Page 286 of In Love with a Cruel Billionaire

He was on his feet before he even knew what he was doing, was already standing tensely in front of his confused-looking secretary as he heard himself say, "I need you to get a hold of Ms. Leventis."

"Of c-course, sir. What time shall I schedule—-"

"As early as you can manage. I don't give a damn what excuse you give her. Just get her in my office as soon as you can."

"As you wish, sir."

He grimaced at the look she gave him, which told him his secretary already had a fairly good idea of how much he had screwed things up. "I'm sure you've seen this coming."

"I'm afraid I did, but I also have every confidence in your ability to turn things around." A pause, and then she said gently, "You're a good man, Professor, and I'm certain she knows this, too." She saw his lips twist and asserted firmly, "You are, sir. You always do the right thing eventually, and I have no doubt it shall be as well with Ms. Leventis."

Her faith in him was touching, but because life had long made him a cynic, a part of him believed that his secretary's good opinion also had much to do with how well he compensated her.

Didn't matter either way,the professor thought edgily. All he cared now was that she proved to be as efficient as she always was, and twenty-five minutes later, Mrs. Montez delivered on her promise.

She knocked on his door once before opening it, saying simply, "Ms. Leventis is here." The older woman pushed the door open and stepped back.

Doe eyes met his, and the professor sucked in his breath.

Mijn obsessie.

Together

THE PROFESSOR SPOKEas soon as the door closed behind his secretary.

"I'm sorry."

Two words, justtwo words,and the walls Diana had foolishly thought were impenetrable crumbled in an instant. She wasn't even given a chance to fight back. Just two words, and it was all over, the tears falling, her promise toneverbe a fool over him crumbling into ashes.

She saw him stiffen. Heard him curse. Felt him coming.

And then he was there, standing just a whisper away. Tall, strong, and proud, but at the same time, a humbled, somber figure, the harsh regret in his leonine gaze reflected in the grave edges of his face.

The tiniest (sensible) part of her wished she could make herself hate him. But she couldn't. Maybe it was her genetic makeup at fault (she truly hoped it was), but Diana simply couldn't find it to be mad with him, and when he spoke again—-

"I'm sorry, Diana."

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