Page 43 of The Innovator

I walked around, taking in the details and understanding her a bit more. Cream-colored walls with abstract printed drapes picked up the gray tones of her furniture. Very few personal items. No picture frames of family or friends. No paintings on the walls. The apartment appeared like a hotel room—a temporary stay. That thought made my chest ache.

I spotted some fashion magazines on the coffee table. “Looks like you’re still moving in?”

“I don’t have a lot of stuff.” She fluffed up a throw pillow.

“Girls always have a lot of stuff.”

Natalie lifted a shoulder. “I have to live a simple life to afford rent. Something’s gotta give.”

Understanding her train of thought, I flashed her a smile. She couldn’t steer me away from what I already knew—Natalie Chapelle had something to hide. I appreciated her quick mind. Intelligence in a woman was like silky lingerie—sexy and dangerous as hell.

I dropped on the couch beside her, whispering into her ear, “I don’t want you sacrificing your needs to pay rent. There are other ways to pay the landlord.” I blew a warm breath down her neck and felt her shiver.

“I’d never sleep with a man to pay my bills.”

“I didn’t say that, buttercup. An intelligent conversation would suffice.”

She shook her head in disbelief. “I’m sure there are other girls out there who would love to chat with you for free rent.”

I gripped her chin, turning her face toward me. “No. That offer is only for you.”

“I think you’re trying to seduce me to kiss you.”

“Is it working?”

“No,” she said, biting her bottom lip.

I was the Leaning Tower of Pisa, tilting toward something I didn’t fully understand—the most beautiful woman who read philosophy for fun, couldn’t lie, and looked at things through a creative lens better than designers I knew.

Danger zone. Unstable ground. Every architect knew that instability meant a collapse eventually. If I weren’t careful, I could lean too far, which would lead to my absolute destruction.I had to push her away.

The reality check had me brushing a finger down her cheek. “I’ll let you rest. Don’t stress about getting me information on The Prism.”

I rose from the couch just as my phone buzzed and looked at the message from the PI.

“Thanks for escorting me home,” she said.

I offered a nod. “Sweet dreams, Natalie.”

While I waited for my car ride back, I browsed the information the PI had gotten me on Rafael. Did the Caputo family know that their heir was a sick son of a bitch? He could destroy their name if the world knew what he’d been doing.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

NATALIE

A few days later, it was August 8th—Grayson’s birthday. I arrived early at Audri’s house to help with the surprise party, but there wasn’t much to do except create a space for the presents. Unsure what to get Grayson for a gift, I purchased a tie in a persimmon color. He’d worn several colors during my encounters with him at work, but the shades of red suited him best.

Audri and Remi lived in a gorgeous home with all the amenities a billionaire and his girlfriend would have. The jewelry studio Grayson had added to their home was beautiful and spacious, with wide windows that would allow natural light to stream in. I couldn’t believe Audri told her brother she wanted another addition, using that excuse to make him come to her house today.

Michelle had brought blue and pink balloons with matching streamers and a “happy birthday” sign that Royce hung in the foyer so everyone could see. Kiera brought a fruit salad, while I had picked up some French pastries on the way over even though Audri didn’t ask me to.

“You guys didn’t have to bring anything. I ordered catering.” Audri shook her head at Kiera and me.

Kiera shrugged. “Have you seen those guys eat? They’ll finish everything.”

“No one ever complained about having too much food,” Michelle said.

I looked around at the baby blue and pink color scheme and laughed. “He’s going to think it’s a gender reveal party.”

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