Page 10 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

I mumble a quick thanks, my nerves now reaching a crescendo. At least I remember how to get there. My body leads me to the elevators, but my mind is filled with thoughts of Adrian sitting at his desk, waiting for me. The anticipation gnaws at me, and I can’t shake the image of his intensegray eyes.

The elevator doors slide open, and I step inside. As the lift ascends, my reflection in the mirrored walls appears just as shaky as my nerves. I straighten my dress and smooth out my hair. When the elevator finally reaches the top floor, I take a fortifying breath. The hallway leading to Adrian’s office stretches ahead, and my heart pounds in my chest. I approach the front desk on the top floor, where I find the two girls from yesterday typing away at their computers. The nice one, Melissa, looks up with a professional smile on her face.

“Good morning, Ms. Turner. It’s good to see you again. Mr. Morgan is in a meeting but should be available shortly. Can I get you anything while you wait? Maybe some coffee or tea?”

“Good morning. A cup of tea sounds lovely, thank you,” I reply, attempting to match her professionalism. I don’t really need anything, but having something in my hands is better than fidgeting.

“Bethany, could you fetch a cup of tea for Elana?” Melissa turns to Bethany, the younger assistant from yesterday.

Bethany eyes me with the same look of condescension from yesterday. “Sure, I’ll get it right away.” She flounces off to another room, leaving me with Melissa.

“Thank you, Melissa,” I say with a genuine smile.

“No problem at all. Make yourself comfortable.” She waves at the small sitting area next to the floor-to-ceiling windows. “Mr. Morgan will return shortly.” Melissa returns to her work, and I walk over to the plush couch. I sit, trying to appear unfazed, but I’m aware I’m focused on the elevator from the corner of my eye.

As I wait for the tea, I can’t help but wonder why Bethany seems to have taken an instant dislike to me. Maybe she has a radar for new competition. I shake off the thought, reminding myself I’m here for Ethan’s peace of mind, not to win a popularity contest.

Bethany returns with a steaming porcelain cup and a saucer, placing it on the coffee table with a smug expression.

“Here’s your tea. I wasn’t invited to Mr. Morgan’s office when I started my internship, but I hope you’re not expecting any special treatment from himfrom now on.”

I raise an eyebrow. She’s definitely trying to ruffle my feathers.

“No special treatment needed. I’m here to work, not to cozy up to anyone.” I take a sip, maintaining eye contact. “Thanks for the tea.”

She smiles coldly and walks away, muttering something under her breath. I can’t quite catch the words, but I doubt they’re friendly. It seems I’ve already made enemies.

As I stare out the window into the courtyard, the soft chime of the elevator resonates through the office floor. I stiffen. The doors slide open just as I turn my head. Adrian steps out, his presence full of authority. The air seems to shift as he strides towards me, exuding a confidence that commands attention.

“Mr. Morgan!” Bethany jumps out of her seat with the stupidest grin. Ah, so that’s how it is. Is he sleeping with her? The thought makes my stomach churn. Adrian nods in her direction and undoes a button on his black blazer. Suddenly, his stern eyes find mine, and I take a deep breath.

Chapter five

~ADRIAN ~

Fear flickers in Elana’s eyes as I approach her. Is it me or the internship that has her on edge? She rises quickly, smoothing the knee-length dress with a design I can’t quite figure out yet. I haven’t seen her in five days—five days of long honey-blonde hair and playful green eyes invading my mind. Half her hair is secured, while the rest cascades over her shoulders and around her breasts, the pink hue on her cheeks mirroring the shade of her lips. She’s undeniably stunning.

“Make sure no one disturbs us,” I instruct Melissa, who nods in acknowledgment and then turns to look at Elana as I pass by. Poor thing is frozen in place. “Coming?” I raise a brow at her and turn my head back forward.

“Y-yes, sorry,” she stammers behind me.

Opening the door to my office, I allow her to enter first before closing it behind us. Leaning against my desk, I observe Elana tentatively exploring the room, her eyes scanning the furniture as if encountering it for the first time. She looks lost and out of place.

“Take a seat.” I gesture towards the leather couch in front of my desk, and she lowers herself into it. Nervous energy radiates from her, and I’m still unsure if it's the internship or my presence that’s unsettling her more.

“Thank you for having me,” she mumbles, her gaze flickering towards the coffee table. Oh, this will never do.

“We’ve known each other for years, Elana,” I remind her. “We might as well skip the formalities.” I lean back a bit, studying her. “How are you feeling about all this?”

“I’m nervous. This is very overwhelming.” She fidgets with the hem of her dress, and I can finally make out what’s on it—small ducks. She came here wearinga fucking duck dress. I almost laugh at the absurdity, but I’m not sure she can handle fashion criticism on top of everything, so I opt for a raised brow.

“I guess it is.” I lock eyes with her, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “I’ve arranged for someone to help you settle in since I find it hard to align my schedule with yours.” She looks up at me, perplexed, and I clarify, “I asked Ethan to send me your class schedule earlier today.”

“Oh,” is all she says. Who the hell is this girl? Where is the cheerful, annoyingly playful girl I remember? She’s terrified. I soften my gaze in an attempt to calm her nerves.

“A man named Ryan has agreed to help. He’s the head of the financial department and will be your guide. He’s friendly. I have no doubt you’ll get along.” I hope the last part brings her some relief, but it only brings me a sense of unease. It accompanies the hope that she won’t get alongthatwell with Ryan.

“Oh, that’s great.” She smiles and looks up at me. “I appreciate it. Thank you—” “she falls silent, and I know why.