Page 20 of The Billionaire and the Nanny

Fee Donovan smiled at me warmly.

“Maddie seems to have taken to you,” she said softly. “She doesn’t open up so easily to strangers.”

“I… I didn’t mean to overstep,” I stammered because I didn’t know how much they had overheard.

“Not at all, my dear. She’s always throwing such tantrums about going to ballet, but it never struck us to put her in a Lego club. I didn’t even know something like that existed. I think we were content to go along with what the rest of her friends were doing.”

“Not anymore,” said Leo firmly. “ Aunt Fee, burn those tutus right away. My Cotton Tail is going to do whatever she likes. Lego, chess, or even stargazing, if she wants it.”

Maddie giggled at him and I stared at the two of them entranced. I had only ever seen the grumpy side of Leo. This version of him was breathtaking. I didn’t know he could smile like this. And then he looked up and the look in his eyes took my breath away.

All the memories of last night came rushing back. I tried to push them away, but they lingered, making me blush fierily. I wondered if my X-rated thoughts were written on my face. Fee looked from Leo to me with a slight smile, and for one moment, I thought she knew what we’d been up to. But she didn’t mention it and merely put her arms out to take Maddie from her father.

“I think it’s time you had your breakfast, darling. Daddy and Tia will join us at the table.”

Maddie waved at me merrily as Fee led her away.

My smile froze in place when the door shut behind them, leaving me alone with Leo. I cleared my throat and took one step away from me.

“I’ve asked Marcus to arrange for an apartment nearby. You should be able to move in tomorrow,” he said briskly.

I looked up at him questioningly.

“What apartment?”

“A safe house for you,” he replied.

“I thought that would be a hotel room, Leo. Whose apartment is this?”

“We’re renting one in the company’s name. It can’t be traced back to you, don’t worry.”

“That’s not the point, Leo. Who’s paying for it?”

“Well, you certainly can’t because Arjun will be tracking your credit cards.”

“I know that, but I can’t allow you to rent me an apartment,” I replied, horrified at the very idea. “And how long will I even stay there before my brother finds me?”

“This is the only option we have, Tia. Can you think of anything else?”

“I can,” I replied firmly.

It was time to do what Celine had suggested so many times.

“I know Celine is planning to move to Vegas. I can go with her and set up a new life for myself, with a new identity and everything.”

“That’s not so easy. You will need new documents,” pointed out Leo.

“Celine knows a guy who can create a whole new identity for me. It might be expensive, but I’ll sell my grandmother’s jewelry to pay for it,” I said doubtfully.

Anything had to be better than to be a parasite on Leo. I refused to take advantage of him.

“And what will you do in Vegas? What will you live on?” he asked angrily.

“I’ll become a stripper, just like Celine,” I declared.

CHAPTER 10

LEO

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