Page 49 of The Exposed Heiress

A tension headache began forming in the back of her head as she had more conversations with employees. All of it felt unsettled.

At lunchtime, she sent Claire out to the market to buy food for everyone. The movers were already coming in and marking furniture for storage or to go to a consignment store.

By six o’clock, her employees had left and she couldn’t wait to head out. Leo had sent her a text telling her to not leave through the main entrance and that he would get her.

Standing looking around the studio, Emma rolled her shoulders and tried to release some of the tension of the day. The mirrors had been marked with a large S for storage. It wouldn’t be the same without the large windows and light streaming in.

“Emma.” Leo stood watching her.

She turned and threw up her hands. “What a horrible day.”

He nodded. “It’s all part of it. If this was easier, your father would have done it ages ago.”

He was right. She took in a steadying breath. “We have to find a space.”

Leo wore a grey Italian suit and looked like he had stepped off a photo shoot. “Nothing has materialized yet, but something will come along.”

Emma collected her hand bag and laptop from one of the chairs. “My flat isn’t going to work.”

He gestured towards the door and she turned the lights off and walked to the lobby.

He touched her lower back and she could feel her nerve endings tingle. “Let’s use the service entrance.”

Emma noticed the car service and looked at him. “I thought we cancelled their contract.”

“Bloom hires them occasionally for PR events.”

Walking out the side door, the driver spotted them and opened the back door of the car. Sliding onto the leather seat, Emma realized that she hadn’t thought about the press all day. It was somewhat of a miracle. Maybe she was so worn down that it no longer mattered to her.

Emma glanced at him. “Where are we going?”

Leo checked his phone. “Rotherhithe. It’s far enough that I doubt any of the press will show up.”

“Tough day?”

“My team has a good handle on it. I reviewed the strategy with Alex and Bernard this morning and let them make most of the calls.”

Emma leaned back against the seat and looked out the window.

Leo turned towards her. “We promisedThe Independentan exclusive interview in late August, just before London Fashion Week.”

Her stomach churned. “That gives us about six weeks to find a space, set up, and make it look like we’re in business.”

He threaded his fingers through her hand. “It’s going to happen.”

She closed her eyes and tried to block out all of the worst-case scenarios competing for space in her brain.

Leo closed the divider between them and the driver. Next, he pulled her onto his lap and she gave him a dazed look.

He pulled her closer and kissed her neck. “Let’s forget about today.”

She held herself back. “You weren’t so happy the last time that we let our desire spin out of control.”

He touched her bare legs and let his hand stray under her skirt. “I’m an idiot.”

She looked into his searing gaze. “Leo, I…” Her heart softened. The world outside of them didn’t matter. She wanted him. He made her feel things that she had never experienced. He made her want to take chances and lay her heart on the line.

His hand stilled. “It’s fine to say no.”

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