Yahrah John - Taming Her Billionaire

Maximus glanced at the whitewashed stucco building. Inside was the woman who held the key to whether his running of Knight Shipping would go smoothly or whether it would be hell on earth. He needed Tahlia on his side. He could offer to buy her shares outright, but if she said no then that would cloud anything that transpired between them after that. No, better to wait. Maximus hoped that with a little schmoozing Tahlia would vote to effectively neutralize Lucius. Just how far he would go to make that happen remained to be seen.

He’d told Griffin he intended to seduce Tahlia, but Maximus was hoping it wouldn’t come to that. Maybe Tahlia would see things his way and need very little convincing. Exiting his vehicle, he strode purposefully toward the door.

The gallery was well lit with vibrant paintings adorning the walls and several sculptures strategically placed throughout the open floor plan on pedestals or suspended from the ceiling. It was nearly closing time, so there were less than a handful of people milling about the room. Maximus strolled through the gallery, peering at several pieces of artwork. He’d come once before for an artist’s exhibition, but he’d hardly seen any of it. He’d come here that night to talk to his father because he’d left the office early before they’d closed a deal. He’d found Arthur hadn’t been interested in discussing business. So Maximus had stayed on his phone until the deal was finalized. But now he had time to look around to see what his father had seen in this place.

He stopped in front of a particularly intriguing painting.

“It’s quite complex, yes?” a soft feminine voice said from his side.

Maximus glanced sideways and saw that Tahlia had joined him and was looking at the painting. “Yes, it is.”

“I’ve told the artist that he should dig deeper like he did with this piece. I think he’s very talented.”

“Is there more of his work here?”

Tahlia shook her head. “At the time, I could only convince my boss to exhibit one.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem for you now,” Maximus stated, moving from the painting to walk toward another, “now that you own the gallery.” He noticed that Tahlia followed behind him.

“No, it won’t be,” she responded, “but why does that sound like an accusation?”

He turned to face her and offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend it that way. I was merely stating the obvious, which is you’re a wealthy woman now and the gallery is yours to run as you see fit.”

She eyed him suspiciously, as if she didn’t believe him. “Yes, it does, and I have some ideas.”

“Care to share them over dinner?” Maximus inquired. He glanced down at his watch. “It’s about closing time, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is, but I would need a few minutes to shut down.”

“That’s no problem,” he responded. “I can wait.”

“Why would you?”

“I thought it might be a good idea to get to know my business partner since we’ll be working together.”

She nodded. “Yes, I suppose that makes sense.”

“Then join me.” He trained his dark brown eyes on hers.

“All right,” she replied. “Give me a few minutes, okay?”

“Sure thing. I’ll just mosey around.”

He stared at her retreating figure. He shouldn’t want Tahlia, but he did on some elemental, visceral level. Every time he looked into her eyes, they sizzled with fire, blasting through every reserve in his arsenal. He had not felt anything with his previous lovers other than the physical release his body craved, but there was something about Tahlia that triggered an untapped need in him to care for her, guard her. He had to figure out what it was. He couldn’t afford any distractions, not if he wanted to keep what was his.

* * *

From the loft above, Tahlia stared down at Maximus as he moved through the gallery like a sleek panther hunting his next game. And was that her? Was that why he was here?

He’d said it was because they were going to be partners at Knight Shipping, but Tahlia didn’t believe him—at least not entirely. The way he’d looked at her told her it might be something more personal. She wouldn’t mind if it were. Maximus Knight was a gorgeous man. And tonight she’d been made increasingly aware of that fact.

She’d been stunned when after finishing up with a customer, she’d noticed him in her gallery staring at one of her favorite paintings. Since he hadn’t noticed her, she’d been able to soak him in. Power radiated from the man—along with a killer instinct, which she was sure served him well in the business world. But there was a sophistication and polish to Maximus that came from being born into money. And his looks—he was well-groomed with a boldly handsome face that appealed to her. The tiny curling tendrils encircling his head made Tahlia want to reach out and finger them. He stood proud and strong in an arresting dark suit that outlined his shoulders and towering presence.

He was, however, deep in thought, and she’d wondered what could have him so perplexed. And so she’d stepped toward him, eager to find out. His compelling gaze made Tahlia nearly lose her breath, but she’d put up a good front. She knew he wasn’t happy about her new role in his company.

If she’d had her pick, it wasn’t the role Tahlia would have chosen, either. She’d have wanted Maximus to notice her because he’d found her attractive. And maybe he did, but she suspected he was spending time with her now only to try to figure out where she stood. And exactly where was that?

Tahlia wasn’t sure, but maybe she’d figure it out tonight.

* * *

Maximus watched Tahlia saunter toward him. His eyes roved over her figure, and he missed nothing. Not the way the drape of the skirt hugged her curves or how the sleek sweater showed off her naked shoulders. His tongue flicked out to moisten his parched lips. Tahlia was mighty fine. And Maximus had to admit, he would enjoy his dinner companion for the evening.

“Ready to go?” he asked when she made it to him. Her large expressive eyes were alive and glowing, and Maximus liked what he saw there. She was most certainly interested in him, which could play into his game if he decided to go there.

“Yes, let’s do it.” She headed through the doors. He stayed close behind her as she locked up, so when she turned around her face was mere inches from his.

“Oh.” She stepped back for a moment and nearly stumbled, so Maximus reached out and circled his arm around her waist.

“Careful.”

They stayed that way for several seconds, both of them staring at each other. Maximus looked her over seductively, and when his gaze went to her full lips, he felt her tense almost immediately and she stepped away.

“Where to?” she asked, moving toward the sidewalk. “I’ll follow behind you.”

“We should take my car,” Maximus said. “I don’t mind driving.”

“That isn’t necessary.”

“I insist.”

In the end, Maximus won out and he opened the passenger door for Tahlia to his Bugatti, and she slid inside. He came around to the driver’s side, hopped in and started the engine. Tahlia seemed uneasy beside him as he drove to dinner despite the fact that she looked damn good in the red leather bucket seat. After several long, excruciating silent minutes, Maximus patted her thigh. “Relax, Tahlia. I don’t bite.”

“Are you sure about that?”

He grinned. “What have you heard? Or should I say read?”

“You have a reputation for being determined.”

It seemed like she’d thought that word through very carefully. “You mean ruthless?”

“That word has been used.”

“And you’re wondering how it applies to you?”

“Shouldn’t I?” Tahlia asked. “I know I stand in the way of something you want.”