Working for the CEO of Cavendish Enterprises requires tremendous patience and time. Damon Cavendish was a demanding boss who expects Nikki at his beck and call, twenty-four-seven. For him, she was just an emotional human being. But while her boss was the kind of man who would exasperate her, his brother Louis was his exact opposite. Although both brothers displayed exquisite masculinity and intense sensual magnetism, Louis was more charming and compassionate than his older brother who frequently roared at simple things. And so she found herself head over heels. Determined to woo her boss' brother, Nikki came back from a two-week vacation with a surprising new look. She got herself a makeover! At first, she only wanted Louis to notice her, but why did the Cavendish brothers suddenly become rivals?
NIKKI
My reflection looked utterly deceiving.
The mirror was showing me a different woman than usual, with bright pink lipstick, thick dark eyelashes, hazel contact lenses, and shoulder-length chestnut hair. She looked like she'd just come from a party-not the one who'd always worn square-framed eyeglasses and hair in a tight bun.
You changed yourself for the better, so you won't look older than your age.
I was turning twenty-six this year, but I was still a late bloomer. I didn't take too much time in front of the mirror, and I never cared about my appearance until I realized why men don't date wallflowers like me. In short, I was unattractive.
And in trouble.
I was fifteen minutes late according to my wristwatch; I came back yesterday from a two-week peaceful vacation in Southampton. I wasn't supposed to return today, but I had grown tired of my boss's frustrating calls and e-mails. He had called me repeatedly, saying he needed me back at once. It wasn't easy to work as an executive assistant to a boss who couldn't even make a decent cup of coffee.
Damon Cavendish was one of the most infuriating men I had ever met. He was the kind of man who munched work for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and disappeared on Friday afternoons; I was guessing he was looking for supermodels he could screw on weekends. He was a man who had a suit designer, owned several limited-edition shoes, and wore a different thousand-dollar watch every day. He was also, unfortunately, a boss who required his employees to work twenty-four-seven. There were times I wanted to slap him for being a clueless prick.
At first, my job sounded promising. I worked for the CEO of Cavendish Enterprises-a top design firm in New York City-and my boss was one of those few businessmen who had become a billionaire by age thirty. Every economic magazine, newspaper clipping, and internet news site was plastered his name. Entrepreneurs called him a genius, and women named him the sexiest man alive.
Pfft! If only they knew. My job was supposed to be his assistant, not his maid.
I stepped into Mr. Cavendish's office. He didn't notice me until I placed a cup on his desk, as he was busy scribbling on his table. The strokes of his favorite Montblanc black fountain pen were the only sound I could hear.
I cleared my throat to get his attention.
"Good morning, Mr. Cavendish, " I greeted, smiling pleasantly at him, it almost hurt my lips.
My boss smirked, still writing.
"Good morning. It's good that you're back. I can't manage this alone."
"Well, I'm here now, " I said. "How's the Maxima Motors contract? I'm sorry I wasn't there during the signing, but did it go well?"
My boss, as usual, still looked magnificent in his Vanquish three-piece gray suit and classic pompadour haircut. The cream he applied to his hair was shimmering against the office light.
"Good. Everything's fine, " my boss answered, and didn't bother to look.
"Hmm, " I sang. "Is there anything else you need?"
"None at the moment, " he replied simply.
"I'm going back to my desk then."
He didn't respond. I turned and was about to exit when Damon called for my attention.
"Ah, Nikki..."
"Yes?"
He frowned, and his jaw hardened. "Nikki?"
"What is it?"
"Nicole Francesca?"
I frowned. "I believe you've been repeating my name. What's wrong?"
"Is that you?" He put down his pen, then wiped his face down to his chin.
I blinked. "Yes, what's wrong? You looked like you've seen a ghost. Do I look bad?" I asked curiously.
"Hell no! You look great, but what did you do?"
"What do you mean, and why the question? Well, I got a new haircut." I touched my shoulder-length hair with my palm.
"As I can see, it's just that-you never wear a skirt."
I glanced down my gray pencil skirt. It wasn't even my first time wearing one, though I usually wore trousers. Maybe he didn't notice.
I set my eyes back on him. "It's a makeover." I shrugged.
My boss studied me, from my red high heels to my top, under his lashes; then he shifted to the other side of the chair.
"Fine. Now, you can leave."
"Yes, sir."
"Ah, Nikki..."
"Yes?"
"You can leave early this afternoon."
