Page 124 of A Taste like Sin

between you and your employer.”

“No hay problema.” He waves me off and returns to his broom. “I’ll clean up this mess and I have

Mr. Villa’s permission to move you to another location. One that he does not know of and will never

discover without your permission.”

I don’t even need to see his face to know it’s the truth.

“Why would you do this for me?”

“In some ways, it’s selfish, Ms. Thorne,” he admits, meeting my gaze directly. “I’m doing this for him.

We had our bargain, after all.”

Make Damien earn my forgiveness—not if butwhenhe hurts me.

“I need a favor,” I say, changing the subject.

“¿Sí?” Instantly, he stands to his full height, crossing his hands over his front. “Say the word.”

“I can explain on the way there.” I head to the door. “The first favor, though, may test your skills…”

“Oh?” He follows, raising an eyebrow. “How so, if I may ask?”

I look him over, biting my lower lip. “Well, I’ll need you to pretend to be my publicist, for one.”

STANDING IN FRONT OF A SEA OF REPORTERS, I CAN’T ESCAPE AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF IRONY.

It’s the world my father cherished. The world I thought he’d forsaken me for. A world of glitz, and

glamor, and deception.

Despite being hastily compiled, my “news conference” has attracted enough reporters to ensure

broadcast coverage—yet, in some ways, I feel no different than I did lying naked in front of a theater

of strangers at Damien’s discretion.

On display, yet…

In control.

“Good morning,” I say, speaking into a microphone affixed to a small podium. The ballroom of the

Lariat looms behind me, a perfect gilded backdrop. “My father and I would like to thank the well-

wishers and those who have kept us in your prayers during this difficult time. I admit that, in the

chaos, my family has been quiet, and I thank the media for respecting our privacy. However…” I

clear my throat as doubt creeps in.

I could be wrong. With Daddy’s life on the line, I could be placing him in more danger. I could be

gambling everything with nothing at all to gain.

“After much reflection, my father and I have decided that we welcome all inquiry into the Borgetta