Billionaire's Paid Companion

Ricky had no idea why his secretary was blasting his phone, when she was well aware that Ricky didn't want to be disturbed today. More than that, Ricky was driving the f*****g car, so.. yeah. Whatever it is will have to wait or she could-- For the third time now, the call went to the voice mail and this time-- finally, his secretary decided to use her brains and left him a message. After an hour or so, Ricky made a stop at a gas station, before continuing his way ahead. He picked up some snacks to munch on while he waited. Ricky slipped into his car, after filling up the car tank and emptying his own. Also, his stomach was getting furious at him, and his bribe with snacks worked, for now. That's when he remembered he had received several calls from his secretary. He wondered why had she not texted and insisted on calling, even though she knew Ricky wouldn't be able to answer. Ricky decided to check the message-s she had left, after failing to talk to him with those frantic calls. And frantic it was.. because the messages she had left, had got him on the edge for a moment. 'Ricky! I--ah, I am.. I am calling to-to relay a message. Please call, okay?' By the time she left the last message, her voice had gone a few notches up, 'f*****g hell!! Please call back, Ricky! CALL BACK!' She sounded like she was throwing an order. The calls had finally stopped and Ricky heaved a sigh. But, he saw no reason for her to be so worried. Ricky was reaching his destination and so, he decided to return the call as soon as he reached there. Sometimes, that woman can have a panic attack for no rhyme and reason. On the other hand, Bo stood staring blankly outside the window, then she heard footsteps behind her... followed by the warmth of an embrace that engulfed her. Standing behind her was none other than her favorite person ever, Echo! With the dreamy look in her eyes and a small smile making her lips curl, Echo looked beautiful as ever. But right now-- this woman was up to something and so Bo turned to look at Echo and smiled. “Tell me what you need.” Echo cupped her face as she fondly spoke. Running through Bo' mind was, 'Hey! That should be my question.' However, without wasting a breath, “You!” Bo replied and pressed her lips to Echo’. “Then, marry me, Bo. Make me the happiest person alive.” Echo smiled and Bo grinned wildly. But their eyes were welled up with unshed tears. There was so much emotion attached to those words. Overwhelming but happy emotions. Bo hadn’t replied to what Echo had said to her, yet. But there was no doubt what her reply would be. So, Echo patiently waited, blinking back those silly tears that were blocking her vision from the beautiful face in front of her. While Bo gulped, bit her lower lip and blinked at her eyes that were filled with tears as well. Her throat hurt with so much happiness that she was sure to choke on it. “Yes!” Bo quietly whispered and nodded her head. “Yes.. Oh, heavens, I can’t believe this is happening. But yes.” She repeated, if Echo had not heard her the first time. “Yes?” Echo checked, and this time their tears freely flowed out of their eyes, down their reddened cheeks. “Oh, God, Bo.. thank you. You have no idea.. I mean.. I’m so happy. You. You make me so happy,” Echo blabbered unnecessarily and Bo pressed her lips to Echo’ again to stop her from talking… rambling. No words were enough to describe what they felt at that moment. They kissed as if it was the first time their lips had met, while Echo slowly slid the ring on Bo' finger. “I love you, Echo Burns. And now you are going to be officially mine,” Bo added, but did not let go of the kiss. Bo still remembered the pain as well as the surprise in Echo’ eyes when she had first confessed her love to Echo. So, Bo never failed to express her love for Echo at every given chance from that moment on. She knew it meant a lot to Echo. Echo had very few people who loved her for what she was. Echo may never show it, but she has always been a little insecure deep down. She did not have her parents beside her while growing up and had lost her mother and Cora, her grandmother, one after the other. And so, Echo had forgiven her father, because she knew what losing someone dear meant and her father had lost someone he loved dearly. So, Echo held on to Bo very tightly and possessively. Just knowing they loved each other would never be enough if they didn’t hear the other say it out loud. It just felt GREAT!! Even after living together and spending nearly seven years together, their continuously booming feelings for each other never failed to amaze everyone. “I’m yours, love,” Echo murmured, “Forever and Always.” Bo couldn’t help but feel proud of herself and the person she chose to give her love to, spend her life with, while beaming and blushing crimson by those words of Echo. Bo still wondered, sometimes, how they had come so far so soon? Wasn't it just a few days ago, they had met, and just yesterday they were at each other’s throat. And now.. Mr. Burns, who had been watching them adoring each other and their exchange of words filled with undying love, removed his teardrop