Page 12 of The Forbidden Billionaire
He hesitates, then says, “One or two. You seem very natural.”
“Well, that’s something.” I open the door. “Okay, let’s go.”
We walk into the building together. Luke glances around as I report to reception, then comes and sits beside me in the waiting area, his sharp gaze continuing to take in the busy foyer.
“What are you checking for?” I ask.
“Making sure I know where the exits are. Assessing potential threats.”
“Can you see any?”
He nods toward the water cooler. I follow his gaze and see a man standing there. He’s about five-ten, in his forties, and wearing a jacket and trousers. He looks perfectly ordinary. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Why is he standing by the water cooler but not pouring himself a drink? Why are his hands in his pockets?”
“Seriously? He’s just waiting for someone.”
“Maybe. But until he takes his hands out and moves on, he’s on my radar.”
Amused, I nudge him with my elbow. “You love all this, don’t you? Covert ops. It’s like being a spy.”
“Without the trilby and magnifying glass.”
I giggle, and his lips curve up.
“Ms. Ashford!” A woman approaches me with a smile, and I get to my feet. She’s in her thirties, smartly dressed, with a clipboard. “I’m Emma, I’m Lara’s assistant.”
“Please, call me Aurelia.” I hold out my hand, and we shake.
“All ready?” she asks. She glances at Luke.
“You can stay here,” I inform him. “I’m sure their security officers will know what to do if someone tries to kidnap me.”
But he says, “I’d rather come with you, ma’am.”
“You’re not sitting next to me while I’m being interviewed. You’ll make me even more nervous.”
“I’m happy to sit outside the studio.”
“Jesus.” I roll my eyes. “Sorry about this,” I say to Emma as we start walking across the lobby, Luke following a few feet behind. “My family’s being over-vigilant at the moment. I don’t know why.”
“Big brothers, eh?” she says cheerfully. “I’ve got three. I know what they’re like.”
We continue chatting until we reach the elevators, and she presses the button. When the carriage doors open, Luke puts an arm across, stopping me from passing him. I wait, embarrassed and exasperated, as he goes in first, glances around, then gestures for us to follow.
“For fuck’s sake,” I say.
Emma laughs and presses for the third floor. “I can think of worse things than having a handsome man following you around twenty-four-seven.”
Luke studies his shoes, and I exchange an amused glance with Emma, who then observes him with renewed interest.
When we arrive at floor three, she takes me to the studio. True to his word, Luke stays in the waiting area outside, while I go in and meet Lara.
I don’t know whether he goes off while I’m doing the interview, but when I come out, he’s waiting, and he gets to his feet as he sees me approach.
“All good?” he asks.
“Yep.” I breathe a sigh of relief as we head for the elevators. “It’s going out over the weekend.” This time I stand back and let him go in first, then follow him in. “Aren’t you going to say ‘good girl’?” I tease as he presses for the ground floor.
