The Billionaire's Obsession

Chapter Four

Quinn

I walked onto the back deck and looked out over the pool and the grounds. We had about ten minutes until those who were invited started to show up. Today was Lianna’s annual summer soiree and all of us were required to be in attendance. On her team, she had fifteen girls and five guys. 

When we arrived we were handed a bathing suit that supposedly Lianna had handpicked specifically for each of us. Mine was yellow with white trim which complimented my skin tone. But, the triangles that were meant to cover my boobs barely did their job. And the bottoms were practically a thong. We were given wraps to wear around our waist, which of course were see-through. 

Standing out here now with everyone I will say my bikini is definitely not the smallest. And with what the guys had to wear, I definitely won’t be opening my mouth to complain. I looked around and saw Danya standing alone and fidgeting. I grabbed a drink off the tray and walked over to her. 

“Are you sure you’re cut out for this job?” I asked while handing her the glass. 

“Think of it as performance anxiety. I’m a nervous wreck until the show starts.” She said and took a long sip.

“Well don’t let Lianna notice. She’s like a dog who can smell fear. Oh and speak of the devil.” Lianna walked out onto the deck with Mike and three other guys from her security team.

“Look at all my babies. Each and every one of you looks spectacular. Before our guests arrive I just wanted to let everyone know that even though this is a party there are rules. First and foremost, the alcohol is available for everyone. However, if I see any of you become sloppy you will be removed from my residence, permanently. I will not tolerate being embarrassed. Second, consider this a networking event for yourselves. Do not spend all your time with the clients you already know. Remember, variety is the spice of life and this is your moment. Use this night to your advantage. And third, all in attendance are here because I personally invited them not because they paid to be here. They may sample the merchandise, but do not give anything away for free. Ok my loves, have a wonderful time.” 

Within the hour the backyard was swarming with people. Some guests were very easy to recognize while others you would walk by them on the street and not give them a second glance. The ones you could recognize were actors, athletes, a famous chef, or two, and politicians. 

I had been chatting with one of the celebrity chef’s, Alistair Thorne, for the last thirty minutes or so. It was refreshing to see that he was as down to earth and funny as he was on TV. In all honesty, though, we were still in public so who knows if this is the real him or not. 

“I have to say, it breaks my heart that you’ve never been to my restaurant. I mean here I am telling you that I’m better than Gordon-f*****g-Ramsey and you probably think I’m full of shite. We need to do something about this as soon as possible.” 

“If you must know, I wasn’t very impressed with Ramsey’s new restaurant. I found it very pedestrian and lacking in imagination.” I leaned into him and smiled. 

“Bloody hell, I think I just fell in love. You’re the only woman I’ve met who hasn’t praised that wanker." He moved closer so his mouth was right by my ear. "How about you give me a quick tour of the house? I’ve been dying to see Lianna’s kitchen that I’m sure she never uses.” 

I smiled and grabbed his hand. “It would be my pleasure.” I led Alistair up the stairs to the deck and into the house. “Kitchen is just over here to the left.” We walked in and it was empty. I flipped a switch turning on the lights. 

“It’s f*****g fantastic. And I guarantee that cunt doesn’t appreciate any of it.” He said while looking around. 

“This whole house is gorgeous. I think my very first apartment could fit entirely in this room.” I leaned against the island and watched him. When we made eye contact he smiled and walked towards me. He put his hands around my waist and lifted me so I was sitting on the marble countertop. He leaned in close enough that our noses were touching.

“You are f*****g gorgeous.” His hands moved from my waist to my ass. I guess it was time to give him a sample. I ran my fingers up his tattoo-covered arms and placed them on his shoulders. I leaned in and started kissing his neck. All of a sudden I heard someone loudly clearing their throat. “f*****g hell, can’t you see this space is occupied.” Alistair turned to confront whoever interrupted us. “Dominic, what the f**k?”

It had to be a different Dominic. Lianna had told me that he wouldn’t be back in town until next week. I peeked over Alistair’s shoulder and sure enough there he was.

“Alistair, I’m going to need you to leave so I can speak with Quinn.” Even though he wasn’t speaking to me his eyes never left mine. 

Alistair sighed and looked at me. “Hopefully I’ll see you soon darling.” I smiled at him and he walked away. 

