The BIllionaire and the Rock Star

The yellow glow of the bedside lamp reflected in Alaric’s eyes as he stared at the woman in his arms. He couldn’t believe how incredibly lucky he was to be there, beside her. It could’ve been Vance, but no, Georgia had chosen him. The significance of that didn’t miss him.

“Alaric?”

The soft sound of Georgia’s sleepy voice made him lean in closer to her. “Yes?”

“I’m glad I have you.”

And within moments, she was asleep, her chest rising and falling in a soft sigh. Alaric closed his eyes, feeling the weight of the world lift off his shoulders.

There was no doubt — he was entirely hers.

Chapter Thirteen

Georgia woke up feeling as if she’d been wrapped in a warm cocoon all night. She blinked heavily at the bedside lamp that was still shining next to her head and tried to remember what day it was.

The sound of a soft exhale next to her ear made her tense. Suddenly, she was aware of a weight across her waist and the sensation of someone pressed up against her back. She craned her head slowly and shifted just enough to see Alaric laying on the pillow next to her, on top of the comforter, still wearing his tux pants and white shirt from the awards ceremony last night. He had his arm wrapped around her and his eyes sealed tight in sleep.

There was a quiet assurance in his peaceful expression that made Georgia’s breath hitch in her lungs. Last night was the best sleep she’d had in months. She stared at him, trying to understand how such a man could make her feel so safe. As if the world around them had dissolved into nothing.

The quickened beat of her heart and the heat in her cheeks left very little room for argument. Despite their deal, she’d fallen for Alaric Hammond. He was a steady, kind, and thoughtful man. A man who sent shivers down her spine and drove her crazy when he turned his cocky half-smiles in her direction. Her soul felt at ease when he was near.

She had it bad.

“Is it morning?” Alaric’s eyes opened slightly and he gave her a guilty smile touched with a hint of sleep. “I guess I fell asleep. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be.” She turned to face him fully with an embarrassed grin. “We were both tired. I don’t blame you. Thank you for being there for me last night.”

The smile disappeared from his face and concern reflected in his eyes. He lifted his arm from her side and tentatively touched her cheek. She couldn’t help but close her eyes and lean into his scorching touch. It felt so good to have him near. Touching her. Causing electricity to ripple over her skin.

“Do you want to tell me what happened last night?” he asked, bringing her attention back to his face. “Or do I have to keep assuming the worst? What made you so upset?”

A ball of lead dropped into her stomach as her thoughts drifted to last night and the after-party. As much as she wanted to move forward and never think about it again, she knew she’d feel better if she said it aloud.

“I tried to escape the party for a bit of peace and quiet,” she said, blinking at him. “My ex followed me. Said he wanted me back.”

Alaric’s jaw visibly tensed. “Is that what you wanted?”

“No!” She swallowed down the lump that had formed in her throat. “If I’ve learned anything since Vance, it’s that we are about as suited as oil and water.”

Something like victory flashed in Alaric’s eyes for the tiniest second, but he hid it fast enough that Georgia could only second guess herself on whether she’d actually witnessed it. His fingers trailed along her cheek and gently pushed a strand of curls behind her ear, sending another shiver down her spine.

“Then, what happened between you two to make you so upset?” he asked in a low voice.

“Apparently, it was a set up.” Her lower lip trembled as she thought about the exchange. “The same paparazzo that photographed us at the club was there. Before I knew it, Vance was all over me. I shoved him away, but I’m sure the guy got some great pictures to sell to the tabloids.”

Bitterness rose up inside her. There were a lot of things she loved about this life. The music, the dedicated fans, and the ability to do something she loved more than anything. But with that came the overwhelming celebrity and dirt-bags like Vance and that photographer who would use her for their own gain at every opportunity. She could never let her guard down again.

That bitterness softened as she gazed at the man lying beside her. The one man who didn’t want her for her fame or money. The one man who still treated her like a real person. A steely look had hardened his face and anger exploded in his eyes. She could feel his body trembling on top of the comforter.

“I’m going to kill him,” he said in a low hiss.

Georgia laughed and shook her head as tears burned her eyes. “He’s not worth it. But I’ve learned my lesson, believe me.”

The glint in his gaze softened and he cupped her cheek. Georgia could feel the heat radiating off him. His eyes drifted to her lips, where they lingered. She knew he wanted to kiss her. She’d let him do it, if he’d just cross the few inches that remained between them.

“Well, good morning to you two!” The sound of Angela’s cheery voice made them both spring up into sitting positions. She stood in the doorway, wrapped in a silky pink robe and her blonde hair piled in a messy bun on the top of her head. A devious grin lit up her face as her eyes darted back and forth between them. “Seems like Georgia got more than one prize last night.”

Heat flared in Georgia’s cheeks. She pulled the comforter up to her chest and stuttered out a reply, none of which sounded the least bit like English.