Page 180 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I was busy getting ready for this week. It had been a long week, all the back-to-back meetings on my doorstep.”

He inclines his head and waves a hand in my direction.

“Then there’s this whole glow you’re giving off, like…no.”

“No, what?” I say before I can stop myself.

“Almost post-orgasmic,” he says with a chuckle, “or that might simply be the enormous hickey you were sporting on Monday morning.”

My hand flies to my throat, causing Enzo to laugh out loud. “It’s fine, I’m pulling your leg,” he admits.

“Very funny,” I say.

“However, I hit the mark,” he says, his face growing more serious. “Who is she? This woman who’s sent you into a tailspin.”

I press my forefinger and thumb into the inner corners of my eyes.

I draw in a breath. “Brooke,” I say.

“No one could have seen that coming,” he says sarcastically.

“What are you talking about?” I say, staring at him.

“Your attraction.” He rolls his eyes. “Come on, Alex. You couldn’t take your eyes off her at Christmas and, according to Gabbi, were like a bear with a sore head throughout New Year after Brooke cried off. I’m just surprised you’ve acted on it.”

“I…I didn’t intend to.” I unclip my watch strap before re-clasping it. “Her sister was rushed to hospital on Friday.”

“Is that when it happened?”

“Hell no, what do you take me for? I wouldn’t take advantage of someone who was upset.”

“Okay,” he says, holding up his hands. “But it happened over the weekend?”

“She came over. I wanted to update the packs after our discussions last week.”

I pause.

“And one thing led to another?”

“It was late, and I didn’t want her travelling home alone, so I suggested she stay in Gabbi’s room.”

“And she agreed?”

“It made sense. We hadn’t finished all the files.”

I know I’m over-explaining.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up,” he says. “You don’t need to explain. I’m happy for you…Brooke’s great.”

“How can you say that?”

It’s Enzo’s turn to look confused. “I don’t understand.”

“You should be berating me. She’s closer to Avril’s age than she is to mine. I’m her boss. We’re at completely different stages in our lives. She comes from England…did I mention I’m her boss, and in a position of power?”

“So? You’re her boss. Was it consensual? I’m taking it, that it was.”

“Of course it was. What do you take me for?”