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

fire right at her heart. “Just a word of caution.” Then he looked at Edward. Edward did not flinch. He remained braced as if ready to throw another punch. “She’ll lead you on, and when she’s bored, she’ll drop you without any hesitation.”

Catherine clenched her jaw and scowled at Calvin.

How can he say that?

“Get out of here,” Edward growled.

Catherine crossed her arms and clamped her teeth to stop herself from trembling. Her body shivered with the rush of adrenaline that was surging through her veins.

Calvin raised his hands in defeat and shrugged.

“See you around Cathy. By the way, you still have something of mine, I’ll be over to collect soon.”

The words hit Catherine square between the eyes, and she stared at him unable to utter a response as he swaggered out of view around the corner of the alley that joined the main street.

“Hey.”

Catherine flinched at the touch of a hand on her arm. The same place Calvin had taken hold. She looked at Edward, who stepped back and studied her with concern.

“Are you okay?”

Shaken, Catherine nodded before she broke out into a furious pace.

“Look at my dress! I have to sing… and what does he think he’s doing following me?” She marched back and forth as Edward watched silently. “How am I supposed to go back in there? See, I told you I’m no good for you. Too much baggage.”

“I’m not afraid of baggage,” Edward said warmly. His head cocked to the side as he studied her. “Do you want me to take you home? Sam will cover for you.” The low rumble of his voice was even and calming. Catherine could already feel her defences lowering. She figured he was good with animals. The way he was able to stay calm and use his voice to bring someone back from the edge.

“How will Sam cover for me?”

“He’s a musician.”

“Oh.” Catherine considered the offer as she glanced down at her sodden dress and chewed her bottom lip.

Even if her gown was in immaculate condition, her constricted throat would make it hard not to sound like a cat’s chorus. She became consumed with worry. When would Calvin show up next? What did she have that belonged to him? She had no idea. It would be just like Calvin to plant something in her apartment so he could have an excuse to show up again. She wanted to throw her head back and scream at the huge moon lighting up the dark sky.

Instead, she looked up at Edward who had his hands placed on his hips, his forearms exposed, and dark wavy hair swept to the side. He had undone the top two buttons of his white shirt, a few dark chest hairs peeped into view. Catherine thought she could have been on a remote island and he would be the pirate. Her imagination ran wild as a grin crossed her face.

Edward appeared to be ignorant to her thoughts as he gave her an odd look, as if trying to weigh her up. Then he matched her grin and pulled out his phone from his pocket.

“Sam, Catherine is not feeling well. You’re in luck, now is your opportunity to shine.”

Catherine watched silently, still biting her lip as she listened to Sam’s faint rant from the phone.

Get a grip, Catherine. Just go back in there and do your job.

She was still wrestling with her thoughts, toing and froing between obligation and her natural instinct to run away, when the phone fell silent and Edward’s grin grew ear to ear. All of his white teeth gleamed at her as he hung up the phone. The look on his face had Catherine smiling too and she dropped her shoulders to let out the breath she had been holding.

Edward took her hand; a flurry of excitement grew in her stomach and she squeezed his hand.

“May I take you home?” The way he said it was so gentle, so calm. She was sure that this man could lead an animal to the slaughter just with the sound of his voice. She nodded and the two of them walked hand in hand down the street.

Chapter Eight

A Bashful Hero

“…and that’s how I got these scars,” Edward ended as he pulled up outside of Catherine’s apartment, holding up his left hand for her to inspect.

Edward had talked non-stop during the entire car ride. He was known to ramble when he was nervous. It was unusual for him to feel anything but confident. His stomach churned as he glanced to the side at her, and his brain spun with thoughts of self-doubt. There was something about Catherine that had him feeling out of depth. He wondered if it was because for the first time in his life, he didn’t have his wealth to fall back on. With Catherine, he couldn’t hide behind fancy gifts and lavish dates. Without the penthouse suite, limousine and blank cheques to write… he was exposed.

What if she didn’t think he was funny? What if he said something stupid and offended her? What if she thought he was boring? The thoughts bombarded his mind at an unprecedented rate. It jabbed at his previously iron-clad ego and left him shaken.

Oddly, the effect only made him want to pursue Catherine more.

“Thanks for the ride. You have a really cool car.” Catherine traced her fingertips along the classic style dashboard and shot Edward a sheepish look. Her eyes reflected the yellow lamplights from outside and looked like two golden orbs staring at him. Her rosy lips were set apart slightly and she bashfully tucked her dark hair behind her ear. Edward, as if drawn to a magnet, leaned in without thinking. His lips hovered barely an inch from hers when the passenger door swung open. In one swift motion, Catherine slid out and let out a breathy laugh.

“I’ll see you around,” she said, offering a jolly wave. Edward’s heart sank as he lifted his hand in the air.

“I’ll call you,” he shouted from the car. Catherine pointed at