Page 183 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Only another two weeks to go.”

“Don’t remind me,” she groans.

“Missing me?”

“Yes,” she says bluntly. “Yes, if you could just leave it there.”

I chuckle. “Afraid of getting caught talking dirty to your boss, Ms Feldmann?”

She harrumphs.

“You wish.” She chuckles.

“I do. How’s your sister? Asking after your grumpy arse boss?”

I heard her on the phone with her sister over the weekend. It was the first time Brooke had been able to speak to her because her sister had been heavily medicated. She and her family appeared close. When she saw me in the doorway, she told them she was going to work. I’m not sure if they realised it was Sunday.

“She’s doing much better. Her infection is clearing up. Hopefully she’ll be able to go home soon.”

“I’m glad she’s out of the woods.”

“Call me when you get home.”

“Will do…bye.”

CHAPTER 54

ALEX

“Thank you for all your support and hard work,” I say, shaking yet another hand.

Elise and I have made it our mission this morning to visit every department and thank the teams personally. We couldn’t have done it without them, and I like to let them know we appreciate their hard work and dedication and that everyone’s efforts have paid off.

Our Fall/Winter collection was a massive hit everywhere it landed. Media coverage for the brand has been extensive. We’ve secured lucrative wholesale orders from almost all our major buyers and some new ones, and by Paris, we had a queue of A-list celebrities and brand ambassadors ready to fuel the hype. That, combined with the rave reviews and editorial features we’ve been promised, means St Clair is flying.

I draw a deep breath as the elevator finally arrives on my office floor. The past few weeks have been torture. I’m not sure how one woman could invade my every waking moment, but she has. I’m usually in control of my thoughts and emotions, but she seems to have broken through my defences. We’ve spoken on the phone, but now I want, no, need, to see and touch her.

Brooke is sitting at her desk, her nose wrinkled as she focuses on whatever is on the screen.

“Hey,” I say quietly.

She jumps, her hand going to her chest.

“Alex,” she says, a dark flush spreading up her neck and over her cheeks. “I wasn’t expecting you until later.”

“I wasn’t intending to come in, but I got some sleep on the flight and wanted to congratulate the teams. I’ll draft an official message, but I prefer the personal touch.”

She smiles, and my breath catches.

“I like that,” she says. “Valuing your staff is important.”

“Well, I know one I especially value,” I say under my breath but loud enough for her to hear.

The streak of colour on her cheekbones darkens, and her pupils dilate.

The elevator pings, and footsteps approach at speed.

Dominic rounds the corner, pulling up short when he sees me.