Page 25 of Wonderlust

“No, Jimmy did.”

“The new kid?” he fumed. “You left the mansion in the hands of akid?” What the hell was wrong with Alex? He was losing his temper for no reason.

“I was gone for forty-five minutes.”

“I don’t fucking care how long you were gone. You are head of security. It’s your job to keep me safe, and you fucking didn’t!”

“Alex,” I turned, frowning at him. “Don’t you think you’re over reacting?”

“This doesn’t concern you, Natasha!” Whoa, he’d used my full name. He was seriously pissed about something. “I suggest you go and do your job, Shane!” What? He hadn’t even had his breakfast yet.

“Whatever you say,Boss.” Shane sighed, getting up and storming out.

I slammed a plate full of pancakes down in front of Alex moments later. “Try not to choke on them, will you?” I fumed, storming off, but Alex grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks.

“Security is important to me. Don’t be angry with me.”

“You were out of line, Alex. Shane does so much for you. You had no right to talk to him like that.”

“I’ll speak to him. I’m not in a good mood this morning. These pancakes look great.” He was still holding my arm, but let me go when I took a seat on the stool next to him.

“You don’t even eat breakfast.”

“I felt like giving it a try this morning.” He shrugged, putting a forkful of food into his mouth. With what I can only describe as an orgasmic expression on his face, he took more mouthfuls. Jesus, he had sexy, pouty lips. “These are amazing,” he groaned.

“And they’re healthier than whiskey or coke,” I pointed out, pulling the towel tighter around me. It had loosened a little as I was cooking.

“I could get used to eating breakfast.”

“You should. It’s the most important meal of the day.”

“Is there anything going on between you and Shane?” Where the hell didthatcome from?

“What? Why would you…?”

“I was watching the two of you by the pool.” It was all starting to make sense now. “I know it’s none of my business, but if my employees are dating, I’d like to know about it.”

“There’s nothing going on, Alex.”

“Nothing? Really? It didn’t seem that way to me.”

“You’re still high. You shouldn’t trust your own judgment. It makes you paranoid.”

“If I was clean, would you see me differently? Could you look at me the way you do Shane?”

“What do you mean? I don’t look at Shane inanyway.”

“My lifestyle, is that why you keep your distance?” He was losing me. What was he talking about?

“I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“You respect him.” Yes, I did. Shane was a good man. “You don’t respect me.”

“Why is my respect so important to you? I’m your PA, it shouldn’t matter.”

“I don’t know, it just does. I’m trying so hard with you, but I feel it may be for nothing.”

“You’ve stopped making me a conquest. That’s why we’re getting on better. Or at least, Ithoughtwe were.”

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