BILLIONAIRE CRUSH

Amelia Carter had three rules in life. Never trust a rich man. Never fall in love with a stranger. And most importantly, never kiss a man you hate. Unfortunately, by midnight, she was about to break all three. The music from the charity gala echoed through the enormous ballroom as Amelia stood near the exit, nervously checking the time on her phone. She shouldn't have been there. Her best friend, Sophie, had practically dragged her to the event. “Just one night,” Sophie had begged. “Wear the dress, eat the food, and pretend you're rich.” Amelia had agreed. She hadn't expected to meet him. Alexander Black. The billionaire everyone in the city knew. He stood across the ballroom surrounded by businessmen, celebrities, and beautiful women. His black tuxedo fitted him perfectly, and his expression was cold enough to make people think twice before approaching him. Amelia looked away. “Definitely not my type.” “Who isn't your type?” She nearly jumped. Sophie was standing beside her. “That billionaire over there.” Sophie followed her gaze. “Alexander Black?” “Yes.” “You're crazy. Women would sell their souls for a chance with him.” “Then they can have him.” Amelia turned toward the exit. “I've had enough.” She had barely taken three steps when a waiter accidentally bumped into her. A glass of champagne flew from his tray. Straight onto Alexander Black's shirt. The entire room seemed to go silent. Amelia stared at the golden stain spreading across his expensive tuxedo. The waiter went pale. “Oh my God. I'm so sorry, sir!” Alexander slowly looked down at his shirt. Then he looked up. His eyes met Amelia's. She immediately knew she was in trouble. “You,” he said. Amelia pointed at herself. “Me?” “You were standing beside him.” “So?” “You watched it happen.” “That doesn't mean I did it.” Alexander walked toward her. People began whispering. Amelia refused to step backward. He stopped directly in front of her. “You seem unusually calm.” “Should I scream?” His lips twitched. “No.” “Then we're fine.” She turned to leave. His hand caught her wrist. Amelia looked down at his hand, then up at him. “Let go.” Alexander released her immediately. “What's your name?” “Why?” “Because I want to know.” “Well, I don't want you to know.” She walked away. Alexander watched her disappear through the crowd. For the first time in a very long time, someone had walked away from him without asking for anything. Not his number. Not his money. Not even an apology. Interesting. --- An hour later, Amelia stood outside the building waiting for her taxi. She heard footsteps behind her. Before she could turn around, someone grabbed her arm and pulled her into the darkness beside the building. Amelia gasped. “Don't scream.” She recognized the voice. Alexander. “What are you doing?” “Someone is watching you.” She stared at him. “What?” “Stay quiet.” A black car slowly passed the entrance. Alexander pulled Amelia closer, hiding her behind his body. Her heart began pounding. Not because she was afraid. At least, that was what she told herself. The car stopped. A man stepped out. Alexander's expression suddenly changed. “That's not good.” “What?” “He found you.” “Who found me?” Alexander looked into her eyes. And for the first time that night, the billionaire looked genuinely worried. “Your father.” Amelia froze. Her father had been dead for eight years. “What did you just say?” Alexander didn't answer. Instead, he pulled her closer as the footsteps approached. Amelia's breath caught. Their faces were only inches apart. “What is going on?” she whispered. Alexander looked at her lips. Then at her eyes. “I need you to trust me.” “I don't even know you.” “You will.” The footsteps grew louder. Amelia panicked. “Alexander—” He suddenly leaned down and kissed her. Her eyes widened. For one shocking second, she forgot everything. The footsteps stopped. Then a man's voice came from the other side of the wall. “Where is the girl?” Alexander pulled away from Amelia. His face was unreadable. The stranger answered his phone. “She's gone.” Alexander looked at Amelia. Then he whispered the words that made her blood run cold. “They're looking for you.” Amelia swallowed. “Why?” Alexander's eyes darkened. “Because eight years ago, your father stole something from my family.” And before Amelia could ask another question, the lights outside suddenly went out. A gunshot shattered the silence. BANG! Alexander grabbed Amelia and pulled her to the ground. She screamed. And then she heard him whisper— “Whatever happens next, don't let them see your face.” To be continued...