Page 96 of The Banker

I’m stunned, and speechless. And my brain is strangely devoid of questions.

“I thought you didn’t want to leave Starling Key.”

“I thought that too. I just didn’t want to leave to do the same job somewhere else. But I can do a different job somewhere else. Something that keeps me interested and challenged. And…” he looks down at his hands which are twisting and turning on the table. “If it means I can carry on this fairytale journey with you, and I can be useful, I’m happy to leave this place.”

My lungs suddenly feel a little shallow. He wants to come with me. I want to feel elated but my barriers are still up. I stare at him blankly. “What’s made you change your mind?”

He drops his hands into his lap and takes a deep breath. When he looks back at me, there’s no arrogance, no swagger, just pure, authentic Isaac.

“You were right, Aurelia. I did have some soul-searching to do. It turns out I had a lot of questions about my parents, and no answers. Those few days I took off? I went to find answers.”

My heart is in my mouth. “And did you get them?”

“Yes. I got answers and a hell of a lot more.”

“What do you mean?”

His eyelids lower, showing me an Isaac I’ve never before seen. Innately confident and assured. “I learned who I am, and who I am not. I learned that no one left me. Not my father, not my mother. They left themselves and each other, not me. You were right; I’ve been running from this all my life. It’s time for me to do what every fucker on this planet has to do.”

“And what’s that?” I smile.

“Take a chance. Be vulnerable. Let someone in.” He throws his hands up and looks almost joyful. “I have to put my heart on the line. You might break it, I know that. But nothing is going to hurt as bad as anything I’ve already been through. And none of that was my fault.”

“That’s amazing, Isaac,” I say, softly. “I’m happy for you.”

He drops his gaze again. “You’ve probably moved on. I wouldn’t blame you. You’re young and you can do a lot better than settle for some older guy, bodyguard or no bodyguard.” He looks up at me through his dark lashes, cheekily. “But I’m willing to invest time and effort… “He straightens his posture and his face. “One hundred and ten percent effort, no less, in convincing you I am the right and only man for the job.”

I want to burst out laughing. He’s giving me everything I ever wanted. Himself, on a platter, and a kick ass manager, all rolled up into one sexy-as-fuck package.

“What’s your notice period?” I ask, straight-faced.

He tips his head back and gazes down at me, cocky. “One week.”

“I’ll need impeccable references.” I raise one eyebrow.

“I can have those to you by the end of the day.”

“This job will be based in Miami, but with around eighty per cent on the road. Does that work for you?”

“I like traveling.”

“Some assignments will take you abroad…”

“I can speak most languages.”

“…to some pretty cold climates.” I graze my eyes over his Italian blooded body.

“I can find plenty of ways to keep warm.”

I am now chewing my cheek, the urge to laugh out loud almost getting the better of me.

“Do you have any other questions, Miss Bird?”

“Only one.” I cock my head. “I’ve yet to hear your elevator pitch. That would really be the deciding factor, I think.”

“My elevator pitch…” He narrows his eyes and places his hands on the arms of his chair. He slowly presses onto his feet, pushing the chair backwards, then straightens so he’s standing over me. Blood is thundering through my veins. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so turned on, and definitely not in an interview. My eyes track him as he saunters around the desk. He reaches a hand out to the back of my chair, bringing his chest perilously close, then he spins me around to face him.

“My elevator pitch,” he states, again. “How’s this? Of all the managers you’ve seen, not just today, but in your entire life, your entire career…Iam gonna manage you…better.”

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