Billionaires in New York Boxed Set: Billionaires in the City Books 1-3 by Laura Burton (learn to read books .TXT) 📕

“Did someone slash the tires of your limo?” Julie gasped. As if nature intended to add dramatic effect, a flash of lightning lit up the dark sky and a low rumble followed shortly after. Harry’s eyes were like two tiny slits as he studied the paper in his hand. “What is it, Harry? What’s that writing?”

Harry swallowed and looked at Julie as if he had seen a ghost; he then turned the paper so she could read the words scribbled with messy handwriting.

You think you can have her? Over my dead body.

Chapter Ten

Suspicious Intentions

“Is that a threat?” Julie’s question and accompanying wide eyes told Harry everything he needed to know.

Julie knew nothing about the first note.

Whoever was sending these clearly had a problem with Harry dating Julie, and the person had not been threatening her specifically. How anyone was able to slash the tires with Benjamin’s whole team within the vicinity was beyond his comprehension. He shot Benjamin a look before turning back to Julie, who stood frozen in the doorway.

“I’m very sorry to ask, but seeing as there is no sign of this rain letting up anytime soon… can I come in?”

Julie blinked at him like he was speaking a foreign language, and her face paled. He wasn’t sure why his question was being met with stunned silence, especially after he’d already done a crazy off-the-cuff proposal and suggested a last-minute trip to England. But for whatever reason, allowing Harry inside to keep out of the rain seemed to stun her.

“Or, we could just stand in the lobby while I wait for the tire to be changed. If that makes you feel more comfortable.”

Julie stepped inside and nodded, apparently lost in her own thoughts. Harry handed the umbrella to Benjamin. “See if you can help Thomas. The last thing we need is a driver with the flu.”

Benjamin eyed Harry shrewdly as he took the umbrella, and after a moment, nodded in resignation. Harry knew that a lecture was forming. He no doubt would become subjected to it later.

“Harry, look at me.” Julie’s alarmed voice was like an iron fist squeezing his heart. This was the very reason why he didn’t mention the first note. Harry looked at Julie; her face was resolute, but her amber eyes gave her fear away.

“Why do you not seem surprised by this?”

Harry bit his lip as he deliberated whether to tell Julie the truth. It would only worry her more, but looking at her expectant face caused his heart to ache. She deserved to know. Besides, he was a terrible liar.

“This is not the first threat I’ve received,” he said grimly.

Julie gawped at him. “What do you mean?” She looked him up and down, as if suspecting Harry might have more threatening letters on his person.

Harry tried to sound calm and grounded as he told Julie about the note he received after their first date. He tried to convince her that he had everything under control and there was no need to overreact, but Julie was having none of it. She drummed her fingernails against her hip as she paced the hall.

“How do you know they’re talking about me?”

Harry resisted the urge to laugh.

“Well, I don’t see any other ladies around me.”

Julie folded her arms and stuck her hip out to the side. Her bottom lip protruded—sensually—and Harry momentarily forgot what they were talking about. Her hair was falling out of its bun, and he couldn’t get the image of removing her hair clip and watching a cascade of curls fall down to her waist. The thought made his mouth dry.

“I’m just a seamstress. A nobody.”

Julie’s words struck a chord in Harry. His eyes smarted and he blinked in disbelief.

“How could you say that?” He took a step and grasped her hands. She was not a nobody.

“You know what I mean. I’m not rich and famous. I’m no threat to anyone.” She tilted her head and blinked up at Harry with a look of seriousness. Harry softened his gaze and slid his hand through her hair to rest at the back of her head. The touch made Julie close her eyes as she leaned into his hand.

“Sir, the car is ready.”

Harry jumped back and Julie’s eyes shot open as if Benjamin’s return had broken a spell.

“Right.” Harry patted his legs and looked from Benjamin’s disapproving face to Julie’s look of worry. “Now, you’re not going to freak out about this, are you?” he asked Julie, pointing to her.

“Only if you don’t,” she quipped back, folding her arms again. “Besides, now is your chance to––”

A loud ringtone interrupted their conversation. Harry apologized and took his phone out of his pocket.

“Sorry, hang on.” He took the call. “Mother, everything all right?”

“I wanted to make certain you were coming to brunch on Saturday. I have Oliver making all the arrangements.” Harry glanced at Julie, who was studying her fingernails, as if to give the impression she was not listening in on the conversation. Even though he had not put the phone on speaker, his mother’s loud voice barked at his ear.

“Yes, I’ll be there.”

“Good, and are you still bringing… what is her name again?”

“Julie,” Harry said quickly. Julie’s eyes flickered up to meet his before she blinked away and studied the notice board on the wall.

“Ah, yes, Julie. Is she still your date?” Harry couldn’t decipher his mother’s tone. He eyed Julie as he weighed his options. They would need extra security, he figured, and Benjamin would need to investigate the letters and now the damage to his car. For all he knew, Julie was in danger, and until they found out more about this mystery threat, it would be best to keep her close by.

“Yes, Julie will be with me.”

Harry’s mother hummed like a purring cat before she spoke. “Marvelous. Well, Gordan and I are looking forward to seeing you and meeting your… Julie.”

Harry ended the call and Julie looked up at him expectantly.

“Do you have any crazy ex-boyfriends I should