Page 36 of The Bossy Billionaire

“Eddie and Katie are going to work from here this week. They will look after all that,” he says smugly. He has an answer for everything.

“I don’t want to go and leave my mess to them to fix.” I pretend to sulk like a teenager.

“Too bad. They have already organized everything, and I am taking you anyway.” He is so assured, so bossy. But I feel myself softening a little.

“That’s kidnapping.” I eye him sharply.

“So charge me already because I am not changing my mind.”

“Huxley!” I would stomp my foot in frustration if I could. But I know there is no way that he will let me stay.

“Luce. Stop. You need to rest, goddammit.” I pull back a little in shock at how upset he is for my welfare. I swallow roughly. It has been a very long time since a man took good care of me.

“Where are you taking me?” I give in almost immediately when I see Huxley's deep concern written all over his face.

“I have a ranch in Whispers. My parents live there.”

“Your parents?” I ask, my eyebrows hitting my hairline.

“It is where I grew up. There is lots of space, lots of peace and quiet.” I have never been out of Baltimore, so I have no real idea what to expect. But I look at him closely as he watches me, our faces still only inches apart, him not letting me go for a second.

“It’s where you go every few months to recharge, isn’t it?” I ask, a small piece of the Huxley puzzle starting to fit together.

“Yes, it is.”

“But your parents might not like me just turning up in their town,” I say, wondering how many women he has whisked off to Whispers.

“I have already spoken to them. They are looking forward to meeting you,” he says quickly.

“But…” I start, trying to think of another excuse.

“No buts. As soon as you are ready, I will take you to Ben so you can get the police interviews over with, and then we are gone. For the week. Don’t make me make it longer,” he threatens, and I sigh. He wins.

“I have never been to a farm,” I admit, feeling so unworldly. There is so much I haven’t done.

“The fresh air will do you good.” The backs of his fingers now gently rub my jaw, looking at me like I am his most prized possession. The contact makes little sparks flutter over my skin.

“I’ve never been on a plane either…” I have lived such a sheltered life.

He smirks. “I’m glad to be your first,” he teases, and I blush. There is the playboy billionaire businessman I am used to, and I feel more settled at seeing him a little more like himself.

“How is your head?” he asks again, back to looking concerned.

“It feels like it is going to explode.” I’m honest. After everything that has happened, with him coming to my rescue, I can’t hide anything.

“Let me get you some painkillers.” He starts to move, but my finger curls into his shirt, holding him in place.

“I'm fine.” Not because I don’t want an aspirin, but I am not ready to be away from him yet.

“I will arrange for a doctor to see you before we go. No arguing.” His hand cups my face, his thumb stroking my cheek.

“Are you this bossy at work? Because if you are, I suspect you have a culture problem. Maybe even a staff retention problem,” I say to him in jest as I look up at him, feeling much better already.

“I’m a great boss. Listen to what I say, and everything will be fine.” He smiles. It’s wide and his eyes glisten a little at the same time. A smile on Huxley’s face is something that I like putting there.

“Come, let me help you to your room,” he says, holding me tight.

“I am perfectly capable.” I take a few steps and feel a little lightheaded again, although surprisingly my leg feels okay. I go to rub my thigh when a memory flashes of Huxley rubbing my leg last night, and my eyes widen at the memory. I have never let anyone touch my leg before, aside from the medical professionals. I also haven’t shown anyone my scar. Jeans in summer are my staple, regardless of the temperature.

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