Marrying The Billionaire

By Sabrina Sims McAfee

Fall in love with The Brides of Hilton Head Island, Sabrina Sims McAfee’s, International Bestselling contemporary romance series. MARRYING THE BILLIONAIRE is an emotional, sexy love story with light suspense. When the alpha men in this series falls in love it’s always and forever. And their dashing brides couldn’t be happier.

Book Description:

She lost everything.

Bianca Riesling could feel her life spinning out of control, dwindling down to nothing. Just when she thought her life couldn’t get any worse, it did. The unthinkable happens. Someone close to her betrays her, leaving her ashamed, heartbroken, and filled with utter despair. Grief stricken, she can barely get out of bed. Every fiber in her body aches. Even breathing hurts.

He can buy anything he wants except for—LOVE.

Billionaire Bane Balfour has it all, except for the one thing he wants the most—LOVE. To fill the void in his heart, he becomes a foster parent. Right when he thinks he has everything he’ll ever need, he meets beautiful Bianca Riesling. At first glimpse of the pretty woman, desire surge through Bane’s system, and he knows he won’t be satisfied until he tastes Bianca’s beautiful lips. Or better yet, get her in his bed.

Evil is out to kill them.

Now that Bane and Bianca have found each other, they couldn’t be happier. The chemistry between them is strong, and they quickly fall in love. However, unbeknownst to them, someone they trust starts manipulating them and tries hard to sabotage their relationship. When someone ends up dead, Bianca is left with two questions:

Who did it?

And will she be next?

Marrying the Billionaire is a rollercoaster read and sure to keep you on edge. It’s filled with romance, suspense, and lots of twists and turns. Read at your own pleasure.

Thanks for your support!
xoxo,
Sabrina

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sabrina Sims McAfee
• Release date: Jun 13, 2018

Sabrina Sims McAfee

Sabrina Sims McAfee is your writer of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction. She loves writing romantic dramas and about alpha men and sexy strong women, and the adventurous journeys they travel. In her leisure she likes spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and writing and producing songs.

Book preview

Marrying the Billionaire

The Brides of Hilton Head Island

Book 6

© 2017 McAfee Publications & Entertainment

Acknowledgements

Book Formatting: Champagne Formats

Editing: Apex Reviews

Cover Design: Magic Graffix

Sabrina Sims McAfee can be contacted via her website:

www.sabrinasimsmcafee.com

To my dedicated readers: once again, thanks for your support. Because of you, I’m able to fulfill my writing passion. From the bottom of my heart, I can never thank my readers enough.

Text SABRINA to 22828 to join her mailing list!

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Other Books

From the Desk of Sabrina Sims McAfee

About the Author

DARK CLOUDS drifted in the greyish sky. Wind ruffled the leaves on the trees. Peering out the window of his home office, Andrew cursed. Anger shook him to the core. Folding his arms across his chest, Andrew turned and glared at his young mistress.

Please leave, and forget we ever met. Andrew’s words came out icy cold.

Tears filled his mistress’ eyes as she stood before him naked. Sighing, she ran her hand through her ash-blonde hair. Please don’t do this, Andrew. I never meant any harm. I didn’t want to tell you because I knew how you’d feel. And I didn’t want things to end between us.

Andrew rolled his eyes. Disgusted beyond measure, he inhaled a sharp breath and fought hard not to choke the shit out of her. How could she put him in this horrible predicament? He could go to jail for this.

Jeez. She’s a fucking kid. A few moments ago, he’d found out that his mistress was a teenager. Not only that, the liar had stolen his money. Right beneath his nose, she’d gotten hold of his checkbook, wrote a check for twenty thousand dollars out to herself, and cashed it. Now his savings were depleted. Gone. How was he going to explain this to his wife? She’d never understand and would divorce him.

Andrew huffed. This little trick fooled me. I was a damn fool for trusting her.

