The Billionaire and the Assistant (The Billionaires 3)

The day of the celebrations arrived. If I got my way, it would certainly be a Happy New year. I stayed out of the way while the downstairs of the house was transformed with balloons and other party paraphernalia. I’d put a long black evening gown on my credit card, despite what my father had said about my spending. It slit down the front to my navel and complimented my high heeled black patent Louboutins. With my hair straightened and flat and a slash of red lipstick, plus winged black eyeliner, I looked sensational if I said so myself. I’d no intention of dumbing myself down so the bride could stand out.

Though when I entered the room, I saw she did, anyway. She wore a fitted white lace dress that clung to her slim body and the radiance that came from the sheer happiness on her face hit my gut like I’d been sliced open with a knife. She had everything: style, glamour, and my father’s love. Feeling nauseous I walked back out of the room to head for a restroom. I needed a moment to regroup.

In my haste I walked straight into the torso of a man who had been entering the room. I emitted a loud, annoyed sigh and then looked up. My face froze. There in front of me was the actor of the moment, Tobias London. The British born Tobias had taken Hollywood by storm. What was he doing here?

“Ah, Brianna. I see you met Toby. Toby has recently moved into one of the apartments on Park Avenue. Please don’t mention that to any of your friends. He’s trying to stay a little off grid, even though that’s damn near impossible.” My dad clapped Toby on the back.

“Yes, bloody paparazzi follow me everywhere.” Toby said in his British accent. I ignored the fact my heartbeat had sped up on talking to him. I had things to do right now and as attractive as the man before me was - all blond hair, blue eyes and a charming smile—he didn’t fit in with my plans.

“So, Brianna, right?” He asked. “How do you know the bride and groom?”

It smacked me in the face like a gust of ice cold wind. Of course, my father hadn’t even seen fit to introduce me as his daughter. Instead he’d just asked me to be quiet. To disappear as usual.

“Eli is my bastard of a father.” I told him, watching as the smile slipped from his face. “Now if you’ll excuse me. I’ve had enough of this shit show already.” I pushed past him and left the room.

Screw them all.

Chapter 9

Alex

I was so goddamn nervous. For the last few days my time had been spent between settling in, working and making sweet, glorious love with Eli. Thank God the house was huge and Brianna’s room was the furthest away from ours. Still, I’d felt I couldn’t let go like I had before, keeping my moans at a minimum. There was no doubt about it that her staying with us affected our relationship, even if she kept to herself.

I’d been watching her relationship with Eli. She almost demanded his attention and the more she pushed, the more Eli pulled away. He didn’t seem to realize how dismissive of her he was. I felt it was too early in our relationship to interfere. I had no idea what they’d been like together over the years and Brianna’s behavior left a lot to be desired. Maybe their relationship was just too strained, too fragmented for them to gain anything from my interference. I was sure Eli would have tried everything to have a relationship with his daughter over the years.

Guests started to arrive, and no one blinked an eye at my being here. I was Eli’s assistant. He’d obviously extended an invitation to me. The fact I wore a white lace dress didn’t raise anyone’s suspicions. It was a party after all.

Only Aidan gave me a wink when he’d arrived, whispering that our secret was safe with him. My parents had got here the day before and we’d agreed that they’d stay in a hotel in Manhattan instead, near to the sights and not far from Eli’s house—our house. It was still all so new; I kept having to remind myself.

“Are you going to tell me about what’s going on with you and Eli tonight, because if you don’t tell me ahead of everyone else after the help I gave you two getting together, I’m not letting you be my baby’s godmother.” Said Haley, pulling me to one side.

“Oh for heaven’s sake.” I said. “Okay, now don’t squeal. Eli and I…”

“You did the dirty. I want deets, all of them, right now.”

“Let me feel that baby is it kicking yet?” I told her placing my left hand across her stomach.

“What are you talking about? I’m nowhere near any of that yet.” She said.

“Look at my hand.” I whispered.

Haley shrieked and everyone looked around.

“Sorry, she stood on my toes in those enormous heels,” she lied before turning back to me and saying quietly, “we need to have coffee, soon. I get this isn’t the time but I need to know everything.”

“Yes, definitely. Now go back to your men and stop staring at my hand.”

“I can’t help it. I can’t believe it.” She said, but she walked back to Chase and Todd.

Everyone was milling around and it was almost time for us to announce our news. We’d had to wait a little longer than we planned as Henry had been delayed due to childcare issues. We’d been going to tell people at eleven, but Eli had whispered to me that we may as well do it just before midnight as it seemed everyone was staying through the New Year. Mom and Dad had been great at keeping quiet, but I noticed my dad had kept an eye on Eli throughout the evening!

What I’d not prepared for, and really, I should have fully expected it, was for Brianna to crash through the doors at a quarter to twelve.

“Is it New Year yet?” She asked loudly. “Only I don’t have a watch.” She raised a bottle in the air. “Though I do have my dad’s best scotch.”

People laughed politely but looked over to Eli, who was making his way over to his daughter. He whispered in her ear.

“Oh yes, yes, yes. Go to your room, Brianna. Fuck off out of my life, Brianna. You’re an embarrassment, Brianna. Here have some money and leave me the fuck alone. Fine, Father. Fine.” She hollered. “You win. You carry on here with your new wife,” she pointed at me, “and your new perfect life, and while you’re at it, why don’t you plant your seed in her, if you haven’t already and have a replacement Brianna. One that’s not a fucking embarrassment. Or, maybe you’ll realize that you are the most fucking pathetic father ever as you screw up the life of baby number two.” She raised up the bottle and then took a huge gulp. I expected the burn to be visible on her face but she just took a moment and then carried on, “To the bride and groom, everyone.” Then she turned on her heel and walked off. I noticed Toby try to grab her arm on the way out but she threw his grip off telling him to go fuck himself too.