Page 17 of Suddenly Desired (APEX Billionaires’ Club #2)

ELLIE

Ellie felt as if she was riding a roller coaster, with each new minute bringing an unexpected twist or a breathtaking loop-the-loop.

What is happening? she had to ask herself as she walked by Blake’s side, down the sweeping staircase of the library and out of the main doors.

She couldn’t believe she’d talked his ear off for so long about LifeWrite, and that he’d listened to it all without looking at his watch, yawning dramatically and making an excuse to leave — which is what Josh had always done.

Most of all she couldn’t believe he seemed genuinely interested, and it had been a genuine interest. His questions had all been intelligent and curious, his comments insightful.

He’d heard every single word she had said.

The whole thing had been literally unbelievable, yet here she was, walking out of her favourite building with her new favourite person.

Though she was certainly the only person in the Blake Fielding fan club at the moment.

Even with his glasses back on, subtly disguising his features, people were starting to notice him. Some of it was unavoidable — he exuded a quiet, commanding presence that naturally drew eyes.

But it wasn’t the kind of brash confidence she’d come to expect from the few wealthy people she’d encountered in passing.

Blake’s aura felt . . . different. He carried himself with a calm, reassuring strength, the kind of energy that made you want to lean in, not shy away.

Her mum had always said that truly kind people had a certain light about them, and Blake practically radiated.

It didn’t hurt that he looked like he’d just stepped off the cover of GQ . Those broad shoulders, the way his fitted polo shirt hinted at the muscle beneath — yeah, he was bound to attract attention.

But some of the looks weren’t admiring. Ellie caught a few sharp, disapproving glances as they stepped on to the pavement, and her stomach twisted. She could practically hear the judgement in their eyes.

How dare she walk with him?

It wasn’t hard to guess what they were thinking. The viral bar video was everywhere, with over a million views when she’d checked that morning. At least some of the people around them must’ve recognised him — or worse, recognised her.

Her grip on her bag strap tightened as a couple of women shot her particularly sour glares. She wasn’t used to being in the spotlight, and she definitely wasn’t used to being on the receiving end of public scorn.

Blake, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. His pace was steady, his focus fixed ahead as though nothing could touch him. That calm confidence was like a shield, and Ellie found herself leaning into it, letting his presence ground her.

Luckily they didn’t have to go far. A few seconds after leaving the building, a huge, shark-like Mercedes-Maybach purred to a halt in front of them.

Blake opened the back door and gestured for her to get in.

She hesitated for a split second, but the warmth of his small smile reassured her.

Climbing inside, she was immediately hit by the rich scent of leather and polish.

The interior was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.

It was like stepping into a mobile five-star suite, complete with plush quilted seats, soft ambient lighting, and an air of understated elegance.

There were small crystal glasses tucked neatly into holders, a sleek control panel by her armrest, and even a perfectly fluffed cushion on her seat.

She ran her fingers over the buttery leather, marvelling at the attention to detail. She’d flown economy her entire life, and walking past business class on the way to her seat had always been the closest she’d got to this kind of luxury.

“It’s a little much,” said Blake, apologetically. He waited for her to sit down then closed her door, appearing a few seconds later on the other side of the car. A few people on the pavement had worked out who he was and Ellie could hear a few jeers which were abruptly cut off as he shut the door.

“Thanks, Alfie,” Blake said to the young man at the wheel. “Better put your foot down before they start throwing bricks.”

“Yes, sir,” said Alfie, and the car moved off with so much power that Ellie felt her insides tumble.

Just another twist on the roller coaster , she thought.

The driver pulled smoothly into traffic, the city blurring past the tinted windows.

Ellie stole a glance at Blake, her heart skipping as he adjusted his glasses and leaned his head back against the seat.

Even in this moment of quiet, there was something magnetic about him, an unspoken tension that filled the space between them.

“So, where exactly are we going?” she asked, trying to keep her voice casual.

“To meet someone who can help. Someone I trust.”

Ellie nodded, her curiosity piqued. “A secret mission, then?”

Blake chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Something like that.”

She couldn’t help but smile, the tension easing slightly. Despite everything — the viral scandal, the stares on the street — this felt like an adventure, one she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for but couldn’t resist joining.

The driver obviously knew where they were going, even if Ellie didn’t. Blake stared at the crowds outside the window. After a moment he turned to her. “Thank you for coming,” he said. “I didn’t exactly plan to ask you — it just sort of slipped out.”

Ellie smirked. “You make it sound like I’m doing you a huge favour.”

“Aren’t you?” He tilted his head.

“Maybe,” she teased, leaning back. “But I’m also curious. You’re like a walking mystery novel.”

Blake chuckled. “Glad I’m keeping you entertained.”

“Hey, it beats sitting at home,” she said. “Besides, you’ve got me hooked now. I need to know how this story ends.”

