Red Hot Revenge (Erotic Romance) (Dominated by the Billionaire)

  Red Hot Revenge

  Erotic Romance

  By Adriana Hunter

  Copyright © 2013, Adriana Hunter

  All Rights Reserved.

  Published by Wet Ink Publishing

  Adriana Hunter

  http://www.AdrianaHunter.com

  Connect via Twitter @ http://twitter.com/spicytales

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations and places are solely the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, including events, areas, locations and situations is entirely coincidental.

  It just didn’t seem possible that in two short months, her entire world could come crashing down around her and everything she held dear, lost in a blink of an eye.

  * * *

  Not long ago, Bella Adler was running her own successful business and was happier than she had ever been. She had a boyfriend and the business was turning a profit during its first year. She was at the top of her game and was certain that things would only get better. She had been through her share of heartache in the past, and so it was about time that things started going her way.

  And then everything changed almost overnight. Bella discovered that her long-term boyfriend and business partner had not only robbed her of everything she had in savings, but hadn’t so much as given her a second look before running off with her best friend.

  Going to the police had proved futile, because Ricky had covered his tracks all too well. She’d trusted him too much – for far too long. And in many ways, she felt as though maybe she deserved it, at least a little. She had to toughen up, smarten up and never let her guard down again. Men couldn’t be trusted. Hell, women couldn’t be trusted. The only person Bella knew she could trust was herself.

  Staring blankly at the computer screen in front of her, she saw the disheartening figures before her eyes. From what she could tell, she owed enough money to the bank and her other creditors to have her swimming in debt for years. She’d never get out from under this and there was no way possible that she’d ever be able to salvage her business.

  Bella shoved shaky hands through her long, dark blonde hair, forcing her brain to function as she tried not to panic. When she’d started her event management business, she’d had it all worked out, and with Ricky eager to help her build the business from the ground floor up, she was sure that it would be a success, and it was. Ricky had been responsible for handling the business finances and day-to-day management, while Bella focused on branding, building a client base and completing projects.

  Well, Ricky had certainly proven just how little he could be trusted – with both her money and her heart. However, she was spared the misery of nursing a broken heart over his treachery because she simply didn’t have time to lick her wounds. Right now, she was more concerned about how she was going to handle the numerous creditors that were coming after her, and figuring out a way to rebuild her business and her life.

  She heard a light tap on the door, and her assistant, Cherie, walked into the office. She was the only employee Bella had left; the only one she could afford to keep, anyway.

  “Any good news, Cherie?” Bella asked, wondering if there was any reprieve in sight. Like maybe all of her creditors suddenly had all records of her debts miraculously wiped out from their records….

  No such luck, it seemed, as Cherie proceeded to give her a list of calls and correspondents that had already contacted that day – all clamoring for blood, apparently.

  And then, there came a ray of hope, as Cherie added, “And the people from Lincoln Consulting…I finally got a call back, and they’ve agreed to a meeting. Tomorrow.”

  Bella’s blue eyes brightened, a smile of relief spreading over her beautiful face. The financial firm, Lincoln Consulting were one of her biggest creditors. If they were interested in meeting and speaking with her, then that meant she possibly had the chance to get them off her back for a while.

  She could hardly sleep that night, thinking about what she’d say while she presented her proposals to them. Bella knew she just had to convince them to give her another opportunity. Just one more chance.

  Damn you, Ricky, she swore as she drove into the city the following morning. This was the first time she’d allowed herself to think of him, or what he’d done. He’d managed to escape; was probably holidaying in Honolulu or some other exotic location.

  With her best friend, and with her money.

  Breaking down wasn’t an option, not for Bella. She could only dust herself off, learn from her mistakes, and move forward. One thing was for sure though; she’d never allow herself to fall in love again. Being in love blinded you, and she would never be vulnerable again.

  * * *

  Jason Riley felt like he’d been waiting for this moment for longer than he cared to admit. When he’d seen that all too familiar name on the file, had read the details of the case; he’d been almost unable to contain himself. Bella Adler…beautiful, untouchable Bella Adler. The one woman who’d ever come close to stealing his heart – only to crush it without hesitation.

  Ten years was a long time to hold a grudge – and Jason normally wasn’t the kind of guy to let anyone get to him. But there was something about Bella, and the way she had hurt him, that made it all too hard to forget – or forgive.

  And now, she needed his help. Well, at least, the help of his financial firm. Jason wondered what would happen when she opened the door, walked in and saw him standing in the office, waiting to tell her that her fate was sealed. Unless…

  He didn’t let himself dwell on the enticing possibilities. He would savor them later, when he finally had her on her knees. And he could think of many things she could be made to do for him in that opportune position…

  Shaking the dark thoughts from his mind, he looked at his watch. She was five minutes late. Was she even going to show up? Had she somehow found out he was the one handling her case file, and had backed out of the meeting, knowing she had no hope of assistance?

