Page 131 of Pandora's Pleasure

“This place is temporary. They won’t look for you here.”

“You’re keeping me in your fuck pad?”

His eyes widened as though realizing what he’d done.

I’d never be anything more than a lover he couldn’t acknowledge.

He was destined to marry someone else, someone good fortheirimage.

In the meantime, my father’s reputation would be decimated, his career in politics sabotaged by misconduct committed ages ago—a stain permanently on our name and a dynasty sacrificed so that the Godmans could rule.

What had Madeline called herself? Collateral damage.

“You expect me to stand by and let you do this to my family?” I whispered.

He sighed. “What else can you do?”

“You underestimate me.” I swallowed hard. “Did you ever love me?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Do you love me now?” My hand shot up when he moved closer. “Stay there.”

“I’ll always love you.”

“This is the first time you’ve ever said it.”

“You told me you wanted out. I was waiting to see if you changed your mind.”

“Tell me when you last fucked a woman here.”

“Don’t.”

“I want to know.”Needed to know.

He ran a hand through his hair. “We’re not having this discussion.”

“Last week?”

“I haven’t slept with anyone since you and I were thrown into a fake relationship.” He shook his head. “It wouldn’t have looked good.”

I reached for my handbag, my fingers fumbling for my phone. “I need to know what they’re saying about me.”

“The news isn’t out yet. Just speculation. My father is working on damage control.”

“I’m a liability?”

All of this was being done in backroom negotiations. This was why Theo didn’t want me looking at my phone. My parents would demand my return home.

“Have you talked with my dad?” I asked.

“It will happen tonight.”

“With me?”

“No, just your parents and me. A meeting at their place.”

“A meeting? I should be there.”