“That was also a concern for me, but Daddy doesn’t have the means to afford that,” she says, emotions bubbling up.
“I do.”
With her lips pursed, she offers a tight nod.
“You’re going to be my wife. I take care of what’s mine.”
“Under other circumstances, I’d take offense to that last part, Mr. Alpha Possessive Caveman, but I’m way too grateful to argue. Thank you so much, Phoenix.” Her shyness is as evident as her sincerity.
“Don’t mention it.”
We sit in silence for a few beats as she fidgets with her fingers.
“Change of plans,” I say. “Let’s postpone the meeting with the publicist.”
“Oh, no,” she says. “We don’t have to do that.” Her eyes widen. “I’m okay meeting with the publicist. That’s why I’m here.”
“Stop worrying,” I say. “You’ve dealt with enough in the past twenty-four hours. One extra day won’t derail us. Let’s skip the formal meeting, take the day to yourself, and let’s go out for dinner tonight.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m positive.”
“Okay.”
“How about eight p.m.?”
“Eight works.”
“I’ll ask my executive assistant to book a full session at our spa––you’ll get the works. We have an upscale boutique here at the hotel, but since you’ll need to buy a new wardrobe, I’ll have a car drive you to Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills.”
“Err… did you miss the part where I said we have nothing left? I can’t pay for new clothes. I’ll have to make do with what I brought with me.”
“I have an account at Neiman Marcus. Everything will be billed to me––”
“Phoenix, I can’t accept this,” she says.
“Michaela, you’ve agreed to become my wife and you’re facing a dire situation. This is the least I can do.”
“But you’re already helping my father deal with the house fire. I’m sure the experts you’re going to call on charge a hefty fee. The same goes for round-the-clock security services.”
“You’re right, but there a few things you’re forgetting.”
“What?”
“One, I’m the giant ape in the luxury hotel industry, the press calls me King König, and apparently, I’m a tycoon.” I borrow her words from yesterday.
She winces.
“Two, we’re talking aboutyou.”
“This feels like charity,” she says.
“I disagree.”
She considers me. “This would be our first time stepping out as acouple.”
I have no clue where she’s going with this, but I’ll bite. “Yes.” I nod. “The sooner we make an official appearance, the better.”
