A Very Luxe Christmas

By Olivia Noble

New for 2022, a bonus book for the Club Luxe series!
See what happened with Malcolm and Victoria after they defeated their enemies and fought for their happy ending...

Victoria is hosting the glamorous Cage Christmas Gala, but an explosion in the ballroom makes her believe that someone is out to harm Malcolm... again.

Being married to a billionaire hasn't been easy. Between balancing her career with raising her children, the last few years have been insane. Kidnapping attempts on her babies have been frequent. Even taking her daughter to ballet practice has become a task involving armed security.

So when her little boy requests a family vacation to get away from it all, Malcolm fires up the private jet, ready to go... until they discover the unusual destination and surprising holiday plans. This could lead to a memorable family getaway... or put them all in more danger...

There's only one way to find out.

This is a standalone, steamy romantic suspense novel related to the Club Luxe series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ThunderWords Press
• Release date: Nov 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005068431

Olivia Noble

Olivia Noble is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband, two beautiful children-- and a new baby on the way! The husband recently thought it was a good idea to read Olivia's books, and he blames their "extremely inappropriate" content for their little accident. (She happily takes responsibility.)Raising two rambunctious rug rats makes it nearly impossible to escape long enough to finish writing an entire book, but Olivia does her best to find "Mommy time." She likes to keep her books romantic, steamy, and filled with fun characters that get into all kinds of trouble-- the kind of trouble she wishes she could get into.Subscribe to Olivia's mailing list to receive a free book as a gift: http://eepurl.com/TRg95

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A VERY LUXE CHRISTMAS

OLIVIA NOBLE

Copyright © 2022 Olivia Noble

Cover design by ThunderWords

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All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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CONTENTS

Prologue

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

Epilogue

About the Author

PROLOGUE

"M alcolm was supposed to be here by now. Where the hell is that man of mine?"

Victoria sighed impatiently as she glanced down at her rose gold Rolex. 4:04 PM. The watch had been a gift from her husband for their seventh wedding anniversary. The iridescent Pearlmaster clockface was inset with diamonds and elegant roman numerals. Although she was vastly annoyed with his failure to show up on time, the gorgeous timepiece on her wrist was such a sentimental reminder of his love, devotion, and constant thoughtfulness—it was impossible for her to genuinely be angry at him.

At least, not for very long.

Besides, she was usually the one running late. Malcolm had gotten her the watch teasingly, in an effort to help her be more punctual. But it turned out that even a watch that cost more than some sports cars could not seem to stop Victoria from rushing around Chicago like a madwoman and trying to cram way too many activities into each day. It only helped her to be more fashionably late.

Chloe moved to her friend’s side with a frown, dragging a finger across her phone. Looks like his flight was delayed due to bad weather. He’s probably still in the air.

Dammit, Victoria said, throwing her hands up with annoyance. I guess I’ll just have to handle this meeting alone. Like all the others.

What meeting is next? Chloe asked as she moved over to a table and picked up one of the dessert samples, putting a small strawberry tart into her mouth. "I hope it’s more caterers, because I am loving trying all of this delicious food. And you’re barely eating anything, so more for me!"

No, Victoria said with annoyance. She glanced at the watch again. 4:08 PM. It’s the only meeting that really matters. Caiden’s school called and said he was having some difficulty interacting with the other kids. They wanted to meet with us to discuss parenting strategies we can use to help his social development. Apparently, he doesn’t have a single friend in any of his classes, and always has his head buried in a book.

Caiden’s a weird little guy, for sure, Chloe agreed. But he’s also kind of a genius? So I think it makes sense he doesn’t really get along with other children. He interacts with his big sisters quite well—and with my kids. Oh! He’s also best friends with that hot bodyguard who looks like a younger, buffer version of The Rock.

Chloe, how many times do I have to tell you? Percy’s not a bodyguard—he’s a nanny. Officially, Victoria stated. I want to try to keep things as normal as possible for the kids.

"Yeah, okay. Caiden’s way too smart to believe that man with black belts in karate, jiu jitsu, taekwondo, and hotness is just his nanny."

Victoria grinned. He is nice to look at, isn’t he? Well, if Malcolm can hire a twenty-year-old supermodel to be his secretary, and join him for business trips around the world, then I can certainly hire a hot male nanny. A muscled manny. Who happens to be amazing at his job.

Damn right, you can, Chloe said, as she nibbled more of the desserts scattered across the table. Wait, Vica—is that really why you’re upset? About the secretary? Because you’ve barely eaten anything while I’m stuffing my face with samples from every single caterer we’ve interviewed.

I just haven’t been very hungry, Victoria answered.

Bullshit, Chloe said. You’re always hungry. Here, try this!

She shoved a delicious chocolate mousse creation toward her friend, but Victoria felt queasy and made a face as she pushed the offering away.

Are you pregnant again or something? Chloe demanded.

No way, Victoria responded, although she wasn’t completely certain. She would have to check her calendar, but there was simply too much on her mind to worry about that.

Then what’s going on? Chloe pressed.

The dark-haired woman sighed. To be honest with you… I just miss my job. I always imagined that my life would be different by now. I mean—I love being a mother and a wife. But do you remember how I used to have big dreams of writing stories that made a difference in the world?

