Page 27 of Rival to the Billionaire

I shake my head, turning the tap on, listening to the tune of water as it falls down the copper pipes.

The sound is soothing. It stops me from asking myself if I'm making the right decision with my meeting with Julian Sabado tomorrow.

I know I'm making the right decision for Hare & Holeton, for my family. For me.

But my chest still feels tight, my stomach heavy.

Glancing towards the bag of vibrators Carmina slipped me that's still sitting in the corner of the bathroom, I decide to put the thought of Ryder out of my mind.

I'll enjoy the rest of my bath.

Then, I'll plan for my meeting with Julian tomorrow.

Taking a few steps over, I glance into the bag, staring at its contents for a long moment. Willing myself to relax, I slide it towards me.

Astonishment washes over me as I take out one after another.

They're all long, functional, and…thick.

I feel sorry for the girls having to use these. They look so painful. I contemplate dumping them in the trash, but something stops me.

Wielding just one of these vibrating weapons would definitely make a woman feel like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Except…instead of stabbing sexy vamps with a stake, you'd be sitting on a stake instead.

I lift one of them up, the lavender-colored material really smooth and soft to the touch.

It's so tempting to use it here. Right now.

I have a sudden urge to erase the memories of this weekend and the memories of Ryder Anderson in my mind.

He's a bad omen.

I mentally rifle through the visions of him on the plane, in the elevator, and in the hotel room. Looking as unfairly delectable as ever.

I envision his dark hair.

Those silvery, clear blue eyes.

His full lips.

That tanned skin.

The way he lounges casually wherever he is.

As if he were born and bred to be a billionaire, golden boy.

My stomach tightens. My heart beats an ominous rhythm.

I quickly grab the purple vibrator, clutching it tightly as I finally turn the bathtub tap off and slink into the water. The beads droop as the water level rises and falls in the tub.

I close my eyes and breathe in the scent of jasmine and peppermint rising from the water.

Relief.

Relief that my mind isn't wandering more than it has to.

Relief that my brain is inching out of its overthinking, overanalyzing, over-worrying mode.

Relief that my mind is relaxing now.

---