Blackmailing the Billionaire

By Marie Kelly

Joy Reid had a plan, a simple plan to help save the life of her beloved nephew Ricco. To get close to the only man who could save the small boys life she will blackmail the billionaire Carig Calle. However, simple plans have a tendency of falling apart, and there was nothing simple about Carig Calle. Gorgeous, charismatic and a playboy, Joy soon discovers that the simplest of plans can sometimes create the most complex of problems.
Extract
Joy sat, legs crossed primly, body stiff and tense, her stomach churning as nausea clutched at her. Across the desk, the powerful 32-year-old CEO of the Calle Corporation stared in disbelief. For what seemed an eternity, the silence stretched out before the man blinked, his mouth setting in an angry line. “Are you out of your mind Miss Reid?”, the words bitten out contemptuously, his dark eyes raking her with disdain. She swallowed, only managing to cling to her calm exterior by her very fingertips, her knees hidden under the table shaking violently. If he could see the way she quaked inside she thought, he would not look so stunned, praying for Ricco’s sake she could hold strong. The thought of him was the shot of courage she needed, Joy raising her small chin, eyes meeting the man across from her and nodding. “That is my offer Mr Calle... Take it or leave it”
The man leant forward, his fingers steepled together on the large, ornate and obviously expensive walnut desk, the thought that it no doubt cost more than she could earn in a year flitting through her mind, not sure why such a thing should register at a time like that.
His deep voice, the slightest hint of an accent making it strangely sexy, interrupted her musings, “So... Let me get this right. For the past six months you have been holding out selling your land... While I have been upping my offer...” Joy nodded in affirmation as he continued, “But now... You are prepared to sell at the ORIGINAL price... If I agree to be your boyfriend for some unknown period of time?”
When the offer was laid out like that even Joy could see how crazy it sounded, her insides knotting together even tighter, her voice almost a squeak, “Yes” Before her, Carig Calle shook his head, his eyes hard as slate and just as dark. “You are out of your mind Miss Reid. I will get your land by legal means if necessary. You are blocking a major development... One badly needed around here and I will win in the end... Even if the sale has to be court-ordered”
Joy gripped her bag tighter, staring back at the arrogant Spaniard, her tone harder now, her own eyes flashing back, the usually warm brown of them darkening. “Don’t threaten me Mr Calle. You might manage that eventually but we both know that you need to start this project in the next three months”, her head rising as she locked stares with the CEO, not aware how glorious she looked, Carig Calle frowning at the change in the little mouse who had walked in with her ridiculous demand only moments before. “I might not win... But I will cost you so much money in delayed building that even YOU will feel it Mr Calle”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Kelly
• Release date: Dec 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311298454

Marie Kelly

A hopeless romantic and weaver of words. While I live in Canada, Scotland will always be in my heart.

Book preview

Blackmailing the Billionaire

by

Marie Kelly

Special Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Blackmailing the Billionaire

Special Smashwords Edition

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Copyright © 2013 Marie Kelly. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

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Chapter one

Joy sat, legs crossed primly, body stiff and tense, her stomach churning as nausea clutched at her. Across the desk, the powerful 32-year-old CEO of the Calle Corporation stared in disbelief. For what seemed an eternity, the silence stretched out before the man blinked, his mouth setting in an angry line. Are you out of your mind Miss Reid?, the words bitten out contemptuously, his dark eyes raking her with disdain. She swallowed, only managing to cling to her calm exterior by her very fingertips, her knees hidden under the table shaking violently. If he could see the way she quaked inside she thought, he would not look so stunned, praying for Ricco’s sake she could hold strong. The thought of him was the shot of courage she needed, Joy raising her small chin, eyes meeting the man across from her and nodding. That is my offer Mr Calle... Take it or leave it

The man leant forward, his fingers steepled together on the large, ornate and obviously expensive walnut desk, the thought that it no doubt cost more than she could earn in a year flitting through her mind, not sure why such a thing should register at a time like that.

His deep voice, the slightest hint of an accent making it strangely sexy, interrupted her musings, So... Let me get this right. For the past six months you have been holding out selling your land... While I have been upping my offer… Joy nodded in affirmation as he continued, But now... You are prepared to sell at the ORIGINAL price... If I agree to be your boyfriend for some unknown period of time?

When the offer was laid out like that even Joy could see how crazy it sounded, her insides knotting together even tighter, her voice almost a squeak, Yes Before her, Carig Calle shook his head, his eyes hard as slate and just as dark. You are out of your mind Miss Reid. I will get your land by legal means if necessary. You are blocking a major development... One badly needed around here and I will win in the end... Even if the sale has to be court-ordered

Joy gripped her bag tighter, staring back at the arrogant Spaniard, her tone harder now, her own eyes flashing back, the usually warm brown of them darkening. Don’t threaten me Mr Calle. You might manage that eventually but we both know that you need to start this project in the next three months, her head rising as she locked stares with the CEO, not aware how glorious she looked, Carig Calle frowning at the change in the little mouse who had walked in with her ridiculous demand only moments before. I might not win... But I will cost you so much money in delayed building that even YOU will feel it Mr Calle

