Page 75 of Under the Mistletoe
I don’t have to say anything. He’s a smart man. He left Ashley to organize everything, and day after day, she set me up to fail. She could’ve covered her tracks a little better. Clearly, she isn’t smart in that department.
“She’s a bit of a thorn in my side,” I tell him, and his frown deepens, but he nods.
“Extremely unprofessional and not following confidentiality guidelines at all. I have a feeling she’s tipping off the media to our whereabouts as well,” Donovan confirms.
“I don’t understand why she would do that.” I have been nothing but pleasant to her the moment I met her. For some reason, I just seem to have a target on my head, and no matter what I do, I can’t shake it.
“To put pressure on us. Put pressure on you. She knows I hate the intrusion into my personal life. Honestly, it’s why I’ve never had a long-term partner. They always have their phones in their face, taking footage or selfies, and that side of things just doesn’t interest me. The public get enough of my life; I want to keep some things private.”
“You know I’d never upload anything…” I start to tell him, because while I browse social media, I never post. I can’t take a good picture to save myself.
“I know. That makes you even sexier in my eyes.” His grin is sinful, and I can’t help but smile.
“Oomph, okay, I need to get ready. I only have about ten minutes. Let me take a shower, and we can deal with it later.” I lift onto my tiptoes and kiss him, glad to be back with him. He cups my jaw, holding me for a moment, and both our shoulders lower, the stress level easing a little. As we pull away, I look him over and frown.
“What happened to your hand?” His knuckles are red, and I see ice nearby.
“I punched Marcus Jasper. Probably broke his nose.”
“You what?” I can’t believe it. I’m both gobsmacked and want to smile.
“You’re not the only one who had an eventful day today.” He blows out a breath.
“He obviously deserved it.” I smile, the two of us secretly happy that Marcus got what was coming.
“He did. You should see his face.” Donovan rolls his lips, and my smile widens.
“Do I dare ask what he said to deserve it?” I hold his hand softly, inspecting it, already knowing the answer.
“He seems to think the best way to insult me is to insult you.” I nod, thinking as much.
“So you punched the bully in my honor?” My appreciation for him grows even more. Not many people have stuck up for me in my life. The fact that I have my own protector now makes me feel a certain way.
“Yeah, I punched the bully.” His hand cups my jaw, and I lean into it.
“That’s kinda hot…” I tease as I bite my lower lip, and his eyes flame.
“I’ll always protect you, baby…” His voice lowers, and I swear I feel flutters below. His hand moves from my cheek slowly down my neck, holding me tight at my nape and my breath hitches.
I grin, enjoying his touch before I kiss him again, but then rush out of his hold, hitting the shower. Slicking my hair back into a tight low bun and donning a gorgeous slip dress that I organized myself from Mabel, I’m ready in record time. It’s one of pure silk that flows down my body like water. A deep red that matches my lipstick, it’s vibrant and with my hair slicked back, I feel almost unstoppable.
“So, tonight is important, right?” I swipe on my lipstick as the limo we’re in glides through the streets of Milan.
“It’s a final dinner for the industry. Everyone will be there.” Earlier on, that fact would have made me nervous, but after all this time working for York Enterprises and with Donovan taking me to many events, I’m feeling more confident than ever in my role and by his side.
“Anyone else bringing arm candy tonight?” I jest, but I worry that being Donovan’s girlfriend will pigeonhole me.
“You are more than candy… Sweet as candy, but you’re garnering your own reputation. Your career skills are unsurpassed. Everyone asks me about you. Everyone wants to poach you.”
I look at him and grin. “Well, they can’t have me. I’m happy at York Enterprises.”
“Hmmmm… did I tell you how ravishing you look tonight?” Donovan’s hand sweeps down my leg, wrapping in the soft material as he starts to gather it up.
“Yes, but you can tell me again.” Here I am, with the most amazing man, in the back of a limo driving through Milan. How did this get to be my life?
“You look positively delicious.” His lips drop to my bare shoulder as his fingers walk up the material of my long gown.
“Mmmm… I’m also not wearing any underwear,” I tease him, and his head rears back. He moves quickly, securing the privacy screen between us and the driver.
