Page 266 of The Rebel Billionaire

I turn to look at him, noticing the colour rising over his cheekbones.

“I’m glad. I designed it with you in mind.”

“What?” I step forward, my hand reaching for the beautiful floor-length evening gown. “You designed this? When?”

“All that free time you added to my calendar. It’s not all been about work. You gave me back the time for my first love. Designing.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Try it on. Elise had your measurements from your fittings and allowed for a little extra room for the baby. She’s also willing to pop around and make any alterations if you need them.”

“I can’t believe you designed this for me,” I say, turning and wrapping my arms around his neck.

His hands grip my waist. “Let’s just say you inspire me in more ways than one.”

I plant a kiss on his lips before pulling back.

“Are you going to try it on?”

“Absolutely.”

I spin away and strip out of my loungewear.

Alex is holding the dress ready. I shimmy it down my body, allowing him to fasten the hidden zipper. It fits like a glove, hugging me in all the right places, and flowing elegantly where it needs to.

“Alex, this is stunning.”

“You’re stunning,” he says, pulling me back against him. “So, you’ll come?”

“I’ll come,” I say, unable to turn down this wonderful man.

* * *

Of all the hotels in all of New York, the event has to be held at the Frazer Hotel, which Kat found highly amusing when I told her. All the staff have been told to ignore me if they see me.

I should feel relieved and secure, but instead I’m finding it hard to meet anyone’s eyes. The fragrance is like coming home, the Frazer signature scent, introduced into the chain by our mother thirty-plus years ago, or perhaps it was first used in her parents’ hotel chain. I’ll have to remember to ask her. The men and women who work here are like family to me. I’ve visited New York with Kat on multiple occasions over the years.

“Mr Bianchi, your suite is ready,” the concierge says.

“Thank you, An…” I say, stopping myself before I add the rest of her name.

Annie has worked for The Frazer Group for over ten years. She is the go-to person for Kat and me whenever we’re in town.

Annie gives me a sly smile, making Alex chuckle. He wraps an arm around my shoulders.

It’s not much better with the bellboy.

We enter the suite Alex has organised for us, deciding it was safer not to use my family’s suite. It’s beautiful. I must remember to tell Kat. She loves feedback on the hotels and guest experiences. It’s what makes her so good at what she does. That and the fact she puts up with zero shit from anyone.

“Well, we have four hours. What would you like to do?”

I tap my chin as if contemplating his question before spinning and wrapping my arms around his neck.

“I’m sure we can find something to do,” I say, my mouth capturing his.

* * *

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” he asks for the umpteenth time. “I know how you feel about us being seen in public.”