Page 10 of The Billionaire's Devotion

I nodded.

“You can call him, you know. Paul would still love to hear from you.”

I pursed my lips. “I’m not the one who left. He wants to talk, he should call.”

“You’re both stubborn. So tell me about your first day.”

Laurence and I ate too much as we went over everything I experienced during my brief time at Givenchy. I also knew he would tell Paul everything. And truth be told, I wanted him to know.

Afterward, we rode to the new place in Paris. Unlike the duplex we stayed in the first time, the house had mostly baroque furnishings and oil paintings on the walls. The biggest similarity was a baby grand piano in the living room. My heart contracted, knowing Paul would have played a song. It was his way of starting in a new place. I walked over and sat on the bench and was right back on that stage in Rome. That night, he told the world I brought him back to life….

“Nadia, come meet everyone.”

Laurence introduced me to the housekeepers, cooks, and security before I went to the bedroom, which had a large, four-poster bed with white embroidered linens. This room, like the duplex, had a balcony but with bakery doors that easily opened to bistro-styled seating. I leaned on the railing and gazed out as the night breeze cooled my skin. There was nothing like Paris at night. Its shimmering lights romanced dreams.

My clothes were already unpacked and hanging in the closets, even the things I sent ahead to Paris. I opened Paul’s wardrobes. Mostly empty. Still, I took one of his shirts down and inhaled. Fresh linen. I deflated. Nothing smelled of his rich cologne or his natural scent.

I missed his smell, his warmth, his touch. Him.

Still, I showered and put the shirt on in some sad hope of feeling like he was here with me.

I sent messages to Mom and Xander sharing a little update on my first day, including the possible fashion show. A few minutes after, Xander called. “Why are you at home?”

Xander rarely returned to his place before midnight.

“I have to work early tomorrow.” I went to the closet again and picked out a pants suit.

“Okay. But did they mention today about the upcoming Paris show? Are you working on it?”

I hesitated. “Not exactly.”

“Tell me everything.”

So I did.

As I got to the end of the story, Xander tutted. “Tomas is right. Hayden has no right to keep you back.”

I sighed and sat back on the bed. “He has an ego for sure.”

“Yeah, but he’s got the looks to back it up. I mean damn. Was it camera tricks or was he hot as hell?”

“I didn’t notice.” I bit my lip.

“Sure you didn’t. What did he have on?”

“Club clothes…very tight leathers.”

“Oh, so you did notice that. Tight makes it all right. He can definitely get it.”

“Not from me. I’m not interested in the slightest.” I added base to my tone.

“Ohh, the lady doth protest, but I get why you’re off him. Hayden was rude to you or maybe that’s a culture thing. Go back and force yourself to get noticed. That’s what I’d do. Have you heard from Paul?” he asked in a gentle tone.

“No. I…I haven’t,” I rasped.

“Give him some time. He’s still fussing, so he’s not completely gone.”

That was what I thought, but Paul had always said he’d take care of me. He’d do it even if we weren’t together.

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