The Billionaire's Creed

ADLEY

What's wrong with me?

This guy was attractive, had a good sense of humor, and we were into the same music and food. Yet, it didn't feel right.

I pulled away and stepped back. I could still taste the beer he had drunk. I could still feel my lips tingling as a reminder that he was a good kisser.

We had met in a bar earlier tonight. After a few drinks, he took me to his place, and he didn't initiate until I told him it was okay. His apartment was pretty decent, and there were no signs of a red flag.

"What's wrong?" His hands were cupped around my face.

With my eyes still closed, I sighed, disappointed with myself. I honestly didn't know what was wrong with me. I hadn't had a boyfriend for a year now. That was why I tried going out there like every lonely woman should.

I bit my lip as I opened my eyes to look at him. His brows met together as he looked down at me. He was tall, towering my five foot and two inches with four inches added, thanks to Louboutin.

"I'm sorry." I sighed again.

"Are we moving too fast?"

I shook my head, trying to pull myself together. I didn't want to sound rude, but here came the cliche part. "It's just. It's me. I haven't dated in a while, and I'm not usually like this. I don't rush things. I'm not spontaneous like other women-"

"It's okay. You don't have to explain." He placed his hands on my arms. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"No. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Okay. We can just sit, watch a movie, and get to know each other." His suggestion should have made me relax, at least because it showed how gentlemanly he was.

When the situation became awkward, I smoothed my hands over my dress. "I'm sorry. I can't. How about a rain check? Give me your number, and I'll call you next weekend."

He smiled and said ruefully, "No, you won't."

"I will, Knox." I pulled out my phone from my purse and gave it to him.

While he typed his number, he said, "If you need anything. It doesn't have to be sexual. Call me or hit me up."

I managed to plaster a smile on my face and dialed his number so that he could have mine saved. "Thanks."

"No problem. Let me call you a cab."

"That won't be necessary."

"The least I could do, Adley. Is Adley your real name?"

"Yes." I nodded. "See you."

My face was burning as I walked out of his apartment. I was over my ex. He'd moved on as well. When my best friend, Blaze, told me to start living like a single woman, I agreed because I realized I missed out on a lot of things.

I'd been busy working for my company from the ground for almost two years, and my ex dumped me because I was too swamped with the home design business.

I pushed the elevator button with my stomach in a knot. I felt terrible for what I did, but I couldn't force myself to do something I was uncomfortable with. I couldn't push myself to be someone I was not. And change wouldn't happen overnight.

I was not against hookups, but maybe, I was not that person.

I pressed the button to the lobby. When the elevator door slid close, someone just slipped in.

"Sorry."

I stepped aside.

I was alone in the elevator until a giant man in a suit joined me, interrupting my thoughts. Before I could finish my contemplation, he must be eyeing me up and down as I could feel him standing still, watching me. His stare was unsettlingly direct and unwavering. And something tickled my nose like an expensive woodsy and pine.

"Not a talker, eh." His voice was deep and sharp like someone used to command and order around.

I was sure he was talking to me, considering it was just the two of us in the elevator.

"Do I have to say something?" I replied as I glanced up at the man. His chestnut brown eyes focused on me. His thick dark eyebrows slanted. He had a five o'clock shadow that added sharpness to his jaw. And I tried hard not to notice his strong jawline and cleft chin.

"Ah, it didn't go well." He released a short laugh. There was a hint of amusement in his voice, which irritated me.

"Excuse me?" I pierced my eyes like a laser beam at him.

He slipped his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "It didn't take a lot of time. You don't look exhausted, and there's no glow on your cheeks."

I swallowed in an effort to collect my thoughts, trying not to get his remarks under my skin. He was a stranger, and he should not affect me. It was my decision to leave when I could have a little fun.

"It's none of your business." My stomach rolled violently.

He chuckled. "Why can't you just admit he's a lousy lay?"

"And let me guess, you are good in bed." I shot back, irritation dripping my sole existence as I shot him a harsh look. "And you just came out from your meal of the night, and the next thing you'd say, the best night of her life. Yeah, maybe I didn't sleep with him because that was my decision, and if you have a plan on saying another word, I'm gonna gouge your eyes out, jerk. Life doesn't revolve around sex, and our lives don't revolve around a man like you, asshole."

He turned to face me with the most intense look causing a chill to race down my spine. When I thought I should feel panicked as he would do something to corner me, pin me against the elevator wall, and hurt me, but it did not happen. Instead, his body shook until he burst out laughing.

I almost jumped. My heart hammered in my chest.

