The Birthday Deadline (Billionaire Brides) by Ella Cari Read Free Book Online Page A

politely, "It was a pleasure to serve you this evening, sir." He called, as we approached a bright red Lamborghini that waited for us patiently, its doors lifted upwards towards the night sky like some kind of butterfly car.
    The Fox billionaire laughed as I stared at in mystification, "Have you ever ridden in a Lambo?" He asked, as he helped me into my seat.
    I shook my head, running my fingers over the black silky interior. I sharply drew my hands back as Sebastian sank into the front seat, unsure if I should even be touching such finery. My fingerprints alone would probably knock thousands off its worth.
    "Go ahead." The raven haired billionaire shrugged, reaching over to grab my hand and place it on the sturdy steering wheel.
    "It's amazing." I breathed in surprise. I wasn't one to be impressed by cars. I barely even knew the difference between a Ford and a Ferrari, but this was some high class stuff right here. I breathed in the scent, even that was more fanciful than plain old ‘new car’ smell.
    Our doors closed, Sebastian pulled away from the curb as the waiter waved goodbye.
    "They really like you there." I noted, watching as the bright colored lights of the restaurant faded in the distance.
    "They have to." My fiancé shrugged, "Father bought them out years ago."
    "He owns the restaurant?" I gasped, surprised. I'd known that Cornelius Fox owned much of the land around here, but I hadn't realized that spilled over into restaurants as well. Though I wasn’t sure why that surprised me. He had to spend the copious amounts of cash he had somewhere.
    Sebastian shrugged again nonchalantly. I suppose to him, buying a restaurant or five was no big deal.
    "It's a nice place." I offered, trying to break the silence that always seemed to loom over our heads. Something about knowing that we were getting married, yet barely knew each other seemed to put the pressure to get along on our shoulders.
    "It is." Sebastian agreed, glancing at me.
    It came as a relief that he was a much better driver than his personal assistant. We glided easily to a stop and through curves, I barely felt the road beneath us. My stomach would stay safely where it belonged for this trip.
    "It's just that I just don't see the point in having to own everything around us." Sebastian suddenly added with a dramatic gesture of his arm.
    With a nod, I looked out the window, watching as people and storefronts rolled by. I saw couples walking together, their hands laced intimately, arms wrapped around their lover’s bodies, lips pressing together. Would Sebastian and I ever be like that? Would he ever tell me loved me? Would I love him? Would we curl up together at night and watch trashy reality television and giggle together?
    "I know it's petty." He concluded at my distracted silence, "I'm not perfect."
    Startled, I glanced over at him. His eyes stayed locked on the road, lips pursed into a tight line.
    Though I was feeling pressure to keep my florist flourishing, I had no idea the kinds of pressure that weighed on the billionaire's shoulders. I had no idea what kind of life he had to live day to day, I had no idea how many people he had to please.
    All that I knew, was that he was willing to whatever it took, even if that meant buying a bride. Was that commendable? I wasn't sure.
    "I don't think you're perfect." I offered, patting his elbow.
    While it was a rather strange sentiment to give, it seemed to relax him just a bit. He was used to striving for perfection, I could tell. He was used to trying to live up to the image that the media spread of him. His stoniness, his reluctance to give in to happiness, it was all part of this forced image that was thrust upon him.
    Sebastian wouldn't have to do that for me. I was going to be his wife, and I was going to do my best to ease this troubled man's life. I probably would fail, I was probably going to be terrible at it, but I would do my best to put real happiness into his eyes.
    It was the least I could do in