Page 35 of Her Prince in Disguise
“Laith!” she whispered, closing her eyes as she valiantly tried to focus.
When she was back under control again, Andi turned away from the bank of elevators. If she was late for a meeting, then so be it. Laith…he was in danger! Looking down at the box, she bit her lip and tried to think of who could have sent this horrible box!
Unfortunately, Andi had chosen the wrong place to have a meltdown. The public open area of the lobby was too busy for her pacing and silent panic. Too many people were rushing about, intent on whatever had their attention. So, she pulled back when she accidentally bumped into someone who was simply trying to walk through the exit.
“Sorry!” she gasped, then tucked the horrible box under her arm as she hurried out of the building. The hotel was only a block away, so she rushed down the sidewalk, determined to hide this disgusting box in her hotel room until she could figure out what to do with it. Or maybe she should just throw it away? No! Andi wasn’t sure why, but throwing the offensive scene away seemed like the wrong idea.
Stuff it in a closet. Just for now, she told herself. Bowing her head, she bustled down the sidewalk, barely managing to avoid the other pedestrians that were crowding the path. All she could think was, “Hide this box fast!”
Inside her hotel room, she noticed that the cleaning crew had already come through to make the bed and clean up.Since she and her colleagues were scheduled to leave tomorrow, Andi had already packed her suitcase. It was sitting against the wall, although her toiletries were still out.
Andi flipped her suitcase over and pulled several items out, dumping them onto her bed. She tried to stuff the box into her suitcase, but it was too big. With a sob, she leaned back onto her heels. Glancing at the time, she knew that she’d have to hurry to get back before someone realized she was missing. So, she shoved the box into the closet behind the extra pillows and blanket. It was obvious that something was there, but she prayed that the hotel cleaning crew wouldn’t bother to investigate.
Stepping back, she surveyed the closet. It wasn’t the perfect hiding spot, but it would work for the moment.
“Later,” she promised herself. She’d find a way to get rid of that horrible diorama after she finished work today.
Before she stepped into the conference room, she paused to inhale slowly, held her breath, then released it. The effort calmed her breathing, but she was still…not fully composed. But she had to head into the meeting. Andi knew that her team members would probably wonder where she’d been.
Stepping into the conference room, she braced herself, realizing that she was late for a staff meeting. The whole team was there. Jennifer and Lawrence were discussing an issue with Laith while Tom listened, offering suggestions when needed. They all glanced at her but she kept her eyes down as she placed her bag on the floor beside her chair.
“Sorry I’m late,” she mumbled as she pulled out her laptop and notes.
An hour later, Andi knew that she’d missed several important pieces of information, but couldn’t help it. In fact, she’d missed the entire meeting. Laith left the conference room, quickly followed by the three others, muttering about where they had to be next.
For several long moments, Andi just…breathed. She knew she’d have to figure out how to handle this problem, but she wasn’t sure what to do. Except to stay away from Laith, she didn’t have any answers.
Closing her eyes, an image of Laith’s handsome, laughing face popped into her mind. She had to protect Laith, no matter what. If anything were to happen to him that Andi could have prevented, she would be devastated.
“Andi, can I speak with you for a moment?”
Andi turned around to stare at Laith. He looked so handsome today! He was dressed more casually for some reason, and the blue, cashmere sweater stretched across his broad shoulders, reminding her of how she’d held onto those shoulders last night while he’d…!
Not good! Andi couldn’t think about last night. Not now. Not when his life was in jeopardy!
Still, her eyes moved lower, taking in the jeans he was wearing, the denim hugging his lean hips. The casual attire must be because he’d toured the factories with Jennifer first thing this morning. He’d done that in Singapore as well.
The man was droolworthy in any clothes. But the blue highlighted his dark eyes and tanned skin. He looked...amazing.
But he wanted to meet with her? In private?
No! She looked around, searching for an excuse or cameras or…? Was someone watching her? Would they see her going into his office? Did anyone on the team know what she and Laith did behind closed doors?
Of course they did! Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gotten a threat just hours ago warning her to end her affair with him!
“I can’t!” she gasped, terrified of someone seeing her go into his office and come out again. Even if she didn’t kiss him, the person watching Laith might assume that they’d kissed. If not more!
Even as she shook her head, denying his request, her phone buzzed. Thinking to use the text message as an excuse not to be alone with him, she read the message. The words nearly made her heart stop!
Don’t do it! You know what will happen if you don’t stop your affair with him!
Andi barely controlled the horrified gasp. Shewasbeing watched! Looking around, Andi felt violated. But there wasn’t anyone around! How could someone know what was happening in the conference room? How did they know to send her a text warning?
“Andi?” Laith prompted.
Andi pressed her cell phone against her chest and backed up a step. “I have to...um…a meeting,” she finally blurted. “I have a meeting. And I’m late.”
She grabbed her laptop and notes, then rushed out the door, relieved when he stepped back so that they didn’t brush against each other. In the past, that had happened too often. So often that Andi had begun to anticipate those soft, secret touches. They’d gotten her through the days until she could be alone with Laith at night.
