Amir glowers at Damon. “That’s mysister, and if you say one word about her, I’ll burn your entire empire to the ground.”
Damon’s gaze hardens. “Yes,myempire. Let’s not forget whose name is on the front door.”
“For now,” Amir hums, a gleam of dark humor in his eyes. He looks over at Quin. “I hear you’re the keynote speaker for the Leadership Summit this year. My team and I look forward to your presentation.” His gaze snaps to me. “Isn’t that right, Miss Jones?”
I visibly sink into my seat, the discomfort of this situation palpable as Damon and Quin both shoot me wary looks. “Yes, we’re looking forward to it,” I say in a quiet mutter.
With a casual wave of his hand, Amir decides he’s caused enough trouble for one night. "Well, enjoy the rest of your evening, my friends. I won't be an impediment to your...activitiesany longer."
As Amir Hadid turns to leave, my temples pulse and I know an argument is about to start. Damon's anger radiates off his skin, tangible and hot, as he turns his attention back to me.
"When were you going to tell us about the summit?” he growls. “There's no way I'm letting you spend an entire weekend away with that man."
Quin’s jaw clenches, but his frustration stays at bay. Always the voice of reason.
"She won't be alone, Damon. I'll be there too."
Damon's fists clench at his sides, his gaze unyielding. "Atalltimes? You'll be with her atalltimes?"
Quin sighs. “Well, of course not, Damon. We’ll probably have different speaker itineraries and?—”
“She’s not going then,” Damon states. “Over my dead body.”
I glower at him. Damon is a jealous and possessive man. I knew this from the beginning. And I don’t mind it…usually. But sometimes, I honestly feel like screaming at him.
"It's aworkevent, Damon. I don’t have a choicebutto go. It’s mandatory for all executives.”
“That’s right, youarean executive,” he huffs. “Which means you can say no.” He narrows his eyes at me. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I only found out earlier this morning, Damon. And I can’t say no. It ismandatory. I have to go if I want to keep my job.”
His lip twitches. “You could always?—”
I raise my hand, cutting him off. "For the last fucking time, I am not quitting my job!"
Damon runs a hand through his hair, visibly struggling to rein in his temper. "Emery, you can't expect me to be okay with this. Didn’t you see him just now? The way he was looking at you?"
Quin remains silent, looking between me and Damon. I know he shares similar reservations with Damon, but Quin isn’t the type of man to put restraints on me. He’s loyal to my wants and needs, but I can tell that he’s torn between wanting to say something and keeping the peace.
"Can't you talk to Javier, to anyone, and get out of this?" Damon implores.
I shake my head, feeling exhaustion settle in. Round and round we go. What a miserable ride. "No, Damon, I can’t. This is myjob. If Amir wants me to attend some stupid summit, I’ll do it. He probably already thinks I only got this position because of you, which I technically did. So, I need him to take me seriously.” I swallow. “As seriously as he can after…”
Damon's jaw tightens, contempt flashing across his face at the realization that Amir is now privy to our private lives. Great. Another thing for Damon to sulk over.
Quin finally speaks, tone measured. "I understand your concern, D, but ultimately it's Emery’s decision whether or not she wishes to attend the summit.”
“Easy for you to say,” Damon growls, “you’ll be therewithher.”
The tension between us deepens, and I push my chair back, my pulse hammering with frustration. "I need a moment," I say, excusing myself abruptly and heading toward the restroom.
The heavy door swings shut behind me, and I’m grateful for the quiet. I lean against the sink, hands trembling as I attempt to steady myself. Fuck. Relationships are hard enough between two people but with three? It’s damn near impossible to keep everyone happy.
Damon is in such a fragile state right now and I don’t want to upset him, I don’t want to create unnecessary stress, but he’s being unreasonable. He needs totrust me, and I think he does. No, I know he does. This isn’t insecurity, it’s fear. Of losing something, someone, he loves.
How many times do I need to tell him that I love him in order for him to believe me? How many times do I need to tell him that I won’t ever leave? Sometimes, it feels like he listens to me, but he doesn’t every truly hear me. And I need him to hear me.
The bathroom door swings open abruptly, and before I can register what's happening, Damon and Quinton step inside. Both men look apologetic and earnest. Damon swiftly locks the door behind them, shutting out the outside world. I swallow, glancing between them. I knew they’d both chase after me. I can’t run from them. Just like one cannot run from fate.
