Page 64 of My Forbidden Boss

I push open the heavy door and step into luxury. The floors are covered with soft beige carpet. Everything I might need is here; a small kitchenette, a large television on the wall, a bathroom decked out in cool marble.

I take my cell from my purse, snapping photos so I can remember and know this was real. That all of this wasn’t a dream. My cell vibrates and I see a message from David.

The clothing store at the airport didn’t have everything. It’s my way of apologizing for the clothing that was ruined while you waited for me to pick you up.

I’m confused until I see the bed, and the new clothing laid out on top of it. Stacks of clothing. Far too much for me to wear. My heart pounds and my ribs tighten so much I don’t think I’m going to be able to draw air in. My cell vibrates.

Breathe. Relax.

My laugh is part release, part astonishment, part insanity because that’s exactly what this is. Insane. Completely, totally, irrevocably insane. Another message pops onto the screen.

And say thank you.

I wander to the clothing, touch a sleeve. They’re tasteful. Expensive. Way out of my league, but then again, what about this situation isn’t? I could be in a dream, but my imagination isn’t good enough to conjure up the ocean glittering in the sunshine, nor the swaying palms and wide beach below my window.

Another text. David: I’ll knock on your door for dinner. Two hours?

Two hours is not enough time for reality to sink into my brain, but I can’t hide. I swallow hard and text and answer. Yes. And thank you.

The reply is immediate. You’re welcome, love.

David is stunning in a navy suit when he knocks on the door because of course he is. His gaze devours me and my nerves puddle beneath my feet and drain away like there were never there. “You’re beautiful, love.”

His voice is low. Gravelly. Open and honest and holding nothing back and I believe everything he says. He lets me see how I affect him. He hides nothing from me. I have no defense against this kind of battle.

There is no battle.

I’m filled with light. I’m so bright none of the darkness can reach me. A smile forms on my mouth without asking to be there and when he kisses my cheek, a flush rises in me. I’m sensitive all over, my awareness stuck on him. It can be nowhere else.

He takes me to a restaurant on the first floor where we look out over the pool and to the ocean beyond.

“Would you like to walk along the beach after dinner?” he asks and how can I say no to that. Him and I and sand between my toes is too much temptation.

The restaurant fills up, gets noisy and then it’s quiet. I peer around at the empty restaurant and the full moon hovering in the sky. The balmy air and David have tricked time off me.

“Excuse me, love. I’ll be back in a minute,” he says and leaves the table.

A waitress comes to take our empty dessert plates. I’ve never been fuller in my life. Movement behind me causes me to swivel in my chair, smile ready to welcome David back to the table. I’m eager to walk along the beach with him. That, along with everything else today, will be a first.

Perhaps he’ll kiss me again and I’ll happily offer them to him. He can take as many as he wants.

“Hello daughter.” Max puts his arm behind me, his meaty hand clamped to the back of the chair, hedging me between the table and his body. He takes David’s half drunk scotch and drains it, his beady eyes locked on me as he swallows.

I’m helpless to the black tsunami crashing through me. I’m drowning in the darkness. All the reasons I shouldn’t be here, shouldn’t be with David, shouldn’t open my heart, shouldn’t want for anything more in life, come charging back, renewed and vigorous. They sink their claws into me, rending flesh and bone and slashing through my heart until there’s only bloody remains left.

“I didn’t think you’d have it in you to get him to bring you to an event like this. Trash like you don’t get to see this side of life. You must have more of me in you than I gave you credit for. Just as well you’re here. Makes it easier for me to talk to you instead of those texts you’re ignoring.”

I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I need to get out of here but my legs don’t move. My frozen limbs keep me locked to the chair as dread swallows me whole.

“So daughter, I want the information to bring Chandler down, and I want it now.”

Chapter 24

David

Bourke, that asshole, is accosting Adeline. He’s hedged her into a corner, using his body and the angle of her chair as a barrier. She’s curled in on herself with nowhere to go. Alone and vulnerable, and what the hell does Bourke want with her?

I yank his arm off Adeline’s chair and shove myself between them. “Get away from my PA, Bourke.”

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