Saving the Billionaire

5. Pisano Airlines

Shout-out to Cheridan Landers for always being supportive with my works! Thank you so much >:)

***

I could feel the knot in my stomach as I heard the honking sound of the car. It must be Charles. I got a call from the driver earlier that he was going to pick me up for breakfast. Usually, I don't wake up before seven in the morning, but after the call, I was ready before seven.

Most of my consultations are in the city, so I don't need to get changed. I just go to the site from the office itself. But this was an important client, so I have to make a good impression. He was by far the wealthiest client we have ever had judging by the budget he put forward. We usually do get high-end clients, but he was at the top of the chain.

As I made a big speech in front of Nia about how this project was meant for me, I had to keep that up. That guy, Jace seemed like he could have anyone he wants, but he chose us, so I had to keep up the reputation of a company. Losing this project would bring a significant loss to us and opportunity for my colleagues to haunt me forever

After taking a deep breath, I stood up from the bed and walked out of the room. The owner of the hotel gave me a strange look as he noticed the car stood outside.

"Checking out?" He asked, raising his eyebrow.

I shook my head. Why would I check out when I booked the room for a week? It was just a temporary thing until I find something better to move into.

"No. I'm just going out for a while."

He thrust his hand in my direction, eyeing the key. The guy needed to revaluate himself, but I did not have time to tell him that. Besides, he was the only one in the entire hotel, who can speak English and understand what I am saying. Being cross with him would not be suitable for me.

"Thanks, Mr Armund" I politely smiled and skipped out of the hotel.

***

Charles answered my questions the entire ride as much as he can. I was interested in knowing about the owner of the mansion, but he did not say anything.

"Does he have a huge family?"

"No"

See? It was like talking to an eight ball instead of a person. After that, I kept my mouth shut, staring at the view outside the window. I had no idea that the roads leading up to the mansion were this beautiful. I could see myself driving up here. Maybe I should rent a car for a few days that I am here.

As the car pulled up at the mansion and I slid the window down open to catch a glimpse of the entire building from outside. The gates were automatically opened, which was unusual for such an old estate.

"Just call me when I have to drive you back" Charles mumbled as I stepped down from the car.

"Sure!"

I took a step back to admire the magnificent place. The photos did not do justice to the view. It was breathtaking, and I could never imagine the amount of time and execution it must have taken to build something so visionary. My eyes automatically shifted towards the site, which was barely hanging on.

There was no way to enter that place without going into the main entrance. So I just held my bag and walked inside.

My eyes wandered around the building only to fall on his face. I felt blinded for a second, staring at him without as he was sat on the couch. My eyes widened when he turned his head to stare at me and that exact moment my leg got twisted, and I let out a yelp.

"Oh my god" Someone beside him shrieked, but all I could focus was on his face as he came by my side.

***

I couldn't stop feeling embarrassed as I helped myself with breakfast. How could I fall just like that? Such a stupid way to make an impression. Fortunately, I laughed it off, but the pain in my ankle was getting worse with each breath.

"Do you not like the food, Ms Clark?" His voice made the hair on my neck stand up. I turned to look at him only to notice that his eyes were already glaring at me.

I noticed that breakfast on the coffee table. It was an entire buffet more like. Ham and cheese sandwiches along with freshly squeezed orange juice, bacon rolls, cannolis and some pancakes were neatly arranged on the table. Greta even managed to place the cups of fruits sliced together. How can anyone not like that kind of breakfast? The only reason I was making faces was my ankle pain.

I swallowed noisily, "Umm...no! I mean the breakfast is excellent. You won't even get this in New York."

Alice turned towards me, "Huh? Your city doesn't have ham and cheese?"

Jace's lips twitched at his sister's question, but he managed to hide it well by digging into his roll. I stared at Alice and shook my head. She took everything literally.

I giggled, pointing at the full breakfast rolls, "I meant all this. Coffee is my breakfast."

"Oh"

Alice scrunched her nose, "Yuck, how do you even drink that bitter liquid. My brother likes it as well."

"It's not bitter" Jace and I mumbled at the same time. I felt my face flame as he turned his head towards me. He met my eyes, and I held my breath, staring at the dark grey orbs.

"You both are made for each other!"

I let the comment slide and stuffed my mouth with the sandwich as to avoid answering her. Jace did the same. I felt entranced as he licked at his lips; they were so pink and natural. He nipped at the fruit, licking softly as the juice trickled down from the mango, and I felt my mouth dry. Did he know the effect he was having on me? I wanted to feel his lips moving against mine.

My face heated up at the thought in my head. It's been an hour since I met the guy for god's sake!

"Does Greta make this kind of breakfast daily?" I cleared my throat, staring at Alice just to distract myself from imagining Jace.

Alice bobbed her head as she gracefully picked the cannoli from the plate. All she ate was sweets. No wonder she doesn't like coffee.

"Please its the only thing she loves. Making a lot of food but sadly we don't get that many guests..."

Jace cleared his throat, interrupting his sister, "Alice I don't, think our guest would like to talk during breakfast. Hmm?"

"Fine" Alice huffed, chewing aggressively on the fruit and avoiding her brother's stare.

After Greta cleaned up everything, Jace stood up from the couch. I was unable to stand of course, so I raised my head towards him.

"Ms Clark, why don't you rest for a while? Alice will show you the site after lunch."

He buttoned his suit, and my eyes went towards his torso. I tried not to let my thoughts wander, but it was difficult. Jace Pisano was not the man I was expecting. For someone so young to be rich and successful is extremely rare. I should have known just from the voice I heard over the phone. In my head, I imagined the guy to be forty-something, but he was definitely around my age. Maybe two or three years older than I.

"Are you living for work Jace?" Alice asked, pushing her legs under her knees.

"Yes...I need to finalise the marketing strategy-"

"Blah blah, I don't care" Alice closed her ears to which Jace rolled his eyes.

"Very mature."

She poked her tongue out and teased him.

"I'll see you in the evening Ms Clark" He turned towards me.

I sat up straight and nodded my head, "Sure Mr Pisano."

"And if Alice annoys you please let her know. She can't take a hint!"

Alice gasped, throwing the nearby pillow at him, "You are the annoying one brother! Go away now."

A smile stretched across my lips as I stared at them. It was unfortunate that I did not have any siblings, but I always wanted one.

With one final look, he walked away, leaving me all alone with Alice. I turned towards her, curious to know about Jace because Nia was the only one who knew about him.

"Alice"

She looked up from her phone and raised her, eyebrow, "Hmm?"

"Jac- I mean Mr Pisano what does he do? I know that he is a businessman, but I don't know what he does."

Alice widened her eyes and threw her phone on the couch, "Are you serious?"

"Uhh...yeah"

"He works as Vice President in our company, Pisano Airlines."

I opened and closed my mouth. How did I not figure it out before? It was right there in front of my eyes. That was the same airlines who had the cheapest exclusive flight from New York to Florence.

"You own the airlines?"

Alice laughed, "My family does."

What did I get myself into? I thought while staring at Alice, who seemed so casual for being an heiress.

***