Page 31 of My Arrogant Millionaire

»You do what?« Mel blurted out, astonished, as if she couldn’t believe it. And for a brief moment, I was taken aback as well.

»The money is probably gone anyway, right? I’ll save myself the trouble and worry; I only ask for one thing in return.«

»What?«

»That you leave this city. Pack your damn things and get out; I never want to see you here again. Maybe you can start anew far away and rethink your past, build a new, honest life where you can be happy.«

»Are you serious?«

Grace rolled her eyes. »Unfortunately, yes. And now go!«

I stepped aside, and Mel hesitated. »I’m sorry, Grace, I really liked you, but...«

Grace raised her hand, stopping Mel’s speech. Her voice trembled. »Save it!«

Mel nodded and rushed out the door. Grace stepped forward, and I reached out my hand for her to take, gently pulling her close to me. Tenderly, I pressed my lips to her temple. »I’m proud of you; that was bigger than I could ever be,« I whispered, and her grip around my waist tightened.

»This whole thing made me so bitter that letting go was easier than I thought. Now more than ever.«

She looked up, and I got lost in her beautiful deep blue eyes. I saw relief and a feeling I carried deep within myself. It had hit me hard. Theo would have laughed at me at this point.

Gently, I placed my lips on hers, savoring her wonderful taste until our breathing quickened, and our bodies yearned for one thing only.

»When can we finally get out of here?« Grace whispered against my lips, and I had to laugh.

»You heard me; I can do anything.«

She sighed and rested her cheek on my chest. »But I can’t, not yet.«

I held her at a slight distance. »Then continue to show everyone out there what an amazing event planner you are, and afterward, we’ll meet at your place?«

»Nice try, trying to get my new address.«

I had to grin. »You see right through me, time and time again.«

She rose on her tiptoes. »And I have a feeling there’s still quite a lot to discover.«

22

Grace

Baron and I had spent the past week in complete harmony. We were either at my place or his. He had indeed convinced me of his outstanding cooking skills, and I had shown my appreciation in my own way. We parted ways in the foyer each morning to head to our respective offices and reunited in the evening.

After processing my past and the breach of trust with Mel, there weren’t many obstacles left for Baron and me. To be precise, only one remained: my work.

I was still afraid to tell Nic about our relationship and didn’t quite know how to approach the subject. The longer it went on and the stronger my feelings grew, the harder it became.

Bennett was chattering away about his phenomenal weekend while I typed up a proposal for an event for a cosmetics manufacturer.

»Grace, do you have a few minutes?« Nic appeared at the door, and my heart skipped several beats when I saw who was standing next to him. »Baron is here for the event debrief and insisted on paying you a personal visit.« Oh, I would have loved to throttle him right now. With one hand in the pocket of his suit pants, he strolled through the door into the office and approached me. I took his fingers, and he shook them firmly, lightly brushing his thumb over the back of my hand. »Miss Stone, it’s a pleasure to see you again.«

»Likewise, Mr. Spencer,« I replied, feeling the fire that seemed to burn me as he still held me. He let go, but I sensed his reluctance before he greeted Bennett warmly, who took a slight gasp of air.

»Baron and I will go to my office. May I ask you to join us in ten minutes, Grace?« Nic asked, and I nodded dazedly.

»Of course.« After one last intense eye contact, the two disappeared, and I slumped down in my chair.

»Heavens, what was that?« Bennett whispered, fanning air toward himself. »You two just had some steamy eye-sex right in front of your boss.«

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