He snatched his mistress’ panties off the sofa and tossed them in her face. You lied! You said you were twenty-one, and you’re sixteen! I don’t want anything else to do with you! He pointed toward the door. Get out of my house now!

Taking a step forward, she grabbed his arms. Age ain’t nothing but a number. I make you happy, and that’s all that should matter…your happiness.

Andrew flung her hands from his arms. His hands shot up in the air. You’re a freaking kid! You lied and said that you were twenty-one! Had I known you were underage, I would’ve never gotten involved with you. And you stole my damn money, too! Robbed me blind!

Shaking her head, she fisted her hips. I know you didn’t think having sex with me was going to be free.

Andrew’s head jerked backward. I bought you everything you wanted. You didn’t have to steal from me. You’re pathetic. Nothing but a cheap prostitute.

Andrew, I’m sorry. But I needed the money for my brother. He wants a car and wants to go to college.

You have a brother?! You said you were an only child.

She shrugged nonchalantly.

Well, I’ll be damned. Andrew clenched his teeth. He should’ve known better than to date somebody he’d met over the Internet. But when things first started, although he was married, he was still lonely. Not that it was his wife, Bianca’s, fault.

For a reason he couldn’t comprehend, ever since Bianca had given birth to their twins, he’d lost interest in her. Perhaps he shouldn’t have looked between his wife’s legs as she pushed his sons out of her body.

Andrew shook his head as he quickly dismissed the notion. Nah. Bianca was a great wife. She was a good woman. She wasn’t to blame for his marriage shooting straight to hell. He was the blame, and it was past time for him to start taking ownership of his wrongdoings.

Bianca is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. As soon as I get rid of this freak, I’m going to do everything in my power to fix my marriage. I was a fool. The grass ain’t always greener, that’s for sure.

Andrew narrowed his eyes in disgust as his eyes raked up and down her nude body. He felt nauseous. Look here, you tramp…my wife will be home soon, and the last thing I need is for her to find you here. It’s over between us. You make me sick. Put on your damn clothes and leave! Before I pick you up and throw you out!

She pushed her breasts to his chest, cupped his face, then pecked his lips. I love you, Andrew. It’ll never be over between us. I’m pregnant.

Andrew’s heart flopped.

Smirking, she grabbed his balls. Andrew shoved her so hard, she flew backwards and fell to the floor. He snapped. He jumped on top of her, wrapped his hands around her neck and started choking her.

Her face turned beet red as she clawed at his hands. Andrew, stop, she wheezed.

Suddenly, Andrew realized what he was doing. His hands flew off her neck. He quickened to his feet. Pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes misted. Oh God. What have I done? You’re pregnant. You really need to leave before I do something I’ll regret. Jesus Christ, he’d almost killed her.

Gasping for air, she stood. She snatched her shirt off the floor, rolled it over her head, then put on her jeans. It’s never going to be over between us, Andrew. Never. You and I are having a baby, and you need to accept that. She shrugged on her sweater, then strapped her purse over her shoulder.

Andrew gave his head a hard shake. This is my last time asking you to leave. If you don’t, you leave me no choice but to call the police on you.

Her light blue eyes darkened. You calling the police on me is the least of my worries. You’ll be arrested for having sex with an underage minor. You’ll be fired from your job. And you’ll be registered as a sex offender.

Fuck. He’d gotten himself into a big, fat mess. This was a complete nightmare. How was he going to tell Bianca the truth? She’d never forgive him.

Andrew suddenly came up with a brilliant idea. Look, I’ll give you $5,000 to stay quiet about our affair and get an abortion.

Balding her fists, she glared at him. Her lips quivered. Be quiet, Lizzy, she said, as if someone else was in the room with them. She fixated her gaze on the chair behind his desk, like she saw someone sitting there. No one asked you to come here, so stay out of it. Forget you, Lizzy.

Lizzy! Who in the hell was Lizzy? Andrew wondered, thinking she’d cracked the hell up.

His mistress pointed at the empty chair. I don’t care what you say, Lizzy. He loves me. She slapped her hands over her ears. No, Lizzy! No! Stop saying that!

