Page 52 of Claim

Before we reached the car, Damon stepped out and opened the back passenger door.

“Good evening, ladies. Lisbetta, please have a seat. Sophia, in the front with me.”

His tone brooked no argument, and immediately, both of us followed his directions.

I’d barely closed the door when he moved into traffic. He remained quiet, letting the silence build on the already thick tension growing between us.

I glanced his way a few times, hoping he’d say something, but he kept his attention on the road.

When we arrived at a stunning high-rise, I couldn’t help but admire the structure.

“Did you design it?”

“Among other things.”

I cocked my head, glaring at him, but instead of retorting with a smartass remark, I opened the car door and stepped out, not waiting for the attendant.

I focused my attention on a discreet plaque and scanned the names of the businesses housed in the building. All of them bore the Pierce name in one fashion or the other.

Damon worked and lived in the same building.

No work-life balance, it seemed.

Was that why he went to the club? To give him that separation, the relief from the intensity of his life. No, the intensity was an ingrained part of him. Something one couldn’t separate from the man.

“Sophia, let’s go.” Damon touched my lower back, pulling me from my thoughts.

He led Lizzy and me to an elevator that took us directly into a vast, expansive foyer of windows overlooking the city.

He designed the space to wow anyone arriving at his home. But, at the same time, it also gave a separation from the rest of the penthouse.

“How long have you lived here?”

“A little over a year.”

An unexpected surge of relief shot through me, knowing his former submissive hadn’t been with him here. Why did it matter? It didn’t. No, that wasn’t true, but there was no point thinking about it now.

Pushing my unnecessary emotions back, I said, “It’s impressive.”

“I believe so.” He smirked, then the expression on his face grew concerned, and I looked toward Lizzy.

She clutched her coat around her, shaking as if cold overwhelmed her sinking deep into her bones.

“Lizzy, it’s going to be okay,” I tried to reassure her. “You’re crashing from the adrenaline surge. Once you get some sleep, you’ll feel fine.”

Lizzy nodded, taking a step, but stumbled. Damon maneuvered around me and then lifted Lizzy into his arms.

“I believe your adventure has taken its toll on her. Let’s get her settled. Afterward, we need to have a private discussion.”

Fifteen minutes later, after ensuring Lizzy was fast asleep, I joined Damon in his living room. The cityscape illuminated him in shadow, adding to the foreboding mood.

His dark green gaze lifted to mine. “What kind of trouble are you in, Sophia?”

“I’m not in trouble.” I pursed my lips. “You came to get me. Problem solved.”

“Your problems have only begun.”

My heartbeat accelerated. “Are you planning on punishing me?”

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