Hostile Takeover (Blackwood Billions, #1)

by Christina C. Jones

“It was a pretty neat trick.” He chuckled. “He just didn’t know it was us. I bought it through a shell company, and for a steal at that, with the change in my cupholder.”

Nah he making a joke I don’t like him at all

Orion met my gaze, no hesitation, unwavering. “You become my wife and I make sure Nectar never dies.” The silence was deafening.

Wealthy, smart, fine, ambitious, slick at the mouth, thighs bigger than my head and an ass to match? A fucking unicorn.

It was something to be proud of. Which was exactly what made it a perfect bargaining chip.

“Just because this marriage might be convenient, you need to understand something right now; it ain’t fake. I’m gonna parade you in public, fuck you in private, and otherwise ignore you, just like most wealthy marriages.”

“If I ever see another man that close to you…we’re all going to have a horrible day.” “I—

From my bedroom door, he smirked. “Just tonight. You’re moving in with me tomorrow.”

The truth was though, in that magazine spread where I first laid eyes on her, her hair had been in its natural, curly state, and that shit was sexy.

In a different life, I would’ve run down the aisle to marry a man standing there looking like he did—immaculately groomed, wide-shouldered, in a bespoke charcoal suit whose fabric just screamed luxury.

Once I saw him, I saw only him, and the attention was mutual. His gaze was intense, drinking me in, his expression one of pure admiration. And then our eyes met, and… things got really, really still. I was moving, somehow, but it was like… nobody there but me and him.

he looked me dead in the eyes and shrugged. “It's yours now, Nala. Do whatever you feel.”

Of course I couldn’t keep my pussy off him, what else was there to do?

He was moving money into private accounts, shuffling investments, a bunch of shady shit to cover up the fact that the store was never really in distress like that. He didn’t have to sell.”

Soren was explaining all about how he’d come to that conclusion, and how he could prove it if necessary, but I didn’t even need the nitty gritty details. I’d heard enough.

“Oh, now you need answers, huh? Well, I’m gonna take a cue from your mother. You can get your answers over my dead body.” With that, he stormed out of the room, leaving Soren and I both confused as hell.

One or both probably not his

If nothing else was certain though, both William Stark and EJ would need to be dealt with.

His laidback nature, his mannerisms, even his looks… he reminded me of somebody I couldn’t quite place. There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind; that was not William Stark’s son. So whose was he? Not my damn business.

Probably your damn brother or cousin who knows atp

“Orion,” she called. “What’s up?” “Thank you for today,” she said. “For everything.”

Casual. It was… kind of nice. And when I left the bathroom, to find her still in my bed, peacefully sleeping again…that was even nicer.

Actually… maybe more disgusted. I looked forward to sharing breakfasts with him in the morning, even got up early enough to join him in the gym sometimes.

“Girl let that shit happen,” Alexis insisted. “Seriously, you’re married to him. It doesn’t have to be miserable just because of how it started.”

If I was already losing my battle of keeping a wall up between us… What kind of blow would him making an unspoken dream of mine come true deal?

Ha. I knew my wife would object. Which was exactly why I nodded my agreement. If Nalani wanted to play games, I was down with that and didn’t mind getting under her skin in the exact spot I knew was already sore.

Not about to go well

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Nalani was on her feet, reaching across the table. Jess couldn’t get out of the way in time before Nalani had a handful of hair, dragging her across the dishes, spilling shit everywhere.

“Pride is gonna cause you to lose the very thing you thought was important, baby,”

“Let go of whatever is holding you back and apologize to your wife so you can move forward. I don’t know how much longer I’ve got and that one ain’t giving you any babies on bad terms.”

“What was the promise?” “To prove her wrong.” I chuckled. “I was such a serious young man, especially after my mother passed. She would always say, you know what attracts more flies than honey? Shit! And boy your lil mean ass is full of it!”

“Orion… are you seriously telling me that all this, this contract, buying the Nectar building, everything… was to fulfill a promise to your grandmother?” she asked, eyes narrowed.

“Not at all, you should be admired,” he answered. “I’d just like everybody to know who you belong to while they’re looking.”

“Fuck the contract,” he growled, moving in closer to me, looking me in the face. When I backed up, into the wall, he moved in again, essentially trapping me there as he met my gaze. “I’m telling you… beyond what’s on the paper, that I want you. I want to know you, and… have you, Nalani. I…” He pushed out a sigh, looking away for a moment like he was choosing his words. “I want this to be… real. Tell me if that’s something we can work toward. Something we can do?” I… didn’t even think about it really.