Jesus Christ, this girl had split personalities and he never knew it. You crazy bitch! Will you just please get the hell out of here?

I’m not going anywhere, and neither is Lizzy! She reached inside her purse, pulled out a gun, and fired a shot straight into his heart.

Shocked, Andrew’s mouth flew open. Clenching his chest, blood squirt through his fingers. He stumbled backwards and dropped to the sofa. Oh God! She shot me! She shot me!

Insanity leached into her eyes. She pulled a rag from her purse, wiped the handle of the gun, and walked over to him. See, Andrew…you don’t get to tell me when it’s over. She slapped his face hard. I do. We’re through! She slid his wedding ring off, put it on her finger, and held her hand up to his face. You and I are bonded, she giggled, forever.

Andrew’s body turned cold. He struggled to breathe. He felt life slipping away from him. Oh God. I’m going to die. Help. Me.

Andrew! his wife, Bianca, called out. We’re home!

His mistress’ eyes stretched wide. She placed the gun in his hand to make it look like he’d shot himself. Dummy, she said, then hurried to the adjoining room.

I’m going straight to hell, Andrew thought, closing his eyes. For good.

BIANCA ENTERED her home with her darling twin boys by her sides. Completely drained, she shut the door, then lowered her purse to the sofa. Go upstairs and change out of your uniforms, she told the five-year-old twins.

Okay, Logan and Landon said synchronously. With their backpacks on, they ran up the staircase and disappeared.

Sighing, Bianca placed her keys on the table against the wall. Andrew! she called out. We’re home! She walked over to the sofa inside the living room and sat. When it took Andrew a while to answer, she guessed he wasn’t speaking to her again. We can’t go on like this.

Bianca’s marriage was on the brink of destruction, and she very well knew it. Last night, she and Andrew had gotten into a big argument over his refusal to make love to her, which was nothing new. Ever since she’d given birth to the twins, her so-called husband seemed uninterested in her.

Andrew doesn’t love me anymore. He looks at me with such disgust. Maybe I should ask him for a divorce, she thought, feeling trapped. If she divorced him, how would she take care of herself and the boys? After the twins were born, Andrew had insisted that she become a housewife and take care of his every need. Too bad sex hadn’t been one of them.

Suddenly, the twins appeared at the top of the staircase, came running down the steps, and hurried up to her. Both of them were breathing hard, like they’d just run a marathon. Waiting for them to catch their little breaths, she smiled.

Mommy! Mommy! Will you play hide and seek with us? Landon asked.

Every fiber in Bianca’s body was tired from worrying about her marriage. Mommy’s tired right now.

Landon whined, Please. Please play hide and seek with us.

Logan said, Pretty please, Mommy. I’ll massage your feet if you play with us. His cute eyes pleaded.

Because they were such good kids, Bianca often found it difficult to tell them no. Okay. You guys win. I’ll play hide and seek with you. Lord knows, she didn’t feel like doing this.

Yay! they screamed.

Inwardly troubled, she touched their shoulders. But we’re only playing one time, because it’ll be time to have dinner shortly and you need to get your homework done.

Landon tugged Bianca’s hand and led her to the corner wall. Close your eyes, Mommy, and count to one hundred. Bianca closed her eyes.

No peeking, Mommy, Logan ordered.

Bianca placed her hands over her sealed eyes. I promise I’m not going to peek. One, two, three… She heard their tiny feet stumping up the staircase. Four, five, six… Once she reached thirty, she stopped counting and opened her eyes. How could she be playing hide-and-seek with her twins at a time like this? When her marriage was so obviously heading for divorce?

I know Andrew heard me call his name when I came in. He won’t even speak to me. He’s so rude.

Bianca’s nerves were wrecked. Ready or not, here I come. As low as she murmured, there was no way the boys could’ve heard her.

Bianca walked to the foot of the staircase and paused. Now where could they be hiding? The office. She mounted the stairs, walked down the hallway, and entered the office.

