Guarded King (Empty Kingdom #3)

Chapter 23

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHLOE

A s voices echo down the hallway, gradually coming closer, my heart rate skyrockets. I’d recognize Roman’s deep baritone anywhere.

Other than a fleeting glimpse of him in Cole’s office as I walked past before lunch, I haven’t seen him this morning. And I have no idea what to expect after yesterday. My stomach churns, nerves coiling tight, palms dampening with sweat.

As the three King brothers round the corner, Roman’s gaze locks onto mine, and I’m immediately thrust back to that moment last night, to him shirtless, his arm flexing, his eyes searing into mine.

Heat sparks low in my core, but I ignore it, shoving the memory aside and forcing my attention back to my monitor.

He and his brothers speak for a few minutes outside his office door, and then Cole—who returned from paternity leave this week—and Tate move off, both giving me a nod as they pass.

“Can I see you in my office?” Roman asks. As is so often the case, his expression is unreadable.

The apprehension swirling inside me ratchets up a notch. I swallow and nod. “Yes, sir.”

I swear I hear his teeth click together a moment before he turns away and pushes through the door into his office.

With a deep inhale, I rise and follow him. Once inside, I close the door softly behind me, then turn, keeping my back against it.

He stands by his desk, his unbuttoned suit jacket pushed back, hands in his pockets, as he takes me in. When I don’t move, an emotion—something almost like hurt—flickers in his eyes. “Are you scared of me, Chloe?”

Scared of him? No. Though I may be scared of myself. With a shake of my head, I take a step. Then I take another one, watching his face as I approach. I stop a few feet away from him.

“I’m not scared of you. But I wanted to apologize. I should never—What I did was?—”

He takes a step forward as well, the move bringing him so close that I need to look up at him. “You did nothing. I should never have put you in that situation.”

He regards me, taking his time studying my face in a way that makes my pulse race and my breaths shorten. And still, I’m not nervous. Not how I would have been if Geoff tried to get this close. Because Roman has too much control. Despite yesterday, despite last night. Maybe even because of last night, when I stood here and watched him and he didn’t push for more. Didn’t do anything but give me the choice of whether to go or stay.

Even now, every move he makes is smooth, restrained. His self-control is so incredibly appealing to me, even though I can’t put my finger on why.

I wet my lips, and in response, a muscle jumps in his jaw. He turns abruptly and moves away. “It won’t happen again. You don’t need to worry about that.”

Holding my breath, I take a step toward him, tempted to smooth my hand down his taut spine, to ease his sudden tension. But I’m not stupid enough to do anything but keep my hands to myself.

“I know that. It was…” I scan the room, hoping for inspiration, some way for us to move past this. “It was a moment of craziness for both of us. That’s all. We should forget it ever happened.”

He examines me, mouth in a tight line. “Are you comfortable with that? If you’d like me to find you another position?—”

My heart plummets. “N-no, I don’t want that.” I want to keep this job. Not only because I need the money, but because I like working here. I like working for him . Regardless of my attraction to him, Roman makes me feel safe.

His eyes sweep my face. Then, with a succinct nod, he takes a seat behind his desk. “Have you arranged a homecare nurse for your dad?”

A smile splits my face unbidden. “I have. She’s actually coming over tonight to meet us.” Carol was lovely on the phone. With any luck, Dad will get along with her better than he does with Susan. “She’ll come with us for his first infusion this weekend.”

One side of his mouth lifts. “I’m glad to hear that.”

God, he’s too gorgeous. It’s distracting. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No. Just let me know once you’ve confirmed our final itinerary for Nice.”

The reminder of our upcoming trip together sends a thrill through me, and it’s more than just excitement about going overseas for the first time. I push the sensation down. It isn’t a particularly appropriate reaction, considering what we’ve just said to each other.

“I’m almost done. I’m just waiting on confirmation for a dinner meeting with EcoTech’s CEO on the Saturday night.”

He frowns. “A dinner meeting?”

“That’s the only availability he had. Is that a problem?”

He picks up a pen and taps it on his desk. “No, that’s fine.”

“You’d rather enjoy a night out on the town?” The question is out before I even process the thought.

Quicksilver eyes fixed on me, he leans back in his chair. “I’d rather spend my time working. Or enjoying a good whiskey.”

