by Lola Darling
“You make him sound like a Mafioso,” I joke. “What’s the worst he can do?”
“Fire you!”
Oh yeah, that. I swallow. “If he wants to speak to me, he can come down here and ask me.”
Shauna goes pale as she glances behind me. “I think I will take that lunch.”
I already know before I turn what I’ll find: Dominic heading straight for the desk. I can feel the anger rolling off him, and it gets stronger the closer he gets.
An older couple steps up to the desk like a heaven-sent buffer.
“Welcome to the Rexford!” I chirp, trying to ignore Dom. “How can I help you?”
“We were wondering about our room…” The woman starts chatting about the AC levels and her chesty cough. I keep my eyes fixed on them, nodding along, but I’m painfully aware of Dom loitering just a few feet away, tapping his feet impatiently.
He might be used to getting what he wants, but I’m sick of giving it to him. I’m not quite sure where my resolve went these last few days, but I’m glad it’s back.
“Ms. Evans.” His voice comes, a commanding rumble.
“One moment, please,” I tell him without looking, using the same tone I revert to when I tell callers I’m about to put them on hold. I arrange to get the couple moved to a new room, and throw in complimentary breakfast just for the hell of it. By the time they leave, Dominic is seething.
Poor, spoiled baby.
“How can I help you?” I move to the computer and tap determinedly at the keyboard.
“What happened to you yesterday?”
Dom moves to stand beside me, his hand covering my own on the desk, out of sight. It’s a simple, gentle gesture that contradicts his irritated tone. I glance at our hands, then finally to his face, and I’m struck by expression. He actually looks confused and a little hurt behind the anger.
“I thought—”
I don’t let him finish. I’m not playing anymore, and I’m sure as hell not going to tell him what I overheard his secretaries say. The sting of humiliation is still raw like an open wound.
So I lie.
“I thought it over, Mr. Rexford,” I tell him, snatching my hand away. “And it’s in my best interest if we keep things professional. Strictly professional.”
He holds my gaze, looking wounded. “Is that right?”
“There are other interns you can take under your wing.”
I look for a flicker of recognition that my comment has hit home, but Dom is inscrutable as usual.
“I hope my decision won’t in any way be a detriment to my internship,” I manage to finish, my voice steady. I lift my chin.
Now he looks really pissed.
“You actually think I’d punish you for not sleeping with me?”
My heart flutters, but I hold my ground. “I hope not. But I guess I don’t really know you at all, do I?”
Dom’s mouth twists in a smirk. He leans in, his breath playing hot against my ear.
“Punishment has its place, Juliet. Trust me, when I punish you, you’ll be begging for it.”
I gape at him. I can’t stop the surprise, or the licks of desire that swirl between my legs. This fucking man! I don’t know whether I want to slap him…
Or tear his clothes off and have him show me exactly what he means.
“I’m working,” I manage to bite out. “Was there anything else?”
Dom narrows his eyes. “No. You may continue.”
He stalks off, and I let out a breath of relief. God, just his presence is overwhelming, the pure animal instinct. It makes me remember what he can do with that body – and what pleasure he’s capable of inspiring in my own.
Luckily, Shauna checks back after her break, and I can go splash some cold water on my face. By the time I return for my afternoon shift, I’m back in control – and Dom is nowhere to be seen.
“Welcome to The Rexford,” I greet the next guest. “How can I help you?” I smile, which isn’t hard considering how good-looking this guy is. Tall and tanned, with messy blond hair and friendly blue eyes that look right at me.
“Well, hello to you too. Juliet.” He eyes my name tag. The glint of silver and gold on his wrist catches my eye. Rolex. In a navy blue polo shirt and teal pants, he looks like he’s about to go sailing, or pose for a Polo ad.
“I’d love to book the penthouse, thanks.”
“I’m sorry sir,” I say reluctantly, not bothering with the computer. “The penthouse is booked. Private residence, year-round.”
He makes a show of sighing, but his eyes are full of laughter. “Well, what’s the next best thing you can offer a weary traveler such as myself?”
“We have a fabulous diamond suite,” I say, wondering if he can really afford it. After the penthouse, it’s our most expensive suite, clocking in at over five thousand dollars a night. The handsome guest quirks an eyebrow, so I continue. “Three rooms, vaulted ceilings with a full view of The Magnificent Mile. It includes access to our famed arboretum.”
“I suppose that will do. Second best, as usual.” He reaches for his wallet, and I’m about to ask him his name for the reservation, when he leans in close.
“Just between us, I’m guessing the suite has the same decoration as the rest of this place?”
I’m not sure what he means. “All our rooms are outfitted in a classic, luxurious style.”
“I thought so.” He looks around the grand lobby and makes a face at me. “Nothing’s changed in a century.”
“The Rexford is committed to preserving its historical features,” I say blandly.
“Even history can use freshening, don’t you think?” He gives me an encouraging look. “Indulge me this. If you could change one thing about this place, what would it be?”
I get the feeling he’s flirting with me.
“Well…” I pause, looking around. “Maybe I would change the lighting. The chandeliers look great, but we could use some additional spotlights to really show off the room.”
