Page 11 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“Adrian.”I chuckle.

“Adrian,” she repeats, her cheeks turning pinker. I pause, savoring my name on her lips. I want to hear it louder, hear her fall apart as she screams it. Heat immediately rushes down my body, and I close my eyes briefly. Pull yourself together.

“Nevertheless, I expect nothing but your best. This isn’t a cakewalk.” My tone sharpens.

She nods. “I understand. I’ll do my best.”

“Good.” My gaze lingers on her face, noticing the worry etched on her naturally beautiful features. Tell her she can trust you. I sigh as I take a few steps towards her and sit on the armchair to her left. “Elana, you can come to me with anything. Whether it’s a concern, question, or anything else.” She turns to face me, and I lean forward. “Never be afraid to approach me.”

I see her visibly relax as she absorbs my words, and there’s no doubt these are the words she needed to hear.

“Thank you.” Her voice almost cracks, and for the first time, a genuine smile graces her lips. It’s a smile that takes my breath away, a smile I’d like to see as often as possible.

“You’re more than welcome,” I reply, my gaze unintentionally dropping to her soft, full lips.

This time, I’m close enough for her to notice. I see her lips part as she inhales sharply. When I meet her eyes again, her cheeks are even pinker. Her reaction makes the corners of my mouth lift.

Suddenly, a knock echoes in the room, and I look up.

“Come in,” I call, and Melissa opens the door with a respectful nod.

“Mr. Morgan, Ryan is here,” she informs me.

“Great, let him in,” I reply, my eyes briefly shifting to Elana. “He’s here to help.”

Melissa exits and in walks Ryan, a bundle of energy and charm as fucking always. His jovial greeting fills the room as he extends a hand towards Elana. “You must be Elana. I’m delighted to meet you!” Delighted?

Elana smiles and shakes his hand. The contrast between her nervousness with me and her immediate ease with Ryan doesn’t go unnoticed.

So, it is me she’s afraidof.

“I hope the big boss didn’t scare you too much.” He turns to me with a laugh, and Elana chuckles. “I promised Mr. Morgan I would make sure you know what you’re doing, or at least look like you know what you’re doing.”

“I appreciate that.” Elana smiles, her tension visibly easing.

While they exchange more pleasantries, I observe, my unease growing. Ryan is undoubtedly the right choice to mentor Elana—experienced, friendly, and a perfect blend of professionalism and approachability. Yet, a subtle pang of jealousy tugs at me as I watch them connect so effortlessly.

“Alright, then.” Ryan claps his hands together. “Mr. Morgan is a busy man. We don’t want to take up too much of his time. Let the grand tour begin.” He turns to me. “With your permission, Mr. Morgan?”

“Of course.” I nod and walk around my desk and take a seat. “Good luck, Elana.”

“Thank you.” She gives me a smile before Ryan opens the door and urges her to follow him.

As they exit my office, I lean back in my chair, my gaze fixed on the closing door. Lingering jealousysettles within me. The idea of aligning my schedule with hers crosses my mind, and I quickly dismiss it. That’s bullshit. I’ve never aligned my schedule with anyone else’s. I open my laptop to attend to a few emails, hoping they’ll distract me from Ryan showing Elana around. The thought remains an unwelcome one.

The clock ticks away the minutes in my penthouse, the silence interrupted only by the mellow hum of a jazz track playing in the background. I sit on the couch, a glass of red wine in my hand, the deep crimson liquid swirling as I twirl the glass absentmindedly. I’ve already removed my jacket, loosened my tie, and undid the top buttons of my shirt. I wonder if Elana’s still wearing the dress from today. A laugh threatens to come out at the thought of her coming on her first day wearing that.

The intercom buzzes, and I’m alerted to Ethan’s arrival with Elana. I quickly instruct Mac to let them in, and within moments, the elevator doors leading straight to my livingroom open.

“Adrian!” Ethan, in high spirits, leads the way, with Elana following closely behind. Mac assists them with the luggage, a suitcase in each hand. “LA awaits,” Ethan sighs with a smile, three duffel bags in one hand, a suitcase in the other, and two more duffel bags on his shoulders. The sight is unnerving. She’s moving in, and there’s nothing I can do about it other than offer Ethan a hand, taking the three duffel bags from him as he groans, flexing his hand.

“Hello.” Elana gives me a small wave and adjusts the straps on her backpack. I place the duffel bags on the floor and stand up straight, offering a nod in response. I’m unsure of how to approach her in front of Ethan. I definitely know how I want to approach her, but that would earn me a dropkick from Ethan.

“It’s about time you chased those dreams, Ethan.” I decide to talk to him instead, not trusting myself to look at Elana for more than a second. If my best friend can’t tell when I want to fuck someone’s brains out, who else would? He would definitely be able to see, and he won’t be as eager to leave Elana here—or me alive.

He smiles again, but this time, there’s sadness in his eyes. “Yeah, but leaving this one behind.” He gestures towards Elana, who’s standing by with her hand resting on the handle of the suitcase.

I see sadness and a lot of worry in Elana’s eyes as her gaze jumps between Ethan and me. She looks beautiful despite the underlying melancholy that clouds her eyes… and that dress. She’s still wearing it.