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He walks in with a stern expression, knowing that today will be another heavy one.
“It is all arranged.” He says as he drops down into the chair before me and hands me a black espresso.
Once again, I congratulate myself on my staff because they anticipate exactly what I want before I even know it myself.
“Burning Roses?” I ask and he nods, a wicked gleam in his eye telling me he has information I will like.
“Marsha Steele was most cooperative. When I called and explained that you wanted to pick up where your father left off, she was most accommodating.”
“And?” I sip my coffee and hate that I feel as if I’m betraying Lilli somehow because of what’s coming next.
“You are expected at the private party of Lord Lexington in the Cotswolds tomorrow evening. Your escort will be a particular favorite of your father’s, Iris Mahoney.”
He raises his brow and I nod, hating the fact my father lived that life. So much for married bliss. He preached to us about the importance of family when all the time he was leaving mama at home and fucking the hired help.
I drain the cup and stand. “And Mickey Gruber?”
“The cars are ready when you are. It will take us fifty-five minutes, traffic permitting, to get there.”
I glance at the gold Rolex on my wrist. “We leave in thirty minutes. I’ll meet you at the garage.”
Damien nods and follows me out and as I head to the dining room, I hope Katerina has moved fast because Lilli needs to eat and so do I.
I’m alone when I reach it and as Johnson heads to my side, I order for us both. Scrambled eggs on rye and fruit and croissants.
He moves away as Lilli walks into the room, and I swear my heart stops beating. Fuck me, she is gorgeous.
She stands tall on killer heels and the pantyhose make her legs reach to the stars. Her skirt dusts her knee and the split in the side offers me a glimpse of the promised land. Her silk shirt is unbuttoned low enough to reveal a lacey bra and her jacket is fitted, cinched in at her waist. Her hair dusts her shoulders and gleams in the daylight and her make-up is natural, just the way I like it.
I appreciate the simple gold pendant that sits in the valley of her breasts and as I raise my eyes to hers, those aquamarine orbs are flashing with resentment.
“I fucking hate you, you asshole.”
“Watch your language.”
I smirk as I point to the glass of orange juice waiting at her place setting opposite me. She huffs as she sits in the chair and says angrily, “I can dress myself. I’m not a child, and if that woman manhandles me one more time, I’m going to punch her in her cold-assed face.”
“Manhandled you?”
I raise my eyes and she hisses, “I was physically restrained, Mikhail. She didn’t appreciate it when I said I could manage on my own. Before I could move, she pushed me down in the chair and threatened to tie me to it if I didn’t let her do her job. She was so rude and I’m sorry, but you should really mention that at her appraisal interview.”
“Interview?” I laugh softly. “I think she knows she’s got the job. Anyway, she was only following my instructions, so if you have a problem with that, take it up with me.”
“As I said before, I hate you.”
She sighs heavily and drains the glass as our croissant and fruit arrive and she pointedly ignores me as she eats, staring out of the window at the view below. It’s a view that never fails to impress me and she obviously feels the same by the expression on her face and she can’t hold on to her bad mood for long before she sighs. “I love it up here. It’s as if nothing can touch me.”
“Except my assistant, of course.” I add and she snarls.
“I haven’t forgotten that, and I’m still angry with you.”
“Angry?”
She turns away from the window and her eyes flash as she hisses, “If I am going to remain here, we must set in place some ground rules.”
“No.” I shrug as her eyes raise.
“No?”
