Billionaire Stole My Panties

All Rights Reserved for Billionaire Stole My Panties © by Tajanara Scott aka Afrodite107.

Under no circumstances must this book be copied, vandalised, stolen, changed, or translated (without permission), ask and you shall receive. I don't tolerate plagiarism; everything you see is what pops out of my big-headed brain. Thank you and enjoy.

N/A: this story contains violence and sexual themes. Based on the main characters interests you will notice their thorough attention to detail.

CHAPTER 1.

Morning couldn’t have come quick enough, and 6 o’clock teased me with its prolonged arrival. It’s as if it knew I wanted Brandon gone and was determined to make me sweat and spaz in anticipation. I felt no relief when 6 illuminated on the small screen only a crippling wave of anxiety. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep, flinching when he stirred then wrapped his arm around me. It took a lot out of me to not shove him off. My stomach twisted and bile rose to my throat when he pressed his wet lips on my cheek. He let his lips linger for about 30 seconds—yes, I timed him—before he got out of bed and went into the bathroom. I opened my eyes and wiped my cheek with a trembling hand once the bathroom door closed.

He’ll be gone soon, I consoled myself and buried myself beneath the covers with a breathy sigh. I had a half-hour before I’ll be alone. Sadly, I can’t use my phone to pass the time because he confiscated it. He does this every night before bed. He’s convinced I have a side piece that I’m planning to run away with. Where he got that idea from I have no idea. I may be naive and a bit ditzy at times but I’m not stupid enough to cheat on Brandon. I’ve fallen victim to his delusions more than I can count so I can only imagine what would happen if I were to cheat. He’d probably beat me to death if I did.

I hugged my knees to my chest as the memories of last night’s beating came rushing in at full force. I bit my lip as a sob drop its weight on my chest and throat. It took everything in me to not cry or scream. I knew if I did I wouldn’t be able to stop and he would hear and come with his bullshit apologies and empty promises. So to quiet the memories I envisioned myself laying on a beautiful, sandy beach and sipping a cocktail—feeling safe for the first time in years and within minutes I was asleep.

The front door slamming shut woke me. I waited a while before peeping beneath the covers and scanning the room for any sign of him. What remained was the stench of his cologne. How I’ve grown to despise that smell. Quietly, I crawled out of bed to look around the apartment. It was empty. Thank God. The relief I felt was immense and though I knew he’ll be back later. I turned on my heel and made my way back to the bedroom with a big stretch but a shooting pain in my left shoulder made me whimper and tears cloud my vision. I paused for a moment before rushing to the bathroom mirror.

I had to stifle a cry when I saw bruises staring back at me. I had to lean against the wall to steady myself. My black and blue left shoulder and wrist matched the bruises on my back from a few days ago. The bruises, the bags and the dark circles under my eyes made me look like a zombie. Not to mention the weight I’ve lost. A result of Brandon’s many, many drunken beatings.

I wanted to punch my reflection, hating what I was seeing. I wiped my face before looking myself dead in the eye. Ok, Brie….you’re going to get in the shower and afterwards, you’ll have to cover these bruises. But first, let’s put on a smile. I took a deep breath and tried to smile. My smile looked like something out of a Tim Burton movie. I sighed. I don’t know how much longer I can take this.

I went into the bedroom to search for my phone. I found it in Brandon’s nightstand. My body began trembling as I stared at it. I glanced over my shoulder instinctively, wondering if Brandon was standing in the doorway with his belt. He wasn’t there but my body wasn’t convinced. Just breathe, I chanted. I grabbed my phone and screamed. I shielded my face with my arms, sinking to my knees. I stayed there for a few minutes or so before looking up, seeing no one. I can’t even use the shit I bought without worrying you’ll hit me, are you proud of what you’ve done to me, Brandon? Is it because you know I’m too scared to fight back?