“Hopefully not with me in handcuffs,” he quipped, though there was a shadow of seriousness behind his grin.

Ellie gave him a playful nudge with her elbow. “Well, if that happens, I’ll be the first to smuggle you a file baked into a cake.”

“Good to know I have someone in my corner,” Blake said, his smile lingering as he studied her. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt that.”

She saw something flicker in his eyes — gratitude, maybe? Or relief? It was hard to tell, but whatever it was, it hit her square in the chest.

“Well, you’ve got me,” she said lightly. “Just don’t expect me to do anything illegal. I have my limits.”

“Is smuggling tools into prison in a cake not illegal?” Blake laughed, shaking his head. “But, noted. No criminal activity unless it involves baking, right you are.”

“I have been known to make an illegally good seven-layer gateau.” Ellie turned her gaze to the window, ignoring the burning in her cheeks at the dad joke that had sprung from nowhere. “So,” she said after a beat, “who’s this mystery person we’re meeting?”

“Nathanial Parker. Nate,” Blake replied. “He’s a genius coder and one of the original Heartbook team. He’s helped me out of tight spots before. We go way back. He’s a member of this . . . club I’m a part of and he’s, well, what can I say? He’s possibly going to save my bacon.”

“A club?” Ellie asked. “Can anyone join? Or do you have to be blessed by the god of good genes to get a look in?”

Blake laughed. “If that were the only criteria, you’d be welcomed with open arms. It’s an exclusive club for people with . . . let’s say . . . a lot of money . . .”

“Billionaires,” said Ellie. “I’m not naive, Blake. I know how much you and Heartbook are worth.”

Blake smiled. “Not everyone is as genuine as you when they find out about the money. My friends I’ve made at APEX are all in the same boat, and so we all know the shit we have to deal with. We support one another.”

Ellie was going to make a quip about using their piles of cash to keep Blake’s company alive, but she’d had a glimpse of how money didn’t really solve issues like this and decided now wasn’t the time. “And Nate’s okay with all of this?” she asked instead.

Blake shrugged. “Let’s just say Nate doesn’t scare easily.”

Ellie raised an eyebrow. “Must be nice to have friends in high places.”

Blake smirked. “It has its perks. But trust me, Nate’s not the type to let me forget this favour.”

Ellie couldn’t help but grin. “Sounds like my kind of guy.”

Blake’s eyes flicked to hers, something playful sparking in their depths. “Careful. I might start getting jealous.”

Ellie’s heart did a little flip, but she kept her tone light. “Don’t worry, Fielding. You’re still the most intriguing billionaire I’ve met this week.”

“High praise,” Blake said with a laugh. “I’ll take it.”

The car slowed to a stop, and the driver turned in his seat. “We’re here, sir.”

Blake straightened, glancing out of the window before turning back to Ellie. “You don’t have to come in, you know. This could get . . . technical.”

Ellie shot him a look. “Do you want me to come in?”

“Yeah,” he admitted after a moment. “I do.”

“Then let’s go,” she said, her tone firm but teasing. “Just don’t expect me to start speaking in code . . . or billionaire.”

Blake chuckled, opening his door. “Deal.”

Ellie followed, stepping on to the pavement. Blake appeared beside her almost instantly, his hand lightly brushing her elbow as he guided her around the car.

“Corporate secrets and all,” he said with a wink as they approached the entrance to the building. “Mum’s the word.”

“Don’t worry,” Ellie said, matching his tone. “I’ll take your secrets to the grave.”

Blake paused at the door, glancing back at her, his expression momentarily serious. “I’m holding you to that.”

Ellie gave him a playful salute, her smile easing the tension in his shoulders.

The doorman held the glass door open for them, and as they stepped inside Ellie took a quick breath, the cool air-conditioning a welcome contrast to the heat outside. She glanced at Blake, noticing the way his jaw tightened ever so slightly as they walked towards the bank of lifts.

“You okay?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah,” he said, giving her a quick nod. “Just . . . a lot riding on this.”

Ellie nudged him gently with her shoulder. “Good thing you’ve got me for moral support, then.”

Blake’s lips twitched into a grin. “Yeah, I think I’m in good hands.”

The lift doors slid open and they stepped inside, the tension between them buzzing like static electricity. Ellie caught her reflection in the polished steel walls, her cheeks still faintly pink, her eyes brighter than usual. She felt alive, more alive than she had in years.

Blake pressed the button for the twelfth floor, and as the doors closed, their eyes met in the mirrored surface.

“You ready for this?” she asked, her voice low but steady.

“I am now.”

The way he said it sent a thrill straight through her.

The lift hummed as it ascended, the city falling away below them. And as they stood there, side by side in the quiet, Ellie realised something: she wasn’t just here to help Blake.

She was here because she wanted to be.

Because, for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was part of something bigger than herself.

And it was thrilling.