glasses and rubbed his eyes. “You girls!” he sniffled. Mr. Burns removed his handkerchief and dabbed his eyes, then blew his nose. “My heart feels so much at ease now that you both have decided to get married,” he chuckled and sniffled at what he had just witnessed. He couldn’t be more thankful to have the opportunity to share this moment with Echo and Bo. These past two years, Mr. Burns had handed over his business that he had worked hard for, almost his entire life, to Ricky, so he could retire and come stay with Echo and Bo. The timber door outside the house still had 'Marco's Cora' engraved on it. Because that's how Echo wanted it to be. A reminder of her grandmother and a house filled with love. Bo couldn't agree more and Mr. Burns felt proud of his daughter. Cora had indeed ingrained some deep-rooted affectionate beliefs in Echo. Pulling himself out of his train of thoughts, he mentally chuckled and then smiled. “Who am I gonna have to walk with, down the aisle?” Mr. Burns asked. “I wish I could walk with both of you.” He wishfully added, then sighed and sat down on a chair. Mr. Burns may or may not have attempted to look super cute, when he jutted his lips out after saying that. “Stop being dramatic,” Echo rolled her eyes, and Bo chuckled, then walked towards him and pulled the poor old man into her loving hug. She knew he missed his son, Ricky. And wished to see all his children under one roof. However, Ricky had distanced himself from everyone. He barely showed up at any family gatherings. Almost never called any of them. That dedicatedly passionate-- stubborn man, who had once meant the world to Bo as well as Mr. Burns. 'Right? Ricky. How far was he right now?' Bo wondered. She twisted her wrist to check the time on her watch, then looked up at Mr. Burns, who shook his head. Echo wasn’t aware that Bo had invited Ricky for dinner tonight. It was his birthday today and, for the sake of Mr. Burns’ happiness and a perfect opportunity to pull the members of this family at one place and stitch them back together, Bo had done what she deemed fit. It was high time for them to stop avoiding each other. And now Bo even had amazing news for him. There was a new development in her life, and she wanted to share it with the first friend she had ever made in her life. And that was Ricky. Ricky Burns, lived his life on his own terms, nowadays. He had money, the business was flourishing and sailing smoothly. Maybe not that smoothly, but he was resilient enough to thread through, effortlessly. So, there was no place for love in his life anymore, because he was able to get what he wanted without getting emotionally involved. After a tiresome week, all Ricky needed was physical satisfaction, which was the easiest part. Because Ricky was stunningly handsome, his strong jaws, puckered lips, granite grey eyes—which, mind you, were one tricking pair of eyes, as they seemed to change their colors according to his moods, but they were captivating. But the best part about him was his muscular body, which earned him gawking eyes and whispering lips everywhere he went. Though, he never messed around with his employees and never would. That was one thing that his step-father had forbidden him. Not that he cared anymore, but Ricky agreed with him. Ricky knew his employees needed to respect him if he wanted to get work done by them. Ricky also knew they called him ‘Free Willy.’ One of his clients, Mr. Juan Garcia called him, ‘Mr. Casanova’. Not just females, even males gushed over him, swooned and purred. Everyone fanned themselves as he walked by. Mr. Juan Garcia once cried out, “Have Mercy, mi señor. Take the girls, but leave the boys for me.” He had jested. Not that Ricky had never attracted attention before. He was always known for his good looks, more than his academic accomplishments. However, Ricky was in love with Bo and she was special to him, so he always stayed away from all that attention. But now he was really a free bird-- or an angry bird, uhm! Anyway, after his break-up, Ricky had started to notice them and even fostered the idea of responding to those advances all across the board. Now that he had no serious commitment, he might as well up the ante and attract all the attention, if that meant he could get down to, 'doing the business', as soon as he got off work. Ricky had barely known his biological father. He was a still a naive boy when his mother married another man. But his step-father, Mr. Burns, had always loved and guided him. Spoiled him even. After completing his studies, Ricky joined his step-father's company, as he was expected to take over one day. He learned and earned his way up the ladder. He was just a business man, but after this business was handed over to him by his step-father, Ricky became a billionaire. But that was just the start of his journey. Ricky never stopped striving to achieve the next level, as his step-father had always taught him that 'every day and every penny counts'. Even if this business and the tag of 'billionaire' were handed over to him, Ricky wasn't going to throw away this opportunity by getting into some emotional bullcrap. He'd had enough