Free The Gift, Book 2 (The Billionaire's Love Story) by Lily Zante Page A

She unfolded her arms slowly and resisted the urge to move over to her chair.
    “Matthias.” Tobias greeted his colleague with a slight nod then glanced her way. She’d avoided him since yesterday and had had no desire to interact with him today. But now he had come looking for her. She was thankful that Matthias was here.
    “I was making myself known to this delightful young lady,” said Matthias.
    “I’m sure she already knows who you are,” said Tobias tightly.
    “She’d heard of me, but who hasn’t,” Matthias laughed. “I could do with her help, if Briony runs out of things for her to do.”
    “Briony has some projects in mind for her,” Tobias replied coldly. The easy going atmosphere in the room had turned to one of tension and unease ever since Tobias had entered.
    “I see,” said Matthias, carefully, and winked at Savannah, who couldn’t help but giggle back at him. Tobias heard the slight laugh that escaped from her and his face clouded over.
    “Matthias and Tobias, we sound like a German DJ Duo, don’t you think?” Matthias asked, giving her a wicked smile. “You can call me Matt—my friends do—but whatever you do,” he leaned in towards her, “don’t call him Toby.” She clenched her stomach tightly to stop herself from collapsing into laughter because even though she couldn’t see his face, she felt the heat of Tobias’s stare and sensed his displeasure at Matthias’s words. The idea of such a nickname for Tobias was ridiculous. It implied a friendly nature that didn’t belong to the man at all.
    “I’ll be sure to never make that mistake,” she replied solemnly, staring at Tobias.
    “Did you want something?” Tobias asked the man.
    “Not particularly. Like I said, I came to introduce myself to Savannah. It’s just as well since she’s going to be with us for another month. I didn’t see you at the Christmas party,” he asked.
    “I didn’t go.”
    “You had a better offer, I suppose. It wouldn’t be surprising. An evening at the Plaza Hotel with Tobias Stone or—”
    “Weren’t you leaving?” asked Tobias.
    “I was,” replied Matthias.
    “I’ve left some paperwork on your desk,” Tobias said. “You’ll need to sign it and hand it back to me before you leave.”
    “I’d better do as I’m told, or else…” Matthias winked at her and headed towards the door. He turned to Tobias. “This young lady has finished all of her work so I hope you’re going to let her go home early. I’m sure she has a celebration planned for tonight; not everyone sits around moping in misery.” His words implied a small dig at Tobias but he didn’t seem to be paying any attention.
    His gaze was fixed on her and she didn’t like the way he looked at her.
    Matthias walked towards the door . Don’t leave now , she wanted to scream. Let me close down my computer and get my coat on.
    “Are you doing anything tonight?” Matthias asked him as Savannah rushed around packing her things away as fast as she could. If she left the office with Matthias, it would make for an easier, less awkward exit. She glanced at Tobias, curious to hear his response.
    “No.” His curt one-word reply was typical.
    “And on that riveting note,” said Matthias, throwing her a side glance. “I think I shall make my exit.”
    Desperate to stall him, she piped up. “Do you have any plans for tonight?”
    “Now that you mention it, I’m going for a few drinks with some other poor souls who are lingering around in their offices on the pretense of doing some work. Why don’t you come along?”
    The out-of-the-blue invite took her by surprise. Although she wasn’t sure what this man did or what his position was, she felt certain that he was high up and she didn’t feel too comfortable about going out with him for a drink. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Tobias’s head turn in her direction and she sensed him waiting for her reply.
    Was he or did she merely imagine it? She couldn’t tell,