Page 12 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

Half an hour drifts by, with Mac effortlessly ferrying Elana’s bags into her new room while Ethan and I engage in conversation at the kitchen island. I notice the subtle tension in Elana’s posture. It’s more than just Ethan leaving; it’s the unease she feels around me, and I know it. As Ethan talks about the LA apartment he’s renting, Elana glances around the room, her eyes landing on me.

“I’m sorry. Could you please tell me where the bathroom is?” Her voice is so small I wouldn’t have heard her talking if I weren’t alreadylooking her way.

“There’s a hallway with an oval archway,” Ethan speaks before I can. “Down that hallway, first door to your left.”

I chuckle and shake my head. He knows the layout of the penthouse perfectly.

“Thanks, Ethan. I’ll be right back,” she murmurs, excusing herself and disappearing from the kitchen. As she walks away, my gaze lingers on her, noting the subtle sway of her hips. Those hips would look damn good under mine.

With Elana out of earshot, Ethan suddenly leans in, his expression serious.

“What is it?” My brow furrows as I meet his gaze.

“It’s about Elana’s ex,” Ethan admits, casting a wary glance around to ensure Elana’s absence. “The guy’s unhinged, man. I hate the idea of leaving her with that piece of shit around. I know we already talked about this, but please keep an eye on things for me.”

“I’ll do my best, you know that.” The mention of the infamous ex-boyfriend stirs a surge of irritation within me. I wonder about the guy. What he looks like, what drew Elana to him. Has he fucked her? The idea of someone else having a claim on her makes mecurl my fists. “But she needs to trust me enough to share if something happens. That’s the only way I can truly help.”

“I know, but you have your… ways to see what someone’s doing. And I’m definitely not telling you to invade Elana’s privacy. I’m just asking you to protect her.”

“I get it.” My gaze lingers down the hallway where Elana disappeared. “Can I at least upgrade your ticket to first class?”

“You’ve asked me that already. You don’t have to do that.” Ethan pours some more wine into our glasses.

“Come on, man.” I laugh. “What’s the point of having a rich best friend if you’re not using him for his money?”

“Who says I’m not using you for your money?” He downs his glass, grinning, and strides over to the sink, depositing it inside. “Alright, if you insist. I’ll send you the flight information.”

“I’ll tell Melissa to takecare of it.”

Ethan claps me on the shoulder once we’ve reached the elevator. “Take care of her, Adrian. She’s got a knack for getting into trouble.”

“No, I don’t!” Elana elbows him gently.

“Don’t worry.” My eyes meet hers, and a sly smirk plays on my lips. “So do I.” An instant flush paints her face as my words land, and that’s the extent of what I’m willing to reveal in Ethan’s company. It’s a good thing he’s facing away, engrossed in pressing the elevator button; otherwise, my audacious smirk might have earned me a solid punch. Although, I’m no stranger to taking hits from Ethan. We've engaged in our fair share of sparring matches over the years—nothing I can’t handle.

“Come here, you.” He finally turns to face us and pulls Elana into a lingering hug. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Elana’s voice cracks as she holds on to Ethan. I step back, giving them space.

“I’ll make you proud, El.” I see a tear roll down Elana’s cheek at Ethan’s words.

“You already do.” They hold each other for a few moments longer before Ethan finally breaks away.

“Look after her, okay?” His eyes are red, and he sniffs. “That uppercut you have is deadly. Use it if you must. I’ll bail you out with my LA money.” He laughs, and I push him back with a smile before embracing him.

“I’ll take care of her, brother,” I say against his ear before pulling away.

With a final round of goodbyes, Ethan steps into the elevator and turns to face us.

“I’ll call you from the airport.” He smiles, and the doors close in front of him. In my periphery, I catch Elana inhaling deeply as she turns to face me. Exercising considerable self-control, I resist the urge to push her up against the wall and taste those luscious lips that have haunted my thoughts for days. I opted instead to keep my hands to myself and focus on locking eyes with her. Her breathing undergoes an immediate shift as I step towards her, leaning in close to her ear.

“Welcome home, little duck.”

Chapter six

~ELANA~

He’s so close I can feel his warm breath tickle my ear, sending a shiver down my arms and legs. I try my best not to turn my head to look at him, not trusting myself with being so close to his lips without doing something reckless.