additional challenge for me.”

  Mr. Thomson was serious. Holy shit, he really was. One million dollars; that would completely change the lives of both my daughter Isabella, and myself. My student loans would go away, I could finally buy a car that was dependable… maybe even a house for us to live in.

  But the rub: I would be little more than a glorified prostitute. But, shit, there was so much I could do with that money. Isabella could get the things that she’d been asking for that I hadn’t been able to give to her. There was some sort of gaming system that all the kids were after, but I never had the money to get it for her. She was only five, but seemed to up to date on the latest gaming trends. And she’d never been on vacation – ever.

  As I stared up at him, for the first time in my life I was speechless.

  Chapter 2

  Devon

  She was quite the little firecracker. Admittedly, I was rather careless with the evidence of my nightly affairs and hadn’t given much thought to the fact that the housekeeper would be cleaning up after me. I had so much to deal with running the company that it never even crossed my mind that someone was cleaning up my messes. Needless to say, her tirade was justified and I made a mental note take more care disposing things properly from now on.

  However, as she spoke, the idea of proving her wrong popped into my head without much thought. Under normal circumstances, there’s no way in hell I’d pay a woman to warm my bed and feed my hunger, but she was so damned angry and the fire in her eyes was making me rock hard. Besides, I liked being right and proving a point. This little experiment with her would be nice challenge.

  In addition, the normal socialites that ran in my circles were becoming tiresome. Those women proved zero challenge, all jockeying to be the next Mrs. Townstead, figuring that fucking me would give them a foot in the door. It hadn’t happened yet despite their trying, so chances are it wouldn’t happen anytime soon. But bless their little hearts, they tried.

  “What do you say? Are you up for the challenge?”

  The surprise in her expression slowly faded and she narrowed her dark eyes at me. Her eyes were so dark, like black holes sucking me in. “Are you serious? Or simply out of your mind?”

  “I’m completely serious, and according to my shrink I’m perfectly sane though he has stated on more than one occasion that I’m seriously overworked.”

  She rolled her eyes at me, replying dryly. “Yes, having kinky sex with a new stranger can be taxing I’m sure.”

  “Perhaps not taxing, but it can get boring. There’s no challenge.”

  “But where’s a challenge with me? You’d be paying to fuck me each night -”

  “- Or morning, or afternoon. Anytime and anywhere I’d like really.”

  “Are you some sort of Fifty Shades, Christian Grey freak?”

  “You tell me. You’ve been in every room of this house, in my closets to hang my clothing. Have you seen a sex dungeon here or anything overly kinky here?”

  “I don’t snoop.”

  “You wouldn’t need to in order to answer that question.” I spread my hands out to the sides. “So, what do you say? Do you accept my challenge?” Admittedly, she was the exact opposite of the women I’d usually sleep with. She hadn’t a stitch of make-up on, her hair was pinned up in a tight bun, and her attire consisted of jeans and a t-shirt with the housekeeping company name on it: Anytime Maid Service.

  Anytime Maid Service. Any way. Any thing. Any time you want, Sir. I couldn’t help but grin each time I heard the company name. They seriously didn’t give enough thought to the name, but I digress…

  While most socialites had undergone so many procedures, both cosmetic and plastic, that they looked like walking Barbie dolls, my sexy spitfire of a maid had womanly curves and looked all natural, which had an exotic appeal to me.

  I wanted her, and once I set my mind on something I got it. No was not an option.

  Her lips formed a tight, straight line as she stared up at me. I could almost see the thoughts tumbling through her mind as she no doubt weighed the pros and cons of the situation. She was probably still thinking it was some sort of game.

  “This isn’t a game. It’s real. Either way, you come out a winner in this. You may even enjoy yourself.”

  “You want me to be a whore. Hookers get paid for sex, which is essentially what you’re suggesting. Quite frankly, that doesn’t sit too well with me.”

  Heaving a sigh, I considered her words. She was right. And would it really be all that much fun if she was just obligated to fuck me at my beck and call? Wouldn’t it be more fun to convince her it was what she wanted: a no strings attached, hard-core fucking? Oh yes, it would be so much more fun.

  “Okay, I’ll revise my offer. You’re to live here for a month. Sex will not be an obligation, but you’re also not allowed to deny yourself the urge if you want sex. And no avoiding me to keep from fucking and winning the bet. Whether I want you to attend a dinner with me or just watch a movie on television, you’re to be my companion. That is non-negotiable.”

  I reached out and twirled a lock of her dark hair, which had fallen free of the restrictive bun, around my index finger. She inhaled sharply, but didn’t pull away. “And when you decide you can’t stand another moment without me in you, you’ll give yourself to me, begging me to fuck each and every part of you.” For emphasis, I continued with, “Fuck every part.”

