Chapter 5

The next morning being Saturday, Valerie stood in her balcony, wrapped in a silk robe, with coffee in hand.

Her phone rang, Sophia's smiling face filling up the screen.

"Good morning, sunshine!" Sophia greeted brightly, sea waves crashing in the background. "You would not believe how gorgeous Bora Bora is at sunrise."

"I've been," Valerie reminded her, trying not to sound bored. "Three times."

"Yes, but not with a husband who makes it his mission to pleasure you on every square inch of the private beach," Sophia giggled. "Trevor surprised me with breakfast in bed this morning. Then he surprised me with... well, something better than breakfast."

Valerie rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. Sophia had always been a romantic, even back in college when they'd first met.

"Sounds wonderful," Valerie said, not meaning it. The idea of being with one man, day after day, year after year... it made her skin crawl. She was never going through that again.

"Have you heard from Karen?" Sophia asked.

"Not yet, but..." Valerie's phone beeped with another incoming call. "Speak of the devil. She's calling now. Let me add her."

"Darlings!" Karen's laugh filled the line. "Miss me?"

"How's Italy?" Sophia asked.

"Divine. Noah knows everyone in Milan. We haven't paid for a single meal yet." Karen's voice dropped to a whisper. "And the sex? God, I've never been so satisfied in my life."

"Duh," Valerie muttered, but Karen continued.

"Honestly, Val, you should try it. Being with someone who actually cares about you? It's revolutionary."

"I'm very happy with my arrangement," Valerie said stiffly. "Different men, different skills. No expectations, no disappointments."

"No connection," Karen countered. "No real intimacy."

"I don't need intimacy," Valerie shot back. "I only need orgasms and freedom."

Her friends laughed, but there was something in their laughter that annoyed her - a hint of pity, perhaps. As if her lifestyle was somehow lesser than theirs.

"Speaking of, who's on the roster this weekend?" Sophia asked.

Valerie hesitated. "I canceled, actually."

There was a moment of shocked silence before both women started talking at once.

"You what?"

"Are you sick?"

"Did hell freeze over?"

Valerie sighed. "I just... wasn't in the mood."

"The Duchess of New York, not in the mood for sex?" Karen gasped dramatically. "Should we call a doctor?"

"Very funny," Valerie muttered. "I've just had a lot on my mind. Stacy showed up yesterday."

That silenced them both. They knew all about her family history.

"What did she want?" Sophia asked.

"What do you think? Money. She claims Bertha has cancer."

"Do you believe her?" Karen's asked.

"Not for a second," Valerie replied. "It's just another scam."

There was an uncomfortable pause before Sophia spoke again. "Well, we should let you enjoy your Saturday. Try to relax, okay? Do something for yourself."

"I always do things for myself," Valerie replied. "That's the whole point."

After they hung up, Valerie found herself pacing her penthouse, feeling restless. She had canceled her weekend lover because of one man. Rick. Though she couldn't tell her friends that.

She hadn't stopped thinking about him. And somehow, the hatred she'd felt towards him had morphed into something deeper. She wanted him. More than she'd cared to admit. Hell, she'd practically dreamt of fucking him last night she had woken up horny this morning.

She had to find a way to get him here. To bring him into her home. To fuck him tonight and finally be free of him.

She paced some more, then suddenly an idea began to form. A crazy, impulsive idea that sent a thrill through her body.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she grabbed her phone.

"Melissa? I need you to do something for me."

Twenty minutes later, Valerie stood in her driveway beside her Ferrari, staring down at the front tire she'd just slashed with a pair of garden shears. She felt slightly ridiculous - a woman worth billions deliberately damaging her own luxury car - but the adrenaline coursing through her veins told her it was worth it. By the end of today, she'll have Rick's head between her legs.

She called the number Melissa had sent her.

"Cameron Custom Motors," a gruff voice answered.

"This is Valerie Calder," she said, trying to sound domineering, as usual. "I have a flat tire and need immediate assistance."

There was a pause, then: "Lady, we're a custom shop, not roadside assistance."

"I'm aware of what you are," Valerie replied coolly. "I'm also aware that you handle exotic vehicles, and I have a Ferrari that needs attention. I'll pay triple your usual rate."

Another pause. "Address?"

Valerie smiled, giving her penthouse location. After hanging up, she rushed back inside to change. She discarded several outfits before settling on a sexy red lingerie that was slightly transparent. Underneath, she had on a red fancy underwear. The outfit was quite short, exposing her sexy thighs and legs.

He can't say no to this. She thought with a smile.

She was applying a fresh coat of lipstick when her security system alerted her to a vehicle at the gate. Through the monitor, she could see Rick's truck waiting there, looking so out of place among the luxury vehicles in her neighborhood.

Valerie pressed the intercom. "Come up the main drive."

She watched through the floor-to-ceiling windows as his truck rumbled up the circular driveway, coming to a stop behind her Ferrari.

Rick stepped out, and Valerie felt her breath catch. Even in simple jeans and a t-shirt that hugged his broad shoulders, there was something magnetic about him.

He crouched beside the slashed tire, examining it with a frown, then stood and looked directly at her penthouse, as if he could sense her watching.

Valerie stepped away from the window, heart racing like a teenager's. This was absurd. She was the Duchess of New York, not some lovesick schoolgirl. Yet here she was, hiding behind curtains, spying on a mechanic.

She composed herself, took a deep breath, and entered the elevator to go meet him outside.

His expression froze when he saw her, his eyes filled with something she couldn't explain, as he took in her outfit.

"Is that what you usually wear to meet your mechanics?" He gestured at her dress like he was disgusted.

The insult chilled her to her bones.