Page 35 of Damaged Mogul

I drop my cup on the saucer. “You’re right, this has been a headache-inducing day. Lucky for me, I have a great team preparing Matthew to retaliate.”

“So why are you here?”

I let out a long sigh, rubbing my hand over my face.

“Whatever it is, it must be serious,” he says.

“Women.” I shake my head.

“It can’t be a club member since you haven’t been at the club in months.”

“You’re right, I haven’t been to Dark Compulsion in a while.”

“Who turned your world upside down?”

My jaw ticks. “I was at another function.”

His attention drops to the tumbler that contained amber liquid that matches his eyes. “And you’re drowning your sorrows?”

“Funny.”

“I wasn’t trying to be.”

You’ll be pressed to catch Larkin crack a smile. I don’t know his demons—he’s never shared them. Anyone with half a brain knows not to ask.

In my case, tragedy stripped me of the ability to smile and let anyone who isn’t in my inner circle get too close. When you trust the wrong people, they can destroy your life.

“What about this woman you met tonight has you finding solace in top-shelf whiskey, Mr. Hollingsworth?”

I consider him.

Larkin holds my gaze.

I should shut my mouth, close my tab, and seek the sanctuary of my home. Instead, I spill my guts.

“This bodyguard gig was supposed to be a walk in the park,” I say, concluding my story. “My job was to accompany a spoiled princess at an event and be done with it.”

“But she isn’t a spoiled princess?—”

“And that’s part of the problem.” I point a finger at Larkin as if all this is his fault. “Had she been demanding as fuck, that would’ve sent me running.” I jab my fingers in my hair and pull so hard, my scalp tingles. “I understand why Adam and Eve got kicked out of Heaven. Sometimes, resisting temptation is an impossible feat.”

“Who says you have to resist her?” Larkin’s question causes me to flinch.

“I don’t mix business with pleasure.”

“You have no business dealings with the woman.”

“She’s the daughter of one of my biggest advertisers.” I’m caught between a rock and a hard place.

“So?”

“Are you playing devil’s advocate?” My patience is running thin.

“She’s an adult, not a child.” He straightens the sleeves of his jacket. “There’s an attraction between the two of you. It’s clear as day.”

“She’s forbidden.”

Larkin cocks a brow. “Says who?”