Sweet Billionaire Stepbrother: Part 2

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Текст книги "Sweet Billionaire Stepbrother: Part 2 "

Автор книги: Harlow Grace

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30: Layla

Luckily I’d ordered a taxi earlier. I didn’t even bother to change as I hauled the big bag from under my bed and grabbed my jacket from the back of the chair. Right now all I wanted to do was get the hell out of there.

Hearing the sounds of laughter from below, simply confirmed that I was the odd one out. I didn’t fit in here, as hard as I’d tried, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Certain I was doing the right thing, I took a last look around my bedroom and headed for the door. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I lugged the heavy bag down the stairs. This was too easy. Everyone was so busy having fun that nobody saw me slip through the front door to the waiting taxi.

Luck was on my side for once. The valet was stood in the far corner of the driveway having a smoke, so I didn’t need to face him either. One less lie.

I dropped my bag into the open trunk and scooted into the back seat. “Airport please. I’m running late, so can you please hurry.”

The driver nodded and pulled away just as the valet came closer. “Don’t stop.”

Gravel crunched under the vehicle’s wheels as he accelerated toward the open gate. I held my breath as I looked back toward the house. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that a part of me was wishing Grayson would come running after me. I wanted him to stop me from leaving. I wanted him to hold me in his arms and tell everyone that he wanted me. That he loved me.

But there was nothing. Nobody came after me. Even the valet lost interest and turned back to the house.

For the first time in my life I was utterly alone. It was just me and what I had packed speeding off in the night to an unfamiliar destination.

Chewing on the inside of my cheek, I readied myself for the long flight awaiting me. The trip to London had taught me everything I needed to know about traveling, so I was prepared for the journey. If only it didn’t feel like I’d left my heart behind, I would’ve looked forward to a new adventure.

How little we know what the future holds.

When I applied for several jobs a few months earlier, the option to go to Africa was the last choice on my list. I’d only filled out the form out of curiosity, never really intending to take on a job on another continent. But here I was, a ticket to Africa in my hand and a shattered heart thudding against my ribs.

How easily we go from ecstasy to the depths of despair. Only a few short weeks ago I was the happiest woman in the world.

And this morning it all came crashing down.

The tightness of my clothes.

Missing my period.

The thin blue lines on a pregnancy strip.

*** TO BE CONTINUED ***

Part 3 is the final installment of Grayson & Layla’s story

SWEET BILLIONAIRE STEPBROTHER Part 3

An Excerpt

***

Grayson

Catching her hand in mine, I brought her fingers to my lips and kissed them.

“Why did you run, Lala?”

From under her lashes she stared up at me for a long moment before answering. “I’m just a girl in love with a boy I can’t have. That’s why I ran.”

I sucked in a breath. “Yeah? Does the boy have a name?”

She bit into her bottom lip as if to stop herself from telling me. “Of course he has a name.”

Jesus. She was testing me and I was losing.

“Are you going to tell me his name?” I asked tersely. I was still jetlagged and my sense of humor was seriously lacking. What if she said Seth Matthews?

“Why?”

“So I can punch his face if it’s not me. I didn’t come all this fucking way to hear another dude’s name.”

The corners of her mouth twitched. “Yeah?”

“So tell me his name, dammit.” If she kept biting that lip it was going to bleed soon. With my index finger I pressed on her lower lip to loosen it from under her teeth. “Layla? Answer me.”

“If I have to tell you his name you don’t know me very well. At all.”

An African boy who had been watching us from a distance ran closer and threw his arms around Layla’s legs as he called her name.

“Joey, what’s wrong, sweetheart?”

Layla leaned over and picked him up. Instantly his arms went around her neck. “My Lala,” he told me, his black eyes warning me.

“Hello, Joey,” I said in a soothing voice to pacify him.

He didn’t reply. Just knit his brows together and gave me a death stare.

“Your Lala?” I asked, amused that he used the same nickname for her as I did. It also appeared as if—as young as what he was—he was as smitten with my girl as I was.

His reply was a sloppy wet kiss on her cheek. Man, this little dude was marking his territory early. He was going to be a heartbreaker when he grew up. Layla closed her eyes for a second as she absorbed the pleasure from the sweet kiss, laughing with delight. No wonder everyone loved her—she accepted love with such grace that it was impossible not to want to shower her with displays of affection.

I should know. I’m fucking jealous of a damn kid.

“Hey, how about we both be her boyfriend? I’m willing to share if you are?”

“What’s your name?” he asked suspiciously. Tough customer.

I reached out a hand. Usually I was good with kids, but this one was resisting like fuck. “My name is Grayson. And I already know yours is Joey. What do you say we shake on it?”

“Why do you wanna be her boyfriend?” He narrowed those dark eyes and stared me down. If he weren’t so damn serious, I’d have to laugh. But Joey would be insulted and I’d be screwed. I had to tread lightly here or be damned.

Layla, sweet girl, was finding it all way too amusing. The smile on her face widened. “Yeah, please tell us Grayson.”

Her too? I wasn’t getting off lightly.

