The Billionaire's Gamble

Nolan kisses me before leaving for the office, promising that he’ll see me that afternoon, and I head off for a day of sightseeing with Sage. She takes me around the city, hitting the tourist high-points. Central Park, Times Square, the 9-11 Memorial, and what feels like countless other things. By the time we’ve finished for the day I’m exhausted again. Sage brings me back to the Coldwater Bank building—Nolan is still there and she has some work that she needs to catch up on. I don’t mind—I can imagine that being Nolan’s assistant comes with a lot of responsibility, and when you take two days off to ferry someone around the city, you’re going to get behind on things.

There are more people on the top floor when I get off the elevator this time, all men, all dressed in impeccable suits. It takes me only a second to realize that these are the Silver Lions, or at least some of them. As soon as I walk into the room it goes silent, everyone staring at me with contempt. The naked judgment and disapproval in their eyes is shocking and a little hard to bear. An older man separates himself from the crowd, walking towards me. The way he moves is too smooth, too precise, and the way he smiles is too. I shiver, and I realize it’s because he’s looking at me like I’m prey. No wonder they call them Lions.

“So, you’re Danielle Hathaway.”

I try to give it my best shot, so I smile. “Yes, that’s me.”

“No relation to the actress, I assume.”

“Nope.” I laugh it off. “You’d be surprised—that’s actually the first time I’ve heard that,” I say sarcastically.

The man’s smile is biting. “Well, the comparison fits. She displays herself the way you do.”

“I’m sorry?”

“All over the papers. I saw your…kiss. Whatever will we see next?” I feel a bit sick to my stomach, and filthy, like there’s something on my skin from just being around this man. He’s slimy. “Tell me,” he says, taking a step closer, “do you like being put on display?”

“Sorry I’m late,” Nolan’s voice booms across the room from behind me. “I got caught in the counsel’s office downstairs. I see you all met Dani. Excuse me while I show her out. You can wait in my office.” He places a hand on the small on back, leading me back toward the elevator. “I’m sorry about that,” he whispers when we’re out of earshot. “I didn’t realize you’d be here so soon, I never would have let you meet them alone.”

“No one spoke to me except for him. Who is that guy?”

“Frank Baron. CFO of our California operation. He’s been on the board longer than I’ve been alive, and has way more influence over the others than I’d like.” He stops by the elevator.

I cross my arms. “Well, he’s a creep.”

“Yeah,” Nolan says, looking uncomfortable. “Well, I hope that I have something that will make up for that.”

“Nolan, you don’t have to give me a gift every day.”

He pulls me in by the hips, coming in for a slow, lingering kiss that makes me wish we were entirely alone. “But then what would I do with my time?” he asks.

“I can think of a few things,” I mutter under my breath, and he chuckles.

“Tomorrow night,” he says, “we’re going to see I Love you, Eva Grey.”

My whole body goes into shock. “Are you serious?”

Nolan is grinning like a cat who finally caught a bird. “Yes, I am. And not only are you and I going to see it, I got three tickets. I’d love for Kelly to come see it with us.”

Unexpected tears spring to my eyes, and I find myself trying to look away, trying to hide them. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

“Why are you crying?” He suddenly sounds alarmed.

“Because it’s awesome,” I say. “Because you’re doing such nice things for me, even though you don’t have to.”

“I want to. You deserve all the nice things, Dani.” He kisses me again, and I’m glad, because if he hadn’t I’d be crying even more from the sweetness of his words. “I’m sorry. I have to go into the Lion’s den now.”

I laugh, even though I’m still half-crying. “Please don’t tell me you actually call it that.”

“Only in my mind. I’ll see you later.”

“Later.”

He turns back as he’s walking towards his office. “Don’t forget to call Kelly and tell her to pack.”

16

Nolan

“Hell of a way to introduce yourself, Frank,” I say, entering my office brusquely.

He sneers at me. “I’m not the one parading your new slut-of-the-week across the front of all the papers.”

“Watch your mouth,” I say, my voice quiet and even—a trick I learned from my father. People are far scarier when they’re in absolute control rather than when they’re railing at you. “Despite what the paparazzi seem to think, what I do in my personal life is my business. You will not disrespect anyone in my life. Do you understand me?”