  Jesus! My dick went from semi-hard to fully erect in my pants at the thought of the sexy, yet prudish beauty screaming my name and begging me to fuck her. Yes, this was a much better wager. It would give me much more satisfaction when I inevitably won. Still, I gave her a stern look. “I would have to rely on your honor for this to work. Can I trust you to be honest with me?”

  She remained quiet, her eyes wide and full lips slightly parted. Speechless.

  “I don’t have all day to wait for your answer.”

  “You don’t even know my name!”

  I chuckled. She was right, I had no idea. “Okay, then what is your name, love?”

  “Abigail.”

  “Abigail… Abigail.” I let the name roll off my tongue, trying it out. It was such an old, sophisticated name and it totally suited her. “Abby. It’s beautiful, it suits you perfectly.”

  She blushed, her cheeks growing crimson.

  “Well then Abby, now that we’re officially introduced, what do you have to lose?”

  ~*~ TT ~*~

  Abigail

  What do I have to lose?

 
Good question. Besides my dignity, not a whole hell of a lot. I had a mountain of debt, a college degree that was in progress, and I couldn’t get a decent paying job without the degree and no prospects on the horizon. But dignity was a big one, right?

  And what about Isabella? I couldn’t just leave her for a month. It wasn’t possible even if I wanted to.

  As I stood before him, however, I realized something - there was one more big issue. I felt an attraction for him, drawing me in, despite how I thought I felt about him. How in the hell would I be able to go a whole month living with him and not give in to my desires? It certainly didn’t help that I hadn’t gotten laid in over a year – not since the break-up with my last boyfriend. Work, school and being a mommy – that was my life right now.

  Chewing on my lower lip, I cocked my head to the side and seriously considered it. “Win or lose, I still get the initial five-hundred grand.”

  “Win or lose.”

  That would pay off my education, buy us a car and maybe a tiny house in Jersey. If not a house, then it would take care of any rent for a long time. That would be a huge relief. If nothing else, with that kind of money, I wouldn’t need to work my way through the rest of my schooling.

  “You’d get five-hundred grand before you moved in and the other half will be in escrow. Of course, you would need to sign an agreement that no matter, win or lose, you’ll keep our arrangement and the details of the month to yourself and out of the press. I can have my lawyers draw up the paperwork for you sign in the morning.”

  “A non-disclosure agreement.”

  “That is correct.”

  “It sounds like you have this all figured out. Do you play this game frequently?”

  “Believe it or not, I’m playing this one by ear.”

  “Am I…” I shifted from one foot to the other, embarrassed to even be bringing it up, but I had to find out.

  “I’ve never proposed this to anyone else if that is what you’re concerned about.”

  It was as though he was reading my mind. “I wouldn’t… didn’t…”

  He grinned. “I think you would and I wouldn’t blame you. But I assure you this is the first time I’ve paid for pussy.”

  I cringed, hating the way he worded it. “Why me? Why now?”

  “Because you challenged me and I love a challenge. Because the women I’ve been bringing home bore the living beejesus out of me. You might just be the relief I need from the boredom I’ve been feeling with my sex life.”

  “Well, I have an five-year old daughter and I just can’t up and leave her. So, this whole conversation is silly and pointless.”

  His expression went blank for a moment. The silence became uncomfortable.

  When he opened his mouth, I expected to hear him backpaddle out of the offer, but his answer shocked me. “Then she can move in with you. Why not? It’s a big house.”

  Laughter erupted from me. “That’s crazy. You’re crazy.”

  “You don’t think she’ll like it here? I have lots of room. There’s a huge pool exclusive to the top 2 floors and an indoor playground for the kids to use. I can grab her one of those game systems all the kids are using now, whatever they’re called.” He waved his hand as if it was a miniscule detail.

  Cocking a brow up at him, I asked, “How would I even explain this to her?”

  He shrugged. “This is where you work. Tell her that you’re going to work here full time for the next month. I don’t see the issue. Imagine what you can do with the money. It would change both of your lives? Is there a father in the picture?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “He’s not. But that isn’t the point. I have obligations; Isabella has gymnastic camp each day, it’s important she goes now because she starts school next year…”

  “That’s a non-issue. I have drivers they can pick her up and drop her off every day.”

  I was being handled, and I knew it. Maybe I was a fool, but I believed him. One month of my life and I would move on. If in the process I could knock a player down a peg or two and show him that women were more than just toys to be disposed of when he was done with them, then that’s a bonus to not just me, but all the women of the world. Maybe having me and Isabella around could do some good.

  If nothing else, this could be the one wild thing I did in my life. It was at that moment that I realized something: I was standing here giving myself reasons to do it, while not too many were popping up to say no. With the sex requirement off the table, it took away my only objection. Isabella and I could call it a vacation. I’d seen the pool downstairs, it even had a waterslide and lazy river. Isabella loved to swim and would go nuts being in a place where she could swim every single day. There was only one answer I could honestly give him.