“Alone?” What’s gotten into me ? But it’s not like I’m flirting. God, I wouldn’t even know how to flirt with a man like Roman. I’m just trying to learn more about him. For the job, of course.

His eyes flash, and he rasps a hand over his chin. “Good company is hard to find.”

“So I’ve heard.” Time to get out of here before I really stick my foot in my mouth. “I’ll let you know once the dinner is confirmed.” With that, I turn on my heel and beat a hasty retreat.

I spend the rest of the day fielding calls and finalizing Roman’s talking points for the luncheon on the second day of the expo. When five p.m. rolls around, I knock on his door and wait for his response before entering.

As I cross the threshold, he looks up from his desk. Once more, his jacket is off, and the sleeves of his shirt are rolled up. Does he know how sexy he looks like that? “Would it be okay if I left? I’d like to get home in time for the homecare nurse’s visit.”

“Of course. I hope it goes well.”

I pause at the door, gratitude welling up in me again. “Thank you for organizing this. It means a lot.”

His stern expression softens a fraction, the tension in his jaw easing. “It’s a smart business decision.”

If he thinks he’s fooling me with that line, he’s mistaken. I tilt my head to the side and smile. “Then thank you… for making such a smart business decision.”

He huffs out an almost reluctant laugh at that.

“Have a good weekend, Roman,” I say softly. “Don’t work too hard.”

For several heartbeats, I can’t look away. He’s focused on me too, the intensity seeping back into his features. Finally, I break the spell and force myself to turn and slip out.

When I get home, I make Dad an early dinner and spend a few minutes tidying up before the door buzzer goes.

“Is that her?” Dad asks from his armchair.

“Yep.” I rush to the door and swing it open.

The dark-haired woman standing outside is slightly older than middle-aged and wearing a bright smile. “Hi, I’m Carol. You must be Chloe.”

“Hi, yes, please come in.”

As she walks past me, she spots the painting that hangs in the entry. “Oh, I love this. Is it one of your father’s?”

I’ve told her a little about Dad, including that he’s an artist. “It is.”

With her lips pressed together in concentration, she studies it. “It’s so recognizably Manhattan. But it’s like seeing it through a different lens. A clearer one.”

“Dad liked to paint the many different facets of the city.”

She tears her attention away from the painting and hits me with another warm smile. “Hopefully he’ll be able to paint many more in the future.”

Hope surges up in me. “I’d love that. He would too.”

“Okay, let’s go meet the artist, then,” she says with a wink.

“Dad,” I say as I guide her into the living room, “this is Carol. Carol, this is my dad, Rick.”

“Hi, Rick.” Carol strides forward confidently and sits in the chair opposite him. “I was just admiring your painting in the hallway. You’re very talented.”

Dad’s eyes light up. The man is always happy to talk about his art.

“I’ll leave you two to get to know each other,” I say. “Would you like something to drink, Carol? A tea or coffee?”

“Water would be lovely, thanks.”

After I fetch a glass of water for her and another for Dad, I take a step back, preparing to leave them. They barely notice me, too busy chatting away. I’m already getting a good vibe from Carol. This introduction feels almost like a social visit for Dad. Although I don’t miss the way Carol assesses his movement as he carefully picks up his glass.

Reassured, I head to my bedroom to call Lola. It’s been too long since we’ve had a chance to talk. And she’s the only person I can confide in about Roman.

Once I’m settled against my headboard, I dial her number.

“So, fill me in,” she says, eager to have time to chat since Christopher is asleep and Jamie is out picking up dinner. “What’s the life of a billionaire’s assistant like? I’m still so jealous you get to go to France. I need to live vicariously through you.” She laughs.

I pick at the bed cover beneath me, considering where to start. “There’s lots going on. I’m helping Roman finalize trip details. While we’re there, we’ll meet with executives from a company he wants to acquire, so we’re focused a lot on that. But… there’s something else.”

Obviously knowing me well enough to sense that I need her advice, she says, “Okay, spill, chickadee. What’s going on?”

I let out a sigh. “Have you ever been attracted to someone you know you absolutely shouldn’t be attracted to?”

“Do you mean because they’re not a good person, or because it’s inappropriate to be attracted to them?”

“Inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate like they’re your boss?”

A short laugh bursts out of me. “Am I that obvious?”

She snorts. “I’ve seen the pictures, Chloe. Roman King is gorgeous. You’d have to be blind not to find him attractive.”

“But there’s a difference between finding someone attractive and being attracted to them.”

“Yes, I suppose there is. So, you’re telling me you’re attracted attracted to him?”

Sighing, I let my head fall back against my headboard. “Yes, and I shouldn’t be. He’s my boss, and it’s completely inappropriate.”

“You may be attracted to him, but that doesn’t mean you have to act on it. You can just admire from afar, can’t you?”

“The thing is… We got stuck in an elevator yesterday. And you know how I am about small, dark spaces. He was comforting me, and…” I swallow, struggling to get the words out.

“ And ? Come on, don’t leave me hanging!”

“I think he almost kissed me.”

Lola is silent for so long, I worry that the call has been disconnected. Just as I’m ready to pull my phone away from my ear and check, she inhales audibly. “You think he almost kissed you?”

“Well, it was dark, but yes, it was a… a definite moment.”

“And if he did, would you have kissed him back?”

“I don’t know.” Eyes closed, I sigh. “No, that’s not fair. It makes him sound like a predator. Yes, I was right there with him. If he’d kissed me, it would have been consensual.”

“Girl, I don’t know whether to give you a virtual high five or tell you to get out while you still can.”

Though my throat aches, I can’t help but laugh. “He’s usually so restrained, so for him to lose control like that was kind of intoxicating. But then the elevator started working again, and we both backed off immediately.”

“And were you happy about that or disappointed?”

I chew on my lip, really weighing my answer before voicing it. “Disappointed. Even though it wouldn’t have led to anything good.” Until now, I’ve been torn about whether to tell Lola about what happened after that, but since I’ve opened up to her, it seems imperative that I get it all off my chest and ask for advice. “But later that evening, I walked in on him… you know…”

She makes an unintelligible sound. “You’re going to need to spell it out to me, Chloe. What was he doing?”

I lower my voice to a whisper, even though I’m alone. “Masturbating.”

The shocked silence between us is deafening, though the shriek she then lets out is far more painful. “What?” She quickly hushes her voice, probably remembering there’s a sleeping baby in her house. “You walked in on him masturbating? In his office?”

My cheeks heat. “He was in his bathroom, but the door was ajar and?—”

“Did he do it on purpose? Did he know you were going to come in?”

“No, no. He sent me home for the day, but I forgot to put a file he’d asked for on his desk. The door was locked, so I assumed he wasn’t there and let myself in. It was my fault. I just didn’t expect him to be doing… that.”

“I mean, why would you? So, what did you do?”

Face scrunched, I force myself to admit the truth. “I watched him.”

There’s another long silence. “Who are you and what have you done with my friend?” Her tone starts out serious, but then she bursts out laughing. “Oh my god, Chloe. You watched your boss masturbating? Did he see you? What happened?”

“You make it sound so sordid.” Though I can’t help but laugh as well, because she’s right. Who the hell am I? Before yesterday, I never could have imagined myself doing anything remotely like that. “But yes, he did see me. In the mirror.”

“What did he say? Was he embarrassed?”

An image of Roman, his focus locked on my reflection, appears in my mind, the effect it has on me making me squeeze my thighs together. There wasn’t a hint of embarrassment in his expression. Just raw hunger, and afterward… I shiver at the memory of the look on his face as he came with his eyes on me.

I clear my throat. “He told me to stay or go. Then afterward he told me to leave the file on his desk.”

“I. Am. Speechless,” she says, not speechless at all. “Chloe Callahan, are you telling me you almost kissed your hot billionaire boss in an elevator and then watched him masturbate to completion ?” She emphasizes the word. “While he knew you were there. And then he just told you to leave the file on his desk?”

I drop my head into my free hand, my heart thumping against my ribcage. “Yes.”

“And did you?”

“What?” I ask, the word muffled by my hand.

“Leave the file on the desk? Because at this stage, I wouldn’t be surprised if you tell me you jumped his bones right there in his bathroom.”

Straightening, I choke out a laugh. “I left the file and ran away. I was so embarrassed.”