“Well, Joey . . . I mean just look at her. She’s the most beautiful girl on the planet, isn’t she?”

He nodded enthusiastically. Okay, this was good. Joey had a natural eye for beauty and we had the same taste in women. Awesome.

Layla’s cheeks turned pink as she adjusted her ponytail with one hand. Fucking adorable.

“And she smells good too.”

He leaned in and sniffed her neck. Another nod, but still no smile.

“She’s smart, funny and sings like a bird.”

Joey shook his head.

“No?” I laughed.

“She can’t sing. But I’m teaching her.”

Layla feigned hurt by looking shocked. “Joey, you said you love when I sing.”

“Yeah, I do . . . ‘cause your accent is nice and I like your songs. But your voice isn’t for singing. Not like my Mama.”

From the mouth of babes . . . Dude had an ear for music too.

“What else?” Joey asked. I’d completely ruined my credibility.

“Well . . . can I tell you a secret? The most important reason?”

Layla knitted her brow. Four eyes burned into me. This was tough as fuck. Never one to back down from challenges, I forged on.

“Because I love her, no more than that . . . I’m in love with her. I think about her day and night. I dream about her. I miss her when she’s gone.” I swallowed hard. “Is that a good enough reason?

Layla sucked in a long breath. Her eyes misted over; she blinked fast, trying to stop her tears.

Little dude dropped his mouth open a fraction. “You love my Lala?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I do. Very much. She’s the only woman for me.” Keeping my gaze locked with Layla’s, I continued, “I can’t breathe when she’s away from me. I can’t eat nor sleep. Can you understand that, Joey?”

“Um . . . not really.” At least he was honest. But I pitied him if that ever happened to him one day.

“Well let me tell you it’s sheer fu . . . um . . . torture.”

“Grayson,” Layla whispered.

“Lala eats plenty. And she sleeps a lot. Does that mean she doesn’t love you?”

My eyes closed for a few moments. I couldn’t bear the thought. If Joey was right, I’d be a broken man.

“Help me here, Joey. I need to know if she loves me as much as I love her. How will I know?”

For the first time his face brightened up. “Let’s ask her!”

Kid was a genius.

“Layla?” I breathed, waiting for her reply.

*****

Part 3 will be available September 2015

Acknowledgements:

It takes a village and then some to publish a book and I'd be lost without my village and all the people who support me. Thank you for EVERYTHING!

***

Firstly, I need to thank my beautiful family for putting up with me while I wrote this book. A lot of hours went into it and you guys gave me those hours even when you wanted me to be around. I owe you. And I love you. Thank you.

***

To my Alpha Reader and new friend, Laurie. Serendipity brought us together. Thanks for reading this first and giving your valued input!

***

To my trusted Beta Readers, thank you for reading my work and your input to make this story better and for encouraging me to keep going to bring this story to life.

***

To my fabulous editor, Ellie, I could not have done this book without you! It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you for bringing out the best in my work!

***

To Kylie from Give Me Books. Thank you so much for taking me on and promoting my work. I am very thankful to have found you!

***

To the amazing Bloggers who are helping me promote this book. Wow! Thank you for your support and helping spread the word. I’m so thankful for everything you are doing to help me!!

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To my lovely cover designer, LJ from Mayhem Cover Creations, thank you so much for your gorgeous cover! I LOVE how sexy and broody this cover is, even with his clothes on.

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To all the amazeballs Readers: Thanks to everyone who read Sweet Billionaire Stepbrother. It’s a bit different to Monster Stepbrother, so I sincerely hope you enjoyed this story. At the time I had developed two concepts for Stepbrother books. Oliver King got his story first, but I hope you loved Grayson Forbes’s story too!! Your support and reviews are greatly appreciated!

***

Monster Stepbrother

His dark obsession runs deep.

He’s obsessed with her.

She’s addicted to him.

Two damaged souls.

Will they heal or ruin one another?

How does a girl go from being Daddy’s precious doll to feeling like a filthy whore?

Easy really. When my father remarries it changes the course of my life and everything becomes . . . complicated.

My new stepbrother is a monster who hates me. Unapologetic, controlling, and brazen, he’s intent on making my life a living hell. He blackmails me into doing things I never thought I’d do. Illicit things.

Oliver King makes the rules.

Sex whenever he wants. However he wants. Wherever he wants.

My head screams this is wrong, but I can't resist giving in to forbidden desires.

I’m his possession, his toy, his ultimate pleasure.

He’s never letting me go. I’m his dark obsession.

My dirty addiction to my stepbrother grows to a dangerous level. Am I sick to crave more from the man who has made me his? Or should I escape and run as far away as possible?

My name is Maya Childs, and this is my story.

***

WARNING:

Not appropriate for readers under 18.

Contains dark and sensitive subject matter that may be triggers for some readers and make them uncomfortable.

Contains explicit language and descriptions of sexual situations.

MONSTER STEPBROTHER ~ Harlow Grace

Can what starts out as lust and vengeance end as love?

Nobody said life or love was easy.

*** Standalone Novel ***

Paperback link:

http://amzn.to/1IltqwG