Abdulla wants a decision in three weeks. In less time than that, the CPS will make an even bigger decision.
‘Are you unwell?’ Gregory is on his hunkers in front of me, gently prising my hands away from my temples.
Oh God.Every person in the room watches as I stare at my beautiful CEO. The curt manner he reserves for work is gone and it’s just Gregory,myGregory, his face drenched in concern.
‘I’m fine,’ I whisper. ‘I just have a headache.’
He silently questions me, his focus falling to my lips. Knowing I can’t, won’t, kiss my client in a room full of cameras and a reporter, I pinch my eyes shut and when I open them, his expression is replaced with one of professionalism.
‘Francesca, please get Miss Heath some painkillers and a glass of water.’
The receptionist snaps into action but Gregory remains focussed on me.
‘Would you like to postpone our meeting?’
‘No. I’m fine. Sorry, it’s been a long day.’
‘Let’s see if I can make you feel better tonight,’ he whispers so only I can hear, then stands, straightens his jacket and fastens one button in the middle as he walks back to his desk. ‘Let’s draw this interview to a close,’ he says, taking a seat and returning to his cross-legged position.
‘Well, I was about to move on to your status as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors but?—’
‘I don’t think that would be appropriate. This is an article about business. My personal life isn’t the concern of the readership.’
‘Err, erm, right. No, of course not.’
‘Do you have another question, or are we done here?’
His tone is so abrupt, I actually feel for the reporter. The rare flash of relaxed Gregory is replaced with the brusque white-collar mogul.
My headache wanes under the influence of paracetamol, not in the least bit aided by the flashing bulbs of cameras as Gregory is set in poses at his desk and in the window.
‘Can we try that with a smile?’ a cameraman asks.
Gregory cocks his head to one side and arches a brow.
‘I’ll take that as a no.’
‘Do so,’ Gregory says, brushing one side of his blazer, which I’m almost certain is purely for effect.
Another series of flashes illuminates the room before Gregory announces, ‘We’re done. Help yourselves to food and drinks, gentlemen. I have another appointment.’
‘How did your meeting about handling PR go with Sydney this morning?’ I ask when we’re tucked in the sanctity of one of the meeting rooms.
Gregory crouches down in front of my oversized leather chair, turning me away from the large glass table to face him. He runs his fingers down the side of my cheek then drops his forehead onto mine.
‘Kiss me,’ I whisper.
He presses his lips to mine and I hum, breathing him in. He nips my bottom lip between his teeth and slowly opens his hooded eyes.
‘I’ve been desperate to do that since I left you this morning.’
‘Why didn’t you say you aren’t a bachelor?’ The words leave my mouth before my brain has even processed them.
Gregory pulls his head back, his face still level with mine. ‘Like I said, it’s not their business.’
‘But… do you…’
‘Do I consider myself a bachelor?’
