Page 66 of Valentine Nook
My breath judders in my throat, and I’m wondering if Lando’s noticed, when he turns to me. The heat in his eyes zips over my skin, and my core clenches until the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
I worked out for three hours every day for an entire month before that shoot and always wondered if it was worth it. For the first time, I can wholeheartedly say yes.
It’s a good thirty seconds before either of us speaks again, but the bus stays there in front of us, mocking me.
Eventually, Lando clears his throat. “So you’re happy with the offer?”
“Yes, it’s good.”
“What did your dad think?”
“My dad?”
“Didn’t you say he manages your money?”
“Oh,” I reply, trying my best to focus on the conversation instead of that bus and Lando’s forearms. My body continues to throb from the way he mentally undressed me, and all I can wonder is whether it will ever become a reality. “Yes, he does.He’s happy with it. Largely, I stay out of it because he invests everything for me through a couple of different businesses I have set up, and I pay myself a salary.”
“Sounds sensible. Always good to diversify, and if you ever want a second opinion, I’d be happy to look over it or introduce you to my investment team.”
Diversify.Investment team.
His response—along with this car, the suit, and everything I’ve experienced of Lando in the past hour—has me rethinking my assessment of Lando’s financial situation. His money can’t be all tied up in gold mines or whatever.
“Can I ask you a personal question?”
There’s a beat of silence before the corner of his mouth tips up. “Yes, but only if I can ask you one.”
“Do you have a lot of cash?”
“What?” His response is part guffaw, part bark. “That was not what I thought you were going to ask.”
“What did you think I was going to ask?”
He shakes his head as he chuckles away. “Doesn’t matter.”
“Well, do you?” I press because I already feel like a dumbass, and now I need to see it through to the end.
“Okay . . . yes. You could say that. Why on earth do you want to know?”
“Um . . . because I keep thinking about that day a few weeks ago when I told you about my contract. I didn’t want you to think I was bragging?—”
His eyes flick to mine before going back to the road. “Hollywood, you don’t have to justify what you earn to anyone. You work incredibly hard, and you should be proud of it.”
“I am. But forty million dollars is a lot of money . . .” I don’t know what I’m asking or what I’m implying. I should have just kept my mouth shut because it’s none of my business.
I’m beginning to think the rest of the journey will continuein awkward silence when he says, “My personal wealth is approximately nine?—”
“Million?”
“Billion.Though that’s in pounds, so with today’s exchange rate, it would be more around twelve billion dollars. Plus stock and investments. Then there’s the value of Burlington Estates.”
My entire body turns toward Lando. I can’t tell if he’s joking because he still has that wry smile tugging his mouth.
“Twelvebillion?”
“Give or take.”
“Cash?”