of that. Ricky may not be ruthless, like killing at first sight. But he was relentless. He wanted what he wanted and when he wanted. Be it his employees or clients, if they met his expectations, they are good. Any deviation, they needed to be ready to face the consequences and get chewed up raw. Both his employees and his clients respected him, but they also feared mistakenly deviating and what aftermath might lie ahead for them. But, Ricky wasn't always a heartless man. It had felt like his dream had come true when Bo agreed to date him. Ricky had poured his soul into that relationship. Bo was the only person who could make him breathe and breathless at the same time. Her innocence and sweetness were the best things about her. She had dreams and was dedicated to fulfilling them on her own and that made Ricky feel proud of her. Oh, how happy he had been every single day when he had Bo by his side—even if not physically, she was in love with him and just knowing that was enough for Ricky to feel deeply content. Ricky would never deny that he had hurt Bo when he had broken up with her. And she had suffered a lot.. Alone. He knew Bo had little to no friends and she loved Ricky wholeheartedly. The break-up would have devastated her, but he had to choose between his mother and step-father or Bo. And he had made a mistake of not holding on to Bo. Not telling her that he needed some time to convince his parents and would return to her. Ricky knew now he had made a big mistake and had regretted his foolish-haphazard decision of breaking up with Bo and leaving her alone for two years. He had tried his best to make up for his mistakes after they had gotten back together.. almost, and give her the love she deserved, but Bo eventually left him. Just like he had all those years ago—right when she needed him the most. With his mother in prison and his step-father turning his back to them, Ricky had hoped Bo would stay by his side. But, no.. she left. There were only two people for whom Ricky lived for each day. His mother and Bo. Both left and that was the end of getting his emotions involved and time to pull his head out of his arse. And that's what he did. If money brought luxury, then it also brought enemies and people who wanted to take advantage of him. That's where emotions don't work in your favor. On second thoughts, emotions never worked in Ricky's favor. So, he decided, it was better to be hope-less, than be homeless. His step-father gave him a home, a bright future and trusted Ricky with his business. Ricky wasn't going to waste this opportunity. He had doted on Ricky for years. But now it was time for Ricky to find where he stood without his parents. People change and so did his step-father. So, what? Ricky had made up his mind-- he was going to look at his future and... move on? And, oh boy, did it scare him? Hell Yeah! But, he knew he needed to find his footing-- without a family. Bo sighed dejectedly after waiting for the entire day for Ricky to arrive. Even if it was only for an hour or less, it didn’t matter. “Are you alright, love?” she heard Echo’ worried voice, as she walked towards Bo. Since Echo had no idea about her invitation to Ricky for the ‘family having dinner together to spend a few hours’ plan of Bo. And still having no intention of revealing it, Bo put up a sweet smile, not to let Echo doubt her. Not just a smile, Bo put on a dreamy look with a broad grin on her face and looked at Echo. “Whatever makes you think I’m not alright," Bo said, looking at her blissfully, "I’m more than alright, baby. I’m—I’m as happy as a sandboy, right now.” And planted a kiss on Echo’ lips to add effect. Now that wasn't totally a lie. Bo was indeed very happy in her life, had been for the past few years now, but.. she was also worried about Ricky— a little more than needed, perhaps. Often, Bo thought that she was being silly to be worried about Ricky so much. Maybe he just didn’t want to be around her anymore. She was the nasty ex-girlfriend, after all. Their past must bring him sadness, which is why Bo avoided reaching out to Ricky, unless she couldn’t sit still and be worried. Little did Bo know that she was right to be worried about Ricky. He may have closed himself in those tightly built claustrophobic walls, leaving all his emotions outside. He may as well have ripped his heart out of his chest and buried it in some place outside of those walls. But, Bo still held a place in the deepest corner of his heart. And forever will. No matter how long it had been since their break-up, it was still overwhelming for Ricky to watch Bo smiling— at someone who was not him. He could no longer deny that Bo was happy—happier with Echo, if he had to be truthful to himself. And that meant-- something to him. “Come back to sleep, love.” Echo kissed Bo on her forehead and cradled her up like a baby. Bo did not argue and pushed all the thoughts of Ricky behind and went to sleep. Now was not the right time to be worried about him, or Echo would be able to sense it and would be really sad to know that Bo was still thinking about Ricky. Instead, Bo must be thinking about her marriage and her future