Bianca’s heart dropped. No! No! No! she screamed, rushing towards Andrew.

Andrew was sitting upright on the couch with a bullet hole in his chest, and a gun was in his hand. The back of his head was on the curb of the sofa, and his eyes were closed. Thin blood trailed from the cracks of his lips. Dark blood saturated the white shirt he had on. No sounds were coming from him, nor was he moving.

Fear gripped Bianca. Bile rose to the pit of her stomach. She covered his heart with her hand, trying to stop the bleeding.

Andrew! Oh God! Andrew! He wasn’t breathing. Still hadn’t moved. He couldn’t be gone. She had to save him. Wake up, Andrew. Please, baby. Please wake up. Why did you do this? Oh God, why? She sobbed. Keeping one hand pressed to his chest, she reached over, snatched the phone off the end table, and dialed 911.

911, what’s your emergency?

Help me! He shot himself! He’s dying!

Who’s shot, ma’am?

Bianca’s lips quivered. My husband. Oh God, he didn’t have to do this. Things would’ve gotten better. She wept as she kept her hand pressed to his chest. He’s not breathing. Please hurry up and get someone here to help him.

Help is on the way, ma’am. What’s your name?

Tears blinded Bianca’s vision. For a second, she couldn’t remember her own name. Bianca, she finally managed to say.

Mommy, what’s taking you so long to find us?! Logan shouted from another room.

You said you’d play with us! Landon hollered.

Bianca, can you tell me what happened? the dispatcher asked.

Bianca’s whole body trembled. He was so upset. He shot himself. Why? Why? Oh God, help me. I don’t want my babies to see him like this.

Bianca, where are your babies?

I can’t let my boys see him like this. Bianca lowered her ear to Andrew’s lips. Not a single sound or breath came from his mouth. She put two fingers to his wrist, then to his neck. He didn’t have a pulse.

Andrew’s gone.

He’s dead.

Dead!

The realization caused Bianca’s insides to shatter. She became weak. Unglued. Slightly disoriented.

Although she wanted to remain by her husband’s side until the paramedics arrived, she couldn’t. She had to protect her babies. She wiped her bloody hands on her shirt.

Just as she stepped out of the office, she spotted Landon and Logan coming out of her master bedroom. Unable to stop the tears from falling, she hastened up to them, tucked the phone between her ear and shoulder, then grabbed their tiny hands.

She escorted them back into her bedroom. Boys…Mommy needs for you to listen good, okay?

Landon nodded. Okay.

Mommy, why are you crying? Logan asked.

Her heartbeat rapidly. He killed himself. He committed suicide. I’ll tell you later. But for right now, Mommy needs both of you to stay in her room. Okay? Go sit on the bed and watch TV. The twins climbed on the bed, put their backs against the fluffy pillows, then simultaneously crossed their legs. Don’t come out of here until I tell you it’s okay. Do I make myself clear?

They nodded in assent. Yes, ma’am.

Bianca, the paramedics have arrived. Please go open the door for them, the dispatcher announced.

She closed her bedroom door, jogged down the staircase, and opened the front door. The lights flashed on the ambulance parked on the curb. A police car sped into the driveway. One of her neighbors walking the dog paused near the stop sign across the street.

Where is he? the paramedic asked.

He’s upstairs. She quickened up the staircase, then into the office.

The paramedics rushed over to Andrew and began working on him as she looked on in total disbelief.

Andrew’s whole face was purple. A death stench loomed in the air. This couldn’t be real. Lord, please wake her up from this horrible nightmare.

Gloom shadowed the paramedic’s face as he walked over to Bianca. Please don’t say it. Don’t. She shook her head.

Shaking his head, he touched her shoulder. I’m sorry. But your husband is dead, ma’am.

Tears streamed from Bianca’s eyes. Her body shook like a leaf. She dropped to her knees and screamed. Holding her face, Bianca felt like the earth had caved in and swallowed her whole.

