Billionaire Stole My Panties

CHAPTER 1.

My heart was hammering in my chest as I laid in bed, staring at the clock. Come on, I chanted as I waited for 5:59 to change to 6:00. I blinked and 6:00 illuminated on the small screen. Finally, I thought as I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. My heart raced when he wrapped his arm around my waist and pressed his wet lips against 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 the moment I heard the bathroom door close.

He’ll be gone soon, I thought as I buried myself beneath the covers with a breathy sigh. I had a half-hour before I’ll be alone but I couldn’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. I have no clue where he got that idea from. I may be naive and ditzy at times but I’m not stupid enough to cheat on Brandon.

I hugged my knees to my chest and closed my eyes. I pushed the memories of last night’s beatings to the back of my mind and tried to replace them with happy thoughts. 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.

I jumped out of sleep when the door slammed shut. I waited a while before peeping beneath the covers and scanning the room for any sign of him. The stench of his cologne made my stomach turn. I’ve grown to despise that smell. Quietly, I crawled out of bed and looked around the apartment. It was empty. Thank God. 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 groan, whimper and made tears cloud my vision. I paused for a moment before rushing to the bathroom mirror.

I had to stifle the cry about to escape my lips as I stared at the grotesque bruises staring back at me. I leaned 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. I’ve also lost a lot of weight. The results of Brandon’s many, many drunken beatings.

I wanted to punch my reflection, hating what I was seeing. I wiped my face and looked myself dead in the eye. Ok, Bre….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. The smile that formed 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 and I found it in Brandon’s nightstand. My body began to tremble as I stared at the phone. 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 and sunk to my knees. I stayed there for a few minutes before looking up and seeing no one standing over me. 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. Brandon had thrown it at me once or twice. Maybe more. Once, I was getting out of the shower when he saw a 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 that had the best view of the city. I sat there, hugging 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—I even went to school 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 but I’m trying to hold on for as long as I can for my father and the handful of people I hadn’t yet 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 that 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. Shit! I forgot to pick up my boss’s 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.

I got to Starbucks twenty minutes later and joined the line of at least fifteen people. I’m going to be late….again—for the eleventh time this month. Well at least it’s an improvement from last month, August, I was early for only five days. Yup, five. Luckily, Mr Pereira thinks of me as a daughter he never had 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 but a used tissue. 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, Bre! You don’t need everyone in Starbucks seeing you cry. 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. Oh my gosh—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 asked in a dry tone. His voice sent chills down my spine. His voice was deep and it had this sexy melodious tone that made it perfect for radio. I still hate him though, he couldn’t be bothered to say sorry. “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 stared at him. “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...Aubrey, 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.

I licked my dried lips and his eyes fell to them. “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—he might be Hispanic or Latino.

He checked his watch briefly before his gaze fell to me. He let his eyes wander every inch of me. I blushed. "9:54." He finally said. I bit my lip, nervously and looked away. Oh, Lord. “Is that a problem?" he asked 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. I took the time to look at his butt. It was poking out of the dark trousers of his black Armani suit. Nice. 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 up at Teal eyes whose level of unbothered was astronomical. “Um, Teal...” I started just realizing I didn’t know his name. Before I could continue my statement he had already 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 looked 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 said, cutting off the cashier as he loosened his crimson tie. His eyes met mine, “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 this man?

"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. I let out a ragged breath, nodding.

“Yes,” I answered weakly.

“I’ll get us out of here soon, don’t worry.” He said softly before pressing my hand against his lips. He flashed a smile at me and turned his attention back to Parker. I stared at Teal eyes trying my best not to mould myself into his side and scream that 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 then nodded at his brunette coworker. Teal eyes gaze never wavered from Parker. 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. Teal eyes handed Parker $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. When I met up with him he was leaning against the opened door, waiting. His eyes never left mine as I walked towards him. Heat rose to my cheeks as I shyly took my orders from him 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.

"Come on, my car is this way." He said, walking ahead of me. He nodded towards a shiny, white Mustang parked on the curb. I stood there watching him push through the sea of New Yorkers. I walked towards him but stopped dead in my tracks when reality hit. I watched as he pulled his keys out of his pocket and unlocked his car. ”Are you coming or what?" He asked, looking at me. I shook my head with a forced smile.

This isn’t a fairy tale, Bre, he’s not a knight in shining armour that was miraculously dropped into your life just to rescue you from Brandon. “Thanks, but no thanks,” I told him. “My workplace isn't far from here plus you're already late and I don’t want to put you out of your way."

He frowned. “It’s ok...you won’t be.” He stated. “I have nothing to do besides sit at my desk—besides I own where I work.” I shook my head again. I squeezed my eyes closed. Sorry, Teal eyes, but I’m not someone you should get mixed up with...so if you know what’s good for you, you'd just leave. I don't want you to get hurt because of me. 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 completely 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 and shuts the door before slowly walking towards me after he locked his car. My heart hammered in my chest echoing with every step he took. When he was mere inches from me I looked away. I jumped when he lifted my face by my chin and pressed a kiss on my left cheek. I shivered. He stayed there for a while. As soon as his lips were no longer on my cheek, I looked at him and found him staring back at me. His eyes are mesmerising, the green of his eyes stretched out into a dark blue web. He lowered his eyes, letting his lips brush against mine making me shiver.

Slowly a smirk grew against his lips, I almost smiled and for a moment I wanted him to kiss me. I want—no needed to feel like I wasn’t me.....that I wasn’t Brandon’s punching bag. I want to take back my life and if kissing this man will give me that—even for a while. But the more he gave me his ‘I’m going to devour you ‘ look, the more I realised I couldn’t let him kiss me. For his safety. I snapped out of my thoughts when I realised he had leaned in for a kiss. I got flashbacks of the time a guy at the club tried to dance with me, Brandon beat him to a bloody pulp and I got the worst of it when we got home. I don’t want that to happen to Teal eyes.

“I-I need to go!" I blurted and pulled away.

He sighed. He gave my forehead a quick peck and said, “Take care of yourself." He gave my bottom lip a quick brush with his thumb before he walked to his car. He hopped inside after a glance my way and he 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.