Billionaire Stole My Panties

CHAPTER 6

I was finally getting some sleep after tossing and turning last night when a loud banging woke me up. Oh jeez not now. Groaning, I rolled onto my back. The banging stopped and I was able dozing off. Sleep pulled me in its warm embrace until the banging started up but this time with a vengeance. I whined and slide out of bed with my eyes closed.” f**k!" I wailed when I bumped into my bedroom door. I opened my eyes, officially wide awake. I rubbed my forehead as I walked to the front door. I looked through the peephole and found Joel standing there. What the hell? I opened  the door, he grins at me.    

His hair was styled differently today, he let a large portion of his hair swoop over to the left but a few strands fell over his brow. It made him look adorable...like really did. I watched as his eyes descend from my face to my body ever so slowly. I was too sleepy to care. He smirks. He wore a deep blue suit with a pale blue shirt and a black tie.” What could you possibly want this early in the morning, sir?" I asked as I rubbed my eyes then yawned into my palm.

"Firstly: it's almost 7 and you're supposed to be at work for 7:30, secondly: I didn’t I say I would pick you—"

"No. No. No, you didn't." I protested like a five-year-old.

He paused.” Ok, I asked and you said I'd have to find it. Which I did." He said smiling. I knocked my head on the doorframe hoping that this was just a dream.” Thirdly: nice pajamas." He said. I popped open my eyes and I stared at the doorframe. What did he just say to me? I looked down at my Dora camisole and baggy underwear. I rolled my eyes. Well, I can’t turn back time and change my underwear so imma just rock these parachute undies cause this is my home, not his. I stood up straight and folded my arms over my breast.

"Mind your damn business," I told him. He gave me a half-smile and shrugged. I think I just swallowed my heart. His eyes took me in again, this time excruciatingly slow. I bite my lip. He took a step closer and free my lip with his thumb. He towers over me, I had to crane my neck to at him. His eyes were ready to swallow me whole. I almost bit my lip again but I stopped myself.

“I am." He mumbled under his breath. I'm surprised I even heard that. I’m your business? Aubrey don’t even start to read into it....it’s time you try to lose interest in him. It’s not the time for men. Take care of your self before you drive head first into something your not ready for, especially since you’re not sleeping properly.

"So....you want coffee or are you gonna wait in your ca—"

"Coffee sounds nice, Hun." He said with a half-smile looking over my shoulder. I stepped aside and he walked past me. I closed the door behind me then tucked my hair behind my ear and chewed on the inside of my cheek as I followed him to the living room. Once in the living room, he pulls his jacket off his broad shoulders. I bit my tongue to stop myself from saying 'feel free to take everything else off'. Next, he unbuttoned his shirt and pulled that off too. He stood in my living room dressed in a white cotton vest that stretched over his broad back and his trousers. Damn. He drapes his shirt and jacket over the arm of the nearest couch.

I couldn’t believe how f*****g ripped he is.  He wasn’t like MASSIVE  like a block of walking muscle, that wasn’t the case at all....he’s just perfect. Not super big but nowhere near small. Even from here, his skin looked soft and smooth. He was looking around, taking in his surroundings like it genuinely piqued his interest. He picked up one of the throw pillows and examined in. He read the tag. He looked over his shoulder smiling when he caught me staring. I blushed. Fuck.“ Stop wasting time and get ready, Hun." He said sternly but smirked right after his statement. I rolled my eyes. I walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind me then went into the bathroom and showered. I blow-dried my hair and gelled it back into a sleek low bun. I brushed my teeth and washed my face before putting on a bit of mascara and lipgloss. 

I decided to dress in an off the shoulder burgundy blouse that stops a half-inch from my navel, a black high waisted pencil shirt, and ballets, and a red Prada bag. I checked my appearance before going to the living room to check on him. He sat on the sofa, already dressed, checking his watch every five seconds. He looked up upset.” Are you ok?” I asked. He looked at me and his anger subsided a little bit. His eyes roaming every inch of me.

“I’m fine....you were just taking forever.” He said emphasizing forever, I rolled my eyes. I didn’t take that long. I didn’t even have my morning rave because I knew you were waiting so cut me some slack. He stood up and walked over to me. He stopped mere inches of me. I shivered when he lifts my chin with his thumb then wiped the corner of my lip. He dropped his hand.

“Do you still want coffee?" I asked. He shook his head turning me towards the door.

"We'll get coffee along with breakfast on the way."  He says.

“You sure?” I asked when he opened the door.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure you renovated your bathroom while you were in there, I can’t have you taking apart the cup maker and putting it back together again.” He said laughing. I rolled my eyes. Oh, hush.

“I only have instant coffee,” I said turning to look at him. He locked the door then closed it behind him, making a face.

“Ew.” He said.” That’s not real coffee, hun.” 

