Page 9 of A Taste like Sin
within the city. Which one would my father—or the paparazzi—most likely overlook? “The
Harrison?” I guess, thinking out loud. “Or maybe the Madison?”
“If I may make a suggestion,” Damien murmurs. “I know someplace neither your father nor anyone
else could enter. Not even the police.”
“Oh?” It sounds too tempting. Another trap? “Where?” I ask, taking the bait regardless. Then, from the
corner of my eye, I catch his teeth flash in a sinful, savoring smile.
“I believe it would perhaps be more impressive if I just showed you.”
Butterflies unfurl within my stomach as his driver pulls up in front of a building I vaguely
recognize in the darkness. Multicolored streetlights illuminate an impressive skyscraper—one
sporting an incredible glass greenhouse on the roof and owned by the man sitting stoically beside me.
“You can stay with me,” he says, dropping all pretense. “My suite is large enough for you to have a
section of rooms to yourself. If it makes you feel more comfortable, I will agree to stay within mine
—”
“Considering you bought my virginity for all intents and purposes, you sure are”—I mull over the
right phrase—“beating around the bush.”
He laughs. “How crudely apt, Ms. Thorne. Though Idofully intend to collect on my half of our
wager,” he says with a fitting hint of malice. “But I believe my future plans may have a better
reception if I tread carefully.”
“Fine.” I unbuckle my seat belt and reach for the door. Before I even touch the handle, Julio opens it
from the outside.
Given the lack of a doorman and keycard entry, I assume this is yet another private entrance. Inside, a
narrow black hallway leads to an elevator, but rather than the one for the roof, Damien strikes the
button for the floor below it.
My heart pounds as the doors finally part and I follow him out. Unsurprisingly, the décor is black, but
the floor plan is more open than I expected, given his penchant for shadowy, decadent places. A
modest living room consists of black leather chairs and chaises positioned in front of a massive
window displaying a view of the city. Beyond that is an open kitchen with bar seating, a dining room,
and then two hallways that branch off in different directions.
Damien heads right. “This is the way to your suite,” he explains, throwing the term out as easily as
some people might discuss a spare pair of shoes. “You should have everything you need. If not, Julio