Stopping, she glowered at the man. She hated bullies, and even more so this man and his ilk. Why did rich people think that because they had money they could destroy the lives of others? A flash of pain once more ripped through her as an image of Ricco in a hospital bed pushed into her mind. The fight left her as she lifted a hand, pushing a wayward strand of hair from her face, her voice softening, If you do as I ask... then you will maintain your schedule and even save some money

Carig Calle sat back in his chair, one finger absently stroking his lower lip, brows furrowed in confusion. I do not understand Miss Reid. Why would you want to be my girlfriend? We are strangers, a light of sympathy suddenly appearing in the inky darkness of his eyes as his voice softened. Miss Reid... I have heard of this... Of women fixating on people they see in the papers... On TV... This idolisation... , the rest was lost as Joy, her emotions still taut, burst out laughing, not sure why she would at a moment like that react this way. Carig’s frown turned to a scowl as she shook her head, No... Oh God no. Please don’t think that. When I said girlfriend... I meant in name only. I have NO desire for anything else... , another giggle left her, tears starting to slide down her face, as she raised a hand in apology, No... I have absolutely no desire for anything other than being beside you at events you attend... None at all

Carig sat in stunned shock. While the small woman across from him was most certainly not his type, he did not enjoy hearing as she made it very clear that even the thought of anything else between them reduced her to hysterics, his hand gripping the leather chair so hard his knuckles turned white.

Then what the hell are you talking about?, his icy tone sloshed over her like a bucket of freezing water, the laughter dying instantly as she once more became solemn, I want to attend events with you... Meet the right people and generally gain access to your social group Mr Calle Anger broiled deep within Carig, fired by her blatant disinterest in him as a man, not sure why when the idea was abhorrent to him he would have such a reaction. No. I find your offer unacceptable Miss Reid, his eyes flitting down her with no attempt to conceal the disgust in them, I have my reputation to consider and certainly have no desire to drag around an ugly duckling like you as my ‘girlfriend’

The moment the words were out he felt shame, Carig not someone who took any pleasure in hurting others. It did not help the way her large brown doe eyes filled with hurt and pain, her heart-shaped lips struggling to keep the small tremor from them before she shifted in her seat, trying hard to hide her upset as she pulled open the small bag she clung to. From within she extracted a letter before nervously unfolding it with fingers which shook handing it over to him. I thought you might not be keen, and you should know Mr Calle, that I am determined. I will do whatever it takes to get what I want... Even if that means fighting dirty. I contacted Mr Lucian of the Barella Corporation and he was most kind... and generous

Carig took the letter from her, his eyes scanning the words, lifting his shocked gaze back. He is offering you twice what I was... You know why he is doing this don’t you? Nodding, she sat stiffly once more, I understand that Mr Lucian would like to block your proposed plans... And yes, he is being very generous Carig’s thunderous voice made her flinch. This project will provide much-needed jobs in this area Joy... You know this... YOU are putting the whole future of this area in jeopardy... Why the hell would you do that?... These people are your friends and neighbours

Her eyes held his steadily. You were right when you said that I could not fight you... But he can... And he will. You and I both know that he has the resources to hold this up forever Dropping her head, guilt shot through her. He was right. She was playing with the future of the entire area. The future of people she had grown up with, many already having turned on her. Farming was no longer the industry it used to be in the English countryside, most farmers struggling to compete with cheaper imported produce. The development the Calle Corporation proposed would see a huge golf course, five star hotel and resort bringing hundreds of jobs to the area, and jump-starting the tourist opportunities for the many pretty villages scattered around. However, this was the only way... The only way to help Ricco, and she was going to see it through, no matter what. Taking another steadying breath she looked back up, a pleading light in her eyes. Please Mr Calle. This may seem crazy to you... But I have my reasons. I have no interest in selling to Mr Lucian... As you can see from my offer... None at all. I would much rather sell to you... But I will sell to him if you force my hand. This will be over in a few months, three at most... Then you will have your land and will never have to see me again

His eyes once more dropped to the letter, anger at having been outmaneuvered filling him with cold rage. What choice did he have? She had backed him right into a corner. Dropping the letter, his look rose to hers. Fine. Seems I have little choice Miss Reid. However, I want this agreement in writing. I will have my lawyers draft something up for this afternoon

Relief swamped Joy, her shoulders drooping as the tension and a long sigh left her body. The smile she gave radiated from her, Carig stunned at the difference it made; how it elevated her from his initial impression of being pretty, despite his earlier brutal words, to beautiful. Scowling, he turned away. No he would not think of her like that. This woman had played him to get her still yet-unknown way, and nobody – least of all a small slip of a girl from some backwater farm – did that to him. With mouth set, he watched as she leapt to her feet, sliding a small piece of paper across to him. I put my cell phone number on here, and look forward to hearing from your lawyers. The sooner we get started the better He leant forward picking up the paper, his mind thoughtful. He would make her pay for this.

