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“Raymond, how wonderful to see you.” My mother’s voice is quiet, and yet clear enough to be heard over the music and conversations around us. She leans in and air kisses his cheeks before turning her full attention to me. “Honey, how beautiful you look this evening.” She pulls me tight. I hear her breath and feel the warmth as she whispers in my ear, “We need to impress this man, Rebecca. Don’t let me down,” before pulling away.
“Thank you, Mother.” I smile back at her, then glance at my father who looks like he would rather be anywhere else but here.
“Well, I see they are bringing out the canapes, so I best be off to get some. I’ll speak with you later, Samuel, Marie. It’s always a pleasure seeing you my dear, sweet Rebecca.” Raymond leans in to kiss me on the cheek before wandering away in search of the catering.
“You too, Raymond,” I call out, but when he doesn’t turn back, I presume he didn’t hear me.
“Rebecca, honey, we would like to introduce you to someone.” My father falters for a moment, turning slightly to the man behind them. “This is Alexander Black. Alexander, this is my beautiful daughter, Rebecca.”
Mr. Black steps forward, taking my left hand in his and raising it to his mouth, then pressing his delectable lips against my skin. My hand ignites. I smile at the gentleman in front of me eliciting such a reaction with only a press of his lips. I can see he is taller up close than he appeared across the room. At least a good foot taller than me, putting him at around six and a half feet. His tall lean body has a muscular shape to it, even though it’s being hidden beneath an expensive bespoke tuxedo. The watch peeping out from underneath his cuff is large and masculine, just like him. His dark blue eyes reel me in with every second I stare into them, diverting my attention from the perfectly styled dark black hair. He is older than me, that’s for certain, and I hazard a guess at his age being late thirties, even early forties. Inhaling a breath, I realize he is exactly my type of guy.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rebecca.” His voice has the faintest hint of an English accent and is completely delicious, just like the rest of him. “Will you accompany me for a walk around the room?” I glance off to the side at the movement behind him and see my mother nodding and mouthing the word ‘yes’ to me.
“It would be my pleasure, sir,” I reply. His dark blue eyes sparkle at my reply. He doesn’t let go of my hand, instead pulling it slightly to rest in the crook of his arm as we take the first step away from my parents.
I can’t help but think this night might not turn out too badly after all.
~ Chapter Two ~
Alexander
A debt is a debt.And when someone can’t pay it back, I crush them. I take everything they hold dear, which generally is their company, then I strip it and sell off all components to the highest bidders. But as soon as my eyes connected with the beautiful creature across the room, it changed. I knew tonight it would be different. Seeing her in photographs pales in comparison to seeing her in person. I wouldn’t be obtaining all of Samuel Kennedy’s assets. No. I would be acquiring something far more precious than any material possession could ever be worth. Tonight, I would be claiming his daughter as payment.
I see Samuel and his wife heading toward me. “Hello, I’m Samuel Kennedy, and this is my beautiful wife, Marie.” He offers his hand and I take it in a firm handshake, wanting him to know from the very beginning who is in charge.
“Alexander Black,” I reply. Samuel’s smile falters for just a moment. He knows why I am here, as does his wife by the looks of it. I don’t miss the quick glance they share with each other. Their faces don’t hide the fact that they are worried, and I concur that it’s something they should definitely be feeling. After all, I don’t fly halfway around the world for nothing. Especially when I can help it. I generally sort any issue out via a telephone call or video conference. My name instils enough fear that people generally will avoid having to meet me in the flesh. But tonight’s negotiation needed an in-person response. Samuel and Marie Kennedy need to see just how serious I am about this acquisition.
“Mr. Black. It was wonderful to receive your acceptance last night; I regret it has taken us so long to meet you.” Marie’s voice is sure of herself. I give her credit for trying her hardest to not sound unsure and afraid. The lying though, I do not like at all. Iknowthey do not think it was wonderful that I accepted their invitation to attend tonight. I wouldn’t be happy I was coming either, especially knowing the reason I am here tonight.
I don’t waste time, knowing every moment I spend with them is a second longer I’m not spending with her. The beautiful blonde across the room. Whose eyes call out to me, like a siren would a sailor. Drawing me to her with the way our gazes are connected. “No doubt you know why I am here, Kennedy.”
“Well, I have an idea, yes.” His voice falters.
“You owe me fifty million pounds. Do you have payment in full for me?” I see them exchange a glance with each other and the look they give me provides the answer I already knew was coming. I smile internally—I’m one step closer to getting what I want.
“No, not yet. But we will, soon. We just need another week or so,” Samuel tells me.
“Soon wasn’t the deal, Kennedy. You will give me the fifty million pounds you owe me tonight or….” I leave it open, waiting to see what they will say.
He takes the bait immediately. “Or what? What is the other option?”
I stare directly into Samuel’s eyes. “I’m willing to wipe your debt of fifty million clean if you’re willing to give something else up as payment.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, he replies.“Absolutely, I’m sure something can be arranged. Is there anything of mine in particular that you desire? Say the word and it’s yours.”
His wife nods beside him. They have no idea what it is I’ll take as payment and yet they have offered upanything. As if their properties or yachts would do the job. Money means nothing to me. It hasn’t since I hit billionaire status. I have everything I could ever dream of having. Private planes, homes all around the world. What I want is more precious than money, jewels, or any rare antiquity.
“What do you hold most precious, Kennedy?” I ask as I train my gaze over his shoulder and trap the beautiful woman across the dance floor in my gaze. Her black dress glitters with the lights, her milky skin calling out to me once more. My palms tingle; the zinging sensation cascading to my fingertips. I don’t know how much longer I can stand to be away from her.
“Well, we have many things that are precious to us. We have homes in several parts of the world—.”
I cut him off. “Not precious, Kennedy. I saidmost precious.” I see his Adam’s apple work. He has finally cottoned on to what I mean.
“Our daughter, Rebecca, is the most precious thing in my life,” he finally admits.
“Interesting” I say, looking him dead in the eye. “Is that what you are offering me as payment, Kennedy? Your daughter?”
Before Samuel can respond to my question, Marie steps in. “Will it wipe our debt clean?” I lift an eyebrow and glimpse again at the woman who already belongs to me. She just doesn’t know it yet.
