Page 20 of The Billionaire's Ride

“My older brother’s stag party is tonight.”

“That’s like a bachelor party, right?”

“Yep,” I say with a sigh. I’m happy for my brother, I am. I don’t desire his life in the least. He has a demanding job at the hospital, and his sights are set on one woman. One woman for the rest of his life. And they’re in love, or whatever.

In two weeks, all of London’s high society will be parading around in their designer couture to celebrate my brother’s new nuptials. And our father could not be more proud. He even gave him the family manor as a wedding gift. Yes, my brother Mick’s the prized child. The perfect guy and his perfect life.

“What’s the matter? You don’t enjoy strippers?” Kate asks.

I know exactly why she’s asking me this. And I’m not falling for it. So I offer her a polite smile and open the door for her instead.

Kate’s phone is ready to go home with her, and I wonder if I’ll have the same privilege. She pulls out her credit card to pay for the repair, but the cashier says, “It’s already been taken care of.”

“It has? Are you sure?” Kate asks.

“Yes, it’s on my tab,” I say and thank the guy before leading the way out.

“Well, I’d like to pay you back for it.”

I almost don’t know what to say. No woman has ever asked to pay me back for anything. “Don’t worry about it. I can afford it.”

And just when I think she doesn’t know about my family’s money and is just spending the afternoon with me for me, she says, “I’ve heard.”

“Have you now?”

“Yes, and I’m not impressed by money. Rich guys are a dime a dozen where I come from.” Women lie to me about not caring about money all the time, only to show their true colors eventually. Not that I care. I want something. They want something. Everyone gets what they really want, so who cares? But I believe Kate.

I lead her to Black Jack and pull out her helmet. “I’ll tell you what, next time, you can pay.”

“So there will be a next time?” she asks.

I fasten the strap around her chin. “That’s up to you.”

She hops on the bike and wraps her arms around my waist, holding me tight. Her thighs squeeze against mine as the sun sinks lower in the sky. My heart begins to race faster than my bike. I get a rush from riding, sure. But I don’t think it’s the ride that has me excited. It’s her. Completely wrapped around me.

When we come to a traffic light, I lower my gloved hand and caress her leg. If only I could feel her skin-to-skin. She hugs me tighter, and so I know it’s okay.

Soon, the ride is over, and I pull up to her hotel. She slides off, nearly tripping on her heel. Her legs tremble just a little.Without dismounting the bike, I take off my helmet and shake my hair loose.

She pushes her tangled hair over to one shoulder, stroking the ends. “Thanks again for today.”

I reach out and push a few strands away from her face, getting a better look at her. Then I realize there’s something different about this woman. I like her. Likeher, not just her beauty. She’s soulful and sweet. And nothing good can come from me getting involved with a girl like that. Not for her. And not for me.

“Do you want to come up?” she asks, her voice cracking a little.

Of course, she’s giving me what I want now. Now that I know better. Life really is a roller coaster. Sometimes a cruel, ironic one. “I can’t, but I had a really nice time.”

“Seriously?” She looks confused. I’m sure she thinks I’m just playing games with her again. Good. Let her think I’m an ass. She’ll forget about me eventually. Why not give her a head start?

“Yeah,” I say and replace my helmet. “Take care, Kate.”

Chapter Nine

DREW

Being a gentleman is for wankers.What am I thinking leaving that delicious woman in her hotel room all alone? My body’s still on fire after having those beautiful, willowy arms wrapped around me. Damn, I want her so badly.

I fasten the buttons on my crisp white shirt, slip in a pair of cufflinks, and slide on a black coat. I’m definitely not a suit guy. I’d much rather be naked, draped in Kate for the rest of the night. But I should support my brother, Mick. He may be thegoldenchild, but he’s always been golden to me.

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