Page 82 of The Rebel Billionaire

I open and close my mouth. Did Alex just say he wants me to accompany him and Elise? To Italy? To get a front-row seat to the inner workings of a fashion house and its suppliers?

“Uh, okay,” I say slowly, not sure what to make of this revelation.

My heart rate picks up with both excitement and anticipation, as the enormity begins to sink in. Italy means airports, lounges and commercial flights. It means increasing my visibility risk. And then there’s my security detail…

Shit!

My stomach roils at the thought, sweat trickling down my spine as my internal temperature soars.

“You don’t look thrilled,” he says, moving around his desk.

“I am. Thrilled that is… It’s amazing… It’s just… I wasn’t expecting it,” I say, trying to cover up whatever tension he’s seeing.

Sophia is going to kill me. The Seamstress is probably going to want to join her.

“I’ll send you the itinerary Teresa, Elise and I discussed last night. Any questions, let me know, but I’ll leave it to you to organise everything else.”

I stand up. “On it,” I say. “And thank you for the opportunity,” I lie, my stomach turning over. I need to get out of here before I embarrass myself and lose my breakfast.

I return to my desk and sip from my water bottle until my nerves settle.

Shit, shit, shit!

I pick up my phone and fire Sophia a message.

ME:

Alessandro wants me to go to Italy with him on business.

Three dots appear and disappear, my nerves singing as I await her reply.

SOPHIA:

I’m not surprised. It will be fine. You’ll be flying business or first class, which will reduce your exposure. I’ll arrange for Harvey to re-cut and colour your hair. I take it your travel documents are in order?

ME:

Yes

SOPHIA:

It’s not ideal, but there’s nothing that can be done without raising questions.

ME:

Okay

I’m not sure what else to reply. I look at Alex’s door and sigh. Come on, Brooke, you’ve got this.

* * *

By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. I’ve used my socialite and influencer skills to plan every detail of our itinerary, from accommodations to where we’ll be dining. I sit back after sending it to Elise and Alex for feedback and any amendments they may require.

After receiving it, Alex sends me home, telling me I need some downtime after my monster workday yesterday. He appears to be more relaxed in my company today, less grumpy. It feels as if our relationship has finally turned a corner and he’s starting to trust my abilities.

Entering my apartment, I throw down my bag, catching sight of myself in the mirror. My features look drawn and tired, but then stress will do that to someone.

Before I can think better of it, I grab my keys and a cup and head into the hallway. I knock loudly on the door opposite. It opens instantly, and I come face-to-face with a middle-aged man who stares at me, wide-eyed.