Page 25 of The Billionaire's Assistant

“I…can’t.”

“So there is something, but you’re not going to tell me.”

He nodded.

“I will protect you. If you’re in trouble. If you need help. I will make your problems go away.”

“I wanted this job because I knew I’d feel safe here.”

“You are safe with me.” I would make sure of that. I’d hurt someone I cared about in the past, and I wouldn’t let it happen again.

“Thank you. I…appreciate that, but I should go home.”

I studied him for a moment, wanting to push, to insist he come home with me, but that wasn’t the right tactical move. I had to let him make his choice. “I’ll have my driver take you home.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is. You’ve already been assaulted once tonight. I’m going to make sure you get home safely.” I kissed him again, needing to taste him one final time. When I released him, He looked dazed. “You’ll be okay at home alone?”

He ran his teeth over his lower lip before nodding. “I will.”

I texted my driver, and after we dressed, I escorted Ben downstairs, watching until I could no longer see the car.

Nothing in the way he’d looked at me or how he’d responded to my questions made me think he was a willing participant in any of his family’s schemes. He was scared. I wanted to find out what his family planned and make them pay.

I returned to my office and called Carter. His phone rang until it went to voicemail. I immediately called again. This time he answered on the second ring. “Do you know what time it is?”

“I told you this job can be twenty-four/seven.”

“You better have an emergency.”

“We need a better strategy to find out what’s going on with Ben’s family.”

Carter growled. “That’s not an emergency.”

I thought about the soft, innocent way Ben had looked at me. I needed this behind me so I could concentrate on him. “Yes, it is.”

“Miles, I’m a little bit busy right now.”

I heard the rustle of sheets as if he was getting out of bed, then a protesting murmur, but I couldn’t make myself care. “I need this dealt with.”

“Right this minute?”

I hated that he was always willing to call me out. “It’s very important.”

He sighed. “Life or death?”

“No.”

“Personal or business?”

“Both.”

“I’ll meet you tomorrow morning, though you do know it’s Sunday, right?”

“Be there at seven.”

“Nine,” he countered.

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