Page 28 of Dirty Little Secrets
I slap his hand away.Oh, come on! Let him linger a second more.“You must be seriously delusional if you think there’sanychance I’ll sleep with you now.”
“Who said anything aboutsleeping?” he smirks. My expression remains neutral which makes him laugh. “Oh, lighten up, Miss Jones. After the initial shock wears off, you’re going to love working for me.” He pauses. “Plus, we’re going to be neighbors. So, you don’t need to worry about getting lonely.”
I blink. “Neighbors?”
“Yes, neighbors. There’s a unit available just three floors down from mine.” He faces me, grinning. “I figured it would make you feel more comfortable. NewYork City can be a bit overwhelming. It’s good to be near someone you know.”
“Mmm, yes,” I hum, crossing my arms. “This is clearly formybenefit.”
“Why, of course,” Damon coos. “The comfort and safety of my employees is atoppriority.”
“Uh-huh. I’m sure.” I close my eyes. “Manhattan. I’m going to be living in Manhattan. Great.” I sigh. “At least I’ll be closer to Lux.”
“Speaking of Lux,” Damon says casually. “You’ll need to quit that as well.”
My eyes spring open. “Excuse me?!”
“You heard me. You’re quitting.”
My mouth gapes open at his audacity. “Like hell I am! You arenottaking away the one thing I look forward to each week.”
“You’re quitting.”
“No, I amnot.”
“Yes, Miss Jones,” he growls, “you are.”
“Listen here,MisterCavanaugh,” I say in a threatening tone. “So far, I have done everything you’ve asked of me, but if you take dancing away from me, you'll learn quite quickly how disagreeable I can be.”
“There’s only one person you’ll be dancing for now, Miss Jones,” he rasps, “and that person is me.”
I tilt my head. “Is that it? You’re jealous? The great Damon Cavanaugh is jealous? Wow…” I pout, reaching over and sensually stroking his knee. “You worried I’ll fuck someone else? Huh? You worried someone will steal your new little sick obsession?”
Damon snatches my hand, the veins in his forearm protruding. “I don’t share, Miss Jones.”
I bite my lip, a warm sensation flowing through my body. “You don’town me, Damon.”
“But I will,” he rasps, tightening his hold on my hand like he’s afraid I’ll float away. “All in due time.”
“Well, until that time comes,” I say, not pulling away from him, “I’m dancing. So, unless you’re planning to lock me up at night, it’s best you let this one go.”
“Fine,” he says, turning onto the freeway to Manhattan. “Have it your way.”
“See? Wasn’t that easy?” I ask, relaxing into the seat as we drive into my unknown future. “Wake me up when we get there. Being kidnapped is exhausting.”
“Rest, Miss Jones,” he whispers. “You’ll need your energy.”
That alone revives my system.
THE PRICELESS DIAMOND
DAMON
Emery pacesaround the apartment like a volatile bomb, ready to explode any second. But with what? Rage? Tears? Joy? I watch her carefully, intently, attempting to translate every movement, every breath, every glance in my direction. Her hostility toward me is understandable, but I did what I had to do. I have no qualms about doing everything in my power to get what I want. There’s no line I wouldn’t cross. There’s no door I wouldn’t break open.
“So, what do you think?”
Emery pauses in front of the balcony doors, arms crossed as she stares into the city. Eventually, she’ll uncross those arms. She’ll lower her guard. She’ll trust me. Ineedher to trust me. This won’t work without blinding trust. Patience isn’t my strong suit, but I haveno choice. I have to wait. She’ll come to me when she’s ready. When the dust settles, and she sees what I see, she’ll get on her knees, and she’llthank me. Like Alison. But unlike Alison, she won’t ever want to leave. I won’t let her.