I shrugged.” It’s what I have.” 

“Hm. I guess I dodged a bullet then.” He said grabbing my hand.

-

I walked out of the elevator feeling like I was going to burst. I wobbled to my desk then sat down rubbing my stomach. Six blueberry pancakes, fruit, bacon, a chocolate muffin, and coffee sure hit the spot. I've never been so full in my entire life, damn I could sleep right now. Joel brought us breakfast and we ate in the parking lot before we came inside. He stopped at the Creative Department to visit Joelle. 

In minutes I was dosing off." Hey Bre." Dean irrupted my peace. I sat up to look at him. His blue eyes stared back at me bubbling with amusement. He had a binder in hand. Dean Abbot is a cutie, boy next door kind of cute. Shoulder length dirty blonde hair, round baby face with deep ass dimples, straight nose, surfer's tan. He had a voice that can talk anyone out of murder or even suicide. Dean works in the Editorial Department as a Fact Checker. He wore a white shirt and a navy tie beneath a beige, cotton sweater, and dark slacks.

"Dean," I said between groans. Honestly, I wasn't in the mood to talk, what I wanted—no needed—was sleep. He smirked then sat on the end of my table. 

"How are you beautiful?" He said ending it with a smile. Damn those deep dimples.

"Bursting. Literally." I groaned.

"Clearly," he cornered,” your new boyfriend seems to be spoiling you. I'm truly jealous of him." He said with a small pout. Oh my god. Who wouldn't fall for that face? If Mr. Pereira did hand it over to him, Dean could’ve gotten work done with just one look but looks can't hide the flaws in his work ethic.

"Oh, no new boyfriend," I replied. 

"Oh really. So you're single?" I nodded smiling a bit too much.” I like the sound of that." He added grinning. It should be a crime for him to be this cute. Joel's face flashed in the back of my head and my heart flip-flopped. Then there's Joel....he's too handsome even to be real. So tall. So gorgeous. So sexy. Oh, my stars. Those eyes. What am I saying? Him, in general, is just so—.

"Aubrey?" Dean said touching my forehead. I snapped out of it. 

"Oh sorry, what were you saying?"

"If you'd like to come for drinks—"

"She can't." I looked behind Dean and saw Joel. I can’t? Why not? I don’t recall having plans or not being able to make my own decides. Joel had his hands in his pockets, eyes narrowed to slits.

“Says who?” Dean asked. 

Joel loosened his tie, eyes never leaving Dean’s.” I think it's time you get back to work Mr. Abbey." Joel said dryly. 

Dean shot him a daring look. Unashamed, unafraid. Oh boy.” Not even close, Pereira. It's Abbot." Dean corrected.

"And you're telling me this because?" Joel questioned.

"It's your job to know all of your employees," Dean stated. 

"I will soon enough." Joel said.” But on to the problem that is truly pissing me off...why aren't you working, Mr. Andrews?" Dean sneered at Joel. It was like watching a wolf and lion getting for a fight. He lifted the binder.

"I came to drop this off and again...it's Abbot," Dean replied.

"Aubrey take the binder." I took it from Dean never taking my eyes off Joel. Oh my gosh, the tension in here is insane.” Now that you've done what you came here to do, Mr. Blake. Remove yourself from my assistant or I'll remove you....myself.” Joel tone was like icicles piercing the ground. Sharp. Dean didn't move immediately. Joel took a step forward showing he meant business. Dean got up, brushing past him. Oh, Dean, that's not a good idea. Surprisingly, Joel did nothing. He just stared at me, disappointed. I shifted in my seat. I don't know why but I kind of felt guilty.” You're moving back to my office." He said as walking towards me and takes the binder. He walked to his office without another word. I jumped up.

"What? Why!" I said after him. He stopped at his door then slowly faced me.

His face was drowning in anger, it was almost scary. I cowered slightly but not enough for him to notice.” Because the next time I see you distracted from your work like that...I can't guarantee you'll still have a job here.” He opened the door and slammed it behind him. I stood there puzzled. He'd fired me just for talking to my coworker. What's the hell is up his ass!

-

Yet again I was given the cold shoulder by Joel and after the whole Dean incident, Joel got a couple of janitors to move my things into his office. I spent the rest of the morning running around the Creative Department being Joel’s little messenger. When my lunch break rounded around I stayed in the Creative department's lounge with Bethany Nicolas, Joelle's assistant. We eat a pepperoni pizza, discussing the Dean incident.“ I don't care if I'm being childish!” I protested wiping off my mouth and fingers,” who is he to treat me like a child!" I argued. She gave me a weird look. 

