Page 2 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

“This isn’t a debate.”

I harrumph. “You don’t get to steamroll over me like this. I only accept you ordering me around in bed.”

His eyebrows elevate as he regards me with what looks like outrage and maybe some amusement. “I won’t be here, and I’m not leaving you in this apartment or anywhere else without proper security.”

He’s going to be spending a little time away at the Smokejumper base. Rowan decided to retire from firefighting, but he insists on finishing his last season. While I’m secretly glad he won’t be putting himself at risk for much longer, I hate that he has to give up something he obviously loves because the world knows he’s a Lockwood.

“I’ll be fine, Rowan. I’m not the billionaire with a famous name.”

His scowl deepens. “I’m hiring you a goddamn bodyguard until I get back. End of story.”

“I refuse to have a stranger shadowing me—needlessly, might I add?” I throw my hands up. “I didn’t sign up for this.”

Immediately, I regret my words because I know how I just sounded.

We stand in silence, gazes locked. Suddenly, the air feels more brittle than it’s been between us over the last few days. The upheaval of Rowan’s life has put a strain on our relationship. We’ve barely had a moment of peace in weeks.

“I know you didn’t.” He sighs heavily. “I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t mean... I mean the security thing, not...us.”

Still, guilt flickers in his eyes. I don’t want him to feel guilty for something that isn’t his fault. “Rowan...”

“I’m meeting up with Mel this evening. Hopefully, I can make it to her place without being seen. I should get going.”

My teeth sink into my lower lip as disappointment settles in my stomach. I hate the thought of him leaving while there’s still this tense, awkward energy between us, but maybe he needs a break from the apartment. I just nod. “Okay.”

Chapter 2

Rowan

“We sort of miss seeingyour scowling face around the station,” Kevin says, wearing a smirk.

“Sort of? I’m touched.” I chug my beer and lean back on the patio chair.

I miss being there. After my identity went public, I had to give up my part-time gig at the local station—all the attention I was getting was causing a disruption. It got so bad that the chief had to threaten to call the cops on a group of reporters blocking the entrance. I felt awful, so I’ve stayed away.

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