Page 196 of The Rebel Billionaire

The word trust burns in my chest.

What would Alex think if he knew the truth about me?

“Hey, that was me, not you.”

I give her a weak smile. “It’s still early days and…”

“You’re just enjoying the sex,” she says, laughing.

I feel my cheeks heat.

“Enjoy yourself. You’re only young once.”

“You’re right,” I say.

At that moment, Debra enters, and we all look up.

“Evening, everyone. I have a surprise for you tonight.” She turns towards the door, an enormous smile on her face. “Let me introduce Elise Brown, creative director at St Clair. One of New York’s most exclusive exports.”

A rush of adrenaline shoots through my system, my breath becoming quick and shallow.

My eyes dart around the room looking for an escape, but there is none.

Fuck!

I drop my head and stare at the table, flinching as Elise speaks.

“Evening, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’ll be taking you through what it’s like to work for a fashion house like St Clair and career path options.”

“Oh. My. God. St Clair,” Andie squeals next to me. “Her designs are legendary. Not to mention the CEO. He’s hot.”

Double fuck!

I have Andie fangirling not only over Elise but also over Alex. Ground, swallow me up. Not that I can blame her, Alex is hot, and Elise is a truly amazing designer.

“I agree,” I all but croak out, earning myself a frown.

She grips my leg, her excitement palpable.

“They’re coming over,” she hisses between her teeth, her smile wide and welcoming.

I glance up as Debra approaches with Elise in tow.

“This is Andie and Brooke. Brooke is the student I was telling you about.”

“It’s lovely to meet you both,” Elise says.

I smile awkwardly. One she returns, but the look in her eyes lets me know she has questions but is not going to out me.

“Brooke, can I show Elise some of your designs?”

Heat spreads up my neck and into my cheeks, and I resist the urge to cover them with my hands.

“Of course.”

Debra picks up my sketchbook and hands it to Elise.

She flicks through it before looking up and meeting my gaze.