He's the Boss (Dance with Me #1): Boss-Employee Romance

Chapter 24: Protecting Me

Brooke

The gentleman who greets me at the door of Lincoln's parents' residence is a stranger to me. Donning a full-fledged tuxedo, he strikes me as a bona fide butler—an entity I know exists, yet one I've never encountered, having never rubbed shoulders with those wealthy enough to employ one.

He cocks an eyebrow at me, awaiting my introduction. "How may I assist you, Miss?"

The fury towards Linc's parents and Mervyn hasn't completely dissolved; it simmers inside me, its intensity somewhat softened and now rivalled by my anxiety.

"I'm here to see Linc." I clear my throat, quickly correcting myself. "I mean, Lincoln."

Obviously, either name should suffice for this man, but given his formal attire and the grandeur of the house—residence to Mr and Mrs Rivers of Rivers' Financial—it feels more appropriate to use Linc's full name.

The butler, or whatever his role may be, scrutinises me for a moment longer, his face unreadable. "May I know who's visiting?"

"Uh, Brooke Masters."

After an agonising pause where I fear being turned away, the man steps aside, granting me entry. As the entrance door clicks shut behind me, I follow him through multiple sun-drenched corridors, our footsteps echoing over the marble floors adorned with plush rugs. We pass numerous open doors, each leading to rooms housing what looks like priceless furniture and antiquities.

Seemingly ages later, I'm escorted onto a patio, disrupting the brunch of two illustrious Melbourne families. My eyes fleetingly settle on Linc, who's slumped in his chair, the epitome of the bored playboy I had pegged him as before I knew him. At my appearance, he stiffens, his gaze instantly locking onto mine. A quick succession of emotions play across his face—surprise, worry, and then anger.

His anger is my worst fear, and for a moment I worry it's because I'm here.

And maybe it is. He's made tremendous sacrifices, gone to great lengths to shield me from his parents, to erase me from their crosshairs. And here I am, by my own volition, putting at risk all he's done to protect me. He's seated next to Claudia, who looks effortlessly glamorous in a red silk dress, her hair fashioned into an elegant updo. The sight of them, sitting side by side, sends a pang through my heart, until I remind myself that this isn't where he wants to be. This is the last situation he'd choose to be in. I'm here to save him from a future that he'd perceive as his personal hell.

Casting a quick glance around the table, I notice everyone's stopped eating, including Lincoln's parents and two individuals who bear a striking resemblance to Claudia.

When Lois turns to the butler for an explanation, he declares that I'm here for a 'meeting' with 'Mr Rivers.'

"Well, this is quite unexpected, Brooke." Lois places her napkin on her lap and casts me a speculative glance that sends a shiver down my spine. "Lincoln, you should have informed us you were expecting your... acquaintance."

Before Lincoln has a chance to respond, I intervene, "Linc, I need to talk to you."

His alarm is evident—my very presence here speaks volumes about the urgency of the matter. Rising from the table, he gently takes my arm and ushers me through the house. We finally stop in one of the numerous rooms I passed earlier, a room outfitted with furnishings that probably cost a small fortune.

As he releases my arm, I miss the warmth, the spark his touch always ignites. A week has passed since we last touched, but it feels like an eternity, and I'm aching for his touch.

"What are you doing here, Brooke?"

His verdant eyes reflect a mix of worry and anger, but all I can do is take him in. Though it's only been a short time since we ended things, it feels like ages since I could gaze at him without wrestling with self-directed anger for desiring him. Every interaction this past week has left me feeling raw, as if I were being torn apart. Armed with my newfound understanding, however, I yearn to throw myself at him, assure him that I get it, confess my love for him.