Page 47 of The Billionaire's Forbidden Second Chance

She gives me a half smile as I spot Panther with the other investors heading toward the front door.

I clear my throat as Priscilla steps behind me and into the bathroom. Alex’s dark eyes narrow in on me like two devious slits. I wonder what he’s thinking. We barely spoke at all at dinner. I ignore him and scurry over to say my goodbyes to others at the door.

The embrace Panther Duke gives me is comforting in a caretaker’s way. He makes me feel loved, and I appreciate his wisdom. Of course, I’d considered him a natural reader of people’s energy. When I finally let go, I observe Priscilla sliding her hand down Alex’s back, the same way he slides his hand down mine. Weird. Maybe she’s from Messina too? Actually, she looks particularly northern Italian. I always thought Alex preferred his women a bit more tan than her.

¨Good night. Till next time.¨ I finish my goodbyes to everyone, with the exception of Priscilla.

¨Well, let me embrace you now because I am exhausted.¨ I lie, extending my arms out to the granddaughter of Italy’s sculptures.

She gives me a perplexed smile before she kisses both of my cheeks and squeezes my hand. I give Alex a simple nod and find my way up the stairs.

This is it. This is how this night ends. I can finally move on once in New York tomorrow night. I’m eager to see my studio. I miss my students and assistant, but I have to be honest…after this experience, I’m craving an artistic hiatus. I need to relocate for a brief moment and make art. I have to officially paint Alex out of my system. I have to if I want a happy life.

After a lengthy shower, I’m surprised to find a charming box on my bed. My heartbeat skips as I’m reluctant to open it. It better not be from Mateo. Actually, I should text him now to admit that it’s all over with, so he might as well get off my back. But let me first figure this thing out. As I get closer, I spot a note on it.

¨For my dear Micola, Alex.¨

Hmmph. Shouldn’t he be fucking Priscilla right now?

I crunch my hair with my towel. My bathrobe hangs open, allowing the wafty breezes to sail in from the veranda and harden my nipples. Sitting at my bed’s edge, I take the top off the box. Shimmery gift wrap greets me. Taking it off, I sigh.

There’s a copy of his first donation to my studio, way larger than he promised. My hands turn sweaty as I now have enough money to skip to some tropical spot for the remainder of the summer. Maybe a good three weeks to create art will be sufficient enough? Underneath it is one gorgeous necklace composed of a variation of December’s birthstones from turquoise, zircon, blue topaz, and tanzanite. How sweet is that? He knows how much I’ve despised the idea of wearing diamonds. I used to tell him that if he ever wanted to give me a stone, give me something from my birth month, and not only did he do that, he actually remembered. I guess I shouldn’t be applauding him for small wins.

I place the box aside and reach for my phone. I have to thank him. Might as well text him than interrupt whatever he has going on next door.

Not even a minute later, there’s a knock at my door. I hop up and quickly tighten my robe close.

¨Yes?¨ I call out.

¨ It’s me. Alex.¨

My heart rate speeds up a pinch. I pace for not even three seconds before I swing open the door. Best to get it over with.

He, too, is dressed in a robe. That same nude-colored one that got me stirring last time.

¨Yes?¨

¨ You’re welcome. I got your text.¨

¨Oh. Yes. That was way more than —¨

¨Shush!¨ He belts out, nearly scaring me.

¨Huh?¨

¨The amount is well deserved. We accomplisheda lothere, and I wanted to make sure we got in a little of our celebration before you take off tomorrow.¨

¨Well, yes. I was hoping to start packing, but we can have a little champagne, I guess?” In his right hand, he holds two champagne glasses along with a bottle.

¨ Where’s Priscilla?¨ I ask.

He shrugs, ¨Where´s Simon?¨

¨Smart ass.¨ I roll my eyes, stepping back inside as he strolls in.

He heads to the veranda to pour us two glasses. I stand at the door frame, watching him from the back. God, why does he have to be so hot? I try to swallow my lust, but I know how shifty I can be about this man. I have to take it minute by minute, especially since I’ve been drinking.

¨To a successful summer in London!¨ He lifts his glass as he passes me mine. We clink them together and say cheers before we both take a sip.

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