Taming the Billionaire

#8 Her dilemma

"s**t!" Nolan muttered. The woman was like his shadow or something. Why did she return? And how did she know he was in that room? Did she know about Elise? Hope not! He didn't want to put Elise in a complicated situation. It would only push her away.

"Open the door, Nolan. I know you are inside." Gianna said, making him grunt.

How was he going to get rid of that woman? He had tried every direct and indirect method to show his disinterest. He looked toward the washroom. The sooner Elise accepts him, the faster he can tell everyone about her. Maybe it would finally keep everyone in check. But wouldn't they try to break her first? He hoped Elise would be strong enough when that time came. She was sincere and loyal. He counted on those qualities of hers.

Nolan had no other but to open the door before Gianna did something even more reckless. She might ask for the master key or even make his stepmother come here for such a trivial matter.

Gianna didn't wait for Nolan to speak when she pushed past him as soon as he opened the door.

"Where is the girl? Where are you hiding her? I saw her enter the room on the camera." Gianna grumbled, looking everywhere.

Nolan scoffed. So she left to check the CCTV. How clever of her! She would eventually find Elise. How would he protect her, especially when they had already met last night? He rubbed her head, worried, when Elise opened the washroom door, revealing herself.

When Gianna entered, the first thing she did was look for Elise. So, Elise knew it was futile to attempt to hide in such a situation. It will make her even more suspicious. So, Elise decided to go out and show herself.

"You?" Gianna was shocked at Elise. "Aren't you the girl from last night?" She kept shifting her eyes between Nolan and Elise to understand what was happening. It was odd for Nolan to be around the same girl for so long.

"Is it?" Nolan tried to play dumb by pretending not to recognize Elise, surprising Gianna and Elise.

"You don't remember her?" Gianna scoffed, huffing. She glowered at Elise as if she was going to kill her with her eyes.

"Now that you are telling, I think it is her." Nolan continued to play dumb, making Gianna look at him suspiciously.

"Then what is she doing here?" Gianna folded her hands against her chest, giving a stern look. Nolan was worried.

"The new CEO was inspecting the rooms. Since I am the floor manager, he called me to give suggestions to improve the customer experience." Elise spoke instead, making Gianna scoff.

"Did I ask you?" Gianna seethed.

Elise looked down, trying not to come off as rude to her. From what she saw, Gianna was someone important to him. Was he trying to make Gianna jealous by using her?

"She is right. I was suggesting." Nolan jumped to agree with Elise.

"What did you suggest?" Gianna turned to Nolan.

"He asked me to put on some scented candles and dimmed lights for a better experience." Elise again spoke at the behest of Nolan.

Elise's excuse lightened Nolan's mood, making him livelier suddenly. So she does remember the arrangements he had made for her. He was playful, ready to play along with Elise.

"Right! The rooms look murky. I suggested bringing some changes to give a romantic vibe, like candles, lights, and roses." Nolan purposefully stressed the word roses to see Elise's reaction. When her eyes widened at the mention of it, he couldn't hide his smile.

"Why do I get a feeling like you are lying?" Gianna shifted her gaze between them. She felt like they were hiding something. But she couldn't tell what. The room was spotless. Obviously, they didn't do anything suspicious, she thought. But still, Elise's presence was doubtful. What were the chances of someone like Nolan meeting the same strange girl twice in a row? Nothing!

"Gianna, I have work to do!" Nolan was no longer afraid of his situation.

Nolan knew what he was supposed to say. He was grateful for Elise's presence of mind. This girl was the one for him. She was what his life missed.

"I still need to know something." Gianna shifted her attention to Nolan. Her stern look made him irritated. What right does she have to interfere in his life? But he couldn't get rid of her yet.

"It is a mere coincidence that Elise is the floor manager. I don't even remember meeting her. Now that you have brought up the topic, I remember it. When I was about to leave, I saw a few men assaulting her friend. While her friend was resting, I accompanied her. Then we left. How could you possibly think negatively in all situations? And even if something happens, why do you think I owe you an explanation? But still, I am telling you all this because I know you won't stop. You would badger that poor girl for nothing!" Nolan grumbled, pretending to be far angrier than he really was.

He didn't stay for Gianna to give an explanation or try to assuage him. He knew she would soften when he got angry. She would try to appease him. His trick worked when Gianna left a shocked and overwhelmed Elise to follow him.

Elise scoffed. The man was on the next level. He was playing with the heart of two women at the same time. He was something. She reminded herself not to fall for his charms. It was better not to get involved with the wealthy.

Elise was worried that she might cross paths with Nolan, Gianna, Mike, or Helena. There were too many of them that she wished to avoid. However, the rest of the day went smoothly.

Elise was wandering on the sidewalk, trying to clear her head. The last two days had been quite eventful for her. She had a lot on her plate. Her heart still ached from time to time because of Mike's deception. And randomly, it would start thumping when memories of last night flashed through her eyes. The night was her guilty pleasure. But now that she was alone on the road and there was no work for her to do, she was beginning to feel negative.

