The Billionaires Box Set Volume 1: 2 Standalone Romances

By Roxy Jordan

Book 1 – The Secretary's Seduction (A Standalone Billionaire Boss and Secretary Love Story)

The funeral was short. 

Laurel was surprised that she cried during the service. It had been small, primarily populated by Laurel and her husband's family. He didn't have many friends and she had no family to speak of so the service was short and sweet. The sky was unbearably bright and they held the service in the late afternoon. Maybe not a sweet funeral, but it was short. 

Richard Ericson had died at the age of thirty five of a massive heart attack. He had grown larger during the last five years of his life and made no effort to remain healthy despite the fact that he nagged at Laurel constantly to maintain her beauty for him. Richard and Laurel had lived quietly side by side, she kept the house and he went to his office job from eight to six. He came home and she had dinner ready. They never had children. There was little love in the marriage. 

It was rather a depressing funeral and Laurel was glad when it was over. 

Her in-laws gave her a curt nod as she walked back to her car and her brother-in-law gave her a lewd smile that made her skin crawl. She quickened her pace and didn't look back. Not at the grave or her supposed 'family'. 

As she drove home by herself one thought kept circling in her mind. It wasn't about her dead husband and how she should have left the marriage earlier. It wasn't about his parent and their lack of affection for both their son and her. It wasn't about the fact that her home would now be empty and only occupied by her. No, her one thought was this:

I have to get a job

Book 2 – Saved by the Billionaire (A Standalone Billionaire's Second Chance Love Story)

The sun was rising, gently pouring into my bedroom.  I stretched out in the sheets, feeling them beneath my fingertips.  They felt better this morning – softer and nicer. 

I had met a boy.

It sounded silly but I had.  Not my type either.  There was no way around the fact he was a dork.  A nerd.  Silly and flustered when he spoke to me, trying to make eye contact but failing because I was a cheerleader.  And I loved it.  He was so adorable that I couldn't stand it.  On a whim and three drinks later, I had given him my number in hopes he'd contact me. 

Now, with a slight hangover, looking at the tree outside my dorm bedroom (a single from some strings my dad had pulled with college admission), I felt excited.  There had been boys since I started college, sure, but not like how I felt with when I had been talking to Chris.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roxy Jordan
• Release date: Feb 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393855743

Book preview

The Billionaires Box Set

Volume 1

Roxy Jordan

Copyright © 2019 by Roxy Jordan. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used, reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of the author.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, incidents and events are either the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

The Secretary's Seduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Saved by the Billionaire

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

The Secretary's Seduction

Roxy Jordan

Chapter 1

The funeral was short.

Laurel was surprised that she cried during the service. It had been small, primarily populated by Laurel and her husband’s family. He didn’t have many friends and she had no family to speak of so the service was short and sweet. The sky was unbearably bright and they held the service in the late afternoon. Maybe not a sweet funeral, but it was short.

Richard Ericson had died at the age of thirty five of a massive heart attack. He had grown larger during the last five years of his life and made no effort to remain healthy despite the fact that he nagged at Laurel constantly to maintain her beauty for him. Richard and Laurel had lived quietly side by side, she kept the house and he went to his office job from eight to six. He came home and she had dinner ready. They never had children. There was little love in the marriage.

Because there was such little love Laurel was surprised when a few tears slipped out as Richard was lowered into the ground. Her mother-in-law patted her briskly on the shoulder. The woman’s face was tight and devoid of emotion as she gave her a stiff hug. Without another word she walked to where her husband stood, a somber man. The two made a lovely emotionless pair. Her mother and father-in-law were silent and shed few tears. There was little love in the family as well.

The priest said a few words and her brother-in-law sang drunkenly under his breath, attempting to put his arm around Laurel’s waist. She swatted him away but his hands kept finding his way to her hip, belly button and thigh. At one point his fingers started to creep up the back of her dress and stoke her butt. That was the last straw. She turned and slapped his hand and stepped firmly on his foot. He yelped, making the priest and his parents look up at them. Laurel flushed but did not apologize, just stepped away from Tyson pointedly and motioned for the priest to continue. It wasn’t until she folded her arms that he continued his reading.

It was rather a depressing funeral and Laurel was glad when it was over.

Her in-laws gave her a curt nod as she walked back to her car and her brother-in-law gave her a lewd smile that made her skin crawl. She quickened her pace and didn’t look back. Not at the grave or her supposed ‘family’.

As she drove home by herself one thought kept circling in her mind. It wasn’t about her dead husband and how she should have left the marriage earlier. It wasn’t about his parent and their lack of affection for both their son and her. It wasn’t about the fact that her home would now be empty and only occupied by her. No, her one thought was this:

I have to get a job

Laurel hadn’t worked since she had married Richard. She had been a secretary at a lawyer’s office and he had been the delivery man. They went out on a couple dates. She couldn’t remember what the attraction was. She was a beautiful woman in a plain Jane sort of way and it’s not like she didn’t get attention. For some reason though, when Richard snapped his thick fingers she was there. Soon after they had started dating Richard got promoted to office work and they got married. Her job was the first thing she fought him for. After she lost that battle it was the last thing she fought him for and became the obedient housewife. Ten years and a heart attack later Laurel needed to find another job.