I looked down at my cracked screen. He had thrown it at me once or twice. Maybe more. Once, I was getting out of the shower when he saw an innocent good night text from my boss. I took a deep breath and opened my playlist. I smiled when Empire State of Mind filled my ears. On instinct, I walked into the living room and sat on the sofa which had the best view of the city. I hugged my knees to my chest as I listened to the lyrics. I stared at the skyscrapers in the distance with tears in my eyes. I came to New York to become a writer but all I’ve managed to do is live miserably in this hellhole. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. I’m not far from my breaking point, I’m trying to hold on for my father and the handful of people I hadn’t driven out of my life because of Brandon. I’m so close to my final straw...I’m so close to ending it all. With my cheeks wet with tears, I got up and started getting ready for work.

I was standing at the pedestrian crossing on 8th street, behind a female jogger when it occurred to me I was forgetting something. But what? I stared at her, loving how the sun kissed her dark skin and her honey-blonde, kinky Afro. What am I forgetting? I looked down at my hands. My left hand held my red Lady Dior bag and my right was empty. I narrowed my eyes at my palms before looking at the back of my hands. I stared at my pastel rainbow, stiletto nails that my boss calls my rainbow talons. I glanced back at the woman as she took a sip of her coffee. Then it clicked. Coffee! And Starbucks is ten blocks in the direction I was coming from. Groaning, I quickly turned on my heel and made my way to Starbucks.

Starbucks was packed to the door, which wasn’t surprising at this time of day. With a breathy sigh I joined the line of at least fifteen people. I’m going to be late….again. For the eleventh time this month—at least it’s an improvement from last month, August, I was early for five days. Yup, five. Luckily, Mr Pereira thinks of me as a daughter but if he didn’t I would’ve been fired a long time ago. Then again a man can only take so much before he cracks, right? Maybe today is the day he throws my ass out and dusts off his hands like I’m nothing. And now I’m sad. Tears began burning my eyes and I blinked them away.

I looked down to check my watch only to realise I wasn’t wearing it and my phone isn’t in my bag. Why are you such a scatterbrain? Can’t you do anything right! Tears began to burn my eyes again but this time a tear escaped. Calm down, Brie! You don’t need everyone in Starbucks seeing you cry. Don’t embarrass yourself. I took a deep and shaky breath, letting the intoxicating smells of freshly brewed coffee, baked goodies, and the cologne of the man ahead of me calm my nerves. Oh wow, I thought as I took a step closer to him. He smells like a snack. His cologne wasn’t strong but damn, it was knocking my socks off.

I yelped when he took a step back, ramming his elbow into my nose and his heel was crushing my toes. I whimpered until he stepped forward. He glanced over his shoulder before turning his attention back to the conversation on his phone. You asshole! That fucking hurts! I tapped his shoulder, ready to yell a thing or two at him but he kept his attention ahead until I poked his side. I jumped when his index finger appeared inches from my nose.

“Really, and you put up with that bullshit?" he questioned harshly. His voice sent chills down my spine. His voice was deep and it had this sexy melodiousness that’s perfect for radio. “I don’t care—you’ve been putting up with that bullshit for too long—" he said. “—it’s unacceptable.”

“Excuse me," I called and tapped his shoulder for a solid two minutes. Would you believe the jerk just stood there ignoring me?

He cursed under his breath. “Hold on, some midget is trying to get my attention," he said. I gasped. How dare you! That’s offensive and 5’2 is not a midget. He turned and looked at me. I opened my mouth to curse him but all I managed to do was stand there with my mouth agape as I stared into his eyes. His eyes are a breathtaking shade of blue-green but mostly green like the ocean—teal—yeah teal and his long, dark eyelashes enhanced their beauty. I watched the crease between his dark brows deepen as he stared down at me. He was taller than me by more than a foot it seemed. A basketball player perhaps? Maybe even a football player.

“Can I help you with something?" he questioned dryly. I just stood there like a doe in headlights. “Well?” he asked raising his voice a tad.

I snapped out of my trance, blinking frantically. Aubrey say something. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. Unbelievable.…stop drooling! I snapped out of it again when he smirked. “The time.....I’d like to know the time.” I finally said. What the fuck? The time! That’s not what you were supposed to say! You're supposed to let the profanity soar higher than a fucking kite. How am I supposed to? That look he gave me knocked the anger right out of me.

