Yours Completely (Billionaires and Brides 1)

“I guess we should be going then,” I said finally, feeling awkward. I wanted the moment before Charlotte arrived back. I wanted it to be just me and Bastian, giggling over art and flirting. I wondered for a moment if I canceled with Charlotte, if Bastian would stay and look at the painting with me.

“I should be getting back to work,” Bastian said, as if hearing my thoughts. I tried not to look disappointed. “You two have fun. And be careful.”

“Don't be such a worrywart,” Charlotte chastised, sticking out her tongue at him. He glared at her as only a protective older brother could before walking over to Elijah. He looked back, his eyes meeting mine for a moment before he focused on Elijah. Bastian said something to the big man that only the two of them could hear but that had Charlotte rolling her eyes.

“You should have seen how protective he was on my first date,” she said, looping her arm through mine and guiding me toward the door. “I'm surprised he isn't calling in more bodyguards since it's the two of us. Perhaps an armored car.”

“I heard that,” Bastian said loudly, still talking to Elijah. I giggled and he glanced over, his brow dark above his beautiful eyes. He looked quickly away and back to Elijah.

“I thought the island was a safe place,” I said, frowning slightly. If Bastian was making this big a deal out of going out, maybe it wasn't the best idea.

“It is,” Charlotte assured me. “The island is so safe that the police boast a less than two minute response time anywhere on the island. Not that they even need to respond half the time, There's enough private security on this island to win a small war. He's just over-protective. Though, he usually doesn't insist Elijah come when it's just me...”

She pulled me past the two men and out into the hall before turning back to face her brother. “You have our itinerary all planned out? We're going to miss happy hour if you don't hurry your secret service plans. I want my girl night even if you would rather Ava stay all safe and cozy here.”

“I worry because I care,” he informed her, but didn't correct her to say he wanted her safe too. His eyes briefly flashed up to me and I suddenly felt a little warm. He cared for me too.

“I know.” She grinned up at him and pulled on my arm. “We'll see you later. Come on Elijah- we'll even let you ride in the car with us.”

“Bye, Charlotte,” Bastian called out as Elijah shook his head and followed us. Bastian looked right at me and his voice softened. “Good bye, Ava.”

I looked back, losing myself in his eyes for a second. “Good bye, Bastian.” He smiled at how I said his name and it made me blush.

Charlotte looked back and forth between the two of us, noting the sappy smiles and rolled her eyes. She pulled harder on my arm. “I'll have her back by midnight, Prince Charming!” she called.

I blushed even harder, but followed her down the stairs and out to our waiting pumpkin.

Sunrise Kisses: Chapter 12

Waiting outside in the giant driveway was a very expensive-looking, electric blue sports car. Charlotte jumped in the front seat and immediately stalled it.

“Would you like me to drive?” Elijah asked, managing to keep a straight face as he stood at the door.

“I hate this car.” Charlotte made an exasperated sound and got out of the driver's seat. “Yes, you can drive.”

I covered my mouth with my hand so she wouldn't see my smirk as the two of us got into the leather-encased backseat. Elijah waited to start the car until we were both buckled, but when he turned the ignition key, it purred like a content

kitten. I didn't know that cars could actually sound like music and it drove smoother than any car I had ever been in.

“What kind of car is this anyway?” I asked, feeling the leather seat. It was like satin against my skin.

“Lamborghini,” Charlotte replied, crossing her legs. I hadn't noticed her killer heels until right then, but she swung them around like weapons. I was terrified one would catch on the leather and rip it.

“And you hate it?” I asked, blanching a little. I had never even seen a real life Lamborghini, let alone gotten inside of one.

“It has the touchiest clutch in the world,” she explained. Elijah made a snorting noise that she ignored. “I know how to drive a manual. Give me a good, old-fashioned, American-made truck and I can drive that sucker anywhere. This,” she said, glaring at the very expensive car, “has nothing on my truck at home.”

I smiled, imagining her in an old beater of a truck driving around a billion dollar estate. It fit Charlotte to a tee.

“So you and Bastian were looking at art?” Charlotte asked. Her tone was innocent, but I suspected she wanted more details than just “looking at art.” “You two seemed awfully interested in that painting.”

“Yes,” I replied, just as innocently. “That painting is worth a lot more than he thought. We were simply discussing it.”

“Oh, that's good.” Her foot started bouncing in the air, and she chewed on her lip until she was unable to control her need for more gossip. “So, I think Bastian likes you,” Charlotte blurted out. I immediately turned a deep, dark shade of crimson.

“Oh, come on, Charlotte—me?” I laughed, but deep down I wanted it to be true. “I think you've had too much to drink and we're not even at the bar yet.”

“What?” She grinned. “You don't think he's cute?”