Everything He Fears (Bookkeeper for the Billionaire #2)(4)
Author: Thalia Frost

“Right.” I turned away from him, and the rustling of the curtain indicated he was gone. It was some time before my mind quieted down and I slept.

* * * *

“Touch down in two hours.” Rock gently woke me, his hand on my shoulder. His body lay warm against mine, his erection pressed hard against my ass.

He’d crept into bed at some point and had let me sleep.

“Great.” Nervousness swept through me.

What would touch down even mean? What would Venice with Rock Weldon be like?

“Are you okay, Lacey? Talk to me.” His voice was infused with a tenderness that nearly took my breath away.

“I’m fine. Just a little nervous. I’ve never been to Venice.” I mumbled into my pillow, tears pooling in my eyes. My life might not have been much back in California, but I’d had a few friends and a routine. The unknown was frightening, even if it would happen with a sexy billionaire CEO.

He took me into his arms, his body solid and reassuring against mine. “If it helps any, I’m afraid, too.”

My brow furrowed, and I was glad he couldn’t see my face. “You. Afraid? Of what?”

“Someone’s out to ruin my company, and I don’t know who it is. I’ve come to Venice to do some research and get away. I’m going to need your help, Lacey.” He spoke the words against my hair, his voice tense.

I breathed in the musky scent of him. “Of course.”

I’d have done anything for him in that moment, but I hoped he didn’t know that.

“We’ll get the books out at the villa, and you can see what I mean.” Rock sighed.

“Fine. I’ll be ready to go to work as soon as we get there.” I was glad I’d slept.

“Hmm. You can do that, but we have something big coming up tomorrow night.” He cleared his throat.

My heart sped up at the way he said the words. “Big? Bigger than Venice?”

Rock chuckled, his lips against my neck. “Much.”

“Mr. Weldon, we’re set to land in thirty minutes.” A smooth voice said over the loudspeaker.

Rock pressed a button on the wall that Lacey hadn’t noticed till that moment. “Wonderful. Thanks, Jim.”

Nervousness fluttered in her stomach like a million butterflies. “This is really happening.” She turned to face him.

He gave her a long stare, his lips pursed as if sizing her up. “It is…and more. Don’t worry about the books today or tomorrow. You have other, shall we say, duties I hope you’ll take on. First, get dressed, and meet me in the cabin. Don’t bother with your suitcase. You have a suitable wardrobe—for now—in that closet.” Rock tipped his head toward a small door.

“Oh. Thanks.”

He bought me clothes? I didn’t know that was one of the perks of the job.

“Hurry. We’re landing soon, and we need to talk before then.” He got up and strode out of the room.

“Back to normal.” She sighed, wanting the tenderness he’d shown her a few minutes before. Now he was going to be all business it seemed.

Lacey pulled herself from between the silk sheets, yawning. She had slept better on Rock’s bed in his private jet than she usually did in her own bed.

Maybe it’s because I have a job now…and I don’t have to worry about money, at least not for the next year. Beyond that, who knows?

Her stomach tightened at the thought and she shook her head. No more of that. Time to get dressed.

She opened the closet to a dazzling array of dresses and other clothing. A small kit at the top of the closet proved to be makeup in high end brands. On the floor, a flowered box held lingerie of all types. Lacey ran her fingers through the shimmering pile of red, pink, white, black, and every other color in the rainbow. Garters, panties, and more filled the container to the brim. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about what Rock would do to her while she was wearing these things. She wondered if they were just for the plane.

“Damn. I could get used to this, but I’d better not.” She fingered the dresses and then realized she’d been standing there for ten minutes as the speed of the plane slowed.

Lacey grabbed a black dress with a designer tag.

“Size 6. How did he know?” She grinned, marveling at Rock Weldon.

Now I have an inkling about he got to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He knows what he’s doing.

She stripped quickly, leaving her clothing on the bed, and slipped into the dress. The smooth material and nearly perfect fit made her purr. A small mirror on the makeup bag confirmed her suspicions that the plunging neckline was gorgeous on her. Choosing black garters, belt and matching stockings, she pulled them on, a tiny smile on her lips.

What I wouldn’t have given to have underthings like this for most of my life so far.

Lacey took out some makeup and hurriedly brushed it on. Time to play with this little box more later.

She checked herself in the mirror. Natural makeup and a great dress. Check.

“Time to knock Mr. Weldon dead…again.” She winked at herself in the glass and closed the makeup box.

“Brace yourself for landing, please,” the pilot called over the loudspeaker.

Lacey hurried out of the bedroom, her pulse picking up at the thought of seeing Rock again.

What is he going to tell me? He said he wanted to talk.

She sucked in a breath, her nerves acting up again as she walked down the aisle to his private cabin. He sat facing in her direction, dressed to kill in a black suit and baby blue tie. Shadows circled his eyes, and his expresson was grim.

“You look stunning, Lacey. Please, sit down.”

The formal note in his voice made her knees wobble as she did as he asked, perching on the seat across from him. He was all business now.

“Oh, and buckle up. Jim doesn’t like it when passengers don’t.” He winked at her, but there was no mirth in the gesture.

She fastened her seatbelt, avoiding his gaze. Nadia sauntered through the cabin, her ass twitching. “Something to drink, Miss?” Her eyes were like glaciers.

God, she’s gorgeous. How could he want me when he’s slept with her? I’m so…average, and she could be a pinup model.

“Just water. Thanks.”

Rock never even looked at Nadia as she walked away.

He’s so moody. I never know what I’m going to get. Even after just a couple days in his company, that’s obvious.

“Lacey, I have a request of you. I’ve done a lot of thinking since I met you at the party—about you and your talents and about what my company needs.”

She held back laughter. A lot of thinking in a few days?

“Yes?” She bit her lip, trying to control her trembling.

The plane bumped gently on the tarmac as she spoke, and she gripped the seat.