"Are you sure? I thought we-"
"I said you could go home early, " he cut me off. "Louis is coming today. I'm taking him out."
"Sure, Mr. Cavendish. Is there anything else you need?"
"Nothing. You can go."
I didn't answer. I left his office, sighing as I march back to my workspace.
Louis Cavendish. I licked my lips as I recalled the reason for my makeover. I wanted to be a new person. I wanted to impress my boss's brother.
I met Louis, his brother, at the gala I attended last summer. While Damon Cavendish was a man who would always exasperate me, Louis was the kind of man I wanted to marry. He was a gentleman, sweet-not to mention, ridiculously hot. Though both of them shared the same features, Louis seemed more compassionate, unlike his older brother, who frequently roared at simple things.
Mr. Cavendish informed me of his brother's arrival from Los Angeles before I took my vacation. He had appointed Louis as the new Vice CEO of the company, and despite my boredom working for his grumpy older brother, that news caused a twinge of excitement inside me.
I groped a mirror from my purse and checked my face one more time. I was confident with the cosmetics I had applied this morning, but my boss didn't seem to like it. Had I overdone myself? Did I wear my skirt too short? Was there something wrong with my top? The designer said it would look good on me.
"You should stop looking in the mirror. You don't look bad."
I dropped the mirror in surprise. "God! You scared me, " I exclaimed as I looked up at my boss, annoyed. He was standing at the door, leaning against the frame with arms folded across his chest.
"There's something about your sudden change."
I sighed heavily. Was he curious, or just wanted to annoy me? We were not close enough to talk like friends, but I always thought we could get along.
"Right. I didn't get it right, " I muttered.
"What? No, it's fine. You look great."
So many words of appreciation.
I looked at him and smiled sheepishly. "I know nothing about seduction." Wait a minute. What the heck was I saying?
"Seduction?" he repeated, but his tone confused.
"Yes, I know nothing about romance, " I added.
"What are you talking about? Are you dating someone? Is that it?"
"No." I chuckled nervously. "You know how busy I am. I can't dwell on such things as dating and boyfriends."
What was I doing? He was my boss, and this was something I shouldn't talk about with him.
His eyebrow arched. "Something's up. Do you care to tell me?"
"No. I'm sorry about that, and let's not talk about this anymore."
"You should have kept it to yourself. Now, I'm getting curious. I didn't know who you're dating."
Why was he so interested in this?
"I am not dating anyone, Mr. Cavendish. I didn't know you can be so nosy about such trivial things."
"I can't help it." He grinned. "If you're not dating, why are you talking about romance and seduction?"
I rolled my eyes. "I like someone." There. I said it outright.
"Oh, so who's the guy? Do I know him?"
"I can't tell you." I pressed my lips together firmly.
"So, I know this guy. An employee?"
"You're not opposing that? I thought you made yourself clear about the fraternization policy?"
"Come on, as if anyone hasn't done that, but I still forbid it."
"Are you going to fire me?"
"Of course, not. You're my assistant. Maybe a reprimand would do." I couldn't help but laugh. How was I supposed to tell him it was his brother whom we were talking about?
"I can't tell you his name. Not to you."
"Why not?"
"Oh, I remembered that I have tons of things to do. Shall we go back to work now, Mr. Cavendish?"
He chuckled. "So, you're the boss now?" he teased. "Fine, but I won't let this go. You'll tell me about it later."
I sighed in frustration when he finally went back to his office.
DAMON
I was officially out of my goddamn mind. Having a casual conversation with Nikki wasn't new. I wasn't an open person, but I could trust her on a few things-things that had something to do with women. I screwed different women every week since I wasn't into serious relationships. Unfortunately, I had to ask Nikki to get rid of them. She even advised me to, at least, send them goodbye gifts before chasing them away.
That isn't the point.
There was something about her new skirt. It was short. I never knew she had such shapely legs under those baggy trousers. Her face was always pale, and she never wore makeup. I couldn't believe she'd changed herself so much just to impress someone. She was beautiful. Fine. She moved me a little.
Nikki wasn't my type. She was short, dark-haired, and had never attracted me. I always thought someone like her wasn't desirable. I never even saw her with a man.
I don't care. She had to tell me who it was.
"Hi, Mr. Cavendish-yes, he's here..." The woman who invaded my thoughts appeared at the door with my brother. "Come in, sir."
"Louis." I grinned as I stood. "You are early."
"I'm bored. I still have to see my new office." Louis walked towards me.
