Page 27 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

But how can I say no?

Thankfully I’ve pulled myself together and swiped on another coat of mascara before Elena returns.

Somehow I compartmentalize my problems and focus on my clients in the afternoon.

As we’re getting ready to wrap up the day, the outer door unexpectedly opens.

I hear voices, and a minute later, Elena walks in, carrying a garment bag.

“Oh my God. What is this?”

I recognize the name of the exclusive River Oaks boutique.

Once she leaves, my fingers shaking, I type a message to Lucian. I am not your plaything.

Then I stare at the screen, unblinking.

For seconds, then a minute, then more, it stays blank.

Throughout the day, he’s taken the word infuriating to new levels.

Elena has already left when I grab my purse.

For a long time, I stare at the garment bag.

Then I pretend it’s not there. I also bypass the driver who is waiting for me at the curb and drive myself home.

I’m shocked, and more than a little unnerved by the fact I never hear from Lucian.

Around seven forty, wearing a casual dress, wedges, and only a little mascara and lip gloss, I leave my apartment. If Lucian Hawthorne thinks I’ll just fall in line with what he wants, he’s entirely wrong.

The driver is waiting downstairs, and he doffs his hat. “Ms. Langston. Pleasure to finally meet you, ma’am.”

I feel terrible. He’s been patiently waiting while I’ve been dodging Lucian’s demands. “I’m sorry. I’m not accustomed to having a driver, I’m afraid.”

“Completely understandable.” Even though he’s massive, his biceps straining against his tuxedo jacket, he seems unruffled as he closes me into the luxury car.

I play on my phone as we zip through the city. Anything to keep my anxiety at bay.

When we arrive, all too soon, he helps me from the vehicle. “The maître d’ is expecting you. Mr. Pierce has informed me that I’ll be off duty for the rest of the night.”

Meaning Lucian told Caleb that they will no doubt stuff me in the back of their SUV again.

“I’ll be waiting for you in the morning at seven.”

I force a smile. My issue is with his boss, not him. “Thank you…” I trail off.

“Derek,” he supplies.

“Have a good night.” It will be better than mine, I’m sure.

As I approach, the restaurant door is opened for me, and I pause to smooth the front of my dress.

It was one thing to defy Lucian when he’s nowhere around; it’s another to know that I’ll be in his terrible presence in under a minute.

As if I’ve been there a dozen times, I’m greeted by name and then escorted through the main dining room and into a private area at the back.

The door opens, and Lucian and Caleb stand. They’re both equally devastating in tailored suits that seem to be stamped with power and control.