Page 1 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

Chapter 1

Grace

As soon as I closethe door, I lean against it and survey the living room of the apartment to make sure I’m alone. I let out a relieved breath. It’s been three weeks of pure madness and I’m a little traumatized, but I can’t let Rowan know.

The rapid thud of feet moving toward me makes me smile. White fur and floppy, bouncing ears come into view. I chuckle as Ember slides on the hardwood, catches her balance after a little flailing, and continues her sprint toward me. She stands on her hind legs and pants with her tongue hanging out. Balancing my books and laptop in one hand, I rub her head affectionately.

“Hey, girl.”

She barks and excitedly hops around.

“You’re so silly.”

It’s like the puppy—not so much a pup at six months old now—caught on that her owner needs laughter in his life, so she decided to be an absolute goofball.

“He really needs us, huh, girl?” Especially now with his life in chaos.

Weeks ago, the world found out the identity of the mysterious Lockwood heir. After the discovery that one of the country’s wealthiest men has been hiding under everyone’s noses, working as a firefighter, the media frenzy got out of control. It got so bad in the first week that Rowan moved out of his house to stay with me in his apartment, but it’s only a matter of time before the paparazzi discovers this residence.

The city is still abuzz with the Rowan Lockwood revelation—I really thought the sensation would have died down by now. There are still media headlines circulating like:

Undercover Billionaire Hid in Plain Sight.

Mystery Lockwood Heir Busted.

Billionaire Lockwood: Master of Disguise.

At least the last one made Rowan laugh... it is true.

His life has been disrupted to the extreme. Rowan hasn’t left this apartment in days. He hates being bum-rushed by photographers, and he even got a call from a producer pitching a movie deal. My life has been affected too, but I’m trying to stay positive. If I don’t, the thread Rowan has been hanging by might snap. He worries more about me than himself.

That’s why, when I hear him coming, I wipe away all traces of my distress. I smile when we make eye contact. “Hi.”

He doesn’t say anything. He just stands in the middle of the living room with his hands in his pockets, watching me keenly. “How are you?” he finally asks.

“I’m okay.”

“You arrived in another car. What happened to yours?”

“How long did you wait by the window, looking out for me?”

He folds his arms over his chest and frowns. “I get anxious when you go out without me. The paparazzi are crazy.”

True. “I had to swap vehicles with Ashley for today,” I reluctantly share. “But everything is fine.”

“What happened?”

Stifling a sigh, I explain. “When I got out of class, there was this guy harassing me, taking pictures and asking questions about my relationship with you. Ashley and I dodged him and switched cars so he wouldn’t follow me here. She called a minute ago to tell me the man disappeared when he realized she wasn’t me. And she’s okay.” I smile broadly. “I bet he feels like a sucker, huh?”

My effort to make light of the situation is a failure. Rowan doesn’t look amused, and I quickly add, “I wasn’t in any danger.”

“Being stalked by people with cameras can turn into a dangerous situation.”

“The madness will stop soon.”

“That’s what I thought two weeks ago. Week three is still a little too crazy for my comfort. I’m hiring security for you.”

“Rowan—”

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