Chapter 50 Pretend You Don't Want Me
LAWRENCE
If I hear the words "I wanna see the London office" one more time, I'm going to lose my goddamn mind.
Scarlett's said it at least six times in the last three days—once while we were making love, another over breakfast, twice after conference calls, and once more while we were soaking in my jacuzzi.
She's a woman of many talents, and driving me to the brink of madness is quickly becoming her favourite.
Today I finally surrender.
We leave the penthouse together as a couple.
"Remember," Scarlett says, as I drive into the underground garage of Law & Moore, "we can't let anyone suspect there's anything romantic going on between us. I'm your assistant from New York. You're showing me around, giving me a quick tour of the office. That's it. Simple."
I park in my reserved spot, which is always kept open for me, even when I'm on the other side of the world, and kill the engine before turning to face her.
"Mhm. Alright, Miss Thorn." I reply, one hand still resting on the steering wheel.
Scarlett studies my face, her brown eyes narrowing with suspicion. "I'm serious, Lawrence. I know you." She grumbles, "No pulling me into empty rooms to make out."
"Fine. Fine. You have my word."
She still looks at me distrustfully, and I can't help but let out a short laugh.
"I just gave you my word, baby. I keep my word."
"You'd better." She reaches for her seatbelt, but I lean across and catch her wrist before she can unbuckle it.
"Whoa, wait up. Don't I get a kiss first?" My voice is childlike. "Once we're in there, I have to pretend you don't consume my mind every damn second."
She rolls her eyes, but a pretty blush stains her cheeks.
"So, give me a kiss." I finish.
"One kiss," she says firmly.
I don't answer, looking at her because I want more than one kiss.
"Lawrence."
"Fine, fine. One kiss." I agree reluctantly, then lean in and kiss her softly.
I savour it like it's the last time I'll be allowed to touch her for weeks.
It doesn't last nearly as long as I want. Scarlett pulls back too soon, glancing nervously toward the garage entrance, her fear of being seen winning out.
We get out of the car.
I hold the elevator for her on the executive floor, slipping back into terrifying CEO mode. The easy smile is erased from my face, and my expression turns cold.
Scarlett stands beside me, beautiful as always, her tablet in hand like she's here for business.
No one would ever guess that she shares my bed every night.
Gloria sees us coming and rises from her desk, looking efficient.
"Mr Moore," she says warmly. "Good to see you again."
I give her a curt nod, speaking in a clipped, businesslike tone. "Gloria, this is Scarlett Thorn. Scarlett, Gloria Hargrove." I pause for a moment. "Scarlett is my executive assistant in New York. She'll be shadowing me today. Give her full access to anything she needs while we're here."
"Of course, sir."
Scarlett extends her hand with the same warm professionalism she uses with every client. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Gloria."
They shake, and I catch the glimpse of understanding between them—two women who both know what it's like to keep a man like me on schedule.
I turn to Scarlett, keeping my tone cool. "Ready for the tour, Miss Thorn?"
Her eyes meet mine before she nods. "Lead the way, Mr Moore."
The look on Scarlett's face when I show her the glass-walled war room that oversees all European operations sends a fresh feeling of pride through my chest.
This empire is mine, but seeing it reflected in her eyes somehow makes it feel even more magnificent.
When we reach the reinforced viewing panels, and she realises she can see straight down two full levels to the secure server floor, her reaction deepens even more.
I allow myself a private satisfaction because I was the one who insisted on that exact design with the architects years ago.
Even the private lounge overlooking the Thames makes her forget herself. She subconsciously drops the professional mask, gushing with excitement as she hurries across the room.
Pressing her palms to the glass windows, she stares down at the river below, a delighted sound escaping her lips.
I stay where I am, pushing my hands deep into my pockets, fighting the savage urge to touch her and pull her into the nearest empty office the way she teasingly predicted in the car.
Instead, I watch her with a small smirk, taking in the rare sight of my girlfriend utterly captivated by something I built.
Our next stop is the content room, and I'm leading her there when Veronica appears, rounding the corner.
A wide smile is already spreading across her face.
"Ah, there you are."
Her gaze flicks to Scarlett briefly, assessing the tablet in her hand, the formal blouse, and the way she walks two steps behind me—before dismissing her as just another member of staff.
A work buddy. Nothing more.
"I heard you were in the building," Veronica says in a warm, intimate voice when she's close enough. She smooths down her skirt—a habit, and the little motion draws attention to the way it hugs her figure.
"How long do you intend to keep up this little game of dropping by unannounced?"
"As long as I please," I reply formally.
Scarlett stays awkwardly quiet beside me. Veronica doesn't even acknowledge her existence. She simply assumes Scarlett is some random assistant following me on a mundane errand.
"I cancelled my next three appointments this morning just so I could come see you," she continues, stepping closer. "I thought we could finally have a proper conversation."
Scarlett's fingers tighten around her tablet. I see it.
"Veronica," I cut in smoothly, "this is Scarlett Thorn, my executive assistant from New York."
Veronica's uninterested gaze slides over Scarlett for the barest moment.
"Veronica Williams. Nice to meet you," she says, giving a polite nod.
Scarlett returns the nod without a word.
"So…" Veronica turns back to me expectantly, her bright smile snapping back into place. "What's going on?"
"I'm giving Miss Thorn here a tour of the office," I reply flatly, already stepping past her. "If you'll excuse us."
"A tour?" Veronica's eyebrows shoot up in genuine surprise walking with me.
Scarlett follows silently on my other side.
"Can't that wait? I rearranged my entire morning for you."
Behind me, Scarlett lets out a soft, incredulous scoff. Veronica hears it, and her gaze immediately snaps to her, but she lets it slide, choosing instead to focus on me.
"I told you I cleared my entire morning so I could be with you," she grumbles.
"I didn't ask you to do that," I reply sternly.
"True, but…"
I stop walking so abruptly that Veronica nearly collides with me. Turning, I pin her with a serious, no-nonsense look.
That look has made even the most outspoken persons stutter.
"Do you think that would be fair to Miss Thorn?" I ask calmly.
Veronica goes quiet.
"My thoughts exactly," I say, then resume walking without waiting for a response.
She hurries after us for a few more steps, refusing to let it go. "You know I wouldn't be this persistent if you would just reply to my texts. I know you've seen them. I know you've read every single one, Lawrence, and yet you…"
"Listen, Veronica." I stop again, turning to face her fully this time. "Now is not the right time for this. As you can see, I'm with someone. We'll talk about this later."
My tone is final.
"I suggest you have Benjamin reschedule those appointments you so thoughtfully cancelled."
"But, Lawrence…"
I'm already walking again, with Scarlett keeping pace beside me.
Behind us, Veronica lets out a sharp, frustrated huff. Then the sharp click of her heels reverses direction as she stalks off the other way.