Page 20 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

As I sit in my office, the events of last night play over in my mind like a relentless loop. The dinner with Mia Larson, the forced intimacy, the kiss… none of it felt right. I don’t remember the last time I had my tongue in someone’s mouth and left them unfucked. Because it hasn’t happened before. My body was present, but my mind was elsewhere, fixated on a certain someone who’s invaded my thoughts like a persistent echo.

This is all wrong. Elana stirs somethingwrongwithin me. Unlike with Mia, where the physical proximity felt empty and devoid of any genuine connection, Elana’s existence seems to set my senses ablaze. It's unnerving, to say the least, how my body reactsso instinctively to her as if it recognizes something in her that defies common sense.

Staying away from her really worked out for you, didn’t it?

The image of her changing in her room flashes in my mind, igniting a surge of heat that courses down below my belt buckle. The memory of her moaning my name makes me close my eyes, savoring it over and over. Snap out of it. I throw my head back and groan in frustration. Arousal pumps through my veins, clouding my mind. When did I turn into a horny teenager? It’s absurd how a simple glimpse of her can evoke such a primal response. And I can’t even call Ethan to complain about it. Not if I value my head on my shoulders.

I try to shake off the lingering effects of the memory of her as I prepare for my next meeting. My body still thrums with energy, and all I can think about is taking it out on someone. Taking it out at the gym equipment didn’t work, and my employees are suffering the consequences. I almost fired Bethany after she put milk in my coffee instead of bringing it on the side. What the hell does Melissa see in this girl?Maybe she’s more efficient when she doesn’t want to gag on my dick.

Electricity stabs me in the stomach at the sudden thought of Elana on her knees before me, her green eyes struggling to meet mine, my hand buried in her hair, pushing her head up and down. I ball my hands into fists and take a deep breath. Before I can fully compose myself, someone interrupts my thoughts with a gentle knock on the door.

“Come in, Melissa.” I don’t need to see through doors to know it’s her. I doubt Bethany has the courage to walk into my office for the second time today after the shit she got from me earlier.

Melissa pokes her head in. “Mr. Morgan, your meeting is about to begin. They’re waiting for you in the conference room.”

“Thank you. Have you seen Miss Turner?”

Melissa hesitates for a moment before shaking her head. “No, sir. I haven’t seen her since this morning.”

“That’s alright. I just want to monitor her progress.” Liar.

“I’m sure Ryan can handle her, sir.” She smiles. “They seem to be getting along nicely.”

“Right.” A pang of unease washes over me at her words. He’s not handling shit. “Get me Ryan.” I’m moving Elana to another department, far away from Ryan. You move her anywhere else, and they’ll eat her alive. Ryan is the best choice for her. “Actually, don’t,” I stop Melissa, and she shoots me a puzzled look. I’ve never been indecisive. You’re pathetic. I rub the bridge of my nose before rising to my feet. “Forget I said anything.”

“And you really think this is worth pursuing?” I’m sitting in the conference room on the second floor, surrounded by my top executives, discussing the quarterly projections. The room is abuzz with talk of numbers and results from recent investments.

“Don’t you?” one of my executives asks, waving a hand towards the projection on the screen.

“You’re the one I sent there to check. If anyone can convince me, it’s you.” I raise a brow at her, and I’m met with adetermined smile.

“And I will.” She waves the tiny remote at the projection, and the slide changes. And then I see them through the glass walls of the conference room.

Elana and Ryan walk out of the elevator with huge grins on their faces. They seem deep in conversation like they’ve known each other for years. Ryan nudges her playfully, and she responds with a bright laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. He can’t be that funny. It’s infuriating how easily she lets her guard down around him, how effortlessly they seem to connect. I saw it the first time they met, and I’m seeing it again right now. I fucking hate it.

The sight ignites a green fire inside me, a blazing jealousy that spreads through my body like a raging wildfire. They seem to be having a blast, completely oblivious to the fact that I’m watching them.

I can’t tear my gaze away. What right does he have to make her laugh like that? The possessive rage bubbles up inside me, threatening to spill over.

The executives around me continue their discussions. They talk about projections, growth strategies, and market trends, but their voices fade into the background. All I can see is Elana, her mouth open in silentlaughter, her smile lighting up the space. They walk out of my sight, and I force my eyes away from the empty space behind them and down to my already unlocked phone. Before I can stop myself, I send a quick message to Melissa telling her I’ll be expecting Elana in my office in twenty minutes.

I lean back in my chair, staring blankly at the documents on my desk. The uncomfortable feeling still lingers, and images of Elana laughing with Ryan possess my mind. I know Ryan’s always armed with his stupid dad jokes and charm for days, but none of it is wheezeworthy. And Elana seemed to be struggling to catch her breath. Surely, the fucker couldn’t be that funny.

A sharp knock interrupts my bitter thoughts.

“Come in.” I straighten, trying to compose myself, before even a strand of blonde hair peeks through the door. It slowly slides open, and Elana steps inside. She’s wearing a white sweater and jeans that cling toher hips. I don’t need to see her from behind to imagine how her ass looks in them.

“You wanted to see me?” Her voice is steady, but I can detect her nervousness.

I hesitate for a moment. Why did I call her up here, anyway? To get her away from Ryan. I know I’m being petty, but the jealousy burning inside me clouds my judgment. I need her away from him, even for a few minutes.

“I heard you’re getting along with Ryan quite well.” I clear my throat, forcing myself to focus. Careful. “I wanted to ask you about it firsthand.” My tone is more clipped than I intended.

Her expression flickers with surprise. “I… yes. Ryan’s great. I mean, he’s very experienced and helpful.” Her words are slow. She’s choosing the adjectives carefully. That is not a good sign.

“He is.” I nod, trying to mask the bitterness in my voice. “I just couldn’t help but notice that you two seem to be quite friendly with each other.”

“Is that a problem?” She plays with the hem of her sweater as she speaks. She looks like she’s been called to the principal’s office.