Chapter 47

FREYA

The woman at the reception of Estate Pearl threw me an annoyed glance. "How can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm scheduled to meet Connor Warren at eleven," I said. I'd followed up with him last night, and he'd given me the time.

She rolled her eyes and picked up the phone. Classic bitchy receptionist. Oh, how I love clichés.

"Your name?"

"Freya Wilson."

I waited while she spoke to someone and watched the annoyed look slowly fade from her face. She sat up straighter.

"His PA will be down here any second," she said, her tone much less hostile and a bit confused. Probably not wanting to risk being reported to her boss for being unpleasant. I wouldn't have either.

"Thank you," I muttered.

"Ms. Wilson?" I turned to find a brunette—who I assumed was the personal assistant—staring at me expectantly.

"That's me."

"Hi, I'm Brooke. Please follow me."

I followed her into the elevator. She pushed the button for the thirty-fourth floor before looking at me.

"Mr. Warren is in a meeting right now, but he wants you to know that he will be with you as soon as possible," she said apologetically. "If you could wait in the lounge."

I pressed my lips together in mild disappointment. If there was something I hated more than dry brownies, it was waiting.

"Yeah, sure. I'll wait," I smiled politely. What choice did I have? I'd cleared my day, rearranged things, and I wasn't going home just like that.

The elevator dinged, opening to the floor. We passed the CEO's office to reach the lounge.

"Would you like something? Tea, coffee, or something cold?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

She nodded before leaving me alone. I sat down and checked my phone for messages. There was a missed call from Rey. I dialed her number—she didn't take kindly to being ignored. Rey answered on the first ring.

"Hey."

She scoffed. "Hey yourself, you bitch."

"Wow, good morning to you too," I muttered dryly. She ignored my sarcasm.

"It's been a month since we've had some 'us' time. How come I never hear from you these days? Too busy getting your organs rearranged by that sculpted wall of perfection, are you?"

That was so random I needed a second to answer. "I've been busy with a few things, but not that. We haven't…you know…"

Wait. She said it like it hadn't happened yet, but it would. I could practically see her sitting up on her couch.

My mind flashed back to two nights ago. How badly I'd wanted the sex, to feel his hard muscles press me down onto the mattress…but then that happened, and that was honestly sweet in a disturbing kind of way.

When I'd been quiet for a few seconds, she let out an incredulous chuckle.

"Oh, fuck! I'm right, aren't I? Spill it!" Her excitement was palpable. Just then, Brooke popped her head in.

"Mr. Warren is ready to see you now."

"Okay," I nodded, then said to Rey, "Hey, I need to go now."

Chapter 47 (continued)

Brooke led me to the CEO's office and knocked once before we walked in. Connor had that cordial smile on. "I apologize for the delay. The meeting ran late."

"Mr. Warren, I thought we were on a first-name basis," I said, walking in and taking a seat. I distinctly remembered that he had.

His words were laced with amusement, and that smilewhat was that look supposed to mean? I voiced my thoughts. He chose to ignore my question.

"Freya Wilson, you and Knight are daring," he said. By the way he stared at me, he seemed genuinely interested in the piece of information. I felt confused about his relationship with Aiden.

"You know him through business?" he quickly supplied. "We went to the same college." There was something in his body language; like there was more to it.

"So, should we get to it?"

"Before we begin, what would you like me to order for you?" He reached for the intercom.

"Thank you!" I nodded in response.

He gestured towards me. "These are the papers. Get your lawyer to look through them, let me know if there's a problem, and get back to me."

I picked it up and flipped through a few pages. "Sounds good."

"How did you get this idea? About this renovation?" I closed the file and waited for his reply. I figured if he could ask me a personal question, so could I.

He seemed a little surprised by the sudden question. "Well, as you said, this is the dream of avid book lovers. How he delivered it was very convincing. He could sell it, if not for my over-analyzing."

"Yeah, but that's not you. You hardly seem like someone who gives a shit about getting a latte while reading books."

He raised an eyebrow. "So you think I'm not intellectual enough?"

"I think you're doing it for some other reason, or for someone, perhaps." My gut told me I was right. Or maybe my brain was filled with mush from crappy romance books.

Connor didn't deny it. Instead, he smiled slightly. "Acquiring a multi-million dollar business and then spending money to remodel itall for someone? Sounds a little extreme."

"It does," I muttered, smiling as I stood. "Well, I'll be on my way." He nodded as I closed the door behind me.