Page 50 of Guarded King

“I don’t…” My throat tightens, and embarrassingly, tears spring to my eyes. I do my best to blink them away. “Thank you, Roman.”

“I told you, there’s no need to thank me.” His voice is deeper, rougher, his attention set on my face. “The King Group has the resources, and I need you focused when you’re on the job.”

“Yes, of course. It’s just…” I swallow hard, my throat still tight. My reaction is silly. It’s probably a reminder to him that I’m young. But I can’t help it. I love my dad more than anything. I have never resented looking after him. But the thought of having help, of having a professional ease some of the worry, liftsa heavy weight off my shoulders. “I appreciate you.” I wet my lips. “I mean, what you’re doing for me and Dad. Thank you.”

His eyes glimmer, but his expression remains stoic. “You’re welcome.” He rubs his hand over his mouth. “We have a lot to do before the trip, along with the work we need to complete for the acquisition strategy, so we’ll have some long days ahead of us. Let’s get back to work, shall we?”

Despite my still-damp lashes, I can’t help but smile. It’s clear he’s not used to this kind of sentimentality.

And I’m going toFrance.

I bite my lip, doing my best to rein in my emotions. I’d give anything to rush around this big desk and hug him. Instead, I stand and clasp my hands together to keep them steady. “I’ll get started on your itinerary for the trip. So it’s two days and one night?”

He nods. “It’s a flying visit. I’m sorry there won’t be time for sightseeing this time.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay. I’m just happy to get the chance to go with you.” The words are barely out before my stomach sinks. “I-I mean, I’m looking forward to the experience,” I stammer.

Humor lights his eyes. “Good.” He picks up his pen and lowers his focus to his computer screen, so I take that as a signal to leave.

I return to my desk and sink into my chair with a sigh. A few short weeks ago I thought getting fired from Talon was a catastrophe. Now here I am, and all I can think is thank god for Geoff’s pettiness.

CHAPTER TWENTY

ROMAN

Sitting straight, I meet the eyes of the four men sitting opposite me in the conference room of Wright Construction’s new HQ building. “Are we all done here, gentlemen?”

There are nods all around. Like me, they’re probably wishing their day was ending after this meeting. It’s late afternoon, but with the dark clouds finally delivering the rain they promised this morning, it feels much later. Thunder rumbles in the distance, and there’s an occasional flash of lightning to brighten the dimness outside.

This is our final meeting before Wright Construction takes over managing the InnovaCore development. The contracts are all signed, and the lawyers have just left. Now all I want is to get out of here and back to King Plaza before the increasingly heavy rain brings traffic to a standstill.

Beside me, Chloe sits primly, her slender fingers poised over her tablet keyboard as she waits to see whether any of us will add to the conversation before we call it quits. Though I’ve made sure, as always, to not sit too close, I sense her all the same. Even with the space I’m careful to put between us, I’m concerned my attraction to her is obvious.

Though Ethan Dane—Wright’s VP of operations—hasn’t sensed it. Through most of the meeting, he’s been focused on her. With every minute that’s passed, more tension has built in my neck and shoulders. I caught his eye once and gave him a look that told him to take his mind off my assistant and put it back where it should be—on our business.

And for the most part, he has. Thank fuck.

Now I have to steel myself for the ride back across town, where I’ll do my best to not notice the way the dark gray fitted dress she’s wearing today rides up her thighs when she crosses her legs in the seat beside me.

Just the thought has a knot forming in my chest. How the hell am I going to ignore the effect she has on me while we’re in France? When we’re in the close quarters of my private jet, or when she’s on the other side of a hotel wall?

I mentally shake away the doubt. I’ll manage it. Just like I have for the last few months. Even if it’s getting more difficult every day. Maybe it would be easier if the attraction didn’t go both ways. But I’ve seen her looking at me too, when she thinks I’m not paying attention. How her stares linger and she bites her bottom lip. The way her pulse flutters at the base of her throat when she stands close to me. What she doesn’t realize is that when she’s in the room, I’m always paying attention.

With a heavy exhale, I nod at her to let her know we’re done, then stand and address the men at the table. “Thank you for doing business with the King Group.”

Sean Prescott, the CEO, stands as well, and the rest of his team joins him. “We’re looking forward to working with you, Roman.”

On autopilot, I put my hand on Chloe’s back to guide her out of the room. When the heat of her body through the thin material of her dress warms my palm, I pull away and reluctantly let it drop.

She continues to the door, but before I can follow, Sean rounds the table and approaches me with his hand held out.

“I’m glad you considered us,” he says with a grin. “I was certain you’d go with Haverscombe, since he used to be the King Group’s go-to for this kind of partnership.”

“We’re moving on from the way we used to do things. I’m looking forward to this new partnership, and I’m hopeful that it’ll be even more successful.” In my periphery, Ethan approaches Chloe where she’s waiting for me in the hallway.

My spine stiffens, and an unfamiliar burn smolders to life inside me. With a curt nod at Sean, who’s mid-reply, I stride out into the hallway. When I approach them, Ethan, who is standing too damn close to Chloe, smiles and hands her a business card.

I come to an abrupt stop too close behind her. The move is territorial—the way Ethan straightens and pulls his shoulders back tells me that—but it’s instinctive. It’s all I can do to restrain myself from wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her against me.