The Billionaire's Promise (BDSM Erotic Romance) (His Submissive, Part Eight) by Ava Claire Read Free Book Online Page B

her chin in Jacob’s direction. “New assistant? I know Jacob Whitmore couldn’t possibly marry his secretary.  Or is Leila trying to spice things up?” She gave him a conspiratorial smile. “Between me and you, I always got a very...colorful vibe from her. Caught her checking me out more than once.” She let out an airy chuckle. “But honestly, look at me. Who wouldn’t?”
    Megan fell back against the booth , her eyebrows arched in disbelief. “I thought Leila was exaggerating, but you are one crazy bitch.”
    I could see the table a few feet away was staring and a couple of the diners mouthed the word ‘bitch’. I needed to keep this under control or we’d all end up in the gossip column.
    I cleared my throat. “She’s my best friend, Rachel. Megan.”
    Megan shot me a venomous loo k and I tried to send one right back that said, ‘not here’.”
    “Aww best friends,” Rachel cooed, looking back and forth at us like we were six years old. “That is so adorable.”
    “What are you doing here?” Jacob bit off impatiently.
    “I was doing a little shopping down on 55th when my assistant told me that he had a juicy tip. Apparently Jacob Whitmore was at some taco place on 30th.”
    And she dropped everything to come and stir up drama? Lucky us.
    “I was in the mood for something festive, so I decided I’d surprise yall.”
    “How thoughtful,” I said through clenched teeth.
    “That’s what I thought,” she winked. “I’m just hoping it was a pleasant surprise.”
    About as pleasant as a mouth full of nails.
    The waiter came back and Rachel ordered a dish so full of substitutions that she was better off creating her own menu item, recipe and all.
    The rest of us picked at our appetizer and downed our drinks, hoping our lack of entree would inspire her to go away and if not, we’d be so buzzed that we didn’t care.
    Rachel grinned around her straw before taking a hearty sip. “Thanks so much for having me , guys. What are we up to after dinner?”
    “That’s it. ” Megan shook her head vigorously, her locks singeing the air as she swished it back and forth. “I’m not gonna sit here and act like this isn’t bizarre. And I’m certainly not gonna play nice with the psycho woman that’s intent on ruining you, Leila.”
    “Megan--”
    “I get it. Appearances. You are clearly better at it than me and I can’t do it.”
    Jacob pulled out his wallet and dropped a hundred and slid out behind her without another word. I moved out to join the procession, but Rachel shot out her leg, blocking me in.
    “You think this is over? That Alicia Whitmore is all I have up my sleeve?” Her face was hot with animosity. “You think I’ll let you have him?”
    I leaned in. “It’s been over. Now move your leg.”
    “I’m going to be your shadow. Wherever you go, I go.” She gave me a withering glare. “Watch your back.”
    I vaulted from the booth, almost wishing she hadn’t moved so I could plow through her.  Flashes followed us out the door and we parted ways with Megan, promising that our next dinner would be drama free.
    “I had fun until she walked in ,” Jacob sighed heavily, opening the car door.
    “Me too,” I chewed on my bottom lip. “I’m sorry.”
    He looked at me strangely. “Why are you apologizing?”
    I reached out and closed the door. I was apologizing because I knew Rachel would never apologize for what she’d done. And I had a sinking feeling she was just getting started. Rachel was a lost cause—but I could still fix things with his mother.
     

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    It was no secret that Jacob thought I was wasting time trying to talk it out with his mother. When she pulled open the door and looked at me like I was walking plague, I almost tucked tail and ran. There was a part of me that told me no good would come from it. I’d open up and try and explain why her proposition hurt and she’d answer with a shrug and a resounding ‘so’. Or worse--she’d call security.
    Her eyes