She pulled into the drive way and turned off the car. It was dark and the air was cold, even inside the car. The house was shadowy and looked much smaller than she remembered it being. Had she really lived her for so long? Had she really let herself be ordered around like a maid, cleaning and cooking and spreading her legs when commanded? Bile rose in her throat and she quickly opened the door, throwing up onto the dive way. Everything seemed to pour out of her in that moment. Her anger, desperation, loneliness, timid ways. She hung there for a moment, one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the door, holding herself above the pavement and pile of puke. She stared at the grey sidewalk, her breath shallow. If only she had left earlier.

But he was gone now. The pleasure at the thought made Laurel feel guilty but she quickly shook the guilt away. Hadn’t she deserved this? After ten years of service to a man who didn’t respect her she deserved a new start. She deserved this and she was going to enjoy it!

With a new sense of purpose Laurel stepped out of the car, careful to keep her black high heels out of the sickness. The car door shut behind her with a satisfying snap that made her straighten and smile. She charged into the house, grabbing every ugly trinket of Richard’s until her arms were full. Then she walked back outside and unceremoniously dumped it into the trash can. It felt good, really good.

For the rest of the right Laurel Rider (who was Laurel Ericson no more), threw away everything and anything that reminded her of her husband. She was careful to keep the important things his family would want in a little box, but everything else went into the vintage tin trash can outside her kitchen door. It was a glorious night, a start of a new era.

***

Finding a job was a lot harder than Laurel remembered. When she was younger all you had to do was show up, be pretty, and show you had a sharp mind under all your soft curls. That didn’t seem to be enough in this day and age. She was thirty years old, but could pass for twenty five with her smooth skin and red curls. She’d been a receptionist and aide for some of New York’s top lawyers ten years ago but now it seemed no one wanted anything to do with her.

She spent the entire morning looking. Going from office to office, employment agency to agency and even to the city office to apply there. She was met with many different responses, pity, scorn, and kindness. But it all lead to the same answer. No. No one was interested in her, no one gave her a second look.

Laurel now sat in a small bar across the street from a big shot lawyer’s office building. It was a lawyer bar, packed full of men and women in suits and severe slicked back hair. She’d been given a few looks as she squeezed through the crowd of people to the bar. She didn’t fit in with her dark blue dress and pinned up hair. They could smell she was different but she didn’t let that drive her away. The moment she sat at the bar stool relief had coursed through her veins. It was comforting to be back at an old haunt. When she was younger she would accompany the lawyers to the bar at the end of the day and have a night filled with liquor and fun. How could she ever have left that life!?! Laurel suspected she would probably never know.

Laurel toyed with her cup of water. The bartender had given her a strange look when she had requested it, only when she had promised to pay for it did he slide a beer mug full of water towards her. It was still early in the day and she didn’t feel so bad yet that she was going to drink. It was amusing to watch some lawyer down shots as they stooped over case files and stared wide eyed at their fellow counselors in paranoia. Laurel remembered the times when her old boss would get frantic over a case. She’d sit with him at the bar and dilute his whiskey as he went over witness statements. Why she hadn’t tried to woo him that she also didn’t understand.

What firm do you work for? asked the bartender. He was a younger fellow, probably twenty four by the looks of him. He had a shaved head and a snake tattoo that wound around his throat and ended along his jawline.

No firm at the moment. Laurel smiled as best she could. I’m looking for a job at the moment.

Oh yeah? the young man leaned forward, setting down the glass he was cleaning. What are you looking for? Do you have any special education? he winked at Laurel’s strange look. A lot of people come through here, I hear things. Sometimes I hear about jobs.

Oh, Laurel sat up a little straighter. Well I worked as a secretary at a law firm, Johnson and Stein, for two and a half years.

And? the young man asked.

And? she blinked and her face went red. Oh, well, that’s it. I got married and had to quit. Now I’m looking again. She took another sip of her water nervously, her face still red from embarrassment. He must think her a fool going around this section of town with such little experience. She supposed she should start lower but this is what she missed, this is what she loved doing. Filing paperwork and helping investigate. It was thrilling at times and simply soothing in its repetition at other times.

Fallen on hard times? the bartender asked casually. Is that why you’re looking for a job?

No. Laurel answered shortly. My husband died. The bartender’s expression was filled with pity and regret.

I am so sorry. He stuttered, shifting uncomfortably away from her. He stopped short at her bark of laughter.

Don’t apologize! Laurel got out between laughs. It may sound horrible but I’m actually glad he’s dead. He was a horrible man and husband.

Well, the bartender relaxed slightly. I’m glad to see you doing well, or better by the sounds of it.

Much better. Laurel nodded.

So, are you looking for a rich husband? he joked but there was a hard glint in his eyes.

