Page 265 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Of course. I missed you this afternoon,” he says.

I took the afternoon off to visit Callie and baby Logan. She’s one of the few people I’ve revealed my identity to. I’ve also told all of Alex’s friends. We invited them around for dinner. They loved all the cloak-and-dagger secrecy until Alex pointed out my life had been in danger. Three enormous bouquets turned up the next day, along with poetic notes of apology.

I smile up at him as he leans closer.

“I feel remarkably better,” I say with a grin taking the bouquet and placing it on the side before sliding my hands up his chest and around his neck.

He deepens our kiss. “I’m glad.”

“My miraculous recovery is down to the fabulous Greta.”

“Well, remind me to give her a summer bonus,” he says, kissing me again, before manoeuvring us to the sofa.

“I’ve got something to ask.”

I quirk a brow, and he grins.

“I have a charity event this weekend… before you say anything, it’s closed-door. No press are allowed inside. I’m attending with the guys, and we can stay at the hotel, so you won’t need to walk the red carpet. I can go alone, but it would mean a lot for me to have you by my side.”

My heart rate increases.

“No press?”

“Only outside. They don’t want to publicise the size of the donations or who made them.”

I’ve attended several of these types of events before. Larger donations are often made when the donors can remain anonymous.

I smile and take his hand in mine. “It’s not a question of whether I want to, it’s whether you’re ready to let the rest of the world in if I’m spotted.”

So far, it’s not been too bad. My reappearance barely warranted a mention on page thirty-five of one of the American newspapers. Since my return, we’ve let several of the main players, like the board of directors, Elise and Sue, in on my true identity, but besides that, I’m still Brooke. We’ve also disclosed our relationship. The fact that I’m growing baby Bianchi will soon be hard to hide.

Alex grins. “You know my take on this,” he says, pulling me forward and flush against him, my hands resting on his chest.

“Okay then,” I say, with a slight tilt of my lips.

“Okay? Really?” Alex asks, his face lighting up. “Mother and Enzo are going to be there. Callie is also going to be attending. We’ve got our own table, so there shouldn’t be any issues.”

“Callie, really? She didn’t say anything. Er… Alex, how’s your mother going to take it? Us going public?” I tap his chest, and then mine.

“I really don’t give a flying,” he says. “I’m forty years old. I don’t need my mother’s permission. Besides, you’re growing her grandchild. You could run around New York naked, and she’d love you.”

I snort, slapping a hand over my mouth.

“I’ve got nothing to wear.”

My hips and stomach have slightly expanded now that I’m sixteen weeks along.

“Ah, that’s where you’re wrong.”

I furrow my brow.

“Come with me,” he says.

He leads me by the hand into one of the spare rooms, throwing open the closet doors.

Inside is a dress, one I’ve never seen before. It’s made from the fabric we sampled in Italy.

“Alex, oh my goodness, it’s stunning.”