His eyes glittered. His perfect teeth were white and natural. His espresso hair needed a haircut and was in disarray from his wild night with whoever was the luckiest woman.

With wide eyes, I was stunned to say something and, at the same time, pissed at this awfully intrusive stranger- a strikingly attractive stranger, if I may add.

He then abruptly stopped. He traveled his gaze from my eyes to my lips and down to my chest. The intensity caused my spine to stiffen.

I was wearing a V-neck dress. I was not as tall as a model, but I was happy with the glass hour figure. I may not have butt as the Kardashians, but mine was natural.

"His loss."

"I said if you something- "

"You're gonna gouge my eyes out. I heard you. It was not an insult. Your gorgeous, and I would totally-"

Thankfully the elevator dinged. The door slid open before I could poke his- well, to be honest, he was dangerously handsome in an annoying way, especially when he smiled. He was the kind of man you would second look at and daydream of being with him under your sheets. Maybe if I was too bold and met him in the bar, but I wasn't. And this guy screamed danger with playboy persona written all over his face and would break your heart and not care.

"What's your name?"

"Go to hell." I walked out of the elevator.

"I already am, baby." I knew he was following me, or we both went in the same direction.

I quickened my pace, but considering how tall he was, he didn't need an effort if he wanted to catch me. Still, I ignored him out of annoyance.

Thankfully, it didn't take long to hail a cab. The exorbitantly handsome even waved his hand and said goodbye.

***

"You're up early."

I poured coffee into my mug, ignoring Blaze behind me. "Morning."

"Or you just chickened out last night." He helped himself with the coffee pot before he joined me on the island.

"Both. Then, there was this elevator guy who's a total jerk." The word guy was even offensive to him because he was nothing like that. He was a man-an extraordinaire with an outstanding ego.

His blue eyes penetrated mine. "What do you mean? Who's the elevator guy?" He was the one who encouraged me to get a life as if my biological clock was running out.

"Don't know and don't care. So last night, I met a guy. He's kind, and we clicked right away. We went to his apartment, and we started kissing. Then suddenly, it felt like I was cheating on someone. I felt terrible. He still gave me his number even if he said it himself that I wouldn't call him. He said if I need anything, don't hesitate to call me, even if not a booty call."

"Don't feel bad. It happens when you're holding up on something. It doesn't mean he's kind; he's the right guy. You know when he is the right one for you."

"I'm not looking for a relationship." I grabbed my laptop and checked my email.

"You're not looking for a fling either."

I looked at him. "I want a fling, but maybe, he's looking for a relationship. That's why it didn't work out last night."

"Whatever. You will still go out on Friday. Anyway, we have a client."

"That's good news."

"I already set up a meeting. And guess who's our client?"

"A rich old man with a terribly gone wrong botox just got married to an attractive social media influencer around my age in one of the resorts in Chile?"

"Nope. It's Mr. Creed."

MYKEL

She's fucking hot!

Stunning. Exquisite.

Before the situation became awkward, I made my point and left the woman after our quick sex. I was a one-night kind of guy. Most people knew that. I was a busy person; making my own empire and relationship was not my priority for the next ten years or more. Of course, a man still had needs once and a while. I was still a human in need of a woman's touch.

Then I saw someone walking out of Knox's apartment. I was even shocked to discover that the woman I had with was living just next door, but I had no time to back out and change my mind. She made me hard, and she was a willing lay.

In the next second, I was following the woman. She was short to be my type, even if she wore fuck-me-high-heels, but damn. There was something about her that triggered something inside me. I couldn't take a good look at her face, but I knew by heart she was stunning, like a million-dollar piece of art. The more it got old, the more the value became pricey.

My heart began racing as I joined her in the elevator. I was immediately hit with the scent of her. Her smell was like an expensive perfume, and I knew when I smelled one.

The fascinating woman looked delicate and classy in a red V-neck dress that hugged her curves in the right places. She may not have a body like a model, but for me, she was perfect. I knew a woman's body pretty well. I had a pretty share of models and celebrities, but this one was different in so many ways, making her more intriguing, sophisticated, and remarkable.

But my mouth and my brain did not play along pretty well.

When she started talking, her voice was sexy as I had imagined, and it was too late to play nice. But the good part had yet to come-she didn't have any idea who I was.

After she left in the cab, I took a photo of the license plate and sent it to Sax Ryder, my bodyguard.

My phone vibrated right away after the message was sent.

"What do you want me to do with this, boss?" he asked as a greeting.

