Page 11 of Damaged

“Sophia Simms works at McMurphy.”

“Hailee’s friend, sure. I just met her tonight.”

“Hailee’s not aware of anything, but I’m making this call on her behalf. I can’t have anything happening to Sophia. No damage to her resume or her feelings. Nothing like that.”

“Of course.” I catch what he’s saying.Don’t sleep with her and throw her to the curb.I find it interesting that he’d bring this up tonight of all nights. It feels like he’s having me watched. “Are you spying on me, James?”

“No, why?”

“I never know with you.”

“It would be a favor to me. I don’t ask you for many, and you owe me one.”

“My word is my bond, Alex. Sophia will be fine.”

“She’s like twelve years younger than you anyway.”

I frown. Alex is also my age, thirty-six, and his girlfriend is a good deal younger. “Isn’t Hailee twenty-five?”

“Forget it. I’m saying I trust you. I just wanted you to be aware of her position on the game board.”

“Nothing is overlooked. Not even Sophia’s relationship with your girlfriend.”

“Thanks. Be safe and keep me updated.”

“We’ll talk soon, Alex.”

The call ends, and I stare into space. Already, my thoughts aren’t on the plan. They’re stuck on Sophia.

So, Ican’tput my fingers in her mouth and my tongue on her clit. I hadn’t realized how pleasant of an idea that was until now. But I’m a man of extreme reserve. I don’t break bonds to others or myself. And this plan is far more important than any one girl.

So note to self—Sophia Simms is off-limits.

I pick up my glass of scotch and go into the bedroom. There’s a mess of blonde hair on the pillow. I trace my hand up a long tan leg until she stirs.

“What time is it?” Natasha says in her Russian accent.

“You know what time it is.” I brush my thumb over her lips, and with her eyes still closed, she greedily sucks it.

I start to get carried away before I remember.

I pull Natasha from the sheets and toss her over my shoulder. She lets out a playful shriek as I carry her towards one of the guest bedrooms down the hall.

But I’m a little bothered.

I know Sophia heard that.

Sophia

I didn’t spend as much time cringing in embarrassment before falling asleep last night as I’d thought I would. James has his own private elevator and parking area. Our paths aren’t going to cross in the hallway or in the lobby. Despite being neighbors, I had never met him until last night. I don’t think I have to worry about seeing him again.

Besides, he should be the one who’s embarrassed, bringing loud girl after loud girl home and not caring who hears him screwing at all hours of the night.

It’s not long before I’ve put it behind me. I’ve got bigger worries—it’s a Saturday morning, and I’m scheduled to work. Weekends are usually our busiest days since the gallery stopped being appointment only this last September.

It’s a cold morning after last night’s snow. I was hoping that Richard would close the gallery because of the aftermath of the storm, but no such luck. I don my big navy parka that stretches down to my shins and stop at my favorite coffee shop—Tito’s. Ironic, because I’ve come here plenty of times to revive myself after having far too much Tito’s.

That’s not the case as often anymore. I’m twenty-six and reaching the age where I’m slowing down a bit on late nights out. My brain and wallet can’t take it anymore. It’s resulted in a bit of a dry spell since I don’t like dating apps.

---