The rest of the day rolled by in a blur for Joy, she only having time for a tea in a small coffee shop close to the intimidating Calle building before her phone rang, the officious lawyer requesting her presence in an hour. Sitting sipping the much needed drink, her mind played over the events of the meeting. Things had gone far smoother than she could possibly have hoped for, her lips quirking at the memory of the anger in his eyes. He was even more handsome up close than in the many pictures she had seen of him on the internet. In most, he was accompanied to special events by stunning blondes, another chuckle escaping her lush lips. He did seem to like blondes, her fingers capturing a lock of her own dark hair, lifting it, a rueful curl to her mouth. No, she was certainly not his type.

From his black glossy hair, fashionably cut, to his sensual mouth, he was stunning, another gurgle of laughter rising within her. If he had not been born with a silver spoon in his mouth and made head of the Calle Corporation, he could most definitely have modelled for a living. Stirring the tea, she frowned. It seemed good looks ran in men of his circle, anger once more gnawing at her as she took another calming sip. Well, people like him had to learn that they could not run over those with less resources than themselves, certainly not those desperate.

Entering the offices of his legal team, she was aware that all talk ended, Joy holding her head high to not let them see the way her insides cringed. While the older lawyer might have been surprised at the contents of the document he handed to her, he said nothing, merely pointing to an area she could examine it, then waiting as she took a seat to carefully read over the words.

The contract was a perfect reflection of her previous conversation and as she closed over the final sheet, the lawyer stood, moving over to join her. Handing her a pen, he questioned if all was in order, Joy nodding, giving the man a ghost of a smile before adding her signature to the strong sure one already there. With the signing done, the lawyer shook her hand, Joy holding back the smile at his professionalism, before finally able to make her way home.

Driving up the long narrow road leading to her father’s old farm, she felt loss fill her. Parking outside the familiar farmhouse, she stood leaning against her old beat-up car, her eyes scanning the area, memories of the past filling her. Here she had been taught by her father how to ride a bike, drive a car. A tear rose to her eyes at the thought of losing the place. It was the last link she had to the man who had died only seven months earlier, the loss suddenly overwhelming as tears slid down her face. Dashing them away, she stood rigidly. She could do this... Her father would want her to do this. Her father would have done what needed to be done to save Ricco and so would she.

The sound of the other car moving up the dirt track mobilised her, she opening the old creaky door of the farmhouse, moving to the warm homely kitchen. Filling the kettle, she pulled out two cups. JJ!, the woman’s voice drifted to her, Joy smiling softly, In here, Aunt Jan, the sound of heels clip-clopping over the wooden floorboards soon heralding the arrival of the other woman.

Jan Walker rushed through the doorway, her features wary and strained. How did it go JJ? What did he say? Did he agree? Joy chuckled, only her aunt now calling her by the pet name given to her by her cousin when they were both children. At that time Lily had been unable to say Joy, instead managing JJ, the name sticking with Lily and Jan. Smiling reassuringly, she pointed to the table. Sit and catch a breath... Tea is nearly ready. I will tell you everything in a moment The older woman dropped thankfully into one of the chairs pushed under the beaten pine table, a pained moan leaving her, It’s bad isn’t it?... Oh My God JJ... What will we do?

Making a soothing clucking sound, Joy rushed over to hug the other woman, her arms wrapping around her thin shoulders. It is not bad news Jan... It worked... Now catch your breath and wait for the tea The strangled, relieved sob escaping the woman pulled a soft groan from Joy as she moved back to the cups, giving her aunt a chance to pull herself together.

By the time she placed the tea before the other woman, who was once more in control of her emotions, her expectant look fixed on Joy, she told her everything that had happened. When she finished, her aunt reached out, her hand covering hers. I don’t know what to say, her voice breaking slightly, I am just sorry that you are losing your home Joy squeezed her hand back, her lips turning down sadly, I think that I would have lost it anyway, her eyes rising, a softness deep within, At least this way it will be for a reason Aunt Jan. This is what my father would have wanted. I can feel him telling me that this is the right thing to do, a wavering smile coming to her lips, Besides... I will get enough to buy a place in town... Be closer to my job... When I get one, her aunt nodding slightly. My brother was an amazing man JJ, tears sparkling in her eyes, And so is his daughter

The small gurgle at her side drew Joy’s eyes to the car seat which the older woman had brought with her, the sleeping boy stirring as the two women looked adoringly down at him. In a voice full of love, Joy whispered gently, Hi Ricco

Chapter Two

Joy woke earlier than normal the next day, nursing her coffee on the porch as the first rays of sunlight lit up the morning. She loved this time of day. Silence reigned, then suddenly as if orchestrated, the dawn chorus of birds erupted, their shrill whistles heralding another day.

With a happy smile, she pushed to her feet, moving to the old barn. While the farm was small, now only about 30 acres – her father having over the years sold off the bigger fields – there was still much to do. When he died, Joy had kept some of the smaller livestock, having them there somehow keeping his spirit alive.

For the next two hours she fed the chickens, pigs and two cows which remained. Happily, she collected the eggs and milked the docile cows, knowing that Mrs Peters would enjoy the fresh milk for her cheese-making. Grimacing, she knew that soon she would have to find homes for all of them, fighting the sudden wave of loss before shaking herself, her lips lifting... But not today. With the chores done, she moved to the closest field, a bucket of oats in one hand, a bridle in the other, a