  “Yes. Okay.” I took in a deep breath and slowly released it, forcing the nervousness from my body to stare him down with fake bravo. “I accept your challenge.”

  His smile widened, a look of triumph gleaming in his eyes.

  “On one condition.”

  The smile and smug looked faltered.

  “No other women while I’m here.” I laughed to myself, a grin touching my lips. Devon Townstead, with only one woman to woo for an entire month. I’d win by default.

  “Done.”

  “Done?” Gotta admit, I was a bit surprised he agreed so readily.

  “Done. Deal,” he said without hesitation. Was he so confident in his ability to bed me that he didn’t figure he’d be going without for all that long?

  “Forgive me, but I’ve got a pretty decent idea of your sex life, and the idea of you going without for a month is quite laughable.”

  He closed the distance between us and slipped his hand to the back of my head, his fingers sinking into my hair. Lowering his head, he stopped just a moment before his lips touched mine. My heart rate accelerated and I found myself having a hard time finding my breath with him being so close. I wanted to be strong, but oh god, he smelled so good and the proximity of his body to mine was making it hard for me to think straight.

  Who in the hell was I kidding? Did I seriously think that I’d be able to resist him? If he really laid on the charm, then I’d be helpless. I’d fall in love like a stupid, naïve school girl and then at the end of the month I’d walk away with a broken heart.

  But I’d still have the runner-up prize of five-hundred thousand and a new lease on life for me and my daughter.

  “Are you strong enough? If I don’t affect you, then it should be a breeze. I’m just a disgusting, womanizing pig, right?”

  I stepped away from him – away from the temptation. “That’s right.”

  “Then take the bet.”

  He’d won and he knew it. Well, fuck him, I was up for the challenge! My hormones didn’t control me. I wasn’t some teenaged schoolgirl that could be swayed by a hot body and sexy smile…at least, that was what I kept trying to tell myself.

  “Fine.” I put my had out for him to shake. “You’ve got yourself a wager, Sir.”

  He took my hand, but instead of shaking it he bought it to his lips and gently brushed his lips across the back of it. My breath hitched in my throat, my eyes widening as I watched his lips dance over the back of my hand.

  “Considering we’re going to be living together and you’ll be spending most of your time with me between your legs, I think it’s appropriate for you to call me Devon.”

  Our eyes met and I was rendered speechless.

  Oh fuck me senseless, what had my big mouth gotten me into?

  Chapter 3

  Abigail

  “A month. Five hundred thousand to live in Townstead’s penthouse mansion in Manhattan and attend all that fancy shit with him? Wow.” My roommate Carrie bunched her red curls up onto the top of her head and squealed, releasing her hair so it fell back to her shoulders. “That is so exciting. Oh god, you’re such a lucky bitch! And you get a mil if you don’t fall in love with him?”

  “Apparently.” I stared into my small open closet. Ther
e really was no way to pack for this coming month. And I still had to pack up my daughter and let her know the good news. I’d decided that it was going to be sold to her as a fun vacation.

  “Was he for real?”

  “I think so. He’s going to have a contract for me to sign and the whole bit. On a different note, I don’t have a clue what to take with me.”

  “Take a couple of suitcases and if you need more stuff than drop by and pick it up. You’re not going to the other side of the country.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Though it wasn’t the clothing that was bothering me, it was the situation I was putting myself and Isabella in. A chance of getting hurt – again. A big chance. But I could always leave. Anytime I wanted, I could leave and still be five hundred thousand richer for the effort.

  Ding-dong.

  “I’ll get it. Just grab anything, Abigail. You always overthink things, don’t overthink this.”

  “I guess.” I didn’t look back at the sound of her retreating footsteps. Instead, I took a deep breath and grabbed an armful of clothing from the closet, not even looking at what I held, and carried it to the bed, placing it next to the open suitcase.

  The door was opened and the murmur of voices came from behind me. A moment later, my roommate was calling out to me. “Abby, we need you out here.”

  “We?” I groaned out load. I needed to get this figured out, I didn’t need distractions right now.

  “Abby?”

  I sighed. “I’m coming.” The clothing selection could wait. Carrie was right, our place was only a twenty-minute train ride from Mr. Townstead’s place. Which brought about another question: did I continue to call him Mr. Townstead, or call him Devon? I’d assume Devon, considering the circumstances.

  Lifting my head, I turned and a little gasp escaped my lips as my eyes landed on Devon in the flesh and oh shit, in my dingy little apartment! I was his maid and my house was a disorganized mess. Isabella’s toys littered the living room. She was currently in gymnastics day camp. It wasn’t something I could afford, but I’d saved up enough to send her there for the next couple of months.