"Bre, listen to me," Bethany said her southern accent was strong. She was born and raised in Houston.” You need to simmer down. He’s the owner and he wants to ensure each of us does our part to make this magazine thrive." She stated. I folded my arm and pouted. I looked at her heart-shaped face. She had freckles on and around her button nose. Her pixie cut dyed platinum blonde hair fell into those huge sky blue eyes. Her small lips painted nude. She's pretty and an inch shorter than I am. Her navy blue dress hugged her slender body and on her feet, she wore black pumps.” Besides, I'm just glad I got the blonde one." She said dreamy-eyed. I sat up straighter in a heartbeat and moved closer to her, smiling. She laughed.

"Ohh does someone have a crush." I teased.

"Guilty as charged." She said with a big smile. Her cheek was getting redder by the second. “Audrey, he's just the sweetest thing I've ever met, and his smile just...ah! " she exclaimed in excitement. I laughed.” I swear he makes me melt like heated rubber."

"I can imagine, he's more levelheaded versus petty and bossy Joel." I cornered bitterly. I popping my hand under my chin sighing. However, I love the moments when Joel would just say something random thing just the break the silence. Like last night when he said he liked my nail color then boom we have a moment where it seems like time slowed down around us and I....kinda liked it. She nodded in agreement.

I sighed, looking around the lounge. The lounge had purple walls, white carpet, two black L-shapes couches. Oak counters with a white microwave and fridge to the right of the door. 

"Yeah. I find Joel to be....pretty intense just standing next to him. How do you manage?" Beth asked before sipping her water.

I shrugged." Don't even go there," I said, dismissing that conversation immediately. He definitely has his intense moments...I mean he’s not intense all the time but it’s still frustrating and then the way he looks at me...I can’t even think straight. 

"Ok, I won't. For now anyway." She said. I slapped her knee gently and she laughed. She checked her watch briefly then sighed.” You should get back, your lunch break will be over in two minutes. You wouldn't want to keep bossman waiting." She said wiggling her brows. I groaned. She chuckled like a little squirrel.

“Please don’t make me go.” I pleaded.

“I’m not the one signing your paycheck so come on go.” She said. I whined.” Go!" 

“But Beth,” I whined.

“Bre I’d prefer my day to continue being Joel free please and thanks.” She said pulling me to my feet.

“Fine.” I sighed pouting. She giggled.

“I love you.” She said smiling.

“If you loved me you’d let hide out here,” I grumbled.

“Suck it up, babe.” She says after as I left the lounge.

-

When I got back to his office I found him at his desk with his feet up, his arms folded and eyes closed. All hail the petty king! I sat at my desk which was directly beside his, literally. Our desks were touching and everything. I stared at my fingers unsure what to do. I could smack him. That’s definitely something I could do but what would the aftermath be? Mostly like him being all grumpy and petty—

"Who do you think should be on this month’s cover?" I froze. I looked at him. His eyes were still closed. I stared at his profile. He's so strikingly gorgeous. Damn it!! What am I saying. I looked down at my fingers again. Who would I pick to be the cover of a magazine? To be honest... I would pick you, Joel. Rename the mag DANGER with you wearing nothing but a tie in this exact position. I looked at him and imagined it. Holy......crap! That would be sold out in minutes.

 I bit my lip. My eye roamed all over him. Every inch, every corner. He's perfect. I looked back up to his face tracing his jawline with my eyes then the corners of his full lips. His eyes sheltered by those thick, insanely long, dark eyelashes that would brush his brows if they could. He had a model's physique no doubt about it with the voice of a prince and a dictator's decorum. His eyes moved under their lids to the corner facing me. They opened dramatically, slow like a big reveal. Damn. He stared. His eyes half-closed. I blushed. He looked like he wanted to smile but doesn't. He sighed.” Hun, I'm waiting." He said huskily. I blushed harder and looked away. Stopping looking at me like that.

"Umm...I don't know." I started.” Kylie Jenner, I guess. I mean...ahem...since she has a new lip kit out that maybe fun to interview her—” I licked my lips.”—about it." I finished. 

"Hm. She's not what I was expecting but it's not a bad idea though. I'll get Ethan right on that, meanwhile yourself and Miss. Michel can work out the set up for the photoshoot." He said. 

"Ok, sir." 

"Get your things." He suddenly said, getting up and got his briefcase from a small shelf beneath his desk.

"What?" I questioned looking at him confused.

He stopped and turned to look at me. Eyes ripping through me.“ Get. Your. Things." He said. I swallowed a lump in my throat. His face was just inches away from mine. His eyes shifted briefly to my lips then back to my eyes. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding my breath when he moved away. I gingerly got my things as I tried to calm my heart. When I threw my bag over my shoulder and stood up he grabs my arm and pulled me out the door then to the elevator.

"Where are we going?" I questioned when we got inside.  

"Somewhere beautiful. I want to show you something." He said staring deep into my eyes. His eyes were stared into an abyss of blue-green wonder. Captivating.  

“Like where?”

“It’s a surprise.” He answers. 