"How's your trip? I thought you were coming next week?" I said as I hugged him briefly.
"I can't wait to see the site. Maxima Motors is about to change, and it's better to be up early."
"It's good to have you back, " I said. "Oh, you met my assistant Nikki, right?"
"Yes, yes. How could I forget?" He turned back to Nikki and flashed a grin.
"We've met, Mr. Cavendish." Nikki smiled back at my brother, just like every woman I knew. I scowled in confusion.
"Nikki, it's been a while." Louis approached her, addressing her with familiarity. He shook her hand swiftly and firmly.
"Do you want coffee? Tea? Or me..." she cleared her throat, "I mean, water?"
What?
"Why are you offering him something when you offered me nothing?" I asked her suspiciously. I meant it as a joke.
"I gave you a cup of coffee this morning, " she reminded.
"Really? You don't have to be formal with him, you know."
"It's fine, Damon." Louis patted my arm. "I got one this morning, too."
I crossed my arms. "I'll tour you around the building. How's that?"
"Sure. I saw it earlier, but I still have to be familiar with the place. Let's go!"
"Right now?"
He laughed. "Yes, right now."
As the CEO of Sebastian Pictures, I have power and authority. I was the one who called the shots, constantly in the spotlight. I was meant to be the man in charge. Until I met Eloise, she was a junior art director at my subsidiary company. She also happened to be my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. To her, I was Mr. Dangerous in a suit—her new boss. For me, she was a challenge I couldn’t resist. I was used to getting what I wanted. I craved to own her, possess her. Now, we’d gotten ourselves tangled in a game where neither of us could win. But here’s the thing: the more we played, the more she turned the tables. She had me breaking my own rules.
I’m always determined to follow my dreams. My life is going better than expected, and I’m on the verge of success. Until I’m not. Professor Sebastian radiates an irresistible heat of refined sophistication. With just one look into his ocean-blue eyes, everything I believe in comes crashing down. I try to keep my distance because we can’t be more, but whenever I’m with him, gravity pulls me in deeper. Only one kiss. Just one touch. They are all it will take to cross the line.
Powerful. Steadfast. New York’s most eligible bachelor. Rafael Sebastian had been labeled every good and wicked thing in the corporate world. At the stage of my heartbreak from my failed marriage, I literally ran into him as a stranger that hit my hot buttons at first sight, a man who left me breathless with a single word and an irresistible smile. He made me feel better, and I confided in him more than I should. Our chemical connection was almost overwhelming, and the desires were unstoppable. To relieve ourselves from the intense tension igniting us—he had a proposition. A tempting but dangerous answer to our perplexing situation. But could I really live a life painted with lies? I know this was a bad idea, but that was something I’d think about later…
"I am a monster, Miss Hart. You wouldn't want nor wish to see me..." He is mysterious and brilliant, wealthy and prominent, but no single soul has seen him in person. Well, no one should see him—that's one of his many rules. No one can touch him either; that's another rule. Except for me because I have broken every rule. Now I'm extremely drawn to him. His peculiarity is out of this world, and his beauty is beyond physical. But the Master has demons of his own and is being chased by his brutal past. Suddenly, we've become the reflection of each other's nightmares. I realize that the Master and I are not so different. Is this newly found bond just another uncertain fate that could deepen our wounds, or is it finally going to be our redemption?
Steamy Billionaire Stories Collection Mr. Untouchable Mr. Beautiful How to Seduce a Billionaire
Audrey was sixteen when we were supposed to run away and leave everything behind—her family who resented and the extravagant lifestyle she had always known since she was born. But before I could claim her body, I decided to bring her back, and that was when death came after me. Nonetheless, I survived and reclaimed myself. I become a man above anyone else. I became a billionaire. After eight years, I saw Audrey again. She came into my company for an interview—an executive assistant interview. But no matter how I tell myself that I should move on from the agony she caused me, and make her pay and suffer for what she did, I still fucking want her, own her, and claim her.
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
The night before her engagement, Valerie was tricked by her boyfriend and stepsister into spending the night with a stranger. After the night together, the man vanished. Later, her boyfriend accused her of cheating, revealing his affair with her stepsister. Pressured by her father, Valerie married an unconscious man in place of her stepsister. Valerie exposed the scheme, sabotaged her father’s ambitions, and transformed herself. When her husband woke and chased her to the airport, she calmly refused him, saying, "It's over between us." He held her firmly. "You married me, so you must commit."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”