When Chloe nodded in response, Victoria stared out the windows of the ballroom as she continued speaking. I thought I’d be investigating more corrupt politicians, or uncovering the truth about election frauds or assassination attempts. I thought I’d get an interview with a broken teenager who committed a mass school shooting, and write a story that shows the inner workings of their mind—and maybe reach people and cause a real social impact. I thought I could influence change and reform that could make our country better and safer.

"Your stories have made a difference in the world for over a decade, Victoria," Chloe said seriously.

Not enough. Not nearly enough, Victoria responded. "You don’t understand. I thought I’d be on the front lines of wars. I thought I’d be able to predict the factors that could lead to wars, and write stories that could allow other nations to intervene before invasions would even take place! But I tried and no one listened. I thought I would be the first to write about massive outbreaks of disease and virus, in such a clear and compelling, educational way that the public would know how to handle such events better. But I tried, and no one cared! People didn’t even believe the truth, or it didn’t really seem to matter to them—they cared more about their bank accounts than the suffering of their neighbors and family members—and sometimes their own damn selves. And so many people got hurt. So many people. I couldn’t do a damn thing about any of it. So, what’s the point of being a journalist at all?"

Chloe smiled sadly as she placed a hand on her best friend’s arm. It seems like you’re having a bit of an existential crisis there, my dear. Everyone thinks they’re going to change the world in their twenties. Then our thirties hit, and we have children, and so many responsibilities that it becomes a struggle just to get out of bed in the morning and take a shower.

I just don’t understand, Victoria said softly. How could I marry a billionaire and still have no power? I can’t seem to make anything better for anyone. Anywhere. And I’m even failing as a mother.

That is absolutely not true.

Maybe if I just had more time, I could do more, Victoria reasoned. But it just takes so much energy to be there for the kids, and half the time Malcom is off on business trips all over the world. Then I get stuck throwing these stupid parties for his stupid company, fulfilling my stupid wifely duties, wasting my days away on cake tastings and hiring caterers and entertainment like I’ve got no passion, or career, or life of my own!

Have you told him how you feel about all this? Chloe asked. I’m sure he’d be really understanding and just hire an event planner to take some of the pressure off you so you could focus more on your career.

I don’t want to let him down either, Victoria admitted. These events are really important to him—the Cage Christmas Gala has become tradition. He charges the attendees so much for a plate, and they all feel so honored to get invited. And all the money goes to charity—I guess it’s a more family-friendly version of Club Luxe. You know how that man loves to throw a party.

Ah, good ol’ Club Luxe, Chloe said wistfully. Those were the wild days of our youth.

Victoria snorted. You’re still wild, Chloe, you little swinger. I’m the only one who’s settled down, basically into a boring old housewife. How did I let this happen to me?

Because you fell in love. You got pregnant. Then you got pregnant again. You had to calm down a little and hang up your combat boots and body armor—stop jumping out of planes and taking on private armies. You can’t go traipsing off into the middle of occupied Ukraine just to get a good story when there are three little ones depending on you to come home. You’re not boring, you’re a safe and responsible adult.

"I just don’t feel like me," Victoria grumbled.

Well, maybe you should just pause and take a moment to be happy, and enjoy the time spent with your beautiful family. And me! Girl, that’s it. After the Christmas gala, we are going to have a long overdue spa date for the holidays. A weekend getaway—just the two of us. No men or kids allowed.

That sounds nice, Chloe, Victoria admitted gratefully.

Of course, it does! Look, there’s Caiden and his hot bodygua—I mean, nanny, Chloe said, pointing at the ripped man who was approaching the building. She licked her lips slightly. And I guess that little old man must be the representative from the school? Why did you choose to meet here?

It was the only opening I had in my schedule, and Malcom said he needed to swing by the office right about now. Victoria glanced at her Rolex again in frustration. 4:15 PM. This time, the glamorous accessory made her feel a bit guilty. She felt like a sellout, and like she had chosen to have nice things instead of high morals. As she glanced up toward her young son who was approaching the ballroom, she straightened her posture and tried to shake off all her doom and gloom and dissatisfaction. She needed to appear cheerful for him.

Crouching down to her knees in her jeans and baggy sweater, she held her arms outstretched toward the little boy. A smile lit up Caiden’s face as he ran toward his mother to give her a hug, with his little backpack still on his shoulders.

Mama! he exclaimed happily. School was so much fun today.

Oh, really? she asked happily, tousling his sandy brown hair. You’ll have to tell me all about it, champ.

When Caiden was born, Victoria had decided to finally retire her old pet name for Malcolm, and save it exclusively for her new little guy. Malcolm had been given other random pet names, but mostly he was called Dad around the house. And since the little flecks of silver had begun appearing in the hair around his temple, she loved to teasingly call him old man.

But truthfully, the masculine allure his gray hair added to his features was beyond the levels of sexiness that any man had any right to possess. Victoria didn’t know quite how, but she seemed to love her husband more, and grow more attracted to him with each passing year. And seeing his handsome features in her beautiful little boy warmed her heart so much that she thought she could cry. Her personal life was still magical, and she was very grateful for her family, despite her professional dissatisfaction with the lack of progression in her career.

Hey, Percy, Chloe was saying