“Do you hear me, Michaela?”
“I––I do.”
“Good. I’m going to let you go so you can get some sleep. You need to get up in a few hours and lock this deal down.” He pauses. “I might sound like an intransigent monster… desperation will do that to a man.”
With that, he hangs up.
In the dark, my body shakes as I clench my phone against my heart.
Yesterday, I knew who I was.
Today, I’ve lost my compass. Everything that characterized me is gone—the hotel, our home, everything I possess, money… and possibly my dignity. Even my father isn’t the same man.
I thought I was strong enough to handle this, but now, I’m not so sure.
I toss my phone on the bed, pull my legs to my body, and drop my forehead to my knees. I let the tears stream down my face as I mourn the loss of my independence.
Saving the hotel is one thing, but now, it’s like indentured servitude.
Phoenix König owns me.
I’m his payment on my father’s debt.
How did my life come to this?
Chapter 10
Phoenix
Aknock at the door breaks my focus.
I lift my eyes from my iMac to meet my brother’s expectant gaze.
His trademark sly side grin is firmly planted on his face.
“Good morning,” Slate says.
“Morning.”
“I thought you might want a cappuccino.” He strides into my office. “Two shots of espresso, two raw sugars, and extra hot—” He freezes. “Looks like you’ve been at it for a while.” He jerks his chin to the two empty cups sitting on my desk.
“I’ve been here for two-and-a-half hours.”
“You got here at six?”
“I did. So far, it’s been a productive and lucrative morning, but a boost of caffeine won’t hurt.” He hands me the coffee. “Thanks.” I take a sip.
“Are you working on a deal you haven’t told us about?”
“No, you’re aware of the bids we have on the radar.” I take another few sips of the hot coffee. “I had a lot of loose ends to tie up from yesterday because I didn’t come back to the office after my lunch with Michaela.”
Slate cocks a brow. “How come?”
I drop my cup on my desk. “After walking Michaela to the Bentley, I decided to return to the yacht. The plan was to kick back for a few hours and watch the sunset before heading to the penthouse. I fell asleep. The sun breaking through the windows woke me up at five o’clock this morning. After a pit stop at my place to shower and change, I headed to the office. I figured, might as well attack the day.”
“Carpe diem, like Dad says.”
“Exactly.”
