Page 104 of The Rebel Billionaire

In your eyes, I want to say.

The fear of slipping up, of being recognised. One wrong answer and this charade comes down like a house of cards. I know my fears are unfounded, especially with Sophia there. I’ve grown so used to living this lie that I’m almost starting to feel more like Brooke, and as though Harper Frazer is little more than a distant memory.

He turns and walks back into his office.

And then there’s him. I haven’t forgotten how it felt to be held in his arms… not when I’m home alone. It’s then that my fantasies take flight. What would it have felt like if he’d pulled me into his arms, his lips crashing down on mine, our tongues tangling?

I mentally shake myself as my breath quickens.

Here in the office, I try to push aside my growing attraction for Alessandro Bianchi. I keep busy, there’s no time for daydreaming. Outside the office, it’s harder. And now I’m about to be thrust into his family space. Not awkward at all.

I drop Sophia a message.

ME:

Thank you for the invite for Christmas

SOPHIA:

You’re welcome. Don’t worry, it is only family for lunch.

She fails to mention the afterparty, clearly not wanting to panic me. Or maybe she intends to send me home before it starts. I need to trust her. She’s the only person who knows my real identity. Let’s just hope it stays that way.

CHAPTER 31

ALEX

“Now make sure you make her welcome,” Mother says.

“We make everyone welcome,” Enzo says.

“Not that kind of welcome,” Gabbi says, rolling her eyes at our brother.

“What?” he says, his face a picture of innocence.

“You know what. You’re a playboy,” Gabbi says. “Brooke is off limits. I like her.”

“Brooke is definitely off-limits,” I say, knowing I’ll never cope if I have to watch my brother flirt with her all day. “Remember, she works for St Clair and is my PA. I don’t need the headache.”

Enzo laughs. “You’re being very protective over there,” he says.

“I am. She’s a good PA. I don’t need her being distracted or derailed by you.”

“Boys, boys,” Mother says.

He pulls a face at me behind her back, but I know he’s got the message.

Enzo in full flirtatious mode is something to behold. Women fall at his feet.

I glance across the room at my fifteen-year-old niece, Avril. Her mother, Katrina, and Enzo were high school sweethearts until an incident he’s never talked about drove them apart. Whether he’s embarrassed, I don’t know, but, somehow, they’ve remained friends. Katrina wants what’s best for their daughter rather than worrying about her feelings for my brother.

“She’s here,” Mother says. “Everyone on their best behaviour.”

I roll my eyes. Brooke’s my PA, not fucking royalty.

It’s bad enough that Mother invited her to spend Christmas with us. It’s not like she gave any of us a choice. But when I found out she was going to be alone… I’m not a complete heel. But time away from her is something I’d been looking forward to. Getting my head back in the game, rebuilding some walls.

Avril moves to stand next to my brother.