Claim Me(60)

“They mentioned Ashley.” His voice is as gentle as I ever heard it, and it is that tone as much as the mention of my sister that brings tears to my eyes.

“I know what you’re thinking, but it wouldn’t have mattered,” I say. “No one was around the building when I arrived. They came later. Even if Edward had driven me, he would have been long gone by then.”

“We’ll talk about it later,” he says, and though I know I should argue, I’m happy to shove the topic off into some future neverland. “Tell me about the rest of your day,” he says.

“Do I have to?”

“Not good?”

I consider the question. “Not bad, but I spent most of the day with this guy on my team named Tanner who turned out to be a backbiting little prick. Jamie thinks he’s the one who called the paparazzi.”

“And made a few suggestions about corporate espionage?” I’m surprised to hear amusement in Damien’s voice. “I must say you’re a most lovely spy.”

“You’re not pissed?”

“I’m livid,” he says. “I don’t take those kinds of accusations lightly. If your little prick initiated them, I’ll find out.”

“Oh. You sounded like you thought it was funny.”

“The situation, no. I’m merely anticipating the joy of decimating whoever started a rumor like that. I will stand for a lot of things, but corporate espionage isn’t one of them. And suggesting that my girlfriend is my spy makes it that much worse.”

I swallow. I tease Damien about the extent of his empire all the time, but sometimes I forget just how wide a net he casts and just how much power he really has. He will find out who started that rumor, be it Tanner or someone else. And I do not doubt that he’ll destroy them.

Like Ollie has said—Damien is dangerous. To his enemies, at least.

“This is not my first choice for a topic of conversation,” he says.

“Nor mine,” I say, relieved. “Tell me about your day.”

“I’d rather hear what you’re doing right now. Where are you?”

“On our bed,” I say. “Thinking of you.”

“Are you really? I can picture you,” he says. “Lying back, hair on the pillow, your naked body stretched out on top of the duvet.”

I can’t help but laugh. “As much as I love the fantasy, jeans and a ratty T-shirt are closer to the truth. Jamie’s in the other room. Which reminds me—where are you? You’re not still in Palm Springs, are you?”

“The day was interminable. I’m in the limo now, getting close to LA. I’m going to send a driver to pick you up. I want you home when I get there.” The heat from his voice is enough to melt me, and I make a little sighing noise as I lie back with my eyes closed and let the whiskey-smooth words wash over me.

“I want you in bed,” he continues. “I want you naked.”

My smile is lopsided and a little drunk. “But the bed’s here,” I remind him. I roll over and stretch my arm out across it, pretending that I’m reaching for Damien.

“The apartment,” he says. “The security desk will give you the codes to get inside. Naked, Nikki. Leave your clothes in a pile by the door so I can see them when I get home. I want to know you’re inside and that you’re wet and that you’re waiting for me.”

My lips are parted, and my breathing is shallow. Little shivers of electricity race across my skin, and I close my eyes, lost to the power of his words.