Page 34 of Interview with the Billionaire

Bridge: Let’s go back to the attempt on Zelda Clayton’s life. That was investigated—and resolved—by agents working at Stark Security.

Ryan: It was.

Bridge: I’d love to know how Stark Security was formed, but can we start with how you met Damien?

Ryan: I had a small security company. It was doing well, and it caught Damien’s eye. He made me an offer I’d be stupid to refuse, and I sold it to him. He brought me on to run it, then promoted me to head of security for all of Stark International. I still have that title, but the day to day is handled but other people on my team.

Bridge: Because your focus is Stark Security.

Ryan: That’s right. After Anne and Bree were kidnapped, Damien wanted to do something to make a difference, so we created the agency. We specialize in cases that for whatever reason are best handled outside the normal law enforcement channels.

Bridge: And the success rate?

Ryan: I’m proud to say our success rate is off the charts.

Bridge: Getting back to Damien, would you say that Nikki is good for him?

Ryan: Nikki is the best thing that ever happened to that man.

Bridge: What stands out to you about Nikki and Damien’s relationship?

Ryan: It’s like ours. The fit.

Jamie: Of course, Nik doesn’t have my rough edges, but, then again, Ryan likes it rough.

[Ryan rubs his temples as if exasperated, but it’s clear he’s amused.]

Ollie: Jamie, give it a rest.

Ryan: She’s right, though. I remember looking at those two and thinking that was what I wanted. To feel the way I knew they felt. Because you could see it. I’ll admit I was jealous. I wanted that, too.

Jamie: And he always goes after what he wants.

Ryan: It’s true. And once I got to know Jamie, I knew I wanted her. She was a challenge, though.

[Ollie laughs.]

Ryan: Fortunately, I’m very good at getting what I want.

Jamie: Challenge? That’s just his polite way of saying that marriage scared the shit out of me. I got over it, obviously. Anyway, we’ve gone so off-topic. The bottom line is they are gone for each other. It sounds corny, but it’s not. It’s fucking awesome.

Interview End

When he looks at me, his face has the dark intensity of a hunter, and I feel as vulnerable as his prey.

- Claim Me

Damien’s Journal - kidnapping

Anne’s abduction

Anne.

And Bree.

My baby. Our nanny.

I can’t process this. I can’t organize my thoughts to write. Every moment I’m writing is a moment I’m not thinking of what to do. Of how to do it.