Page 31 of Claim

“The question is, why aren’t you in the company of Mr. Pierce?”

“He’s not interested.”

“Is that right?” He adjusted his stance, leaning toward me. “I highly doubt that. Were those his words?”

I lifted my chin. “His exact words don’t matter. He made it very clear. It was a one-time-only thing.”

“But you would have agreed to more, am I correct?” His penetrating gaze sent a shiver down my spine, making me feel as if he saw more than I cared to reveal.

“Does it matter?”

“Of course it does.” He brought his face even closer to mine. “Are you here to observe or play, Sophia?”

I wanted to say neither. A glass of wine and my bed seemed the best option. I no longer jumped into stupid things out of hurt or rejection. When I decided on something reckless, there were reasons.

Instead of giving him the truth, I said, “I don’t know.”

“I believe you need to decide very fast.”

“Why?” I’d barely asked the question when a hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me back against a firm chest.

Clark kept his attention on me. “That’s why.”

This whole time Clark had known Damon was coming up behind me. He let it happen. Then why hadn’t he introduced us from the beginning? Probably for the same reason, Damon warned me away.

“Ventana, if you will excuse us. Sophia and I haven’t finished our earlier conversation.”

Clark set his hand over mine on the table, our gazes locking. “Sophia, would you like to speak with Mr. Pierce?”

“Stay out of this, Ventana.” Damon’s fingers flexed on my stomach, and my heartbeat accelerated.

I guessed he wasn’t used to anyone walking away from him. Welcome to the world of Sophia Morelli. I never stayed where I wasn’t welcome. I never begged for anyone’s scraps.

“The decision is hers, Pierce. She was already making the call as you approached.”

Damon tensed, making me believe he thought Clark and I were discussing whether to play or not.

Why would he care even if we were? He told me he wasn’t available for me.

“Is that right? Go ahead, Sophia. Make your decision. Are you staying with Ventana, or are you coming with me?”

This made no sense.

Clark tightened his hold over my hand. “She doesn’t understand what you mean by discussion, Pierce.”

“Yes, she does.”

I turned my head, seeing the intent in Damon’s gaze. He planned to punish me, make me beg, and then enjoy my tears.

I parted my lips, hoping to ease the unsteadiness of my breath.

I wanted everything I saw in his emerald depths and more. This couldn’t be normal, the way he’d captured my desire. I craved the things he promised in one look.

“Sophia, answer the question.” The rough edge of Damon’s voice sent a spasm shooting through my core.

“I’m going with you.”

He nodded, and Clark released his hold on me.

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