  Jason knew he’d been careful to keep all details from her and from her secretary. All Bella knew was that the boss was interested in talking to her regarding the financial relationship between their businesses. He could imagine how excited she must have been, knowing that someone from Lincoln Consulting was willing to discuss her business. He couldn’t wait to see her face when she finally saw who it was that was eager to talk to her. It may be a long time ago, but it was true what they said about revenge; it was best served cold…

  ***

  Bella hadn’t been sure what to expect when she walked into that office, but it wasn’t the dark-haired, tall, striking man that rose from behind the desk. It took all she had not to rock on her heels as if struck by a bolt of electricity. Okay, this wasn’t the grey-haired, pot-bellied financier she’d been looking forward to winning over with her “sensible” proposition. The man in front of her spelled “dangerous” in every feature, which seemed as chiseled from marble as his whipcord built looked, even in its perfectly fitted suit.

  “Miss Adler?” he said with a smile, coming forward and offering his hand, as well as a smile that was more a flash of white sunshine that did strange things to her belly. She suddenly wondered why beneath the tan and those devilish good looks, there seemed something very familiar about him. But Bella knew she’d have remembered if she’d ever met a man like him before. She’d come across lots of handsome and charming men in her line of business, and beyond. However, they all paled behind the darkly striking looks of the man standing before her.

  “Jason Riley. It’s nice to see you
again, after all these years.”

  The name sunk in like lead in her ears, even as her hand felt warm and tingly from his brief yet stirring handshake. Bella’s heart sunk when she realized where she’d seen those deep, grey eyes before, and that determined square chin.

  “Jason?” she asked in disbelief, not able to relate the image of masculinity that stood in front of her to the guy who’d crushed on her so deeply in college. Jason Riley…that wasn’t a name she should have easily forgotten, yet she had.

  She shivered slightly at the memory as she slipped her hand out of his, trying for a small smile. “Wow, it’s been a long time,” she paused, unsure as to what to say. “I guess considering our history, I should reschedule the meeting with someone else?”

  He quirked a thick, black eyebrow at her. “There’s no need for that, Bella,” he replied, a light, easy smile on his face, “It’s been years since all of that happened. Surely long enough for both of us to have moved on, I hope?”

  Bella couldn’t hide the relief that washed across her face. “Of course, Jason. My thoughts, exactly.”

  “Good! So, take a seat and we can begin,” he smiled.

  Bella sank into it, watching Jason’s every move as he made his way back to the desk.

  Who would have thought, she wondered in amazement, her eyes trailing over him.

  The Jason she remembered had been good looking yes, and she had found his attentions flattering for the few months he had pursued her before graduation. They had met at a party thrown by one of her friends, and he’d seemed to fall instantly for her.

  Bella, who would be first to admit she had been somewhat of the shallow type during her senior years – thanks to the male attention she drew in. She had liked him – and had even considered dating him, but then things had unfolded in the following months that had caused her to, in no uncertain terms, let him know she could never be his.

  “These figures,” he said thoughtfully, nodding to the papers in front of him. “Astounding. What could have happened to turn your business into the mess it is now?”

  Bella grimaced. “I guess I was…careless. Trusted the wrong people.” She shrugged, a faint smile slanting her lips. “My partner was nothing short of criminal in garnering much of my earnings for himself.”

  “It looks like he had been trimming profit for quite some time,” he commented, quirking a brow up at her. “You mean to tell me you never suspected any foul play? From the sloppy bookkeeping, you should have easily noticed the discrepancies.”

  “I told you, I trusted him implicitly,” she replied, feeling her teeth grit. His mocking tone hadn’t been lost on her and Bella felt a wash of anger and frustration swell within her chest. She sighed heavily, knowing that she had no choice but to endure his torment. If this was his revenge for her having turned him down many years ago, it was a small price to pay if it meant she would be able to save her business. “He was my boyfriend,” she whispered, wishing he would change the subject. “I would never have thought that he would betray me this way.”

  Jason smiled, huffing slightly. “I see,” he murmured. “From what I remember, you never really were a good judge of character.”

  This time she flinched, the gesture one she could not hide. His true meaning was strikingly obvious…considering that she’d turned him down, only to date the popular college jock, Roy – a guy known around campus to be a relentless womanizer. However, even as her lips parted, as if to defend herself, she suddenly realized the futility of it. What would it matter? It was so long ago – and like he’d said earlier, they’d both moved on. Hadn’t they?

