Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 by Laura Burton (learn to read books .TXT) 📕

into the back street, her heels splashing into a large puddle. Her gown was ruined for sure, but she didn’t care. It was hard to breathe, and she needed to get out of there.

“I just need a minute, you go on in and I’ll join you soon,” she said, glancing back at Edward who stood in the doorway. His shoulders were slumped and his crestfallen face tugged at her heart strings.

“Of course, I’ll just…” The door closed and Catherine took a deep breath, before letting out a rattling exhale.

She wondered why she was panicking. Edward told her that he liked her. That was innocent enough. But the effect it had on her was like he had just got down on one knee. He was clearly after something serious. She was not in a position to start a relationship. Not so soon after Calvin. Things moved between them far too quickly and she could sense things tumbling forward at mammoth speed with Edward too, if she didn’t reign it in. Every touch, furtive glance and chuckle only led him on. She should tell him the truth. He was wasting his time pursuing her. She had nothing to offer him.

“Cathy? Babe…”

Catherine froze, her chest stopped heaving and she turned icy cold.

A tall man with fiery red hair came into view and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. His musky cologne choked her as she stiffened against his touch. When his lips came into contact with her skin, she recoiled back and returned to her senses.

“C-Calvin,” she stuttered, barely able to make out his name. Of all the people to bump into. In a deserted alley no less. Catherine curled her fingers in and balled her hands into fists as she bit her tongue.

“How was your tour? I’ve missed you so much.” Calvin stroked her arm; and his fingers left a burning trail on her exposed flesh. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out when she opened her mouth.

“You look very pretty tonight; you know I love your hair up.” He grazed his knuckles down her cheek as his eyes travelled down her body. “This dress… you wore it the night we first met. Do you remember?”

She did remember. Calvin had bribed one of the security guards to let him backstage after her show. Having fallen hopelessly in love with her singing, he offered her a job at one of his clubs. And Calvin did not make offers you could turn down.

He was considered a rich bachelor. He thought he could buy whatever––or whoever––he liked. As long as he was happy, he was charming. But when Catherine refused to move in with him as soon as he asked, she saw a side of him that was always there but hidden. It was like a sleeping monster had awoken. His sweet and charming demeaner turned sour and menacing.

She steadied her breathing as she looked into his dark eyes, determined not to allow him to sense her fear.

“I do remember,” she said finding her voice. “What are you doing here?”

“I found out you were going to perform tonight, so I bought a ticket.” His reply was simple, but her stomach lurched. He was still keeping tabs on her.

“Just to see me?”

“Well, believe it or not, I also care about global warming.” He flashed her a grin. She wanted to groan but forced herself to turn away from him instead. She was making for the door when Calvin grabbed her arm a little too tightly. His firm grip pinched her skin and she yelped like a wounded puppy.

“Wait––” he said, but something cut him off.

Catherine looked back, and Calvin’s fingers uncurled from her arm as he fell to the ground with a groan. A flash of movement by her side sent her blood pumping. She stared at Calvin, who was now scrambling on the floor like an insect. Edward towered over him, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his shoulders squared, his fists clenched.

“Didn’t anyone teach you not to grab a lady?” he said.

Catherine backed away and stared at the exchange wondering if she was dreaming. Calvin was soaking wet, having fallen into the large puddle she stepped into earlier. His expensive suit was stained. His eyes were wide and furious as he launched to his feet.

“Who do you think you are?” he spat, shaking the water off his jacket. The two men stared at each other, squared up and almost the same height. Catherine watched Calvin––as if in slow motion––roll his shoulder with his fist pulled back, ready to launch an attack.

Edward did not answer his question and the fury in Calvin’s eyes told Catherine what was about to happen.

In a panic, she thought of the only solution to this predicament and stumbled forward to grab Edward’s arm, clutching his tense bicep.

“He’s with me, Calvin,” she said quickly. Calvin lowered his hand slightly and looked at her incredulously.

“This guy?” he gestured to Edward, rubbing his cheek. A bruise was already beginning to form underneath his left eye. “He attacked me for no reason!”

Edward took a step forward.

“Anyone who touches my girlfriend is asking for a world of pain,” he said.

Catherine’s heart leapt. Edward was being protective. She silently thanked him for going along with her lie. She clutched his arm for dear life and stared Calvin down as if Edward’s strength was soaking into her. Suddenly Calvin looked very small; dripping wet and lost, standing in a giant puddle of water. His inky eyes lingered on her before he sneered at Edward.

“Your girlfriend?” he asked. Then he laughed darkly. “My mistake.” He looked back at Catherine and his face twisted. “You moved on fast.”

Edward shoved him.

“You don’t speak to her. You don’t even look at her. Do you understand me?” he said firmly.

“She’s all yours.” Calvin made to walk away but stopped with a finger pressed to his lips in thought. Then he pointed at Catherine, who didn’t dare move for fear his finger would turn into a gun and