No. I think I’ll be fine if I never get married again. Laurel sighed. I miss working. I used to be a secretary like I said, but my husband made me quit. I loved the work and I want to get back into it. The bartender was looking at her intently and she gave an embarrassed smile.

A secretary? Hmmm. he leaned back against the shelf behind him, the light reflection colors from the liquor bottles onto his face. I’ve heard of a couple people who need one. Two are unsavory characters who are known to flirt and get handy. Laurel shook her head vehemently. The young man smiled and nodded. The next is strict and loud, he gets a lot of business and it will never be dull. But he is known to get drunk at the end of the week. Laurel grimaced, but the man held up a finger signaling there was still one more. The last one is a very aloof man, he doesn’t like to socialize. He gives his receptionist as much work as he can and expects good results. If you give him respect and hard work then he’ll give you respect.

Interesting, Laurel took another sip and thought hard. It was defiantly not going to be the two men who had problems keeping their hands to themselves. The last two sounded decent but both had their downfalls. One got drunk and the other wouldn’t talk beyond work. At her old job the lawyers drank and everything went fine, but everyone doesn’t get drunk the same. This man could be a violent drunk. On the other hand the lawyers were chatty and when she wasn’t working she was talking to them. She couldn’t imagine a job where she couldn’t talk to someone! The decision seemed impossible.

Not sure? the young man asked.

Yeah, not sure. Laurel sighed. What kind of drunk is the man? Mean, sad, violent?

It depends on what he’s drinking. The moods change. Vodka usually makes him merry while whiskey makes him violent. Beer is unpredictable and wine makes him sad and depressed.

Ah, Laurel’s frown deepened. An unpredictable man was a dangerous man. And the nonsocial one? How is he?

Like I said, he works hard and will expect you to work hard as well. It’s hard to get him to open up and I’d advise just doing your job rather than poking around. It is good pay though, and very little drama. A motion from behind her made the young man move from his relaxed position. With expert swiftness he snatched a shot glass from under the counter and mixed a cocktail. Laurel watched, fascinated, as his hands moved and twisted making the liquid dance as it fell into the cup. With all the charms of a gentleman he handed it to a gorgeous woman with coal black skin who stood just behind Laurel. Laurel watched the woman drink, amazed by her beauty and commanding presence. She gave herself a shake and turned back to the bartender.

I suppose you could give me...the introvert’s address. Laurel finally decided, hoping this was the right choice. Out of all of the men he sounded the safest, but a person could never truly know. The bartender jotted down the address and a phone number on a napkin he pulled out of his apron pocket. He seemed to be excited about something, Laurel could tell by the tip tap his shoes made against the tile as he wrote. His handwriting was slanted and fast but thankfully legible. Any advice? Laurel asked hopefully.

Yeah. Be respectful and look him in the eye when talking. It may unnerve him at first but it will let him know you mean business and depend respect as much as he does. Don’t dress too provocatively either. His eyes raked her gown and he gave her a wolfish grin. Laurel scowled at him.

"This is not my sexpot dress thank you. There’s nothing wrong with this dress." Laurel argued, feeling angry at the insinuation.

Never said there was. He held up his hands defensively. I’m just saying that everyman in the bar has looked over at you at least twice since you sat down. But I suspect no matter what you where you probably demand attention. His name is Nicholas Riker by the way. He winked and moved on to help someone at the other end of the counter. Laurel looked around out of the corner of her eye and was surprised to see several eyes locked onto her body. The realization made her feel itchy and she stood quickly. With careful but fast steps Laurel walked out of the bar, clutching the napkin.

The cool early afternoon air cleared her head. It was a sudden but reliving change from the thick scent of alcohol within the bar. People flowed around her into the bar and she quickly moved, careful not to bump into anyone as she moved. Once she cleared the flow of bodies she pulled her phone out of her purse and searched the address for her potential employer. The building was only one block down to her left. If she walked she could probably make it within ten minutes or so. Her car was parked down that way anyways in a public parking garage. It wouldn’t hurt to try.

Laurel was more aware of men’s stares as she walked. She knew she was an attractive woman but never really considered how men had viewed her. Her blue dress hung loosely around her body, ending at her knees revealing only a short portion of her legs covered in nylons. The dress covered her chest modestly, if not a little tight, and the sleeves ended mid elbow. How in the world could this dress be provocative? The more she thought about it the crazier is sounded.

Her phone gave her directions in an overly cheery voice that made Laurel cringe a little. She turned the volume down as low as she could but people would still look as it chimed up. Once they looked they locked on until she passed. It was even a few seconds more until she felt their gaze drop away from her backside.

Finally the cheery voice announced:

You’ve arrived at your destination! it sang out. Laurel felt a sigh of relief pass from her body. Then she looked up and the panicky uncertain feeling came back full force. This building was the biggest in the sector. She had noticed it as she had driven by, but gave it no real thought. It was a bright white color with many windows that reflected light off at every angle. It was a bright shining