Page 162 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Not my boss.”

I think back to waking from my nightmare and the way he held me, wrapped in his arms, the rhythmic beat of his heart beneath my ear, soothing my frayed nerves. I remember my body pressed to his, my thigh resting against his…

“It’s because I’m your boss that you’re embarrassed?”

“No… Yes. I know I’m being silly. Thank you for being there.”

“How about this? Last night I wasn’t your boss. I was your friend. Does that help? Be honest.”

I stare at the wall.

“A little,” I admit.

The thought of Alessandro Bianchi being my friend has butterflies dancing in my stomach.

There’s a pause. “Do you have many nightmares?”

The elephant in the room. I should have known he wouldn’t ignore what happened.

“They’re not as frequent as they used to be,” I admit. “But lately…”

Why did I add the last bit?

“Have you talked about them? Do you know what triggers them?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“I had years of counselling, but it never truly got rid of them. It’s the night my father died,” I whisper, shocking myself when I add, “He was on his way to collect me from a party.”

There’s silence. “I’m sorry, Brooke. How old were you?”

I think back to The Seamstress’s little book. The book says my dad is dead, but not how he died.

Fuck it.

“I was seventeen.”

“You were young.”

“It is what it is. I’m luckier than some. I had him for seventeen years,” I say. “Thank you. Last night you chased the dreams away.”

“You’re welcome. Isn’t that what friends are for?”

“Apparently so.”

I’m treading on dangerous ground. He’s heading to London next week, my home city. According to Caleb, the missing heiress is not currently front-page news, but then again, it only takes an anonymous tip-off. Would Alex recognise me? I decide to change the subject.

“Did you find everything you need for next week?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t sound sure?”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“Alex,” I warn. “I’m your PA. What are you missing?”

“The packs need updating. Something came out of the initial meetings, something we need to change. It’s fine, I can talk around it.”