“Please?” he said with a mocking smile.

I licked my dried lips and his eyes fell to them. I blushed. “Please,” I repeated, letting my eyes trace his well-sculpted, high cheekbones and stubble-covered, squared jaw. He has hollowed cheeks and a small, fresh cut across the bridge of his long, straight nose. His lips are small, full, and heart-shaped. A strand of his silky, dark hair kissed his forehead, it was the only strand out of place. He has bronzed skin—probably Hispanic or Latino.

He checked his watch briefly before his gaze fell to me. He let his eyes wander every inch of me. My cheeks were a blaze of fire now. "9:54,” he finally said. I bit my lip, nervously and looked away. Oh Lord. “Problem?" he questioned cocking his head until I looked at him.

"I'm extremely late for work.” I almost said in a whisper. “Again," I whispered. I'm going to be fired for sure. Should I just go to work? No, wait and get the coffee, the long line can be your excuse.

"Oh," he said under his breath. He checked his watch again. ”So am I." He looked over his shoulder, his long fingers fidgeting with his black tie. I gasped when he grabbed my arm and squeezed us to the front of the line. What’s going on? I looked over my shoulder, meeting the angry gazes of the people behind us, who were tearing us a new one.

“What do you think you’re doing!” A woman hissed.

“I’ve been waiting for almost a half-hour for this bullshit?” A man yelled.

I looked to Teal eyes, who didn’t care in the slightest about the crowd of people yelling at us. “Um, Teal eyes...” I started just realizing I didn’t know his name. Before I could continue my statement he had let go of my hand and walked to the counter. He stood to the right of a man who was about to order. Teal eyes glared down at him before sending him flying with one nudge of his hip. What the hell is wrong with this man!?

“Hey!" The man yelled as he flew across the counter. The man was about to argue but I gave him an apologetic smile stopping him.

"I’m sorry.... he hasn't taken his meds this morning." I mouthed. I honestly felt like it were true, there’s something very wrong with Teal eyes—entitled more like. He rolled his eyes and stormed out through the exit, grumbling to himself.

"Umm...sir you can't—"

"I'll have an iced Americano," Teal eyes interrupted and he loosened his crimson tie. His eyes met mine taking my breath away, “what would you like?" I froze.

I know I should rejoin the line but I can’t risk staying here any longer. “Err.... a-a Cappuccino and a Mango, Dragonfruit, Lemonade refresher," I responded meekly. I said my apologies to everyone behind me under my breath.

He turned his attention to the cashier, whose name tag read, Parker. “And two cinnamon rolls," he ordered. Parker stared blankly at him. “Now.” Teal eyes commanded loosening his tie again. I stared at Teal eyes’ strong profile, dumbfounded. Am I going to let this man diminish my moral integrity? Who is this woman I’ve become in less than five minutes of meeting him?

"Sir, please go to the back of the line and wait like everyone else," Parker said as he chewed his bubble gum. Everyone behind me clapped and cheered.

“Thank you!” A man yelled.

Aubrey, you're better than this....this isn't who you are. “Come on, it's not a big deal. I can wait." I said, placing my hand on his forearm. Teal eyes shot daggers at Parker, ignoring me. Relax it isn’t that serious. My body shivered when he placed a big but soft hand over mine. I felt a... weird feeling I’ve never felt before. I watched his long fingers in awe as he took my hand in his and held it at his side. Heat rose to my cheeks, and a chill ran down my spine.

No. No—this can’t be happening. I gingerly tried to break free of his grip, hoping he wouldn’t notice but I failed. My shoulders hunched over and my chest grew tight. It was beginning to feel as if someone had shoved me into a tiny, windowless room. I touched my bruised shoulder with a trembling hand and looked over my shoulder nervously, scanning for any sign of Brandon or one of his little tattletale friends. I felt a bit of relief seeing neither. Thank God. I flinched, almost screaming when Teal eyes’ thumb stroked my hand. I looked up at him and found him looking at me with his brows furrowed.

