Page 162 of Guarded King

I leap from my bed, pull on a pair of sneakers, and snatch up the magazine. The front door opens just as I leave my room, and Dad and Carol step in.

Dad’s face lights up when he sees me. “I found out who leased my painting today—well, he’s actually bought it now. You’ll never guess who it is.”

“It’s Roman.”

He blinks at me, and I can’t help the slightly hysterical laugh that bubbles up.

I thrust the magazine at him. “I have to go, but you should read this.” Wrapping a gleeful-looking Carol in a quick hug, I kiss her cheek. “I’ll be back.”

“Don’t rush.” She winks knowingly.

Only when the rain hits my face do I realize I didn’t grab an umbrella. But I can’t bring myself to go back for it. My urge to see Roman, to touch him again, is too strong. I just hope I don’t miss the bus.

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

ROMAN

There’s no knock on my office door before it flies open. I barely have time to stand and step out from behind my desk before Chloe is standing two feet in front of me, dripping on my carpet. Her beautiful ocean eyes search mine in fast, dazed flicks.

After delivering the early copy of myForbesinterview to her, I returned to the office, changed out of my wet clothes, and tried to distract myself with work. But I’ve been checking my phone every few minutes to make sure I haven’t missed her call.

Except she didn’t call. She came all the way here, in the rain.

My heart kicks hard against my ribs. She’s soaked through, her pale hair plastered to her head, her clothes clinging to her body. And still, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

Through the open door behind her, I get a flash of Sophie standing in front of Chloe’s desk, a broad grin on her face.

“Close the door,” I bark.

Sophie scurries closer and does so quickly and quietly, though I catch a glimpse of that grin still on her face.

Once we’re alone, I focus on Chloe again. This woman ran through the rain to get here. Knowing that has my ribs constricting.

“I thought you might call.” My voice comes out unexpectedly gruff, a reflection of the tightness in my chest.

She swallows audibly, her throat working. “I needed to see you.”

I step closer, cupping her face and wiping away a stray raindrop with my thumb. When another one replaces it, I realize it’s not a raindrop. It’s a tear.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart.” I smooth away more tears, my thumb lingering on her cheek. “I want you to be happy. I want you to feel safe with me. And I’m so fucking sorry I ever made you feel like you weren’t. The interview… I needed to make sure you have no doubts about what you mean to me. How much I need you.”

She grips the front of my shirt, more tears spilling over. “But the EcoTech acquisition…”

I smile down at her. “The contract was signed this morning.”

Her eyes flash to mine. “Won’t Ellis be angry when he finds out about us?”

“He already knows. I told him before the legal documents were drawn up.”

Lips parting, she exhales a small gasp. “And he was okay with it?”

“I explained exactly how I feel about you. How damn happy you make me. I told him if he had a problem with the two of us, then perhaps we weren’t the right company to acquire EcoTech after all.”

This time her mouth drops open, disbelief flickering in her eyes, followed quickly by a blaze of hope. “You did?”

In answer, I pull her close and wrap my arms around her. “I did. Nothing, and no one, is worth giving you up.” I drop my head and breathe her in. “Ellis understood.”

“And Dad’s painting?”

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