Everything He Wants: Claimed by The Billionaire Read Online Free

garrulous as they focused on everything but their obvious yearning for each other. For Roderick it was torturous, being so close to her, longing to hold her, touch her, kiss her. But not right then, with her perfume, her closeness, the way she looked, having fully aroused him. If she so much as lightly brushed his arm at that moment, he'd likely run off the road. So he let her do most of the talking for the remainder of the ride, lost in his ardent thoughts, trying to settle his pervasive desires.
         Thanks to his lead foot, they soon arrived at their destination and the valet was parking the luxury car. Roderick and Sarah entered the grand ballroom and almost immediately they were greeted by his assistant, Summer Emerson, who was dressed in chartreuse colored sheath and matching stilettos, her chestnut hair in loose curls that framed her heart shaped face. She gave Roderick a warm hug then greeted Laila with a tepid,
    "Oh, H ello."
         Her smile didn't quite reach her hazel eyes. Laila knew that Summer wasn’t sure what to make of her. Was it disapproval, jealousy or mere protectiveness reflected in her eyes? Summer had worked for Roderick for the past seven years and was loyal, efficient and fiercely protective of her boss. Summer reminded Roderick that he was to give a brief introduction of the chairman of the board of directors, after the cocktail hour. The fundraiser typically netted several million dollars and the nonprofit’s board hoped that year’s event would be no exception.
        They spied the mayor, a few city council members and  various members of Southern California elite. As they mingled, Roderick introduced Laila to some of his friends as well as business associates. His arm remained wrapped securely around her waist and Laila couldn't help but wonder what would it feel like to truly be his woman ? As an unknown woman dressed in an emerald gown suddenly grabbed Roderick and embraced him, Laila felt pangs of jealousy singeing through her body. But he was her boss. She had no right to feel this way! .
         She soon learned that the affectionate woman was the wife of the Vice President of Channing Enterprises, Benjamin Whitcomb, who appeared at the attractive redhead's side moments later. Laila needed a breather.
         "Roderick, please excuse me.”
         She hastily retreated to the ladies room to gather her runaway thoughts.
         In the large lighted mirror, she blotted her foundation and reapplied her lipstick. Though her heart was still pounding, she was determined not to appear affected by her boss. Why did he have to be so handsome, sexy and all around perfect, but off limits to her?
        Exiting the modern and expensively designed ladies room, she heard two men ahead of her, talking animatedly.
         "That Channing. You heard about the deal he just made. Now the word is, he's got his eye on the Simstone Corporation."
         "Well then, I feel sorry for them. Once he sets his sights on something, it’s over. Finito"
          "Yes , he's certainly one ruthless bast...”
    "Gentlemen, can I interest you in an Hors d'oeuvre?" a server with silver tray in hand, interrupted.
         Was Roderick truly ruthless as the men stated? When it came to family and friends, his concern and loyalty was unquestionable. Laila reasoned that a man as successful as he was, could expect to have a few detractors, even enemies. Laila shuddered at the thought of being his enemy . She couldn't imagine it. Not with the state of her rising feelings for Roderick. No, thinking of him made her feel things she had never felt before, made her want to do things she had never done.
        Laila continued down the richly carpeted hallway to the main ballroom, rejoining Roderick.
        "Are you al right?" Roderick saw that Laila's face was flushed.
        "I'm fine," Laila retorted, intent on appearing unaffected.
         Recognizing that dinner was due to be served, she quickly