Lord of Rain (The Dragon Demigods #5) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,35

20 to 30% without assistance and as high as…I’m pretty sure it was 50% with assistance.”

“Assistance.” He nods, looking interested. “As much as 50%… Interesting.” He rubs his jaw. “Thanks for the tips and the information. Very informative. I appreciate it.”

“Let me know if you want me to schedule something for you.” The poor guy. He obviously can’t talk about this kind of thing with other people. He can only talk to me because of our NDA. He’s worried word might get out otherwise. That the press would hear about it. I feel so sorry for him.

“Oh, you’d be willing to help me? Nice to know.” He’s looking at me funny again, Maybe I went too far. I probably did. I’d better end this conversation before I say something stupid.

“No problem.” I take a sip of my water. “I will have your electronic calendar shortly, I’ll find a gap in your schedule. I’ll research what books might work for you. That’s if you want me to. I know you don’t have time.”

His eyes are glinting, and his mouth twitches. Bolt takes a sip of his drink. “Thank you.” He clears his throat. Then he eats the last bite on his plate. He puts his knife and fork down. I look down at mine and realize I ate everything. I follow suit, happy when Lilian takes the tray so that I can get back to work.

The rest of the flight goes by quickly. I’m a little nervous about the landing, but it’s exhilarating as well. I want to pinch myself. I can’t believe I’m here.

Once the jet eases into its bay, I stand and start to get my bag from the overhead. “I’ll do it,” Bolt says. He frowns as he pulls my bag out, putting it down in front of me. “You have everything you need for our trip in here?” he asks as he pulls out the handle. “This tiny thing?”

“I do, indeed. I know how to pack light.”

“Including something to wear to dinner?”

“Yes.” I nod. “I have a dress.”

He narrows his eyes. “We’re going to The Black Swan.”

“I love swans,” I say, like an absolute idiot, since I have no idea what he’s talking about.

Bolt throws me a half-smile, which is gorgeous. Oh, my word! I think women must throw themselves at him. I admitted my attraction to him, but I won’t be one of them. I won’t do any throwing of myself in his direction. I refuse! His eyes keep their sparkle, even when the smile wilts. “The Black Swan is a restaurant here in Los Angeles.”

“Oh, my god, you’re going to The Black Swan,” Lilian gushes from behind me. “You got in!” she adds, eyes wide. “Of course, you did.” She pulls herself together. “You’re…you’re you.”

Bolt’s whole disposition changes. He visibly bristles. “We’d better get going, Miss Shaw. We have work to do.”

I nod.

“After you.” I can’t help but notice how he slings a bag across his back. His wheelie is double the size of mine. Shoot! Did I grossly under pack? Probably. I desperately need to purchase some new work attire. I can’t think about that now.

There’s a fancy pants car waiting at the bottom of the aircraft stairs. A man rushes to Bolt and grabs his carry-on bag. He also takes my wheelie. I get into the vehicle.

After packing our bags into the trunk, the driver joins us. Bolt spends the entire journey on his phone, talking to someone about stocks, graphs, and figures. He ends the call when we arrive at a hotel. The building has my jaw dropping.

It’s a skyscraper. I see a huge revolving door, a doorman, and a bellhop. I think that’s the right term. He runs to our car and puts our bags onto a large trolley.

I’m staying here?

Me?

Here?

I somehow expected to be staying at a different hotel to Bolt. Something less…fancy. We are met by a man in a suit as soon as we arrive inside. He flutters around Bolt, welcoming him back. I stop walking when I see the inside of the place. It’s beautiful. From the huge bouquet of flowers at the door to the marble and gleaming stainless-steel finishes. The furniture is modern yet inviting.

“This is Roger,” Bolt says to me. “He’s our Liaison Officer.”

“Lovely to meet you, Miss Shaw,” Roger says. He puts out his hand, and I shake it.

“Roger will help you with those copies and anything else you may need. We’re already checked in.” Bolt looks over at the Liaison Officer, who