Bred by the Billionaire

When she joined Tobias at the counter, he’d just swiped his credit card, tucking it back into his wallet. She couldn’t even imagine how that would feel—buying anything he wanted, never feeling financially insecure.

“Give him a few minutes, then you can change. Are you hungry?”

She nodded.

“Where are we having dinner?” she asked.

“La Ballezza. Do you like Italian food?” He brushed some loose hair off her face, and she remembered it wasn’t pulled back. The way he looked at her made her feel beautiful, like the only woman in the world.

“I love it,” she said. He must have made reservations early in the week. La Ballezza was one of the most expensive restaurants on the downtown strip. All the celebrities and high rollers ate there. She never dreamed she’d see the inside firsthand.

“Excellent.” He cupped her face and kissed her. “I’m looking forward to tonight.”

The lady from the store was only feet away behind the counter, but Tobias wasn’t embarrassed or shy in any way about expressing himself. She liked that about him. He was confident and didn’t care what anyone else thought. Adora wished she had a fraction of his self-assurance.

As soon as the tailor was done, Adora changed into her dress and shoes. The gown fit like a glove, hugging her curves like a second skin. She felt awkward being so formal, and walking in heels wasn’t as easy as it looked. Before she had a chance to reflect and close in on herself, Tobias had his arm around her waist. He led her out to his car, opening the passenger door for her like a true gentleman. She wanted to hate him, but he made it so difficult.

The interior of Tobias’s car was pure luxury. She sank into the lush leather seat, and watched the cityscape flash by the passenger window. The soft purr of the engine was the only sound in the car, and it unnerved her.

“Tell me something about yourself,” she said.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. Your family, things you like to do … besides work.”

His jaw twitched, his eyes focused on the road ahead. “There’s not much to tell. I only see my parents on occasion, the less the better. Besides the odd game of golf, it’s pretty much the office.”

“You work too much.”

“I built the business into what it is today. I like to have my finger on the pulse.”

“There must be more than business. Didn’t you have dreams when you were a boy?” she asked.

He scoffed. “To be the best. That’s all that mattered. My parents demanded it, and I delivered.”

There had to be more to Tobias. His life couldn’t have been so cold.

“Siblings?”

“No.” He cleared his throat. “Tell me about Adora. I want to know about the mother of my child.”

She didn’t like the sound of that. It seemed so clinical, so unloving. She didn’t want to be his baby-maker, she wanted to be his everything. “I lived with my mother until last year when I moved to be close to college. I’m an only child, and you already know my mother raised me alone.”

They pulled in front of the restaurant. The valets were already moving in, but it didn’t appear to give Tobias any sense of urgency. He leaned over and tilted her chin up, looking her directly in the eyes. “It all changes now, baby girl. Today’s the first day of better things.”

She nodded just before her door was opened for her. Part of Adora wanted to argue, to tell him that setting her up in a condo while she baked his bun in her oven, was not an appealing prospect. She didn’t care about money, not even security, if it meant a loveless life.

They walked up the steps to the massive glass doors, and two doormen opened them as they approached. Adora held onto Tobias’s arm in fear of falling in her heels.

“Mr. Bennett, welcome to La Ballezza,” said the hostess. “Would you like a table for two this evening?”

“Something private.”

“Yes, sir.”

They followed her into the restaurant, and Adora was fascinated by the mix of old world and modern architecture and décor. Her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting as they walked. The restaurant was as impressive as she’d imagined. The hostess led them to a small, private alcove at the back of the room with a circular bench. A candle flickered on the table.

“This is really beautiful,” said Adora as she took as seat on the padded seat in the booth. She expected Tobias to take a seat opposite her, but he sat right beside her, their legs brushing.

“Not as beautiful as you.”

Was her face as flushed as it felt? She swallowed hard, not used to this level of attention. “Did you have reservations?”

“I don’t need reservations.” He continued to stare at her as if amused by her discomfort.

“Do you always get what you want?”