Page 45 of Double Daddies
“Good.” Drake’s thumb brushed away a tear from her cheek. “A healthy dose of fear will keep you obedient, little one. But know this… everything we do will be for your own good.”
The promise in his words sent another wave of conflicting emotions through her. Part of her scoffed at the idea of these two men knowing what was best for her. But another part, one she was trying desperately to ignore, wanted to lean into that promise and let go of all her inhibitions.
Above all, Elle feared that she had just committed to stepping into a spider’s web of the Double D Duo.
Chapter Eight
A week later
Double D Acquisition’s private hangar at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Texas
Elle
The early morning sun painted streaks of amber and rose across the Texas sky as the sleek black limousine pulled up to the private hangar. Elle’s stomach twisted into knots as the driver stepped out and circled around to open her door.
“Here we are, Miss Fitzgerald.” The older gentleman smiled at her with knowing eyes. “Are you certain about those bags? Mr. Gould and Mr. White were quite specific about not requiring any luggage.”
Elle smoothed her sundress while fighting the urge to bolt for the umpteenth time since he had picked her up. Why she chose a dress when she was much more comfortable in jeans was still a puzzle.
“Thank you, James. I appreciate the reminder, but I’m not going anywhere without my bags. It’s a well-known fact that a girl needs her essentials.”
His wide smile turned her cheeks hot. “As you wish, miss.” With efficient movements, he removed her suitcases from the trunk.
Moments later, standing beside her luggage, Elle’s heart was in her throat as the limousine disappeared from view. Suddenly, she felt very alone with the massive hangar stretched before her. Its steel and glass exterior reflecting merrily in the dawn light was in direct conflict with her raging emotions. The Double D Acquisitions sign gleamed like a beacon, but to Elle, it seemed more like a warning.
“Of course, not only do they have a flashy helicopter, but they also have to have a plane to match,” she said scornfully as she stared at the commanding private jet with its black exterior and gold logo.
Elle’s pulse quickened as concern about what awaited her inside that plane once again flared to life. More concerning was how it would change her life. She wasn’t naive. Three months might not be a lifetime, but the magnetism and power the two men wielded warned her that the impact of living with them for that long would make its mark on her for years to come.
“This is freaking madness.” She clutched the vintage vanity case tighter, seeking its familiar weight that always comforted her when she traveled. This time, it was ominously missing. “I should have my head examined!”
I tend to agree since they specifically instructed you not to bring anything. Her inner voice mocked her defiance. She glanced down at the two suitcases that she had packed with carefully chosen outfits.
“Well, that’s just bullshit since they can’t possibly know what I need or what my tastes are. I refuse to—Ugh! Stop whining. You’re here now,” she berated herself.
Still, she couldn’t stop her mind from conjuring images of what awaited her. The two powerful men had alreadydemonstrated their dominance over her and had made their expectations crystal clear. Her skin prickled at the reminder, but she resolutely shook it off.
“Well, it’s done. Might as well bite the bullet... seeing as you don’t have any other choice.” The words echoed in her mind. “I should’ve taken that damn paint back the moment I got the eviction notice,” she grumbled. “Then I wouldn’t have been in this predicament.” Pressing her lips together, she wheeled her luggage toward the waiting attendant.Yeah, well, regret always comes too late,her inner voice taunted her.
“Morning,” she greeted the redhead.
Her professional smile didn’t quite mask her surprise. “Good morning, Miss Fitzgerald.” A perfectly manicured hand gestured to Elle’s bags. “You weren’t supposed to bring any luggage.”
For heaven’s sake! Did the entire state of Texas know about that?Elle’s spine indignantly snapped into a straight line as she desperately channeled confidence she didn’t feel.
“Well, I did. Is that a problem?”
“Not to me, Elle.” The smile she flashed warned Elle of repercussions she hadn’t considered when she disregarded the duo’s order. “Please, follow me.”
Each step up the aircraft stairs felt like climbing a mountain. Elle’s knees threatened to buckle. The designer heels suddenly seemed like a poor choice. The luxurious interior of the jet beckoned in a world of cream leather, polished wood, and crystal accents that spoke of unimaginable wealth.
Following the attendant, Elle’s breath caught in her throat. The air grew thick with tension as two familiar figures came into view. Drake and Damian sat like kings on their thrones. The matching leather chairs were positioned to command the space.
“I’m so screwed,” she muttered under her breath as their penetrating stares pinned her in place. Her pulse skipped at the predatory gleams in their eyes.
“What was that, miss?” the attendant asked.
“Nothing,” Elle managed to croak. The luggage suddenly felt like lead weights as their gazes dropped to her suitcases.
