Page 60 of The Rebel Billionaire

Monday comes around faster than I could have anticipated. I expected being stuck in the apartment on my own to be a chore. But instead, it turned out to be a godsend. The past week had been mad, and organising Callie’s leaving party while running through every scenario Alessandro could possibly throw at me had left me drained. By the time I made it home on Friday night, I face-planted onto the bed and slept a good portion of Saturday.

Sunday was spent catching up with my siblings and preparing myself for today. My first day flying solo.

I’m at my desk by seven thirty. Alessandro has yet to arrive, so it gives me a chance to check emails and reschedule any appointments before he does.

“Good morning, Alessandro,” I say cheerfully as he approaches.

His head snaps up, the look of surprise on his face making me want to laugh.

“Good morning, Brooke. You’re in early.”

“Still on British time,” I say, before realising I’m supposed to have been here for a couple of months travelling around. His brow furrows and my face heats. “Not sure I’ll ever get used to it, even after all this time.”

He nods, and I stifle a groan. I’ve just made myself sound like a dithering idiot. I mentally smack myself on the forehead.

“Can I get you a coffee? Breakfast?” I ask, moving around the desk.

I know it was always the first thing Callie did when she got in, but Alessandro was usually already here.

“A coffee would be great,” he says, unlocking his office door and heading inside.

I follow. “There have been a couple of meeting cancellations I’ve had to reschedule…”

Alessandro turns, his shoulders back.

“Brooke,” he says quietly. “Take a breath. Get me a coffee while I get settled, after that you can fire whatever you need at me.”

I draw in a breath and close my mouth.

“Sorry,” I say, walking backwards towards the door.

“Don’t apologise. It’s good to see you’re keen, but a warning, before my first coffee…”

I hold up my hand. “Please, say no more. My brothers are the same, they… sorry… coffee, I’m on it.”

“Oh, and Brooke. Please call me Alex. Alessandro makes me feel like I’m being reprimanded.”

I nod and back out of the door, pulling it closed before he can say any more, my shoulders slouching.

Fuck, shit, bollocks!

I hiss under my breath. What is it about this man that has me tied up in knots? It’s not like I’m a stranger to men with god complexes. I was raised with three of them.

I make my way to the kitchen and flick on the coffee machine. It’s not as good as Gabriel’s, but it makes a perfectly acceptable coffee.

As it bubbles and gurgles, I use the time to re-centre myself, allowing the frantic churning in my stomach to settle.

Alessandro Bianchi is a mere man. He’s no better than me, even if he is my boss, pays my wages and runs a billion-dollar fashion house! The man is still an intelligent and entitled prick at times.

I smile at the last thought, just as the coffee machine begins to work its magic.

When the coffee is finished, I scoop up the cup and carry it towards his office. I put it down on my desk and grab the tablet, which, until today belonged to Callie. It’s now mine.

I place it under my arm and make my way to the door, knocking once before letting myself in.

Alex is at his desk, staring at his computer screen.

He looks up as I enter. His eyes lock on the mug in my hand.