Page 94 of The Rebel Billionaire

Crap!

Maybe someone will have spotted me tonight, and my cover is already blown.

Fuck, that’s the last thing I need.

No, I’ll just have to suck it up and hope I don’t end up with Evelyn in the secretarial pool by Monday.

Pushing myself off the bed, I make my way into the bathroom, running through my nighttime routine.

By the time I’m done, I’ve decided.

No comment. It never happened.

Even the gentlest touch of his lips against mine isn’t something I’m going to forget in a hurry. But who am I kidding? This is never going to happen again. There was no mistaking the look of horror in his eyes when he pulled me upright.

Back on the bed, I draw my knees up and drop my head into my hands.

I blame Rome. The romance of the city, its history, the people. But there’s no denying it, spending the night with Alex and his sister has had a profound effect on me. My heart lurches at the thought of my own family and how I want nothing more than to be held within the safety of their arms.

But tomorrow is another day. We fly home. Christmas is almost upon us. The office closes for over a week, so I won’t have to see Mr Tall, Dark and Broody. After that, night school begins in the new year. I just need to navigate that little hurdle with my protection team.

CHAPTER 27

ALEX

Elise and Brooke are deep in conversation as they enter the restaurant for breakfast. Elise looks up and waves, then guides Brooke towards me and the table I’m occupying.

“Morning, boss,” she says cheerfully, and I wonder whether Giovanni Esposito has anything to do with that.

I saw him dropping her back at the hotel late last night. He was clearly the friend she was meeting. Not that I blame her. They’ve worked closely over the years. He’s only a few years younger than she is. If something develops, I wish them both well.

Our waiter arrives, takes their drink orders, and directs them to the buffet.

“So, how was your meal last night?” she asks, turning to Brooke, who’s been remarkably quiet since she sat down.

“It was lovely,” she says. “The food and wine were everything the reviews promised. Gabbi joined us, which was nice.”

Her mention of the wine makes me wonder whether she intends to use it as an excuse for what transpired at the end of the evening.

A get-out-of-jail-free card. I had a little too much to drink… it was quite out of character.

Elise turns to me. “Gabbi joined you?”

I nod.

“I’m sorry I missed her. How’s her course going?”

“Well,” both Brooke and I answer together before falling into silence.

Brooke gets up and moves to the buffet, leaving us at the table.

Elise looks at me, her eyes questioning.

“Gabbi is loving her course. Hopefully, once she’s finished, she’ll join us,” I say.

“Brooke looks tired this morning,” Elise says, her eyes never leaving my face.

“It was a late night. The past couple of days have been hectic. Add the couple of bottles of wine we had with dinner. I’m sure when she’s back in New York in her own bed, she’ll feel better.”