Page 31 of Hidden Heart

“I know. I just…fuck…I don’t know why I thought you should know, but I did.” Alex stood from his chair. “I guess…be careful with her, Royce.” The warning was unmistakable. “She’s been through enough, and I won’t have her going through more.”

Before Royce could respond to the warning, Alex walked out. Jessica hadn’t given him the full truth of the matter. Considering she’d given him any of the truth had been a big step for her. He couldn’t hold it against her for not spilling the whole story. It sounded like James had done a real number on her.

“Mr. Bradford, you have a call holding on line one. A Ms. Sterling. She said it’s urgent,” Sarah, his assistant, said over the intercom.

“Thanks, Sarah.” He clicked off and stared at his phone. How had she managed to find out where he worked, and why wouldn’t she give up?

“Melody.” He hoped she would hear the tension in his voice, and finally realize they were over.

“Hi!” The chipper response told him she was not aware. “I’m sorry to bother you at work, really, I am. It’s just—I was planning a little vacay to Chicago and was wondering if you wouldn’t mind a roommate for a weekend?”

His hold tightened on the receiver. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Melody.”

“It’s just a short weekend. I’ll be there Friday and leave by Sunday. I thought I’d see the museums, go to a few fancy restaurants, you know—live it up for a few days. You always wanted me to be worldlier.”

“I wanted—” He paused to take a calming breath. He’d wanted her to be more open to the world. She was very close-minded, and, as usual, she misunderstood him. “Melody. I’m seeing someone, and I don’t think staying with me would work. I’m sure you can find a hotel in the city. Why not bring a friend, then you can share a room?”

“Oh. You’re seeing someone.” She worded it as more of an accusation than resignation at the situation. “Well, I’m sure she’s wonderful, but if she’s your submissive, you can simply tell her I’m a friend, and she’ll have to accept—”

“Melody. It doesn’t work that way, and you know it. Not with me.” He tried to remain civil but knew he’d bitten out the words. They had had this discussion more than once, and it was the majority player in the reasons of why they broke it off. She wanted more than he was willing to give her. She wanted complete dominance—a Master. She wanted all choice taken from her, to bend completely to the will and whim of another. In the world she wanted, being told to simply accept the presence of another woman would be normal and fully expected. It wasn’t what he wanted or what he could give. Especially to Jessica.

“I’m sorry,” she rushed to say. “I do know that. I just, well, I really need a weekend away and thought Chicago would be great.”

“It’s not much different than New York, Melody. If you’re looking for a getaway, I would suggest somewhere more luxurious and warmer.”

“Royce, really. Chicago is chock full of fun. It’ll be a nice weekend, you’ll see.” Subtle never fit her.

Alex stood in the doorway waving at him. They were expected in a meeting. “I understand, but my answer is still no. I have to go now. I have a meeting.” Before she could respond, he hung up the phone.

He grabbed his things and headed out with Alex. Between Alex’s warning and Melody’s phone call, his erection no longer threatened to ruin his focus.

Chapter 11

“So, what has you so spooked? It sounds like everything is going great.” Kelly downed the last of her wine and signaled for a waiter to bring her another. Jessica sipped hers and looked at her watch. She was to meet Royce in an hour.

“I’m not spooked,” she defended.

“You are too,” Erin chuckled, checking her cell for messages.

“You have thatdon’t make any sudden movements or Jessica’s going to fleelook.” Kelly exchanged her empty wine glass for the full one.

“Aren’t you going out with Alex later?” Jessica asked, pointing to the third glass of wine.

“Yeah. So?” Kelly gave a small shrug. “And don’t go changing the subject. You’re worried about Royce. He’s fucking hot, smart, and the man oozes confidence. So, what is it?”

“We ran into James last week.” Jessica sighed.

“Oh, hon...” Erin reached over and patted her hand. “That asshole.”

“What did Royce do?” Kelly asked.

“Nothing. Well, he just dismissed him like he was an annoying fly buzzing around.” Jessica couldn’t help but smile over the memory.

“Did you give him the rundown of what happened?”

“Well, sort of. The abbreviated version… seeing James again, I don’t know, just sort of reminds me to be careful.”

“Careful?” Kelly snorted into her glass. “If you are any more careful, you’ll be hosting our next dinner at a convent.”

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