Page 36 of The Billionaire's Temptation

The man nodded. “Well, I can guide you through the security issues.” He paused for a moment, then continued. “From what I understand, your step-siblings are able to get into the house whenever they want.” He tilted his head slightly. “Why don’t we address that issue out first? Then I can go over any other security concerns that might help you maneuver through this new world.”

Clarissa relaxed slightly. The man wasn’t ordering her around. He wasn’t telling her what or how to do things. He was simply offering her his expertise, which helped sooth her ruffled feathers.

“That sounds like an excellent plan,” she replied and stepped back inside, silently inviting him into the monstrously large house that she’d inherited. And hated.

So for the next hour, she walked beside Lance as he explained the security upgrades he recommended. The first, and easiest, upgrade was to change the security code for the gate. He also suggested that the gate, house, and garage codes all be different.

“I know that’s a lot of four digit numbers to remember, but it will add extra layers of security to your home.”

She agreed, but the whole time, her thoughts kept drifting away. Sometimes, she thought about Levi, but as soon as she realized what she was thinking, she stopped the thought in its tracks, and focused on her ideas of helping others. What would happen if she just sold everything and started giving her money away?

“You’re not even listening to me, are you?” Lance asked, interrupting a lovely fantasy where Levi was doing delicious things to her back and neck.

Blinking, she shook her head. She sighed and shrugged. “No. Not really.” She looked around, startled to discover that they were in an unfamiliar area of the house. “How about if I just give you blanket permission to go ahead with whatever you think needs to be upgraded?”

He chuckled, but nodded. “Fine. But I’m also your bodyguard.”

She tilted her head. “Did Levi offer an explanation as to why he thinks I need a bodyguard?”

Lance shook his head. “He only cautioned that I should look out for anyone who might try to be overly friendly. And he mentioned your step-brother and sister specifically. He said if they approach the house, I’m to get them off of the premises, and if they–”

Before he could finish that statement, the front door burst open. “Speak of the devil!” Clarissa muttered.

“Lissy!” Blaire called out, her arms wide as if expecting a hug. Unfortunately, a petulant Chad walked in right behind Blaire, acting as if he had every right to be in the house.

Clarissa stepped back, horrified at the thought of this woman touching her. She lifted her hand in warning, but that didn’t stop Blaire from coming at her. It wasn’t until Lance stepped in between them that Blaire actually stopped, surprised by the unexpected obstacle.

“Goodness, who are you?” she asked, her voice dropping into a husky tone, as if she were considering a long, passionate night in bed with the man.

Lance ignored her question and turned to Clarissa. “Permission to get rid of ‘em, ma’am?”

Clarissa smothered a chuckle, the first in what felt like a long time, when she saw the confusion on Blaire’s face.

“Permission granted,” she replied, then folded her arms over her chest and frowned at Blaire. “You will not enter my house unless I explicitly give you permission.” She looked behind Blaire to Chad. “If you ever come into my housewithoutexplicit permission from me again, I will have the police arrest you for trespassing.”

Blaire sputtered, looking outraged. “You…you can’t do that! This is our home too! We can come and go as we please!” The obnoxious woman even had the audacity to plunk her fists onto her slender hips.

Clarissa shook her head. “Not according to my father’s will. You have zero claims to this house.” She stepped closer, careful to keep Lance between herself and Blaire. “And I reiterate, if you break into my house again, I will have you arrested.” She paused and looked at each in turn. “Do I make myself clear?”

Blaire huffed again. “You can’t do that!” She hitched her designer purse higher onto her shoulder and sneered nastily. “We’ll be talking to our lawyers about this! We’ve come and gone from this house since before our daddy died! The law is on our side!”

Thankfully, she huffed again and turned to leave. “Come along, Chad. We have a lawyer to speak with. We’re not going to be kicked out of our home! Not by some…” she paused and glared over her shoulder at Clarissa, “…low-life factory worker with no education and even less class!”

Clarissa didn’t react. But she was grateful for Lance as he moved forward – and kept on moving until Blaire was forced to move towards the front door.

Gone was Blaire’s appreciative gaze, replaced by an offended glare as Lance continued to crowd her. “Get away from me, you Neanderthal!” she yelled.

“You need to leave. Now!” Lance replied, still moving forward, using his body to herd Blaire backwards.

Blaire stomped her designer-shod foot. “I don’t have to leave! This ismyhouse! That bitch needs to leave! She doesn’t belong here!”

Lance merely shrugged and kept herding both siblings towards the door. “If you can show me proof of ownership of this house, then we can call the police and resolve this. But if you don’t have proof of ownership, then you need to leave. Because I do have proof Ms. Donata inherited this house from her father. So until you have a legal document showing that you have some sort of claim to this house, I’m enforcing Ms. Donata’s wishes. And she wants you gone.” He looked over at Chad, who had been watching the scene unfold. “You too.”

Chad stepped back and glared at Clarissa. “You’re going to regret this!” he snarled, but he turned and left the house.

The front door slammed loudly, indicating that Lance had successfully evicted the siblings.

That’s when she noticed the suitcases. “Good grief!” she sighed and grabbed the suitcases, dragging them behind her as she headed towards the door. “They did this on purpose,” she snapped.

---