Page 7 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“Wouldn’t want you to run out of paintings to exhibit.” My tone has changed, and I knowshe’s sensed it, judging by the look on her face. “I apologize, Ms. Larson, would you excuse me for a moment?”

“Yes, of course.” She’s definitely sensed my change of heart. Her shoulders sag a bit, and I almost want to stay… almost. I take her hand and bring it to my lips again with a smile, leaving a little window open if I do eventually decide to strike.

Thirty minutes and a whiskey later, I’ve caught up with more people than I’m in the mood for. Just when I think I might get away with not seeing Victoria tonight, her perfume fills my nostrils, and I feel a hand on my elbow.

“Adrian?” I turn to look at her. “People mentioned seeing you here, but I didn’t believe them.”

“Sorry to disappoint.” I cock my head to the side and ease out of her grip.

“I’m happy you decided to come.” She looks around, checking who’s nearby before half-whispering. “Frank is here. He seems pissed you hung up on him this morning.”

“Who the fuck invited him?” I quickly scan the area. He’ll definitely try to corner me and tell meabout yet another one of his amazing ideas to make me file for bankruptcy.

“He’s here with his wife and son.” Victoria raises a brow. “His wife is the one who got invited, and she brought them all.”

I roll my eyes. A family meeting—just what I need. “Great, another happy family reunion. I’m sure he’ll tell me all about how he wants to turn my investments into the next theme park sensation.”

“Play nice, Adrian. Maybe he’s here to genuinely enjoy some art.” She glances over at the exhibition. “I must say, it’s impressive. The curator really outdid herself this time.” I follow her eyes, which land on Mia Larson. She catches my gaze and waves with a shy smile. I see Victoria smirk from the corner of my eye. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Hmm,” I respond noncommittally. The last thing I want to do is discuss this with Victoria. “I’m going to get another drink. Do you want anything?”

“I’m okay, thank you.” She shakes her head with a small smile. “I’ll go see if Ryan has already left.”

“Ryan’s here?” I turn my head back to face her. Ryan’s the head of our financialdepartment and is exceptionally fast and efficient, just as high-spirited. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s his perpetual positivity that tempts me to throw an occasional punch at his ever-smiling face, or perhaps I envied his unwavering optimism, and that envy manifested as aggression. Either way, I value him, and he is precisely the person I’m seeking to speak to tonight. Victoria nods, and I excuse myself to go find him.

I navigate through the maze of paintings and sculptures, avoiding any prolonged eye contact with other attendees. I’m not here to make small talk. A couple of minutes and a few avoided conversations later, I finally find him at the bar. I raise my hand to the bartender, letting him know I’d like another drink, and he nods. As I approach Ryan, he turns and greets me with a warm smile.

“Mr. Morgan, great to see you here. Victoria mentioned you weren’t coming. I’m glad you changed your mind.”

I reply, returning his smile. “I’m glad I came. This exhibition is quite impressive.” That’s a lie. I couldn’t care less about it.

“It is quite good.” He nods, leaning against the bar to look around. I scoff. Liar.

“Impressive or not, I could use a distraction.” I lean against the bar with him, scanning the room for any sign of Frank and his so-called family. “I also need a favor.” His eyes shoot up at me in surprise. I ignore his reaction and turn to face the bartender, who’s handing me another whiskey on the rocks.

“I’ll do my best to help, sir,” Ryan says after a moment. I don’t ask for favors, so I’m sure a thousand possibilities are going through his mind right now.

“We’ll be getting a new intern on Monday. She’s my…” Your nothing; get it together. “She’s the sister of a close friend. I need someone to show her around, guide her a bit.” I watch his reaction.

“You can count on me, Mr. Morgan.” His eyes light up with genuine interest. “I’ll be happy to help her settle in, show her the ropes,” he says with a smile. Oh, you won’t be showing her any fucking ropes. The thought makes me wonder… is she into that? I quickly shake it off and take a sip.

“She needs someone patient and,” I pause and look at him, “friendly to help her.” I alreadyregret this. But as much as I don’t want Elana in the company of a male employee, I can’t afford to babysit her at all times, and leaving Elana in Victoria’s claws is out of the question.

An hour later, I’ve had more than enough of this exhibition. I’ve already said my goodbyes and have started heading towards the door to make my exit. As I navigate through the crowd, I notice Frank approaching with his wife and son in tow. Fuck. I’m absolutely not in the mood for this.

Frank, with his perpetually disheveled hair and a slightly too-tight suit that screams desperation, spots me and grins like we’re old pals. I suppress a curse. He maneuvers his way through the crowd, dragging along a woman who looks both uncomfortable and impeccably dressed. This must be his wife. As they get closer, I see Frank’s wide smile that’s barely hiding a sense of entitlement.

“Adrian!” Frank booms, extending his hand. I shake it with forced civility.

“Frank,” I acknowledge. His palm is sweaty, and I fight the urge to yank my hand free to wipe it on my suit.

“I’ve been looking for you all night. There were rumors you were here, but I couldn’t find you. Avoiding me?” He gives me a forced laugh that ends in an awkward cough when I don’t join in. “Right. And this is my lovely wife, Emma,” Frank introduces us, and I nod politely.

“Good evening.” Emma gives me a tight smile, clearly unimpressed by the lavish event.

“And here’s our pride and joy.” Frank gestures to the young man beside him, whose expression suggests he’d rather be anywhere else. His son. “This is Carson.”

Chapter four