-

He blindfolded me with his tie in his car. My hand in his was what comforted me through the whole ride. He helped me walk up a couple flights of stairs then into an elevator. When the elevator dinged, he lifted me bride style. I gasped. My heart racing.” I got you, hun." He said softly. So first you blindfold me and now you’re carrying me...what are you planning? I’m getting kind of scared here Joel I’m not going to lie. I wrapped my arms around his neck for dare life and nuzzled his neck. I shivered when a cool breeze hit me.

“Where are we?” I asked. 

“You’ll see soon enough.” He said.

“Kind of worrying me here.” 

“You have nothing to worry about...just trust me—I got you.” He assured. I do trust you. He stops.” I'm going to put you down now, ok?" I nodded and he put me down and held on to my waist with an iron grip.” You can look now." He said after he removed his tie. It was beautiful indeed.” Isn't the view great?" He asked. I nodded and gripped onto his hand. I stood on a ledge. My body felt immobile.

"Yeah sure. It would be if I wasn't SCARED OF HEIGHTS!" I screamed. I looked down and my heart fell. My breath grew ridge and my body shook uncontrollably. My vision blurred as I looked down at the little cars below.” Joel!" I screamed. When I tried to face him and almost slipping off the ledge.

"s**t!" He shouted his eyes wide. He pulled me down, then shuffled a couple feet from the ledge. I hide my face in his clothes sobbing uncontrollably.” I'm so sorry." He whispers. My heart was beating outside of my chest. All I could imagine was me falling to my death over and over again. He stroked my hair. He chanted inhale and exhale, I took breathes and released them in time with his words. Slowly, I began to calm down. I buried my face in his shirt inhaling his cologne. What? I had to...I can be this close and not smell him. My arms wrapped around him gripping a handful of his jacket. I looked up at him. He was staring down at me with an expression mixed with concern and guilt.

"Other than the crazy height, the view is quite beautiful—" I swallowed, “—where are we?" I asked, hoarsely.

His thumb brushed against my cheek.” The Empire State Building." He replied. I smiled. 

"Really?" I questioned looking around. I’ve never been with before....he's right. The view was amazing. Wait a minute....was—was this supposed to be a date? My heart is made to race. He turned my head to face him. It is a date, isn’t it? You sneaky bastard, a heads up would be nice. What am I saying? I’m not ready to date....it’s too soon.

"Yes, are you ok?" He asked. I nodded. His hands cupped my cheek wiping away dried tears.” I'm so sorry, hun. If I had known I'd have never taken you up here." He whispered. 

"It's ok....I'm ok, now." I cornered. I cupped his hands over mine. I give him a sincere smile. It’s really sweet of him to try to surprise me like this despite my phobia. He smiled back sadly. He studied my face as if looking for injury. Slowly but surely his head dipped but not to do you think it he would do. He rested his forehead on mine and sighed. Part of me was glad but the other wanted something different.  I was with that side. He had his eyes closed and brows furrowed. I took a deep breath before I angled my head and kissed him. He shuddered. He opens his eyes, staring into my eyes. Slowly, he pulled away looking at me in shock.

“Aubrey.” He whispered. I blushed. Shut up before you make me lose my nerve. 

“Shh.” I hushed. I went on my tiptoes and pulled his face down to mine. Without hesitation, he kissed me back. I moaned. Holy s**t. I felt...so alive. Like he was awaking a part of me that laid dormant for years. He took my hands from his face and wrapped my arm around his neck. He cups my face tinting it and leaning into me for better access. I shivered. It was like opening a door that I never knew existed. I felt safe, free.....dangerous. His tongue claimed my mouth, I moaned. f**k his man can kiss. His lips tasted like cherries and mint. I pulled away, drawing his bottom lip between my teeth then I went in for the kill. I pushed him back and he ended up on the ground with me on top of him. He groaned.

"Wow." He said in amazement. I blushed. We chuckled but it was brief. I grabbed a fistful of his silky hair pulling him to meet my lips. I kissed him with everything I had. His hands squeezed my outer thighs. I wanted to feel his skin on mine and right now. I began to unbutton the top buttons of his shirt. He sat up and held the back of my head holding me in position with one hand and the other firmly cupping my butt. We explored every inch of each other. He pulled away and began trailing kiss down my neck. My p***y f*****g singing and screaming for some release. I whined when the aching began becoming unbearable. He sucked on a certain part of my neck that made my eyes flutter. 

I bite my lip. “Joel." I moaned. I opened my eyes and saw a bunch of people staring at us with their phones out. Oh s**t. He pushed my jacket off my shoulders and kissed my collarbone. I moaned.” Stop!" I exclaimed. He did and looked at me in shock.”I-I...." I trailed off, getting off of him, grabbed my bag. I ran back inside of the building, pushing past our audience as I went my way.