with her doting fiancé. What Bo did not know was that Ricky had accepted her invitation to come see her and visit his father. Maybe even fix things with Echo. But, just as he was about to step inside, he saw a glimpse of Bo kissing Echo and that was enough for him to not knock on the door and retract his steps to leave. The word LOVE was ripped out of his life, he had nothing to do with it anymore. That meant he had no business in this love-filled house Cora and Marco had built, and now Echo and Bo lived. Without a single word, or a knock on the door, Ricky had left. To shove out every unnecessary thought he might have, Ricky pulled out his phone and called his secretary and roared at her. "Was there a fire, or were you being chased? Haa, Cel-" He was promptly interrupted, "Ricky! You have to come back!" was all she said, and didn't even need to. Just like that, Ricky disconnected the call, put his car into the ignition and ran away with his tail between his legs. For the second time in his life-- he may have screwed up. Or perhaps he was driving to arrive, before he was actually defeated. The first thing that Bo did when she opened her eyes the following morning was to check her phone. She wasn’t expecting a call, but at least a text message. She hoped Ricky had the courtesy to drop her an apology text to tell her why he couldn’t or didn’t come last evening. Bo shouldn’t have been surprised, but she was. More than that, she was extremely disappointed in Ricky. Bo huffed and dropped him a text, 'We need to talk. See you in a few hours. No excuses, make sure you are available.' She got up out of her bed, put on her favorite dress, and was ready to leave. Given the situation, Bo obviously had to lie to Echo, that she was going out shopping. Echo looked skeptical, and Bo was sure she was about to offer to accompany her, but thankfully that did not happen. If Echo doubted her lie, even for a moment, she did not show it and Bo was relieved. She was planning to cook Ricky’s favorite dishes for dinner last night. But, didn’t. However, she had baked a strawberry cake for Ricky, as it was his all-time favorite and Bo wanted to do something that would make him happy. She wanted to see him smile, instead of being the distant self that he had become after losing his mother. He had made a nose-dive into the ocean of his business and never made it back to the shore. No matter what happened between them, she cared for him. And goodness, why was she still so worried about him? Since Echo was at home today, Bo was unable to leave their house with the cake she had baked yesterday. Or that would raise a question in Echo’ mind. So, she decided to quickly stop by at a bakery and buy him a cheesecake or something. And that is exactly what she had done. Even if she was unhappy with his attitude, Bo still made an attempt to put a smile on his face. After all, they were once in a loving relationship and she knew Ricky always missed his mother. She had no doubts about it. Their relationship may have been reduced to almost nothing today. But she hoped Ricky would accept her offer to be friends, if nothing more. Because Bo couldn't stop caring. On her way to his office, Bo looked at her phone, expecting him to reply. But that stubborn arse man. Not only had he not replied to the texts, instead, he made his assistant leave Bo a message stating he would be in a meeting for the entire day and so would not be able to see her. "Nonsense!" Bo huffed, as she was so done with his lies and excuses. Bo knew Ricky needed a friend, but even more than that, she needed her friend. Her life was taking a beautiful turn and Bo wanted Ricky by her side as she took that first step towards her future with Echo. Bo reached Ricky’s office in recorded time and entered his cabin—without bothering to knock. Ricky had obviously read her text and he had a vague idea why Bo wanted to see him. But, he wasn't going to go back to that family. He had nothing to do with Echo or her father. They meant nothing to him and if Bo wanted to force him into this, then he wouldn't think twice and cut ties with her. Yet he knew he could not. Faith stopped him from doing so. “I’ve had it with you and your career.” Bo barked, “What the heck is wrong with you, Rick? You’ve pulled yourself away from everyone. Even if you hate Echo, why aren’t you in touch with your father? The one you always used to adore?” she demanded to know. Silence was the reply she received from Ricky—as always. “You’ve also chased Ronan away, dammit!. Most of the time, I don’t know where you are, or what you are doing? But then, neither does Ronan.” Her voice went louder as annoyance, mixed with sadness, crept in, “The last time I checked, you and Ronan were best-friends. And to my utter surprise, even your best friend has no idea what you are up to these days, Rick.” Despite her barging in and yelling at him, Ricky remained unresponsive. The only thing different today was there was no third person in the cabin while they were talking. Which.. was usually not the case. Ricky went to great lengths and avoided Bo in every way possible, never stayed for more than ten minutes in the