Page 43 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

I’m frozen in place, unable to move an inch away or towards him. All I can do is breathe and stare at him, my cheeks still wet with the remnants of the tears he’s just brushed away. He lifts my chin and slowly brings his lips to mine. His words echo in my head as I bring my hands up to cup his face.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers against my lips before pulling away just enough that we share a breath.

“Kiss me again, and I might forgive you.” I give him a small smile, my hands still cupping his face.

“Forgive me, and I might kiss you again.” He flashes me a wicked grin.

“Are you bargaining with me?” I lower my hands, but he grabs my wrists firmly and brings them above my head, pressing me against the wall of the elevator. My heart jumps to my throat as he lowers himself until I can feel his hot breath on my neck.

“It seems like you’re trying to bargain with me, little duck.” His voice is low and hoarse, a combination that has me pressing my thighs together. Noticing, he chuckles against my ear and kisses my neck softly. “Have it your way.” He pulls away and brings my wrists down before releasing them. “Say you forgive me, and I’ll owe you a favor.”

“Is my forgiveness worth a small favor?” I ask, trying to at least appear like my knees aren’t threatening to give out.

“A favor of any size, anytime.” He steps back and presses a button, and the elevator starts moving again. “Tick-tock.”

“I forgive you.” My smile grows with his. The elevator dings, and the doors slide open. Adrian moves out of the way and cocks his head to the side. I step out and turn to face him once more as he presses the button to his floor. His eyes meet mine, and he winks before the doors slide closed in front of him.

Two hours of staring at the computer screen has left me drained, both mentally and physically. My eyes ache from the strain, and the rumbling protests of my empty stomach demand attention. With a sigh of relief, I power down my computer. As I rise from my chair, my limbs feel stiff from the prolonged sitting.

I stretch my arms overhead, relishing the sensation of movement after sitting on my butt for so long. Should I let Ryan know? Glancing around the office, I see no signs of him. Quickly jotting down a note to let him know I’ll be back soon, I stick it on the corner of my computer screen before grabbing my phone and wallet.

Exiting the office, I make my way to the elevator and press the button. The doors slide open with a soft ding, and I step inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. As the elevator descends, I’m already planning what I’m going to get off the menu, my stomach growling with impatience.

I don’t bother looking around as I almost jog to the restaurant in the courtyard. Thankfully, it’s relatively quiet, apart from a few occupied tables I can see through the glass walls.

As I enter the restaurant, I’m greeted by the same hostess I’d met on my first day.

“Hi, it’s just me,” I speak before she even has the chance.

She gives me a polite smile and nods. “Any preferences for a table?”

“Something by the windows, maybe?”

“Certainly. Follow me.” With an incline of her head, she turns and starts walking with me behind her. She leads me to a small table for two overlooking the courtyard.

“A waiter will be with you shortly.” She offers me another trained smile before walking away.I settle into a comfortable chair and take in the view before turning my attention to the menu. I open it and scan my options. It doesn’t take the waiter long to appear beside me, and I order soup with a side of garlic bread. That should do it.

As I wait for my food to arrive, I fish out my phone to text Lilly, give Ethan a quick update, and ask him for one in return. Both their responses are instant, but before I can type out a reply, something casts a shadow over my hands. I look up, and I’m met with a set of piercing blue eyes and red-painted lips. It’s the woman I saw at the launching event. I don’t remember her name, but I remember the way she acted so familiar with Adrian—too familiar.

“Elana, is it?” Her voice is as cool as her eyes as she narrows them.

“Yes,” I say rather hesitantly. There’s no way she remembered my name when I couldn’t even remember hers.

“I hope you remember me. I’m Victoria. May I sit?” She tilts her head to the side, her tone implying that it’s not a question.

“Sure.” I watch her as she takes the seat opposite of me and reclines.

“As Adrian’s friend and COO, I wanted to personally welcome you to the company. Though you’re just an intern and most likely won’t stay long.”

I blink at her, unsure how to reply or if I even should. She gives me a smile that is anything but friendly.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not sure I get the point of this conversation.” I set my phone down and rest my hands in my lap.

“I’m here to help you before it’s too late.”

“Oh?” I narrow my eyes in confusion.

Victoria leans forward in her chair, a condescending smirk playing on her lips. “Adrian has a habit of hiring pretty little girls like you,” she begins, her tone dripping with disdain. “But I know him better than anyone. And trust me, darling, he’ll eventually get bored once he’s had his… fun,” she says, her tongue resting on the roof of her mouth a moment too long.