Page 60 of The Forbidden Billionaire
I like this guy so much. I love how he makes me feel safe. And how he’s so competent at what he does. I love his stubble and his dark eyes and his grumpy attitude and the fact that he checked with my father first before asking me if I’d like to dance.He’s kind of old fashioned and young and sexy and hot at the same time. It’s an irresistible combination.
He’s been looking at my mouth for an eternity, and I know he’s fighting with himself. I want to reach up and kiss him… but I mustn’t. He has to take this final step himself, or he’ll blame me for leading him astray.
Eventually, his gaze comes back to mine, and I know his principles have beaten his desires.
Dammit.
“Good night,” he says. His voice is low, husky.
“’Night.” Oddly, I respect him for his restraint, even though I’d have been overjoyed if he’d given in.
“See you tomorrow.” He lowers his arm, moves through the doorway, and heads off down the corridor.
I watch him go. Then I walk inside and let the door close behind me. Lonely and aching with need. Again.
Seems to be my destiny to go home alone nowadays.
Chapter Thirteen
Luke
When Aurelia comes out of the elevator on Monday morning, I’m expecting her to greet me with a frosty demeanor. No woman likes to be turned down, and I’ve done it twice now. Both times, I’ve led her to believe I’m interested in her, and both times I’ve backed out at the last minute. She has every reason to be angry with me.
To my surprise, though, her smile seems genuine, and although she doesn’t mention what happened, she doesn’t appear to be harboring a grudge, as she greets me and we walk together into the gym.
Touched that maybe she understands my position, I start the morning’s self-defense moves, wondering if things will grow more awkward as we start grappling. But once again, I’m surprised as she concentrates on the movements and my instructions. She doesn’t flirt, and she doesn’t hold eye contact for longer than is necessary. When I do have to touch her, she doesn’t react other than to ask for clarification as to which way to turn or where she should brace herself, and she concludes the session by thanking me cheerfully and going off to do her normal workout.
I start my weight training not knowing whether I’m relieved or disappointed. It would have been easier, in a way, if she was mad at me, because I deserve it. I should have maintained my distance and made it very clear from the start that nothing would ever happen between us. I should never have flirted, never have reacted to her mischievous teasing.
But I’m only human, and it’s impossible for me not to react when she looks at me with those gorgeous green eyes that light up with amusement.
I like her, and if she wasn’t my principal, I would definitely ask her out on a date. And I think we both know that.
So, I think as I use the chest press machine, where do I go from here? Should I see Marcus and hand in my resignation? Tell him I’ve fallen for his sister, and I can’t continue to keep her safe when I have feelings for her?
I lower the bars and sit there for a moment. There are several issues with that. First, I need the job. With the economic situation the way it is at the moment, it’s not as if I can walk straight into another position. And even if I did find some security officer role, it would almost certainly not pay anywhere near what Marcus is paying me right now.
Secondly, Marcus is likely to punch my lights out for having a thing about his sister, especially while I’m her CPO. Or try to, anyway. I could probably take him, but that’s not really the point. I don’t want to upset him because he’s a good friend.
Thirdly, she might say no. I don’tthinkshe would, but she might be so pissed off with me that she’d turn me down, and then I’d have no Aurelia and no job.
And fourthly, or was it fifthly? I’ve lost count, but this is the most important one: I don’t want someone else being her CPO. For a start, I don’t trust anyone but myself to look after her properly, and more selfishly and honestly, I don’t want anyone being that close to her day in, day out.
No, I’m going to have to learn to control myself. Maybe, one day we’ll catch her stalker, and then I can rethink it, but for now, I want to keep her safe. That’s my first priority. Correction, myonlypriority. Everything else will have to wait.
*
The week progresses without any further alarming event. On Tuesday, Aurelia has a lunch date with a family friend, but otherwise she stays in the office, and I don’t see much of her. HerWednesday calendar is busy, so mine will be busy too, especially as we have our weekly security meeting that morning.
To my surprise, at the meeting, Ella announces we’re lowering the protection level back to green.
“What?” I stare at her, confused.
“He’s eased off,” she says. “And I think that’s because you confronted him.”
We’ve intercepted a few emails and several messages on social media, but no more gifts have turned up, and there’s no sign of any further photos.
“Dominic, you mean?” I ask.