“That you watched, or that he caught you watching?”

“That he caught me. Because—and I can’t believe I’m admitting this—watching him do… that was one of the hottest things I’ve ever experienced.” I wrinkle my nose. “I’m going to hell, aren’t I?”

“I don’t think watching your boss masturbate is one of the seven deadly sins. You’re safe. But what’s happened since then? Has he said anything about it?”

“He apologized today and told me it wouldn’t happen again. He said he’d understand if I wanted to find another job.”

“But you don’t want to.”

“No. Is that stupid?”

“Of course not. You’ve told me how great your job is. And I guess as long as you don’t feel threatened by him and can still work with him, then you’re okay. But do you really think that’s as far as it’ll go? You’re attracted to him, and it sounds like he’s attracted to you too. What if he wants more? What if you do?”

“He seemed pretty certain when he said it would never happen again.”

“And you can live with that?”

“Of course. Obviously, there can’t be anything between us. And you’re right—this job is perfect for me. I can pay for Dad’s new treatment, and his homecare nurse is with him right now. I won’t risk all of that on the hope that the crush I have on my boss could be something more.” I shake my head, frustration with myself bubbling over. “I can’t even put my finger on what it is about him that appeals to me so much. He’s gorgeous, yes. But he’s so aloof and controlled. It should be off-putting.”

“Oh, Chloe,” she says, a hint of sadness in her voice. “To be honest, it doesn’t surprise me at all.”

“What do you mean?”

“You were just a kid when your mom left, and you’ve been looking after yourself and your dad ever since. You gave up your dream of being an artist so you could get a sensible job and help support the household. And when your dad got sick, you made looking after him your focus all over again.”

My stomach twists. Of course I did. Anyone in my place would.

“It makes sense. You’ve had the rug pulled out from under you more than once, and it’s only made taking risks feel scarier. You’ve been holding on so tightly for years, trying to keep everything together. It’s no wonder you’re attracted to a man who’s in control. Someone who could take care of you. Older, but not old enough to be a father figure. After all, the last thing you want is some immature guy who’d expect you to look after him too.”

“That makes me sound awful,” I protest. “Like I’m looking for a sugar daddy.”

“That’s not what I mean. You don’t need someone to pamper you, pay your rent, and treat you like a plaything. You need a man who’ll hold you, make you feel safe—someone who can help you loosen your grip on life a little. Of course a man like Roman King, who exudes control, who can meet every challenge head-on without flinching, who can catch you if you fall, would appeal to you.”

Could that be true? I haven’t been in many relationships, but the men I’ve dated have been my age—usually creative, often flighty types. And clearly, it never worked out with any of them. Not that it ever bothered me much. They always felt like more work than they were worth. Maybe Lola’s right after all.

God, it’s all too much to think about now.

“What do you think will happen when you’re in France?” she asks.

I huff a breath. “Nothing. He said it wouldn’t happen again, and I believe him. Roman’s not the type of man who says things he doesn’t mean.”

“Well,” she says, drawing the word out, “whatever happens or doesn’t happen, just be careful, Chlo. I get how magnetic a man like that must be. But you’re the one who has the most to lose in this situation.”

My stomach sinks. “I know. And believe me, I’m not stupid enough to risk everything for a few stolen moments with a man who’ll never want anything more than that.”

She inhales like she’s gearing up to respond, but she’s interrupted by a deeper voice.

“I’m sorry, I need to go. Jamie’s back, so I’m going to quickly stuff my face before Christopher wakes up. I’m surprised he gave me this long to chat. Call me after your trip and give me all the details. Please tell me you’re flying first class.”

I smile. No matter what, Lola can always make me do that. “His private jet, actually.”

“Now you’re just trying to make me jealous!”

Laughing, we say our farewells, and then I head back out to the living room to see how Dad and Carol are getting on.

They’re set up at the table where Dad is slowly flipping through one of our old albums and sharing the story behind each photo. For a few minutes I watch him. He looks so much more cheerful than when Susan is here. My heart swells with happiness for him, and with gratitude to Roman. But the moment that second emotion flares hot, I stamp it down.

I’m grateful to Roman as my boss, but my heart has no place in that relationship.

I hope it’s finally gotten the message.