Claim (A Dangerous Man 3)

“You want us to go out together?” She says finally, an edge of incredulity in her voice.

I close my eyes. She someh

ow found out about the NDA, I realize, a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. She may be shy, reserved, but she’s no fool. I can explain that I require a level of secrecy from most people whose services I use, from tailors to employees who work closely with me. It’s standard practice, but in this case I have to admit an ulterior motive. I wanted to keep my marriage quiet because of Carole.

She’s still waiting for me to say something. “Yes,” I say in reply to her question.

There’s some more silence from her end. “Where?” She asks finally.

I hear myself breathe. Long after the call I’m still thinking about the way she sounded. I should probably go home, surprise her, and find out what the problem is.

“Mr. Preston, your housekeeper called to leave a message.” Linda’s voice comes over the speakers of the intercom, interrupting my thoughts.

My heart almost stops. My first suspicion is that Sophie has left. Linda’s next words turn my fear into irritation.

“She says that Mrs. Weber is in your apartment.”

Just what I need to ruin my day. “Thank you, Linda.” I say, not bothering to ask if the message included any clue to what my mother wants. I know what she wants. She’s been trying to insinuate herself into my life since her husband died, and now I can imagine that she’s decided to go through Sophie. I don’t want my mother anywhere near me, and I sure as hell don’t want her anywhere near Sophie.

In only a few minutes, I arrive at the apartment. My mother can be charming, and there’s no way for Sophie to see her for who she really is, to see her the way I see her, as someone who would betray her own son for money.

They both look surprised to see me when I step into the living room. I let my mother feel the full force of my anger. I let her see in my face, what I think of her presence in my apartment.

“I was just getting to know your mother.” Sophie says with a sweet smile, getting up and walking towards me.

“Isn’t that wonderful?” even though I’m relieved that there’s no accusation in her eyes, I’m unable to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. “Well, now she’s leaving.”

“David...” They both speak at the same time.

I turn to my mother. “Why did you come here?” I ask her, disgusted with her continued attempts to act as if she wasn’t the one who ruined our relationship so she could stay married to the bastard who abused her every day of their marriage.

She sighs dramatically. “David, my only son just got married, and I had no idea. I just wanted to meet Sophie.”

“Well, I don’t want you here.” I ignore the pained expression on her face. I don’t care how she feels. I’ll never care again. I still remember very clearly, going out of my to protect her, because I cared, and I paid dearly for it. “The next time you persuade anyone into letting you in I will fire them.”

“No, you won’t.” Sophie’s interruption surprises me. “and you may not want her here, but I do.” I turn to look at her, She doesn’t understand, if she did, she wouldn’t be defending my mother. Maybe, someday I’ll tell her, but not right now. “Sophie...”

She interrupts me again, her voice rising. “No stop,” She says, “Why don’t you want her here? Is it because you want to continue keeping me a secret? Why don’t you make her sign a non-disclosure agreement?”

I take a deep breath. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

“Don’t I?” She looks fierce now, her eyes burning, and I can’t take my eyes off her. “Didn’t you make the beauty team, the personal shopper, every person I’ve spoken to in all the days you’ve kept me hidden in this apartment sign a document to prevent them for saying anything to anyone about me?”

God this can’t be happening, not in front of my mother. I don’t even realize how frustrated I am until I catch myself running my fingers through my hair. “You wouldn’t understand.” I tell Sophie.

Her eyes cloud as she looks at me, and I see the pain clearly in her eyes. I watch helplessly as she turns away and walks out of the room.

I turn to my mother, “I hope you’re glad.” I say, knowing that it’s really not her fault. If it’s anyone’s fault, then it’s mine. I should have resolved my problems before bringing Sophie into my life, I should have waited for God’s sake, but I was too impatient to take what she didn’t even know she was offering, and now I’m paying for it.

“I’m sorry.” My mother says, with another of her elegant shrugs. “I had no idea.”

“Well now you do.”

She gets up from the couch, taking her purse. “An NDA does seem rather extreme for hairdressers and such,” She says softly. “Does this have anything to do with Carole Banks?”

I ignore her, letting her know by my silence that it’s time for her to leave. I have no intention of sharing my problems with her. She is a stranger for all I care. I follow her to the foyer and go ahead of her to press the button for the lift.

“David,” she begins, as we wait for the doors to open, “I know you’re angry with me...”