same room where Bo was. He made sure to have company, even if that meant dictating bull-crap to his assistant, whenever Bo came to see him at his office. Anyway, not having a third person with them was still not helping Bo’ situation. As time ticked by, sadness mixed with desperation sunk in. “Talk to me, Rick.” Yet again—silence. Bo let out a breath, and sighed dejectedly. She dug into her tote bag, looking for something. Apart from their breathing, the shuffling of a few things sounded in the completely silent room. Finally, Bo found what she was looking for and sighed again. She threw it on the table and waited, but Ricky did not turn. He surely had heard something slapping the table, but seemed least interested. Bo folded her fingers into a fist and tried her best to control the anger that was making her body shake. Having no better option, she spoke with exhaustion and sadness. “Rick, you were the first person I called my friend. You have made me feel happy and loved for the first time in my life and I would always be thankful to you for that. Whatever happened between us, I was still hoping to remain friends with you, but I get it. You hate anyone and everyone involved with Echo. Even after knowing that, I had hoped for that 'someday'. I made attempts, sent texts and even came here to see you a few times. But, I’m done.” She took a fairly long pause, before saying, “I won’t bother you again, Rick. I got your message loud and clear—'we aren’t and will never be anything to each other anymore’. So.. I leave it to you if you want to come to my wedding or not." Another pause, "Yes, I’m sure you heard me, I am getting married to Echo—your sister. If-- you can exclude the ‘step’ thing. And yes, I would have loved to see you there, and believe it or not, even dad would want you to come. But, then again. You don’t have to force yourself.” Before she could turn to leave, Bo heard Ricky suck in a breath, quite evidently. It was obvious he would be a little shocked, but.. he had been acting like a robot lately, so any reaction from him came as a surprise to Bo. Even more so when Ricky turned to face her. The look on his face was… different. He looked.. flummoxed. Though he said nothing, he didn’t look like he was able to speak. For a brief moment, they both stood right where they were. Ricky with that bewildered look on his face and Bo trying to read his expression. 'Ricky had known about her relationship with Echo for a long time now, then why did he look like he was about to tear up or tear down everything around them? The news of her getting married to a person she was in love with, shouldn’t have been news, as a matter of fact. Then what was wrong with Ricky?' Bo kept going back and forth with all the questions in her head. But, instead of asking him anything, Bo simply stood there. 'Oh, no!' Bo mumbled to herself, 'He can't still be-- At last, after what felt like a decade or maybe a lifetime had passed, Ricky spoke. “Bo!” His voice was hoarse. Bo’ heart stopped for a beat. She was now getting scared. But there it was again. She was also feeling pity for Ricky at the same time. He had definitely-- never moved on. 'Oh, freaking hell no,' she mumbled again. “I am an arse,” Ricky said, and looked everywhere, but nowhere in particular. His eyebrows were knitted together and Bo went stiff for a few moments. Death was forthcoming for Bo. She was already predicting her future. If Echo saw this, Bo was as good as dead. What was she supposed to do? No words were exchanged and Bo caved in-- to her emotional side. “Oh, Rick!” Bo slumped her shoulders and trudged towards Ricky. The sympathy in Bo’ eyes was unmistakable. Bo had always been generous and now he felt a faint ache in his chest. But, Ricky did not need sympathy from Bo, but something else. Bo wrapped him in her loving arms and Ricky found himself tense. The unsettling feeling wouldn’t let him ease his shoulder. His heart thumped in his chest and his throat went dry. Was it officially time to go separate ways? What did he want? Ricky could never bring himself to hate Bo. But were his feelings still the same after all those years? Just then a realization dawned on him. Oh, hell. A big No! He could never let her go. It can’t happen.. again, his heart would surely stop beating this time. For a few moments they stayed that way, before Bo tried to free herself out of his deathly grip. “Wait! Rick, what are you doin-?” Bo struggled as anxiousness began to settle in, but Ricky cut her off, “Shh!! Just listen to me, Bo... I have to get something out of my chest. And I have to say it now.” She furiously blinked, "W-What do you want now, Ricky?" She stuttered. His answer was instant, "Faith." Bo let out a nervous laugh, which sounded funny, "I-I have faith in you--- Ri-Ricky!" she somehow managed to say. But, Ricky shook his head, and whatever that meant, Bo was getting chills down her spine. Her throat went dry as if they were in the Sahara. "Oh Lord, Have mercy! I might have made the biggest mistake of my life just now. But I don't want to die.' Bo groaned. She was sure, instead of walking down the aisle, she'd soon be lying in her coffin.