Page 42 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

"How much?"

"5,750 pounds. But I can round it up to 6,000. I’m not stingy."

So much money for a single week. My parents could really use that right now.

"I’ll move in tonight and go back home Monday evening?"

"If you don’t want to work for me after the trial week, yes. Correct."

I press my lips together.

"Okay. I’ll pack a few things and drive to your place. What’s the address?"

"I’ll send a driver. Thomas will be at your place in about thirty minutes and wait downstairs."

"All right." I hang up. Maybe I should’ve said goodbye, but I’m too nervous and starting to panic a bit. This feels like a spontaneous vacation, and I’m definitely not spontaneous.

I pack: lots of clothes, half my bathroom items, and a few personal things I care about. It’s not like I’m leaving the planet. His house is surely in London, right?

In the end, I have two suitcases and a duffel bag packed to the brim. I lug everything downstairs and see a young man getting out of a black limo. He rushes to help me and makes sure my luggage is stowed properly. I can hardly believe I’m really doing this. Maybe it’s the first real step into a new life I won’t regret.

The pay is a dream, even if I have to give up my life for the next few years to support him and especially Rosie. But these are exactly the kind of challenges I usually like.

Usually.

But now, driving across London in this limo and not even knowing his address, I start to feel uneasy...

What am I getting myself into?

Chapter 10

Gabriel

A few hours earlier...

I breathe heavily as I lie in the bed of the MG Hotel room—theMontgomery GreyHotel in the heart of London, now run by his grandson, Cornelius Grey. This is also where the Millionaires and Gentlemen’s Club is located, a place I’ve been a member of for quite some time. I don’t come here often, but when I do, I usually enjoy myself. Usually.

I look at the sexy blonde who’s been working on my length for several minutes now, clearly struggling.

I just can’t get in the mood.

I stare at the ceiling, close my eyes, and try to let go.

"You’re not really into it today,Gab," Lois says. She’s sweetened more than one of my nights.

"That’s why I came to you," I mutter, staring at the ceiling again.

"Do you want to talk?" she offers, lying down next to me. But I’m even less in the mood for that.

"No." I can see she’s uncomfortable. "It’s not you," I try to reassure her. No matter what she might do, it’s just not working today.

"Want me to get you something nice to drink?" she asks, pulling the blanket over my hips.

"No. I think I’ll just go home." My head isn’t in the right place.

It feels strange, living in such a big house that only feels alive because of me. Without Rosie, it’s too quiet. I miss her wandering around, creating chaos. She can’t even finish her little scribbles on the walls. Sure, it’s nice to have an evening to myself sometimes, but my thoughts keep circling back to her.

Is she eating something good right now? Is Catherine taking care of her? Or is she sneaking something that’ll spike her sugar levels? I can’t stop worrying. It’s a really crappy feeling.