THE ELEVATOR doors glided open. Sliding his hands into his pockets, Bane Balfour stepped off the ride onto the seventeenth floor of the hotel and stalked down the hallway towards his office. He’d had one long and hectic day. Now all he wanted to do was grab his briefcase and head upstairs to his penthouse, located on the twenty-first floor. He grabbed the doorknob, entered his office, and let the door slam shut behind him.

Loosening his tie, Bane crossed the room to his desk. All I want to do is shower and watch football—

Suddenly, the closet door swung open.

Bane flinched.

Surprise! Courtney shouted, jumping out into the open.

Bane shook his head in annoyance. What in the world was Courtney doing there? And how had she gotten into his office?

Bane let out an aggravated groan. Jesus Christ, Courtney. You startled me.

Courtney licked her red painted lips. Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, cowboy.

Cowboy? Nothing against cowboys, but he hated when she called him that. Damn, he wished she would’ve called him first. He was tired and just didn’t feel like being bothered tonight.

Courtney’s hazel eyes sparkled. She tossed her blonde straight hair over her shoulder. Hands on her hips, she strutted sexily up to Bane. She threw her long leg up on his desk, yanked up her skirt, and slid her panties to the side. Bane looked downward to find the words kiss me written in red lipstick on her bald sex.

So are you going to kiss it, Cowboy?

Picking up his suitcase, Bane became irritated. He snorted. Please don’t take this the wrong way, Courtney, but I wish you would’ve called me first. I have an important business meeting tomorrow that I need to prepare for.

Courtney slid her finger in her canal, then placed it beneath Bane’s nose. Smell me. Don’t I smell delicious? You know you want me, so stop acting like you don’t. She laughed.

Normally, Bane would throw Courtney’s hot ass up on his desk and fuck her brains out. But tonight his shaft remained soft. Lately, he’d been trying his hardest to put some distance between them. Although he cared for Courtney and thought she was a nice girl, the woman had some bad habits he just couldn’t get used to.

For instance, Courtney was just too materialistic for his liking. And to say she was snobbish would’ve been an understatement. She was raised with a silver spoon in her mouth and acted like the world owed her something. He sure wished he’d known these things about her beforehand. Especially before he’d slept with her.

Bane shook his head. It was high time he ended things with Courtney. I’m sorry, Courtney…you’re a nice girl and all, but— His cell vibrated. Hello, he answered.

May I please speak with Mr. Balfour?

This is he.

Hello, Mr. Balfour. This is Cindy Calhoun. I’m calling to let you know that your application to become a foster parent has been approved.

Bane became overwhelmed with joy. That’s great news! This just made my day! When can I come pick them up?

You can come first thing tomorrow, if you’d like. The children are so happy to be moving in with you, and they can’t wait to see you.

Bane was smiling so hard. I can’t wait to see them either. I’ll be there first thing in the morning. Overjoyed, he hung up.

Courtney placed her hand on Bane’s shoulder. I take it you got approved to be a foster parent.

Yes, I did.

Courtney tilted her head. You know, I’ve been thinking.

Uh oh.

She twined her arms around his neck. I’ve been thinking that maybe I can move in with you and be your nanny.

Hell no! Now that definitely wasn’t happening. He’d never hire someone he’d slept with. Talk about conflict. If things didn’t work out, he could be setting himself up for a possible sexual harassment lawsuit. And Courtney was definitely the type of person to sue someone. His father had worked his tail off to ensure Balfour Hotel & Resort kept its stellar reputation and exceeded customers’ expectations.

Thanks for the offer, but I think it’s best I hire a professional nanny with some experience. He politely turned her down.

Courtney pouted. Ahhh. I was hoping I’d get a chance to spoil the little children, especially the girl. She’s a teenager, right?

Yes.

Just look at me. Extending her hands up in the air, Courtney turned around. The girl could benefit from being around someone who looks as good as me and acts all prissy like me. Here comes the snob. "I could teach her how to dress. How to