Page 34 of His to Possess
"What happened?"
August's expression darkened. "We both wanted the same things—the best art, the most lucrative deals, the highest status. At first, it was a game. But then…" He trailed off, his jaw tightening.
"Then what?"
His eyes snapped back to mine, suddenly sharp and focused. "Let's just say that Rex and I had very different ideas about what constitutes fair play in business and life."
A knot formed in my stomach. "What do you mean by that?"
But he waved his hand dismissively, his demeanor shifting abruptly. "Enough about ancient history." I wanted to prod more and learn what had happened between the two of them, but something about his expression told me he wouldn't be open to discussing it any further. And, judging by his tone, my first guess would've been that Rex had been the one to do something unfair. Where did that leave me?
Before I could spiral into a whirl of unwanted thoughts, I forced my focus back on August. Once the subject changed, his charm returned full force as we wrapped up our lunch. The tension from moments ago dissipated, replaced by his easy-going demeanor. As we exited the restaurant, he informed me that his chauffeur would drive me back to the Institute.
"I think I'll take a walk and enjoy this beautiful day before diving back into business," he said, gesturing to the sunlit street."All of my contact information, including my personal number, is in the project brief. Once your plan is ready, please contact my executive assistant to arrange another meeting. And if you have any questions, I'm at your disposal."
I nodded, appreciating his professionalism. But just as I was about to step into the car, August hesitated. His expression shifted, becoming more serious.
"I know Rex Compton seems to have set his mind on you." My heart raced, panic rising in my chest. How much did he know? But August continued, "I noticed at the auction. Whatever you decide, I want you to know that I believe you're a good person and a hard worker." His eyes met mine, filled with what seemed like genuine concern. "Be careful. I wouldn't want to witness another catastrophe that destroys the life of a worthy woman."
His words left me stunned, a chill running down my spine despite the warm day. As August bid me goodbye, I sank into the car's plush leather seats, my mind reeling. What exactly did he mean by another catastrophe? And how much did he know about my situation with Rex?
Chapter 14
Laurel
I stepped out of the cab, my heels clicking against the pavement as I made my way into the gleaming high-rise that housed Rex’s penthouse. Damn his chauffeur. Damn his rules. I was too drained to care about the consequences right now.
The elevator ride up felt endless. As I entered the penthouse, the silence enveloped me. It was mid-afternoon, and I knew Rex wouldn’t be back for hours.Good. I needed this time alone to process the whirlwind of emotions churning inside me.
I kicked off my heels and sank into the plush couch, letting out a heavy sigh. The tension from my meeting with August still thrummed through my body. His cryptic warning about Rex echoed in my mind, mixing with the frustration of my current situation.
I closed my eyes, trying to sort through the mess of thoughts. On the one hand, there was the exciting opportunity of the restoration project—a chance to prove myself, mentor students, and make a real difference. On the other, there was thesuffocating control Rex exerted over my life, down to the clothes on my back and the schedule of my day.
What did I get myself into?
I stood up abruptly, pacing the room. The pristine surfaces and meticulously arranged objects mocked me with their perfection. This wasn’t my home. This wasn’t my life. I was living in a gilded cage, and the realization hit me like a physical blow.
My eyes landed on the door to Rex’s sanctuary—the room filled with priceless artwork that I was supposed to be working on. For a moment, I considered going in there, losing myself in the beauty and history of the pieces. But even that felt tainted now, wrapped up in Rex’s obsessive need for control. What once felt like an opportunity of a lifetime was now nothing but another chain that kept me in my place.
As I sat there, staring out at the Chicago skyline, I realized I needed to find a way to reclaim some semblance of control. But how? With Rex’s iron grip on every aspect of my life and August’s mysterious warnings looming over me, I felt more trapped than ever.
I needed a clear head to process all this, that was for sure. My feet carried me swiftly to my room, and I made a beeline for the shower. The hot water beat down on my skin, washing away some of the tension, but not the weight of my thoughts. I lingered in there longer than I usually did, trapped in my own little corner, until it was time to return to my reality.
Feeling slightly refreshed, I wrapped a towel around myself and stood in front of the wardrobe. My eyes scanned the rows of expensive clothes, each one handpicked by Rex. Silk blouses, tailored pants, designer dresses, all beautiful, but nothing comfortable. Even the nightwear was impractical, all delicate silk and satin that felt more for show than for sleeping.
I let out a frustrated sigh. Right now, I would kill for a pair of sweatpants or an old t-shirt. Hell, even some workout clotheswould do. But there was nothing. It was as if Rex had erased every trace of casual comfort from my life.
On a whim, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I left my room and padded down the hallway towards Rex’s bedroom. My heart raced a little as I pushed open the door after what had happened there the night before.
His room was back in its immaculate state, as was the rest of the penthouse. Was there a maid hiding somewhere to make sure this place was always perfect? I went to his closet, feeling like an intruder but too determined to care. I just needed something—anything—that felt like me, not some doll dressed up for Rex’s pleasure.
I slid open the closet door and found myself face-to-face with rows of impeccably pressed shirts. My fingers brushed against the soft fabric of a white button-down. It was crisp, clean, and big enough to be comfortable. Perfect.
I quickly discarded my towel and slid the shirt on. As I hoped, it fell just above my knees. I rolled up the sleeves and felt renewed energy coursing through me. The soft cotton against my skin was a small comfort, but it was enough to lift my spirits slightly.
I thought poring over August’s project notes, but my feet had other ideas. They led me straight to Rex’s vault. Damn the schedule, I wanted to see that watercolor again.
I made my way to the end of the hallway, my heart racing with anticipation. Following Rex’s instructions, I pressed my thumb to the pad. The door slid open with a hushed sound, granting me entry to his sanctuary.
