Beach Billionaire Con 3: A Billionaire Romance, #3

By Jill Lang

Part three of Beach Billionaire Con, a three-part series by author Jill Lang.

She was sent to sabotage a rich man, wanting to pay down debts incurred from her daughter’s bout with leukemia. When billionaire Benjamin Kent catches her with his computer, Tessa’s lies are exposed, one after another. He didn’t know she was a stripper either, until he came to the club to see her dance. They have no future, because she’s a thief and he’s way out of her league.

Infuriated, conflicted, enraptured… the emotions Tessa provokes in Ben are anything but tame. The woman he met in the Caribbean has lied her way straight into his heart, and there isn’t a thing he can do about it. Ben finds something endearing and vulnerable about her, which provokes his need to want to protect… to take control and make her his.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jill Lang
• Release date: Oct 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386261896

Book preview

1

Benjamin’s driver waited outside the strip club, Candy Land, where I had worked up until five minutes ago. Ben had barged into the place and grabbed me, angry as hell and determined to whisk me away. I had lied about working there, but, then again, I had lied about a lot of things, because I had been hired to sabotage Mr. Kent, but couldn’t do it. I couldn’t hurt him; no matter how much money they paid me.

We’re going to Ms. Schilling’s apartment, Stan.

Yes, sir, said the driver.

I glanced at Ben, finding the tilt of his chin a fairly good indication he still seethed with anger. I can’t lose this job. I owe a ton of money.

I’m aware of that. He wouldn’t look at me, staring ahead stonily.

I gave Andre Balashov some of his money back. I’m working on getting the rest, but now I owe even more, because of St. Martin. They’re making me pay for airfare and the hotel. I laughed bitterly, I’m even worse off.

You think so? You think working in that shithole is worse than being here with me right now?

No, that’s not what I mean. Silence filled the air, while the sleek, black car weaved through traffic. What are you doing here?

I went to your apartment, and your mother told me where to find you. I met your daughter, by the way. She’s adorable.

Thank you for the box of toys. You didn’t have to do that. He had sent over toys for Christina, because I had not been able to buy her a souvenir from St. Martin. It was as if Christmas had come early. I stared at him, wondering when he might look at me. Ben?

Are there any other surprises, Tessa? He glanced at me. Is there anything else I should know about?

I really, really like you. That was my last … um … secret.

It explains how you came into contact with Andre. It explains quite a lot.

It’s just a job. I don’t sleep with the customers.

His shoulders relaxed marginally. Nor will you.

Where are we going?

To get your things.

My things for what?

You’re coming with me.

To where?

My apartment.

Christina and I live with my mom.

Now you’ll live with me.

I swallowed my gasp. What?

His arm went around my shoulder. I’ve plenty of room.

I pushed him away, staring at him. I can’t live with you. I don’t even know where your apartment is. Christina’s in school. Her doctor’s are nearby. I can’t uproot my kid on a whim.

I want you to live with me. I’ll take care of everything. Christina can go to a new school. There are plenty of private schools to choose from. We have first-rate doctors as well. Whatever you need, you’ll get it. I must have looked staggered, because he grinned slightly.

What makes you think I want to live with you? I don’t even know you. Are you nuts? I tried to hack your computer in the Caribbean. I lied to you … er … a couple of times. I’m a stripper, for Christ sake! Your family would never accept me. Your sister knows all about the hack attack. I sunk into the seat. My baby-daddy’s a felon. You’re crazy.

He nodded resignedly. I think I might be.

We had arrived; the car stopped before my building. What the hell, Ben?

Do you want to stay here? Would you prefer to live with your mother? I’ve three bedrooms in Central Park West. Wouldn't you rather live there with me?

But for how long? I can’t uproot Christina like this. I … Did he really mean it? If it was just myself, I would throw caution to the wind and take a chance on him, but I had to consider my daughter’s welfare. She had been through an awful lot over the last year and a half, battling leukemia. This is something people do after they’ve been dating for months. You don’t even know my daughter, and you want us to move in with you? Have you ever lived with children? Do you have any idea what that’s like? It’s not like having a pet, Ben. It’s full-on, all the time. You’re used to being a bachelor. You’ve never been woken up in the middle of the night to someone barfing their guts out all over your bed.

He stared at me, saying nothing.

Christina’s my first priority. She’s everything to me, and I nearly lost her to cancer. I love her more than life, Ben. You have to know that.

It goes without saying. He ran fingers through his hair. I might be nuts. I probably am. I’ve been alone long enough to know it sucks. I’m tired of it. By all rights, Amanda should still be alive. We should’ve had a family, but it wasn’t meant to be. I lost her far too soon. I loved her. Pain flared in his eyes. I had to let her go. I wanted a family, but we never had the opportunity. My point is, I’m ready for this brave new world. I’ve been waiting for someone like you, although you’re far from perfect. He grinned slightly. But I love that about you. You’re wild and unpredictable, but you have enormous potential. You’ve a good heart. You could’ve damaged my business profoundly, but you chose not to. You put the virus on the wrong computer. He touched my face. I don’t know what the future holds, but if I don’t snatch you up, I’ve a feeling I’ll regret it.

Tears formed in my eyes. Okay, I whispered brokenly. You win the argument war.

Good. He smiled, the edges of his eyes creasing. Stan, we’re ready to go up.

Yes, sir. He got out of the car, opening the door, while a blast of frigid air hit us.

I clutched at the jacket around my throat, staring at him. I … what about my job?

We’ll work something out. I’ll take care of your bills. All of them.

You will? I owed tens of thousands to doctors and hospitals.

Yes, honey.

It’s a lot.

I think I can afford it.

While Stan waited for us to exit the vehicle, I wrapped my arms around his neck. You’re the nicest man I’ve ever met.

He kissed my cheek. You can thank me later, but let’s get your things now. It’s not getting any warmer out here.

Okay.

I stepped from the car, glancing at the front door