"Ask for the last passenger's address. A woman. Tell them you have to return something she left in your apartment."

"Do I need to pick you up?"

"No. Find out who the woman is and report it to me as soon as you find something." Because somehow, I felt like I knew her.

"Got it. Do you want me to return what she left?"

"No. She didn't leave anything."

There was a few seconds of silence before he replied, "I see. I'll call you soon, boss."

"Good. Thanks."

As soon as I arrived at my penthouse, I received the info I was asking for. I didn't know how Sax found out about her quickly. Needless to say, I was impressed with his resourcefulness.

"Adley Xael Kross." Her name was as sweet as a vintage wine. "Kross, huh? What a small world." A smirk spread across my lips.

I quickly searched her name on social media, where you could easily find everyone you wanted to look for. I found her right away. Her personal account was not yet verified, but her business account was.

I felt like I had just found the golden pot at the rainbow's end.

I dialed my assistant. I didn't usually barge her at this hour, but I needed a huge favor, and it couldn't wait. It had been long overdue, and now it was a perfect time.

"Elise, I know I'm so sorry." I made sure there was a lace of guilt in my voice.

"Do you want me to drive you home?" She sounded like she had just woken up, and I felt guilty even more. Elise was one of the first people I hired into my wing. She was like a sister I never had with whom I could share my secrets and heartaches, and she wouldn't judge.

"No. I'm already home. But I want you to hire someone to design the office here in my loft."

"I thought you don't want an office and bring your work home."

"I changed my mind. I know I mostly worked on my laptop when I was home, but I realize an office comes in handy, and it's not such a bad idea, is it?" I didn't know why I had to explain, maybe because I had something up on my sleeves.

"You came up with this idea just right now, at this time?" She groaned.

"I know we had an agreement. No late-night calls, but you can do this in the morning."

"Then why can't it wait until morning?"

"I'm sorry, Elise."

"Save the guilt trip. It's fine. Anyway, I know good interior designers. I'd been following them on their IG business account. Just tell me if you have any specific instructions, ideas, or price margin?"

"I'd be there to suggest."

"Why? Since when do you have time, I'm-a-busy-capitalist-no-time-for-bs?"

I chucked. "It's personal to me."

"Whatever. Call you in the morning."

"Don't hire interior designers. I got it covered. Sending you the link." I sent it to her email.

"Got it."

Seconds later, she sounded surprised. "What the hell?"

"What's wrong?"

"How did you find K&B Designs?"

"You know it?"

"Seriously, Creed. They're the one I was talking about," she said gleefully. "They work magic. And you'd love your new home office. Trust me."

Well, what a coincidence, right? I might believe in destiny bullshit after all. "I guess we have the same taste then. See you later."

"I'm getting paid on the weekend, Creed."

"Fine, little bully."

***

I had just received a message from Elise that she was on her way, and I couldn't wait to see the reaction on Adley's face upon seeing me after calling me names last night.

If I was being honest, I deserved it. I just thought Knox didn't deserve her. So did I. And I was the last person she should think about sleeping with, but I was a greedy and selfish bastard. So either she had me, or she would remain single for the rest of her life. And this was just the beginning.

My doorbell just went off.

MYKEL

Elise had a key to my penthouse, but she always rang the doorbell when I was home. Even if she knew I would never bring women to my loft, she still respected my privacy. That was why I cared about her a lot.

"Morning." She placed the bag I bought for her on the lounge chair before showing me my schedule on the iPad. I was generous to my employees, especially her and my security details, Sax and Kye.

"Morning."

"I moved your meeting on Monday evening to the afternoon so you can have time to rest before your flight to LA." She sent it to my phone.

"It's not a long flight, Elise."

"I know, but I don't want you to complain of not getting enough sleep, and you're a terrible boss when you're lacking it."

"I'm not gonna stand in front of the UN councils. This is your idea, remember? Addressing and encouraging the youth to work for their future." I quoted in the air.

"It means a lot to me. I just don't want you to change your mind."

"I know, and I won't. You know I never back down once I'm committed to something. And I've been a college student once. I got this." Her idea of accepting an invitation to speak in front of the senior student was not a bad PR. "And I have a business meeting after that, anyway."

"You're the best."

"Thanks."

Another doorbell interrupted us.

"That's them." She strutted toward the door in a lively manner.

I waited for them to walk in, and I couldn't wait to see Adley as she shot me her sarcastic remark.

"Thanks for coming on such short notice. I really admire your works and have been your follower since you did my friend's apartment. I thought it was gorgeous. He loves it, and his wife couldn't stop babbling to her friends about your designs."

