HACKING THE BILLIONAIRE: Part 2 by Jenny Devall Read Free Book Online Page B

door for me because I can’t, he does it because he wants to.”
    Joan shrugged. Kent finished his conversation and found them.
    “He’ll be here in ten minutes.” He turned to Joan. “I can’t talk you out of this?”
    “No.”
    He pressed his lips together. “Okay.”
    “We ready?” Riley said.
    “Yes.”
    “Anything we should bring?” she said.
    “I don’t have your cell number, Riley,” Kent said.
    She gave it to him as he typed it into his phone. She had his, and clearly he had Joan’s. He rattled off his brother’s number.
    “If anything goes down, anything at all, or if you don’t feel safe, get out. Call my brother Sid and get to him,” Kent said.
    He looked at both of them pointedly.
    “We understand,” Riley said.
    She was anxious to get there. Her nerves were beginning to bug her, but she wasn’t backing down. She was brave, but not dumb, and she wanted to end this job before her heart would break permanently.
    ***
    Dirk looked out the window to see a really beautiful day. Marcia put some papers on his desk.
    “I used to rarely see you look out the window, boss,” Marcia said.
    “I know.”
    “I think Riley is getting you to see things differently in life.”
    The idea chafed at him. Riley had gotten so far under his skin, it would hurt when she was gone. “I guess.”
    Marcia laughed. “Wasn’t sure it would happen to you.”
    “What?”
    “Falling in love.”
    Love? No way. Riley challenged him. That’s why she was always on his mind. “I don’t think so.”
    “I bet that you were just thinking about knocking off early and taking Riley out for lunch. Maybe even a picnic.”
    He had been. “Am I that transparent?”
    “Yes, you are.”
    Marcia chuckled.
    She leaned against his desk, taking in the view with him.
    “Or one of those outdoor restaurants. There’s no rain in the forecast,” Marcia said.
    “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
    “It is easier to get work done when you are actually working. Or if you’re gone.”
    He eyed her. “Really? Has this always been?”
    “No, just since Riley’s in your life. She’s been good for you. Got you out of your comfort zone.”
    Had she? He’d never watched movies before this. He was always working. Always chasing the better client. The better employee. Now he’d built an empire. Should he stop and enjoy himself?
    Would someone get ahead of him if he did? Probably not. He was too far out in front of this race.
    That clinched it. One half-day was not going to put him behind. He stood. “I’m going out to lunch with Riley.”
    Marcia smiled. “You need to tell her how you feel.”
    “I don’t think I feel that way, Marcia.”
    She shook her head as he grabbed his suit jacket, then left. He was about to dial Riley’s number when he decided to surprise her. He hopped in his car.
    “You’re chipper, Mr. Trent,” he said.
    “When was the last time you remember me taking a half day?” Dirk said
    “I can’t ever, sir. Home?”
    “Yes. And take the rest of the day off.”
    “Really? Thanks.”
    “Yep. I’ll drive myself if I go anywhere, though I suspect we’ll walk.”
    He leaned back in the seat, and watched the buildings go by. Not much scenery, but he never really looked at it.
    His driver pulled into his building ten minutes later. Traffic was much lighter, so the trip had taken so little time. He waved goodbye to his driver, then rode the elevator up this penthouse. As soon as he opened the door, he knew no one was there.
    Where had they gone? At least Riley had gone with her bodyguard. He didn’t want her to be irresponsible.
    He changed into more casual clothes. They hadn’t returned. He called Riley’s cell. She didn’t answer. It didn’t go right to voicemail, so her phone was on. Briefly, he thought about looking up where her phone was located, but he decided to trust her. That would be intrusive, and she hadn’t tried to go anywhere by herself.
    Instead, he called Kent, who put him right to