Elise thought of going back home. But Sara was on night shift duty. She didn't want to go to an empty house. So, she kept loitering aimlessly.

Car honks!

Elise looked at the road. She felt like the car beside her on the road was moving too slowly. No wonder other vehicles honked so many times. When she stopped, suddenly, the car stopped too. At first glance, she thought it was a mere coincidence. But then she remembered it. It was Nolan's. Since how long was he following her? And why?

Elise scowled. She didn't want to get involved with that man. Yet he was here to test her determination. She turned ahead, walking as fast as she could. The car started, keeping pace with her, annoying Elise.

Elise stopped, turning to face the car. She was annoyed. She walked towards it and banged on the window.

"Open it!" Elise demanded.

But the door of the car opened slightly instead. Elise scoffed, vexed. The man had some nerves. She opened it properly to have a proper conversation with Nolan. But she felt perplexed when an even bigger bouquet of roses waited for her. What was she supposed to do with it? Why was this man playing with her heart?

Elise grunted, pissed. She closed the door with a bang before walking in the opposite direction to avoid him following her. But it didn't sway his conviction. He abandoned his car there to follow Elise on the sidewalk. He asked someone to come and get it. Even if his car got towed, he didn't care.

"Elise, stop!" Nolan pleaded with her. But she ignored him, increasing her pace.

"Stop playing hard to get. I know you, too, feel something." Nolan said, making her wonder. What was he saying? Did he mean he felt something for me? How rubbish! What did he even want from her, she wondered, walking faster.

"Elise, stop. We need to talk." Nolan grabbed her hand, making her stop. When she turned to face him, he finally sighed with relief, even if she looked angry.

"Everyone is watching!" Elise muttered, glaring at him.

"Then let's go somewhere private." Nolan was determined.

"I want to go home!" Elise begged him. She wanted to avoid him at all costs. The man had a way with her. He made her feel restless with his charms. When he was around, she wasn't able to think clearly.

"I will take you, then," Nolan offered. Elise wanted to protest, but she knew it wouldn't be of any use to her. Even if he complied with her wish, he would come up with another demand.

The ride to Elise's home was not what Nolan had presumed. She was awfully silent and avoided him as if he wasn't there. Despite his attempts to initiate a conversation, she would cut off in between with a vague yes or no. The only thing that she told him was the direction of her house.

"Thank you!" Elise thanked him nonchalantly. She was about to get out of the car when Nolan grabbed her hands to stop her. She looked at him, stunned.

"What are you afraid of, Elise? I know you feel something, too." Nolan probed, making her startle.

Elise simply kept staring at him. Every time their eyes met, she forgot everything else. Why does she want to believe this man? How could she be so foolish?

Nolan tucked her hair behind her ears, caressing her cheek, making her shiver. She closed her eyes in fear. She could not resist him. She wanted to stop him. Also, she didn't want him to stop. She was in a dilemma.

Nolan got close to her, cupping his hand against her cheek. He rested his other arm behind her seat's headrest to support him. When his hot breath fanned her face, she swallowed hard. Her body was reacting to him again. The twitch between her legs was making her impatient. She wanted to feel his lips on hers. She had a hard time resisting him.

"Please stop!" Elise pushed him away, breathing heavily. She got out of the car and ran towards her apartment block. Nolan rushed to chase her. It didn't take him more than a few minutes to catch her.

"Why should I stop? I don't think you want me to, either. Why are you resisting something we both feel?" Nolan asked, pissed. He could clearly see his presence affected her. She should at least give him a chance.

"Is it because of the man for whom you bought the watch? Your ex? I am not him. At least give this a chance. What we have is rare. Believe me!" Nolan tried to explain to her.

"Why should I believe you? You are the famous playboy billionaire. I am only a one-night stand. I am just another ordinary girl. I don't understand any of this. And it scares me, Nolan, after everything I have gone through. I am afraid you will chase after me until I give in and then throw me away like trash. And why? Because I am not fun. Or I am not pretty enough. Or because I have no connections or wealth. Voila. I am surprised that you wish to try this. I don't want to be anyone's secret anymore. So if I want to resist this attraction or whatever, I have every right to do that to protect myself. That is why I want to leave. I can't do anything complicated again." Elise seethed. Her dilemma was genuine. She was too afraid to pursue something with Nolan, especially when she felt so intensely.

"That asshole did that to you? f**k!" Nolan gasped. He pulled her closer to his chest and hugged her in a warm embrace. Elise hadn't realized she was crying until she sobbed against his chest.

"I am sorry I was being a jerk all this while, only thinking about myself," Nolan whispered. Even if he wanted to rush into this relationship, he decided to be patient with Elise. He had to mend her broken heart and gain her trust. That was his new goal.

Elise didn't say a word. She kept sobbing against his chest in his affectionate embrace, where it felt warm and safe.

"I promise to be better. I am here. Everything will be fine." Nolan coaxed her.

They stayed like that until Elise wanted it to last under the night sky. The two broken hearts were synching into one tune.