Page 71 of Guarded King

Ellis’s expression softens a little. “I’m sorry I had to bring up such an uncomfortable topic. But I’m sure you understand that a leader’s actions within his own company often reflect his values outside of it. I need to make decisions for my own company’s future based on what I believe is best for it.”

“Of course. We both have the best interests of our companies in mind.”

“I’m glad we seem to be on the same page.”

Before I have a chance to respond, Chloe and Jasmine return. Once they’re seated, Jasmine turns to her husband. “Chloe was telling me her father is an artist. Isn’t that wonderful?”

He smiles at my assistant. “Indeed it is. What does he paint?”

“Most of his work is based around New York. He likes to capture the hidden beauty of the city.”

Jasmine’s eyes light up. “That’s a lovely way to put it. And is his work displayed in any galleries?”

Chloe shifts in her seat. Despite the sensitive topic, her pleasant smile doesn’t slip. I’m the one struggling to keep my emotions in check. The most ridiculous urge to cup the back of her neck washes over me. To stroke my thumb over her warm skin, to soothe her in some small way.

“No, he used to have a small studio, and he sold his work there. Then he moved to mostly online. But he’s taking a break for a while.”

Leaning back, Ellis slings his arm over the back of his wife’s chair. “Were you ever tempted to follow in his footsteps?”

Chloe takes a small sip of her wine. “When I was younger, I wanted to. But… well,” she darts a look at me, the move so quick, I almost miss it, “we had some challenges along the way. I decided having a stable job was a better fit for me.”

My chest constricts at the admission. I didn’t know that about her. I hadn’t even thought to ask. The derailment of Chloe’s childhood dreams shouldn’t bother me, but the tightness in my ribs tells me that it does. A lot.

“Do you paint for fun, at least?” Jasmine asks. “I’ve always wished I was more creative, but alas, I wasn’t blessed with that kind of talent. I’ve had to settle for being a patron of the arts.” She finishes with a grin at her husband.

The older man chuckles. “So many paintings, so few walls.”

It’s unlikely that either of them notices the way Chloe’s expression dims slightly. Not when she keeps her tone light as she says, “You know how it is. Life is so busy. I don’t really have time for hobbies.”

“That’s a shame,” Jasmine says. “But I understand. A young woman like you probably has a hectic social life. When your boss isn’t cracking the whip, of course.” She winks at me.

That’s another thing I don’t know about my assistant. Does she get any opportunity to spend time with friends, to go out, todate? My jaw clenches at the thought of her sitting in a restaurant like this with another man, gracing him with that pretty smile. Or maybe hooking up with someone at a club. Does she frequent clubs? Her dad is clearly her top priority, so I can’t imagine she spends too much time out on the town.

Not knowing what she does outside of work irritates me far more than it should. It feels like I should know. Like I should have asked her. Like I should have made sure she has time to relax. Even on this trip, her first to Europe, she’s had no time to enjoy the sights or experience the culture.

“So, considering we’re in France, I have to ask. Have you ever been to the Louvre?” Ellis asks.

“Oh, yes,” Jasmine breaks in. “It’s one of my favorite places to visit when we’re in Paris.”

“This is actually my first visit,” Chloe says. “But I’d love to see it one day.”

“Yes, you absolutely must,” Jasmine says.

Our waiter is back once again, this time with dessert. I only ordered a glass of Muscat. But Chloe has the Tarte Tropézienne, a sweet brioche filled with a mixture of custard and buttercream, with sugar crystals sprinkled on top.

Sitting next to her as she eats it is a test of my self-control. The appreciative noises she makes, the way she licks the sugar crystals from her lips, has my dick swelling against the fly of my pants.

Rather than dwell on the thought of how sweet she’d taste if I were to kiss her right now, I force myself to focus on the reason I’m here and ask Ellis for details of EcoTech’s financial projections for the next five years.

Once we’ve finished our wine and dessert, Ellis and I politely tussle over who’s going to pay the bill. I win, of course. And afterthe waiter brings back my card, we push back our chairs and leave the table.

I resist the now almost instinctive urge to put my hand on Chloe’s lower back as we escort Ellis and Jasmine to the foyer.

Ellis shakes my hand, his voice low, and leans in close. “Thank you for the dinner… and for the enlightening conversation. I’d like to meet up in a more formal capacity the next time I’m in New York.”

Triumph courses through my veins. “I’d like that too. Reach out when your travel plans are confirmed, and we’ll set up a meeting.”

With a nod, he turns to Chloe. “It was lovely to meet you. I hope to see you again soon.”