  She looked up at him, tried to gauge his thoughts – but it was impossible. His expression was unreadable much like a professional poker player intent on winning the round. As she analyzed him, she realized there were so many differences from the Jason she’d known in college, and the one seated before her. The former Jason had been kind, adoring, if not a bit unsure of himself. He’d have done anything to help her or to make her happy. But the man she faced now…there was a hard veneer to his handsomeness, a chill even in his smile. It would be hard indeed to trust her memory that this was the same Jason who had been so in love with her that he’d written her poetry, followed her everywhere she went…How her friends – and his, had teased him. In time she’d come to welcome his attentions, and had even felt her heart begin to heat up in response to his affections. But then…

  Not for the first time since those days, she heaved an inner sigh of regret. Hurting Jason had been one of the things she’d been ashamed of. And she had never been given the chance to explain…

  “Well,” she said at last, forcing a smile unto her stiff lips, “You can be sure I won’t be making the same mistakes again. That’s why I came here today, to see if I could be given a chance to recover and rebuild. With more time, I could…”

  He was shaking his head. “The firm isn’t happy with the turn of events, Bella. I’ll be frank with you – you’ve lost nearly everything. Coupled with the fact that you’re already behind on payments, it doesn’t look good. Despite wanting to help, I’ve been asked to handle this with the strictest of procedure.”

  Bella felt her heart sink even further at his cool, impersonal tone. “I understand, Jason, trust me. And I don’t blame you if you intend to follow your instructions to the letter. I mean…even if there were a way you could be of assistance – I would be the last person you’d wish to help.”

  He rose to his feet, a surprised expression on his face as he moved from behind his desk. “Why would you say that, Bella? You think me so...unforgiving? We weren’t kids then, and we certainly aren’t now. You made your choice, and I had to live with that. Seems like now, so will you.”

  She nodded slightly, a look of understanding crossing her face as she gathered up the dignity to stand. “I should have known there’d be nothing you could do,” she told him with a tone that had more than a trace of bitterness.

  “Ahh, not so fast. I didn’t say that,” he drawled, making her pause as, despite herself, wings of hope rose in her heart once again. “Yours is a very promising business, Bella. We are aware that you’ve shown great potential from the start. Your lapses have indeed put a strain on our confidence in you having a head for business…”

  Bella sat forward earnestly, telling herself not to smart at his formal tone. “Jason, I can do this; I just need your firm to give me another chance. I’ll hire a professional accountant this time, and take more care with my affairs. In a few months I’ll be back on track and it’ll be like all this never happened at all.”

  He nodded, looking thoughtful. “You’re asking us to…erase the past. Hmm, I’m sure that’s a sentiment we both share – in more ways than one.” His eyes met hers in a mocking glance. “I’ll admit, that when I saw your name come up, I was interested. I never thought in a million years that our paths would ever cross again – and certainly not in circumstances where you’d need my help. And I assure you, Bella, that I can help. A simple good word from me, and you’ll have all the time you need to get your business back on its feet. I could even secure another small loan to help you pay off other debts. However, I have to wonder – since I’ll be willing to do all this for you, for old times’ sake, of course…what exactly would you be willing to do for me?”

  Bella stared at him, not sure of what to say. Her hope had swelled as he’d fed her hope only to pull it away from her once again.

  “I don’t really understand what you mean, Jason,” she replied slowly, standing still as he began to pace, circling her in silence as his gaze ran over her intently. She tried not to squirm beneath his fathomless eyes. “I would be more than grateful, of course, if you could do anything to help me. I guess…I guess if there was a way I could show how much I appreciate your efforts, then I wouldn’t hesitate to do so.”

  “That’s good to know,” he murmured, and she could feel him stop behind her. She didn’t know what to think as she became aware of his light, warm breath on the back
of her neck. His closeness caused the strangest reaction in her – alarm, yes, and a certain stirring of feminine awareness. The danger, the dark heat, emanating from his body was unexpected, and it brought to mind all those years ago when for a few weeks, they had been so, so close…

  “Though, from experience,” he continued in the same casual tone, “I remember that you were never really the type to return someone’s kindness. If anything, you felt entitled to everything that a man had to offer.”

  Bella sighed shallowly, turning her head slightly, about to face him, only to be stopped when he gripped her arms, keeping her in place. “I used to fantasize about a time just like this,” Jason growled and Bella felt his breath wash across her neck, his lips almost touching her delicate lobe. This time, she could not repress a quick shudder.

  “You…in trouble, needing my help. And I…holding the power to make you suffer just as you made me suffer all those years ago. Such sweet revenge for being used and abused by the beautiful, yet ruthless Bella Adler.”

  “I…I thought you said that you’d keep this…strictly business,” she heard herself say in panic, not sure why her heart was pounding so hard to feel his body so close behind her.

  “Oh, trust me, this is nothing but business Bella,” he assured her smoothly. “I have a simple proposal, which I am sure will get you exactly what you need…while providing me with what I want, as well.”

  Bella swallowed. “I…what do you want Jason?”

  “Bella,” he whispered, and she felt him lower his face to her neck, inhaling deeply. “It’s been years…but you still smell the same. Sweet, hot…tempting. I never stopped wanting you, Bella. Even when I know you’re nothing but a shallow, heartless woman, you still have such a hold on me. How pathetic is that?” He tore away from her, and she felt her chest inhale quickly. She hadn’t realized that she had been holding her breath.