Page 9 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

Igor arches an eyebrow, already aware of who I’m speaking to. Lorenzo is quiet for a moment before replying. “Why are you giving me an attitude right now? You’ve been so grumpy lately, quick to show your temper and mired in several scandals now. I’m merely trying to tell you that I’m here if you need help or just want to talk. You steer this ship…”

“Brother, enough of that. It’s been years now that I’ve been in charge of this arm of the company…and doing a great job here, I must say. I haven’t sunk theship. Yet.I’ve had enough of this and my so-called weaknesses you constantly search for. What do you really want to know, Lorenzo?” My voice rises a notch.

“We’ll talk later,” he says curtly.

I end the call, blowing out a stressed breath. Igor rubs his chin in concentration. “Brother is at it again?”

“As always, he can’t seem to fathom that we’ve grown.”

“I understand you, but cut him some slack. This is also hard on him. He sees us as his responsibility. Call him back and sort this out with an apology preferably.”

“No, Igor. If I apologize, I only prove him right.”

We stare at each other for a while, then he sighs, rising. “Okay, you’re as stubborn as Lorenzo, although you hate to admit that you’re alike. See you later,” he states and leaves.

Chasmin enters the office with a sunny smile on your face. “Lance, er, I mean Mr. Rosii, I noticed the company’s restaurant just added a new dessert to their menu. Would you like to try it later? It’s a mint flavor I think you will like. I could order it and have it delivered.” She smiles so hard her eyes close.

My annoyance at Lorenzo dissipates a bit; still, I unwittingly transfer some of it to Chasmin. “Knock before you enter, Chasmin and for God’s sake keep your voice down.” I rub the bridge of my nose, sighing.

“Lan…Mr. Rosii…my apologies, sir.” Her sad voice snaps my head up, and I glare at her.

“I just need some quiet. I have a million things on my mind, and it seems that silence is too hard to get even in my own office. Gosh.” I yell and she flinches.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll leave,” she whispers, shrinking into herself.

“Chasmin…”You damn ass, get a grip of yourself, man.She doesn’t stop. I rush to the door, barring her way. She looks at me skeptically.

“I know I irritate you. I’ll just leave. As your assistant, I should be more cognizant of your mood and…”

I wrap my hands around her waist, kissing her soft lips. Her eyes widen for a moment, and she grows soft in my arms. Our tongues dance with familiarity. My head buzzes, and I feel myself craving more of her. My anger and passion forming a potent mix.

I pin her to the wall, going for her buttons. “Stop. No. Not while you’re in this mood. I can’t stand you like this.”

I stop, taking my hand from her, getting a firm grip on myself. “You’re right. I apologize for being an ass. I’m just dealing with some stuff.”

“Do you want to talk…”

“No. Not yet. Let’s get back to work.” I smile, seeing her licking her slightly-swollen lip.How will she explain it?

I return to my seat and she follows me. “Coming up in your schedule is a flight to Italy. You’re to visit the vineyard; according to your schedule, you plan to look at the progress they are making. I have informed the pilot of your departure, and the jet will be ready.”

“Oh, that’s nice. You’ll be going with me, so prepare your things. We’re going to Italy,” I say with finality.

She blinks rapidly and stammers, “Really?”

“Yes, my assistant.” She nods in understanding.

The next day, we take the jet to Italy, arriving at night. I drive the car I prepared for us to the hotel. The receptionist sees me and begins to confirm our accommodation. He looks up from his laptop, apologetic.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Rosii, but there seems to be an error with your accommodations. Only your room is currently available.”

I frown, feeling annoyed at the service. “Okay, Chasmin, you’ll have to share a room with me.”

She mumbles, saying something I can’t hear.The damn temptation while we’re in the same room.

Chapter 5

CHASMIN

---