Page 33 of Royal Pain

He laughed. “I’ll swing by your room at eight. We can have a drink first?”

“Why don’t I meet you at your suite? You don’t know those women. I adore all of them, grew up with them, but they will try and be cute, hiding in the shadows attempting to follow us. Everywhere.” Goddamn, they were already watching us intently with bated breath like vultures ready to swoop in.

He laughed again. “You all look out for each other. That’s rare these days. That’s perfectly fine. I think you know your way.”

“How do I get up the elevator?”

He rubbed his chiseled and two-day-stubbled jaw and I had to suck in my breath. “I’ll have a key made for you and leave it at the front desk. That way you can pick it up at your convenience.”

“Aren’t you terrified I’ll move in?”

“You want to know a secret?”

I found myself blushing. The effect he had on me was insane. “Okay.”

“I’m not sure I’d mind. Until tonight. Be careful and don’t get too much sun. That won’t be good for you if you decide on trying anything.”

I shuddered at the thought of attempting to endure any acts of BDSM. He was right in that what I knew about the lifestyle was crap. “Yes, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good girl. I should get to work.”

When he used that term, my stomach fluttered all over again. Plus, his voice kept me tingling all over. “I’ll see you later.”

“Oh, yes, you will.” Even his grin was different today, more intimate.

Knowing.

I shivered again. At least he was able to make me forget about the asshole. If only for a little while. I waited a few seconds before returning to the chair.

“What was that all about? It seemed as if you were getting cozy,” Heidi teased.

“He was seeing if I was okay. He overheard part of my horrible conversation with Joseph.”

“Shit. You need to hire a much better attorney.”

I knew Kristen meant well, but her parents had money and would never allow some dude to interfere with their daughter’s life. I didn’t have that luxury. “I wish I could.”

“What is he threatening you with?” Rachel asked, no teasing in her voice.

“He wants Damien.” The information hit them hard.

“No fucking way. After what he did to you?” I was certain Ashley was about to fly out of her chair.

“He and his family have power and influence. It’s possible but I will take Damien to another country if I need to. That man will not get his hands on my son. My son.”

Joseph had never given me a dime. He’d never sent his own son any birthday or Christmas presents.

I wanted to tear up all over again, but I refused to allow the bastard to take another moment of my life.

Fuck him.

There was so much more to live for.

And I planned on doing it. I had Gage to thank for reminding me there really were things like rainbows and butterflies.

And unicorns.

CHAPTER 10