“True.” He cracks a charming smile. “Dungeon-chic went out in the eighteen hundreds.”
I giggle, warming up now. “And they could replace the carpeting, maybe expose the hardwoods and make it seem more modern. Cut back on all the antique furniture, make it a blank canvas for the rest of the architectural details. It’s kind of busy with all the patterns and upholstery.”
“Busy?” he repeats, laughing now. “My Aunt Daisy would call this place over-done, and she’s got a life-size painting of the Last Supper on her dining room wall.”
He passes his ID over and I smile. “You have a good eye,” he continues. “What else?”
“I… would up the ante in elegance.” I enter his details automatically, distracted. “Younger crowds don’t want all this gilt edging, that just makes them think of their grandparents.”
“Like Aunt Daisy,” the man smirks.
“Exactly. They like a mix of old and new. We could keep the historic luxury, but incorporate modern products—organic spa products, fair trade linens, even a designer coffee bar. Match or better amenities found in younger hotels.” Like the Prescott, I think. Suddenly aware that I’m rambling way above my pay grade, I close my mouth and turn to the computer. “I’m sorry sir,” I say quickly. “Forget I said anything.”
“Worried the boss will stamp out insurgency in the ranks?” he grins. “It’ll be our little secret. You’re sharp. And, quite lovely.”
I look up in time to see a flirtatious smile. “How about a drink after your shift?” he asks.
I wish I could. But the hotel has a strict anti-fraternization policy – and this guy doesn’t hold a candle to Dominic. Maybe no one will for a long time.
You’ve never been fucked as good as I gave it to you.
Damn him.
I give an apologetic smile. “Thank you. But I have plans after work.”
“A boyfriend?” He tilts his head. “Whoever he is, he’s a lucky bastard to have you so hooked.” His phone buzzes, and he glances at
the screen. “I have to take this. But thank you for all your hospitality, Juliet. You’ve been a real help.”
He walks away but I’m not paying much attention. He’s right. I am hooked. Completely, utterly hooked. It’s unnerving, how much I want Dominic – even after everything.
The sexual pull is just too strong.
Was, I remind myself angrily.
It’s over now, for good this time.
It has to be.
Chapter Ten
I arrive at work the next day to find a cop stationed by the front desk – and another two policewomen stationed in the locked room.
“What’s going on?” I whisper to the other interns. They shrug.
“Beats me. We have to go straight upstairs for a meeting,” one of the guys answers.
I stash my purse and follow the group upstairs. Everyone looks super-serious, and even the atmosphere feels different. It’s weighty and thick and lacking the comfortable vibe that’s always pumping through this place. Did someone die?
My mind races with all sorts of CSI scenarios about someone being pushed from their hotel room window when I enter the conference room.
A security guy checks my name off a list. “Take a seat, miss.”
The room is full. So full, I wonder if anyone is actually working right now. Employees are being called up by rows to the front of the room, and are being led one-by-one behind the room divider.
I find a seat with the other interns. One of the other girls rushes in and joins us. “I just heard what all this is about. It’s Shauna!”
“What about her?” I demand, panicked. “Is she okay?”
“She’s fine – if you call hanging out in a police cell fine,” the girl smirks. “She got busted hacking into confidential customer data,” she rattles on, too excited about the scandal to keep her voice down. “She was working undercover for the Prescott group!”
“What?” I gasp in shock.
“She was a corporate spy, all along. Everyone’s on lock down, they have no idea how much data she took.”
The guy beside me groans. “I knew I should have taken the job there. This place is going down.”
All around me, employees and interns burst into fevered whispers about the future of the company, but my mind races. I saw Shauna in Dominic’s office! No wonder she looked so nervous, she was probably hacking into his computer to take lord-knows-what!
Damn. I should have mentioned seeing her, gone with my gut feeling that it was odd, but I pushed it aside, too distracted by whatever was going on with Dom. I panic. Maybe they don’t even know that she was snooping around in his office. Who knows what confidential material she may have found?
He needs to know. Now.
I stand and hurry to the door. The doorman blocks me. “No one is supposed to leave, miss.”
I make a light grimace. “I really need to use the restroom. I’ll be quick.”
He looks at me a second before letting me pass. I head to the elevator and go up. If the security downstairs was a shock, up here, it’s like Fort Knox. I pass half a dozen serious-looking men in suits, and every computer is getting the once over by tech.
Dom is in a huddle with some other employees, and he makes me wait before wordlessly leading me to his office.
“What?” he demands. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of a situation.”
“It’s about that.” My heart is in my throat. “I need to tell you something.”
Dom’s expression hardens. His eyes pierce me, cold. “The night I met you, you lied about your identity.”
I stop. Does he know? About the honeytrap? I resist the urge to fidget. I have to face this head on.
“I—yes, I did.”
“Why?”
I don’t know where he’s going with this, or how much he knows, so I force myself not to confess everything. Why make it worse?
“Honestly, I wanted to be someone else. Just for one night. The makeup, the clothes, the random hook-up with you, are not me at all.”
I pause to see how he reacts. His expression doesn’t change. If he knows about the trap, he’s an expert at hiding it.
