Page 115 of Pandora's Pleasure

“I’m not the one with a stalled multi-million dollar construction site. Fairfield was destined to fail.”

Damien spun around to look at me, trying to appear calm. “Did he hurt you?”

Trembling, I managed to shake my head to show I was okay.

“It’s like arguing with a fucking wall.” Damien straightened and tugged his jacket down, his demeanor becoming more composed.

“It’s unlike you to lose it,” said Carter.

Damien seemed to realize this, his brows knitting together as his gaze scanned over me. “I apologize on behalf of my brother.”

My heart swelled with hope knowing that Damien had found and saved me.

Clutching my hand tightly, he led me out of the room.

We made our way through the mansion, reaching a sitting room that had a door that led out to a patio. We walked across the sprawling lawn and took a path over to a private terrace with a fountain in the center.

The tall sculpture at the top poured out a torrent of crystal clear water that cascaded down onto several levels. The sound was a welcome change from the chattering and raucous laughter of the guests.

“I won’t leave your side again,” said Damien. “Not when you’re in the vicinity of anyone in my family.”

“I walked away from you,” I admitted.

I’d forgotten how many monsters were lurking nearby.

“I should have come with you.” He looked me up and down. “Tell me you’re okay.”

“I am now.”

We sat on the stone ledge of the fountain, me resting my head on Damien’s shoulder and him hugging me into his side.

“Let me guess,” I said. “Carter was bullied?”

Damien shook his head. “No, he’s just an asshole.”

“You can be just as arrogant, Damien.”

He looked at me with mock surprise. “Me?”

I nodded slowly.

“How?”

“Remember how you were at Seascape?”

“Sure that was me?” He smirked.

I suppressed the emotion in my tone. “Things right now are chaotic. I get that.”

He sighed. “We’ve come so far. We just need to stay the course. Everyone’s exhausted and wound tight. Including me. I’m sorry.”

I rubbed my hand up and down his back to soothe him. “You’re giving it everything. I know that.”

He kissed the top of my head. “I’ve been thinking.”

“About?”

He straightened. “On Sanibel, you told me you wanted out. You never wanted this—” He pointed to our surroundings. “All of this had been thrust on you.”