Page 59 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL
“Raven, we’re here.”
I break away from my reverie and smile at Christian, but the look on his face tells me he knows I’m nervous. He reaches out to squeeze my hand, but I’m grateful when he doesn’t mention anything and allows me to process my emotions in silence. I take a deep breath and step out of the car, then stare at the building in front of us.
“This is yours?”
“Yeah. Come on, let’s go in.”
It has a sleek exterior, with glass windows facing the ocean and white walls embossed with shapes of palm trees. The interior is just as sleek, with a large lobby and reception area, plus the most comfortable couches I’ve seen in a while. There are also plants—so many plants arranged in stylish ways—adding such a cozy feel that I’m immediately charmed.
But it’s the size of the whole building that’s truly impressive, extending far back where I see halls leading to a massive number of private rooms and offices.
“This is all yours?”
It’s a stupid question, especially when a female employee recognizes him and welcomes him with so much enthusiasm. When I’m introduced, her smile widens as she turns her attention to me.
“My gosh, you’re such a pretty thing! I’m Ingrid Lemmons, his Executive Assistant…well, one of his assistants. My husband is another one.”
Christian grins, obviously fond of her. “Don’t let the sweet façade fool you. These two are geniuses and a brilliant tandem. Terrifying, too.”
She laughs, then winks at me. “Only to the competitors. If you need anything, you just tell me, okay?”
I shake her hand and smile back, already liking her sincerity. Ingrid and Christian talk a bit about the business, so I tune them out to read the brochures and admire the logo in the reception area. The woman there smiles at me, too, then engages with someone who walks in asking about their services.
I wander around some more, my attention caught when I notice the building next to this one. It also has a modern exterior design, but instead of the logo saying Benson Protection Agency, it says Benson Resort Hotel. My eyes widen and I keep on ogling it until a hand rests on my back.
“Do you want to see the offices?”
I turn to face Christian.
“You also own a hotel?”
He glances at where I was looking and nods. “Yeah. I just had that built last year.”
The casual way he talks about it clicks something in my brain. “You’re rich-rich, aren’t you? Not just regular rich?”
Christian’s eyes flare with amusement at my term, but he doesn’t deny it. He shrugs, though.
“I just invest a lot. I invested in other businesses with Nick while I was in the military and had the fortune that they were good investments. They all paid off and allowed me to open my agency, and the expansion allowed me to earn more money to open this hotel. It’s not as big as the other ones in the city, but it’s cozy and safe.”
Cozy and safe. That seems to be his motto as if his client’s comfort and protection come first. I can already tell that while the money’s good and he’s just getting richer, his goal isn’t that but to protect those who are in need.
It’s that fierce compassion he has coming from deep inside him, Christian’s core character, that can never be taken away.
“That’s awesome. Crazy, but awesome. I can’t believe I’m in the presence of someone with money like that.” I pause. “Unless this isn’t your only business…”
My guess is right, as a pink shade tinges his cheeks, but I find it sexy that he doesn’t brag about it. In a way, he has Nick’s spirit, as I wouldn’t have known Nick was wealthy, too, if I didn’t know he was a rock star and businessman. The man fit right in that small town and looked happy.
When I pry further, I’m shocked to learn that Christian’s investments involve popular establishments and that my suspicion was right: he’s a billionaire, not just a millionaire.
“Wow. Like I said…crazy.”
He shrugs again. “It can get crazy. Especially during the holidays.”
I roll my eyes, then brighten. “Does that mean we’re staying in your small but fancy hotel?”
This time, his eyes twinkle and he draws me closer. “Of course. One of the suites is already reserved. One side is a glass wall that faces the ocean. It’s very private, too, so we can see out but no one can see in.”
There’s no mistaking that husky, naughty drawl in his voice. My body responds, already tingling.