“I’m bookish, you know? Not very impulsive. But when I saw you, and the way you looked at me when you touched my hand… I wanted to be the kind of woman a man like you would find fun and attractive.”
A small grin lifts one corner of his mouth. “I’ve found you attractive every single day since that evening.”
The compliment makes me tingle. I start to take another step toward him, but stop myself. I’m just the intern du jour, remember? This time next year, he’ll have a new one to replace me with. The thought sobers me.
“About Shauna,” I say. “I found her here, by your desk, alone, the day of the board meeting.”
His face changes. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I didn’t think it was important. She had an excuse, and so did I. I was… distracted.”
Dom rounds the desk and stalks towards me. “Are you working for Prescott too?” he demands.
“No!”
“Don’t lie.” His voice is heavy, warning me. “No more lies, Juliet. Tell me the fucking truth.”
Guilt rages through me, but there’s no way I can tell him the truth about that first night at The Drake now. He’d fire me in a heartbeat, and I need this internship. I’ve worked so hard for it, I shouldn’t have to give it up because of one crazy coincidence.
“I’m not working for Prescott,” I say again firmly. That, at least, is the truth. “I love this hotel. I’ve dreamed for years about working here. I value being able to walk into this building every day.”
Dom’s eyes rake over me for a long moment. Then he gives a curt nod.
“I believe you. Sabotaging this place isn’t your style, not when you can’t shut up about how great it is,” he manages a macabre smile.
Relief floods me, but I’m not off the hook yet.
Dom goes to pour himself a drink. He stands a moment by the windows, looking out at the city skyline.
“The Rexford isn’t just a job to me. It’s my family’s legacy. My great grandfather founded it, my grandfather and father built it into the worldwide chain it is today. Now that responsibility falls to me.”
I move closer, pulled by the depth of raw emotion in his voice.
“Thousands of employees rely on The Rexford franchise. On me.” He looks worn out. Defeated. “This feud with Prescott is getting out of hand. I can’t even remember how it started. Professional rivalry, I guess. But spies? Stealing confidential information to dirty our reputation? Blaine Prescott is going to ruin us all.”
I feel a rush of emotion. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and nobody to help share the burden. I can’t imagine what he’s going through, trying to keep everything from falling apart.
“You’ll survive this,” I insist. “You can survive anything.”
Dom just shakes his head bitterly, taking a gulp of whiskey. “How? He’s got the inside track now, thanks to Shauna. Everything we do, he’ll be one step ahead.”
“So, you’ll think of something new, something amazing, and he’ll never see it coming.” I step beside him, and place a gentle hand on his arm. I want him to look at me.
I want to see him.
“You can do this, Dom. You’re the most brilliant man I’ve ever met. Stubborn as hell,” I add, trying to get a smile out of him. “But brilliant.”
I take his hand, and without thinking, bring it to my lips.
He lets out a soft breath. His eyes lock on mine, and for a moment, there’s a flash of heat between us. Not the burning lust that’s consumed us before, but something warmer, stronger.
“Juliet—” he starts, but a knock on the door stops him. I quickly drop his hand. He steps back as his secretary enters.
“Excuse me, Mr. Rexford. Legal needs to speak with you. Line one.”
“Thank you.” Dom’s voice is brisk again.
She leave
s, and I pause, uncertain. Before the interruption, something was happening between us, and I don’t know what to do now.
From the look on Dom’s face, he doesn’t either.
“You should get back to work,” I say, making the decision for both of us.
He nods, looking reluctant. “Thank you. For listening.”
“Any time.” I give a faint smile, then walk away.
My heart pounds all the way back downstairs. I feel like my world’s just been flipped upside down. I was so determined to shut him out of my life forever, but now I don’t know what to do. The vulnerable side of Dom has thrown everything into question, and I can’t help but feel a new respect for him now.
He’s a better man than I ever imagined.
Damn. He’s no longer just a threat to my ‘no sex with the boss’ policy.
He’s now a threat to my heart.
Chapter Eleven
Pad Thai smells even better when you don’t have to share it.
I settle the takeout container on my lap and reach for a fork. Sweatpants, a creepy marathon of Ghost Adventures, and the apartment to myself equals heaven after today.
My phone buzzes with a text message from Callie. ’Sure u don’t wanna come?’
She and Emily are out for dinner and a movie tonight. They begged me to come along, but I need some alone-time to recover from this crazy week.
‘I’m good. Promise. Have fun!’
I shut off my phone and try to relax. After our ‘moment’ in his office, I didn’t see Dominic for the rest of the day. I don’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed about that. He must have been pulled in a million different directions, thanks to Shauna’s betrayal. The task of finding out how much information she stole and shared would be a long one. Then came cleaning up any mess it caused.
If I was that back-stabber Prescott, I’d be pretty nervous right about now.
I glance down. I can feel the imprint of his hand in mine, burning with tension. The stress of the day opened up emotions that he normally wouldn’t share, I’m sure. He’s probably kicking himself for showing vulnerability in front of me. Well, as much as a man like Dominic ever regrets anything.
