Page 57 of Brutal Heir

I stepped back, breaking his grasp. “I didn’t mean to disturb your breakfast. I was just looking for my clothes?”

My cheeks heated at having to ask him.

He placed a hand on my lower back and ushered me toward the table. “Come. I’ve ordered breakfast.”

I shook my head and moved away from his distracting touch. “I can’t. I really need to go. I have to get to work.”

The silence between us stretched.

It was obvious what I’d just said angered him, but I couldn’t imagine why.

Was he going to touch me again?

Did I want him to?

He stepped forward.

Instinctively, I shifted backward, suddenly afraid of his stiff demeanor. My back bumped against the iron balcony railing.

He leaned his hands on either side of me, trapping me in with his body. “It wasn’t a request, mia piccola.”

I wasn’t sure if I flinched because I feared him or feared how badly I wanted him.

“I can’t do this,” I whispered.

He leaned in close. “It’s just breakfast, sweetheart.”

I swallowed as I wrapped my arms tightly around my middle. “I’m not the woman you think I am.”

His breath tickled the curls near my ear. “I know exactly who you are, Sabrina.”

I inhaled sharply. “You don’t understand. This isn’t like me. I rarely drink that much, and I don’t have one-night stands. Ever. I’m sure there are women who would kill to be in my position right now, but I’m…I’m not sophisticated enough to handle this…” I gestured between us. “Whatever this is.”

The confession made my skin prickle.

God, had I really just said all that out loud?

I lowered my gaze, hoping he would just step aside and let me run and hide back in the bedroom.

His hand tipped my chin up as he searched my face. “This…is breakfast. For now.”

I sighed. “You’re really not going to give me my clothes back, are you?”

He slowly shook his head.

I bit my lip and briefly considered stealing a suit shirt and a pair of pants from his closet.

When I recognized the plan’s flaws, my shoulders slumped. “Will you at least tell me where my clothes and purse are?”

His lips curled into a smile. “The staff took your clothes to be washed and pressed. Your purse is in my safe.”

He'd locked away the last piece of me that was mine.

A bolt of panic lanced through my chest.

“Maybe just some coffee, but then I really need to get to work.”

Even though Édouard’s show was over, that didn’t mean my job was done. There were still numerous additional photo shoots to style and organize. Plus, I was hoping if he liked the photos enough, he’d hire me to stay on and style the website collection.