"Thank you. That's so kind of her. They let us do the magic, and we were glad she loved it." Adley was wearing a pair of boyfriend jeans and a white shirt. Her wavy copper brown lock was tied in a bun with a few loose strands, showing her delicate slim neck, and she'd never looked more appealing to me.

Then a guy just joined them-the business partner. "We're happy to make your dream office come true."

I didn't have to worry, right? I was sure he was not into her, or Adley was too naive to notice if he was interested. Did he know Adley went out on a date last night? I bet he did.

"I'd like you to meet my boss. It's his office you're gonna do your magic with."

They made their way. The business partner was still busy checking out the paintings on the wall.

"You?" Okay, I was expecting that reaction. Her big sterling eyes grew bigger as she instantly recognized me, reminding me of a stormy sky.

"Adley, right?" I closed our gap, extending out my hand.

Just as I imagined, she glared at me, not even caring at my hand in the air waiting for her soft, delicate, and small palm for a handshake.

"I'm her business partner, Blaze Burns. Nice to meet you in person, Mr. Creed." The bastard interrupted us instead, shaking my hand.

"Mykel is fine."

"Miss Hart, I'm sorry to have wasted your time. I may have overlooked our calendar, but we are fully booked for the whole month. I can give a few preferences for interior designers, though."

Blaze held her arm as he stared at Adley in confusion. I was an ass to her last night, and she didn't definitely expect to see me sooner again. I wasn't surprised if she turned me down, even if I was going to be a big client.

"Adley, can we talk?" He then looked at me apologetically. "Please, give us a minute."

When they were at the corner, they whispered and hissed at each other. Elise came, throwing me a quizzical look.

Before she could ask something, I knew she would. I told her first. "I didn't."

"Then why did she act so shocked and about to punch you in the face?"

"Long story-"

"The elevator guy? The jerk you were talking about is him?"

Elise chuckled beside me. "I see."

"The jerk, the elevator guy is here." I waved my hand.

Adley's heart-shaped face reddened in annoyance, making her cheekbones more pronounced. I couldn't remember the last time a woman had left me so amazed, and I had never encountered such a woman who never batted her lashes at me. She's something. And I couldn't wait to watch her work in my office.

Damn, even her glare was sexy. And I was losing my shit over here.

"I'll double the payment, or you can name your price."

"We don't need your money. We offer our service, and you will pay the same as our previous clients." Of course, I know money is not an issue for her.

"Very well then."

"Let me show you the office." Elise offered Blaze.

When we were inside, I watched Adley as she looked around the plain white room, and Blaze started measuring the four corners from end to end.

"Would you like to incorporate the color and designs from your living room, Mr. Creed?"

"I have enough with the living room. How about you, Adley? What would you like to suggest?"

She stopped scribbling something on her notes before she lifted her gaze and looked at me. A frown line was still deep on her forehead. "I have a lot of ideas. You see, Mr. Creed, a home reflects the personality of a person living in it. I can do that for you if you want."

A smile spread across my lips voluntarily. "Tell me about it."

From the corner of my eye, Blaze was giving her a signal.

"Blaze, care to show me some color schemes?" I reminded myself to give Elise a bonus and maybe, another designer bag she adored.

"Sure. Follow me."

Blaze and Elise left the room. Adley suddenly shifted, aware of the fact that we were alone.

"I'm not gonna do something stupid like last night. This is a professional courtesy." I had waited for her to throw her sarcasm, but it did not happen.

"You do not seem surprised by me showing up in your penthouse. You handpicked me to do this job, didn't you?" She shot back, annoyance dripping from her lovely face.

"Busted," I smirked.

"Now tell me what you want? First is the style. You can choose from minimalist, modern, electric, traditional-"

"Do what you want? The budget is limitless. And maybe it's a good idea to reflect on my personality. How about over dinner? So that you can get to know me well."

For a sophisticated woman like Adley Kross, I knew it would not work. She ignored my invitation. "What color do you not like to incorporate?"

"Pink, yellow."

"On the other hand, maybe, I would mix it, Mr. Creed." She tried to hide her smile, but it slipped eventually.

"And don't even try. You're gonna have to redo it. Unless you intend to see my face again."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm doing this because you are our client. Nothing more."

I followed her as she walked out. "Nothing more?"

She paused, turning around. "I'm still thinking of gouging your eyes out, Mr. Creed. So be careful with the words you're going to say next, or you might find your office in a Peppa Pig theme."

"Call me Mykel."