Page 10 of Remembering Passion

“Oh, don’t be shy,” another said.

“I’m good.” I took a step back as the uncomfortable feeling that every woman has felt surged through me.

The men shuffled around, creating a space. “Look. Plenty of room.”

As my hands began to tremble, I took another step back, bumping into a wall.

There wasn’t a wall.

A strong hand came to my hip as the men in the elevator looked to one another and fell victim to a sudden curiosity in studying their shoes.

“I’m glad you waited,” Damien said, tugging me to his side. He looked toward the elevator at the now-wide-eyed men. “Go on. Like the lady said, the grown-ups will catch the next one.”

I stood in Damien’s grasp as the elevator door closed. “Thank you.”

He reached for my hands. “You’re shaking.”

“It’s the air conditioning.” Taking a step away, I scanned him up and down. No longer wearing rolled-up sleeves, Damien was dashingly handsome in a custom-tailored dark blue suit, similar to the shade of my dress. Grinning, I said, “I see you read the memo.”

His gaze was like melting lava as he scanned from my head to my toes. “No wonder those boys wanted you in the elevator. You’re stunning, Ella.”

“I don’t know why I let them bother me.”

“Because they’re drunk assholes. If I had to bet, I’d say bachelor party.”

“That’s no excuse,” I said.

“You’re right.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“No doubt.”

The elevator door opened to an empty car. “Much better,” he said, holding the door open while I stepped inside.

My skin warmed as I realized we were alone.

In the bar, plane, and airport, other people had been around.

The inside of the elevator was shiny, reflecting our image in all directions. “I guess,” I said, “my luck hasn’t completely run out.” I curled my lips into a smile. “I appreciate your chivalry.”

“Purely selfish.”

I turned his way. “How was helping me selfish?”

Damien’s smile quirked. “If you happen to decide to be ravished tonight, I want it to be by me.”

“If I decide?” I asked with a smirk. “I don’t think they were asking.”

“I am.”

Oh shit.

And just like that, my nipples drew tight.

Before I could respond, the elevator came to a stop. As the doors opened, Damien reached for my hand. “I’d rather you didn’t go up to your room alone. No telling where those boys may be.”

“I’m a capable woman.”

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