Page 26 of Taboo

Her phone buzzed in her hand and she looked down to see who texted her.

Unknown Number: This is Alek. I got your number from your man.

Her man?Oh, David.

She assigned the number to Alek’s name.

Julienne: Backing out?

Alek: No way. Just wanted to know if you were allergic to shrimp or if you had an issue with spicy food. I know some Brits do.

They did, but not her. She adored hot food.

Julienne: No on both counts. Why?

Alek: I figured I’d grab us something to eat so we didn’t have to traipse around with your security.

Alek: Also thought you might want to eat some local grindz.

She would. Whenever she did get to travel, she liked to eat where the locals eat. Their concierges knew that when she arrived, she wanted a list of places that were where all the locals would eat.

Julienne: Sounds good.

Alek: Means I’ll be there closer to six. I have meetings up until five.

Julienne: No worries.

Alek: What are you wearing?

She would normally get mad at a man who sent that to her, especially one she was working with. Alek was different though. She imagined his voice rolling over the syllables in that teasing tone of his.

Julienne: Wouldn’t you like to know?

Alek: You’re killing me.

Julienne: Go back to work.

Alek: Your wish will always be my command.

It was silly the way her heart did a little jig at that light comment. No one had ever made her feel so unencumbered. It’s insane because they’d spent less than twelve hours together, but she was practically giddy at the thought of seeing him again.

She looked up from her phone and saw her reflection in the mirror. If one of her girlfriends had told her that she’d had a one-night stand and she was obsessed with the bloke, Julienne would question the woman’s sanity and maturity. And she should be doing the same thing for herself.

This wasn’t forever, and they definitely needed to avoid bed again. It would make working together difficult. With that thought, she pushed aside thoughts of Alek and decided to get to work.

chapter nine

Alek eyedthe two security guards that stood on either side of Jules’ door and fought the need to roll his eyes. Seriously, he knew Jules’ family had a lot of money, but this level of security was just a little off to him.

“Gentleman,” he said nodding to both of them. They both tipped their heads in his direction but said nothing. He knocked on the door and waited. His senses were so in tune with Jules, he was convinced he could hear her feet against the thick carpet.

The door opened and one of the guards tsked.

“What?” she asked him without acknowledging Alek.

“You should ask who it is,” the one on the right said.

“That seems like a waste of time with you two standing out here, right? I mean, if you aren’t here to stop the threats, what good are you?”

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