”Are you ok?” he asked softly. It was a simple question yet it made tears burn my eyes. No, I’m terrified. I’m sure you can tell by my shaking. I let out a ragged breath and nodded.

“Yes,” I answered weakly.

“I’ll get us out of here soon, don’t worry,” he said sweetly before pressing my hand against his lips. My heart fluttered when he flashed me his gorgeous smile. He turned his attention back to Parker not long after. I stared at Teal eyes trying my best not to mould myself into his side and scream I didn’t want to go home after work. I want him to stroke my hair and promise me he’d never let Brandon hurt me again. What am I saying? He’s a stranger, he could be a serial killer for all I know. His sweet aura changed drastically as his smile turned into a sneer, slowly and very intimidatingly he leaned over the counter, staring Parker dead in the eye.

"I want them done in the next five minutes.....before I jump over this damn counter." Teal eyes demanded in a deep and authoritative tone. I shivered with a sudden pang of fear. Parker swallowed hard and nodded at his brunette coworker. In a few minutes, his coworker handed them to Parker. Teal eyes let go of my hand and took our orders from a shaken Parker after handing him $100. “Thank you.....keep the change." He said, topping his statement off with a panty-dropping smile. He had a tiny dimple on his right cheek.

"T-thank you....y-you too, sir." Parker stuttered. Teal eyes walked away. I gave Parker a sympathetic smile before running after Teal eyes. I met him at the door as he was leaning against it, keeping it open for me. His eyes never left mine as I walked towards him. Heat rose to my cheeks as I shyly took my orders with shaking hands. I bit my lip and his gaze intensified like he was ready to devour me. Does he want me? Or is this how he looks at every woman he insults and is all sweet with them afterwards? Either way, just the thought of him wanting me makes my heart skip a beat. I tore my eyes away and walked outside. I stood in front of the entrance trying to calm my racing heart. All this over a stranger, seriously Aubrey? Calm the hell down already.

"My car is this way," he said and walked ahead of me, nodding towards a shiny, white Mustang parked on the curb. I stood there watching him push through the sea of New Yorkers. I began to follow him but stopped dead in my tracks as reality came crashing down. I watched as he pulled his keys out of his pocket and unlocked his car. ”Are you coming?" he asked, looking at me. I shook my head with a forced smile. This isn’t a fairy tale, Brie, he’s not a knight in shining armour come to rescue you from Brandon.

“Thanks, but no thanks,” I told him. “My workplace isn't far from here plus you're already late—I don’t want to put you out of your way."

He frowned. “You won’t be,” he stated. “I own where I work.” I shook my head again. I squeezed my eyes closed. I had another moment of hesitation. I shouldn’t. I mustn’t. Brandon will....I-I can't take another accident.

"No, but thanks for the offer.....and coffee," I forced out the last part as quickly as I could. If I’m being honest with myself, I didn’t want him to leave. As ridiculous as that sounds—I wanted to cry into his side and convince him to take me somewhere far away. He bent down to place his drink into a holder and toss the cinnamon rolls onto the passenger’s seat before shutting the door and walking towards me. My heart hammered in my chest echoing with every step he took. When he was inches from me I looked away. I jumped when he lifted my face by my chin, forcing me to look into his beautiful eyes. His eyes are mesmerising with the greens of his eyes stretching into a dark blue web. I shivered.

“You said you’re late….let me give you a ride,” he said gently, “I promise I won’t try anything. Scouts honour,” he said with a playful smile. I found myself smiling back like an idiot.

“No more cutting lines and threatening minimum wagers?” I teased. He smiled and rolled his eyes.

“No promises,” he replied, grinning now. I chewed on my lip and his eyes dropped to it. “So?”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured, “work is not far but thanks so much for the offer.” He dropped his hand and gave me a stiff nod.

“You’re welcome. Take care of yourself, ok?” I nodded. He gave me a small smile before he walked to his car. He hopped inside after a glance my way and drove off. So many parts of me wanted to scream at him to not leave me but I knew those words would never leave my lips.