I hopped off the counter and walked over to Dominic. “Aren’t you a little overdressed for a pool party?” He had on dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt and black Timbs. 

“I’m not staying for the party. I have other things to do.” He moved towards me, closing the gap between us. He placed his fingers on my shoulder and slid them under my bikini strap and slowly started moving his hand up and down. 

The minute I felt his touch my breath quickened and my stomach clenched. What the hell was happening to me. I took a deep breath before I spoke. “So then what brings you here? I know we’re scheduled to see each other next weekend.” 

“I … I just wanted to thank you for returning the paperwork as quickly as you did.” He held my eye contact but removed his hand so he was no longer touching me. 

“There is no reason to thank me. I wasn’t given much choice in the matter. But, you’re welcome." He nodded his head and gave me the briefest of smiles. 

“I  know that’s what you’re telling yourself but I can see how your body reacts to me. I felt it that night in Aquino’s suite, and I feel it now. I can read your body like a book.” To prove his point he lowered his head and I felt his lips brush against my ear and neck. I felt my body betray me as the moan I was trying to stifle escaped my lips. He removed his face and looked me in the eye. “See, told you so.”

“Dominic, I’m surprised to see you here. Last I was told you declined my invitation.” You could sense the irritation in Lianna’s voice. Dominic didn’t turn to acknowledge her but he did straighten himself up. 

“I was just leaving. See you soon, baby girl.” Dominic turned around but stopped when he got to Lianna. “She didn’t break any of your rules. If you feel like I monopolized too much of her time just put it on my tab.” He didn’t wait for a response before he walked away. 

Lianna stared at me expecting an explanation. “I was in here with Thorne and he just showed up out of nowhere.” I started to make my way out of the kitchen so I could return to the party. 

“Do I have anything to worry about with the two of you?” Lianna asked, blocking my exit. 

“Lianna, I don’t even know him. This is the second conversation I’ve had with the man. I promise you, he’s no different than anyone else. Everything will remain one hundred percent professional.” 

Lianna continued to stare at me. I know she was trying to intimidate me, but it wouldn’t work. “Make sure it does. I like you Quinn but there isn’t anyone on my team who’s not replaceable.” She then turned and walked away from me. 

I thought back to the night I first met her. I was working as a cocktail waitress on the strip. This guy I was seeing from school had just broken up with me and I was in no mood to deal with anyone’s bullshit. 

I had walked over to the bartender to put in my drink order when some drunk asshole decided to grab my ass. Any other night I would have brushed it off but tonight this guy got a punch to the face and I got fired. 

Lianna had been sitting at one of the tables with a group of people and witnessed the whole thing. She approached me and gave me her business card. She said she was looking to add people to her team and liked my feisty personality. I had no clue what type of business she was in, but I figured it had to be some weird s**t since she just saw me at my worst and wanted me as part of her team.

A few days later I was talking to my mom and was trying to work up the nerve to ask her for some money. Instead, my mom went on and on about how business was really slow and she was hoping that it would pick up soon. My mom was a hairdresser and only got paid in commission and tips. After I got off the phone with my mom I called Lianna and we set up a time to meet. 

She explained to me that she ran an escort service. She said the majority of the time it was just men who were in town and were needing someone to accompany them to a function or wanted the company of a woman without any drama attached. She claimed that sometimes s*x was expected but we always knew before going into the situation and could decline the job if that’s not what we wanted. 

When I told her I didn’t feel like I would be a good match she said something to me that made me stop and think. ‘Quinn, you are a beautiful young girl. I assume you’ve had s*x in the past and will most likely continue to have s*x while you’re in college. The way I look at it is you might as well be paid and benefit from the act instead of giving it away for free.’

By the time I left her home, I had signed an NDA and had my first appointment. Within the week I was a part of her team. And she was right, I had benefited greatly. I was able to afford a better apartment in a safer neighborhood and buy a newer car. But most importantly, I was able to help my mother out. I told her I had gotten a job at a bougie restaurant and was making a few hundred dollars a night in tips and she never questioned it. 

I was always able to keep my relationships with the clients professional and I never caught feelings. Unfortunately, after being around Dominic tonight something told me that was all about to change.