Page 3 of Pandora's Pleasure

I’d heard a rumor that Damien was set to follow in his father’s ambitious footsteps and one day rule the nation from the Oval Office. Such ambitions had to be the reason he always looked past me, like I was a frivolous distraction to be tolerated when present.

My own father insisted the Godmans could turn around the damage inflicted by the current administration and the incumbent President’s selfish agenda. My parents had reassured me that marrying into this family would benefit everyone. Including my father’s own political aspirations; he wanted a place in Godman’s Cabinet.

“I sent the staff to find you,” Damien said tersely, running a hand through his raven hair. “Now I know why they couldn’t.”

His name made me think of that old movie,The Omen—his parents had chosen it well. Damien might as well be the Devil’s son. His family’s hunger for power was never sated.

At first, I’d believed that what we had together could become special. Even after he began ghosting me, I’d refused to let go of the illusion I had of him—the man I’d secretly fallen for as a teenager from afar while reading stories of him inGQ.

I’d turned twenty in August, and that birthday had become a milestone occasion—the beginning of the countdown to my loss of freedom.

“Where were you going?” Damien’s tone was almost kind.

“Getting some fresh air.”

“Right.” He stepped closer until he towered over me. “How am I meant to protect you if you run off like that?”

Even now his nearness sent a thrill through me. “Sorry.”

His eyes darkened. “I have a reputation to live up to. If I appear to have no control over you, others will take advantage.”

“No one noticed.”

“Oh, they noticed.”

“I’ll go back to the party.”

“Yes, you will. You’ll smile at everyone’s conversations, laugh at their jokes. You’ll hang on my arm and be the pretty young thing you are meant to be while you entertain our guests. You will make my father—” He gritted his teeth. “Look good.”

I hated all of these self-entitled assholes.

I glanced at the clock.

“Are you even listening, Pandora?”

“At least let me visit the restroom.” My tone sounded calmer than I expected.

His eyes narrowed and his gaze fell on my lips. “Of course, darling. I’ll escort you.”

“Thank you.” I was starved for any sign of kindness from him, no matter how fleeting.

He weaved his fingers through mine and led me out of the room and along the sprawling hallway, his palm hot against mine, possessively controlling our pace.

“I’ll make you proud,” I said softly, trying to appease him. “I promise.”

“You have a lot to make up for.”

I shouldn’t have been shocked when he preceded me into the bathroom, intending not to give me any privacy. He locked the door behind us and then leaned against the sink, his dark eyes following my every move.

Damien dragged his teeth along his bottom lip. “Hurry up.”

My nostrils flared with annoyance at being rushed, but I turned and lifted my hem, pulling down my panties to sit on the toilet. “I can’t go with you watching.”

He stepped closer until he was looming over me. “I think you should get used to this.”

I avoided his stare.

“You’re my trophy, Pandora.”