Claim Me (Stark Trilogy 2)

“Bastard.”

“Yes.”

I stay quiet, wondering if he will say more. But he remains silent. I don’t mind. He has told me two truths tonight, and I know that this is only one small part of something larger that is growing between us.

“I thought so,” I say after a moment. “But I guess I was wrong about your dad.”

“What do you mean?”

“I assumed he knew that your coach was abusing you. I realized in the limo that he didn’t.”

For a moment, there is only silence. When Damien speaks, his words are ice cold. “He knew.”

I roll over, shocked into motion. “What? But … but why on earth would he expect you to be at the tennis center dedication if he knows what that vile man did to you?”

“I don’t know,” Damien says. He hesitates, his face drawn into hard lines.

“No,” he amends. “I do know. The tennis center is owned by a sports conglomerate based out of Germany. Powerful company, powerful people on the board.”

“I don’t understand. Is your father involved with the conglomerate?”

“No. And my father couldn’t care less whether I endorse a tennis center or a pet store. It’s all about trading favors. I lend my name to the tennis center, and maybe those powerful people will pull a few strings in Germany.”

“The indictment I keep hearing about?”

“Right. Charles agrees with my dad, actually. He’s pissed as hell at me for making that statement outside Garreth Todd’s party, even though I reminded him that the longer the whole thing drags on, the more billable hours he earns.”

He smiles without humor. “To be honest, I should have kept my mouth shut. I’m not accustomed to acting rashly, and it was rash to make that statement.”

“Why did you?”

“Because it’s the truth. Because that center shouldn’t be named after him. And because I’m tired of the world thinking that I admired that son of a bitch.”

“Then you did the right thing.”

“Maybe. But sometimes even the right thing has unpleasant consequences.”

“It’s that bad?” Worry snakes through me. “One of your companies is in that much trouble?”

Damien hesitates. “It has the potential to be very bad,” he finally says. “But I don’t think it will get that far. I still have a few strings left to pull.”

I nod, somewhat appeased. If Damien isn’t worried, I won’t be, either.

“Come here,” he demands, and I comply eagerly. I slide into his arms, and let the strength of his embrace push out the remaining wisps of worry. All I want is Damien, and I drift off to sleep in the comfort of his arms.

17

The shrill buzz of a doorbell startles me awake. I sit up, confused. I didn’t even know that hotels had doorbells, but apparently the I’m-richer-than-Midas executive suites do, because that is definitely a bell—and it is definitely not being answered.

“Damien?” I expect to hear his reply from the bathroom, and when it doesn’t come, I slide out from under the downy spread and stand up, my body both languid and sore, as if it’s not entirely sure how it’s supposed to feel after last night’s adventure.

Another buzz makes me jump, this one followed by a brisk voice announcing, “Room service!”

The thought of coffee gets me moving. “Just a sec,” I call back, then cast about for something to wear. I spy a robe draped neatly over the back of a chair, which is good considering the state of my dress. Damien put it there for me, of course. But where the hell is he?

I hurry out of the bedroom and through the dining area to the door. Although the waiter must have been out there for at least five minutes, he’s not in the least bit ruffled. “Good morning,madam,” he says as he wheels the cart in and starts to distribute the food to the now clean-and-tidy dining table. Damien really has been busy this morning.

The waiter is uncovering each plate as he moves it from cart to table, and I realize that I am starving. There’s coffee, orange juice, eggs, toast, a waffle, fruit, and enough bacon to feed a small army. There’s not enough silverware or cups for an army, though. In fact there’s one coffee cup, one juice glass, and only one bundle of silverware wrapped in a black cloth napkin.

I may be slow this morning, but I’ve finally clued in on reality—Damien has skipped out on me.

“Will there be anything else?”

“No,” I say. “Thank you. Do I need to sign a check or something?”

“No, ma’am. But I do have this for you.” He reaches into the breast pocket of his jacket. He pulls out a small envelope and hands it to me. “Mr. Stark asked that this be delivered with your breakfast.”

“Oh.” I take the note, surprised but pleased. “Thank you.”

I hold on to the envelope until he’s gone. The paper is thick linen, and the name of the hotel is embossed on the back flap. It’s sealed, and I unroll the silverware and use the knife to loosen the flap. I pull out a small sheet of the same linen paper. It’s folded over, and when I unfold it I see Damien’s neat, precise printing.

My darling Ms. Fairchild,

Enjoy your breakfast. If there’s something you would prefer, simply call room service. I didn’t know what you were hungry for. Personally, I woke up hungry only for you, but as you looked so lovely, I thought I would let you sleep. I need to be in San Diego for a six o’clock breakfast meeting with a troublesome business partner, but I’ll be back in LA by eleven. Stay in the room. Shop in the gift store. Utilize the spa. Whatever you want.

I will see you in a few hours, and the rest of Sunday will be ours. I look forward to a delicious next encounter.

I must confess that I have never picked up a beautiful woman in a hotel bar before. Having now met you, I wonder what I’ve been missing all these years …

I will see you later. Until then, imagine me, touching you.

Yours, 

Damien

P.S. I suggest you wear something other than the shredded blue dress. Check the closet.

I am smiling so wide it hurts, and I hug the letter to my chest and sigh, then collapse onto the bed and replay every decadent moment of last night. Then I spend the rest of the morning doing as Damien suggested. There’s a darling floral-print sundress for me in the closet, along with a cute pair of Yellow Box flip-flops. I wear those downstairs and have a mani/pedi at the spa. Once my nails are dry, I wander the lobby and buy both Damien and myself oversized Beverly Hills T-shirts and matching baseball caps.