Broken by His Hand - Piper Stone Page 0,63

as I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring out at the sights of New York City. I was terribly afraid of heights, worried that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the view, but something within me had changed. Maybe I’d been forced to face the fears that I’d had for years. Hell, maybe decades. Fear of heights. Fear of abandonment. Fear of rejection. They’d all been real and difficult to overcome, especially after the death of my brother.

I heard Michael’s deep baritone, although he was in another room making several phone calls. The tone was aggressive, which meant the conversation involved whatever situation he’d stumbled into.

I’d heard every word he’d said, had seen the worry on his face, yet I had difficulty believing that someone was out to kill him. Maybe I was a fool, sheltered far too long in an environment that had never allowed darkness to enter.

Except one cold night in January several years before.

I closed my eyes, remembering my brother’s face as well as his laugh. He had such a booming laugh, the kind that could draw you in to chuckle with him no matter if you tried to remain angry.

Shivering, I held my arms, uncertain why my mind had brought up the wretched memories in the first place. Maybe fear of the unknown. Maybe the fact I was falling hard for a man who didn’t want to be loved.

Here I was in a marvelous penthouse suite in what I knew had to be one of the finest hotels in New York City. The series of rooms was larger than two of my brownstones. A wet bar. A hot tub. A piano. A full stereo system. Hell, there were five television sets. And all with the most stunning views of the city. Even a private jet to bring us to our destination. Maybe I’d underestimated Michael on several levels.

Maybe I was kidding myself that I could fit into his world.

I heard the sound of a door and closed my eyes, trying to block out all the reservations.

“New York City. The place of magic,” he whispered as he moved behind me.

“I’ve never been here.”

“It’s been years since I have.”

“You own this place?”

He laughed as he finally removed his jacket, tossing it onto one of the plush leather chairs. “Only a portion. My father was an astute businessman, taking advantage of his hard work in purchasing real estate, or at least fractions thereof. I’m happy to say that the corporation owns forty-nine percent of this hotel, a smaller percentage of another located near here. My mother was a huge fan of New York, enjoying Broadway and various restaurants. This was my father’s way of indulging her. One of the only ways.”

“It’s amazing,” I managed, still struggling with what to say to him. Red. Whether or not it was his favorite color was difficult to tell. However, I’d enjoy the volley we’d shared.

As well as the passionate sex.

He’d asked the limo driver to take us through New York, allowing me to see the sights. In truth, I’d been overwhelmed by the volume of people as well as the number of cars. Maybe I wasn’t cut out to be a big city kid after all.

Another quiver trickled down my legs, a reminder that he had some kind of hold over me.

“I thought you’d enjoy seeing the city. I think we have time for a drink before we go to dinner. What would you like? I made certain they stocked the bar with several bottles of wine I think you’ll enjoy.”

“Vodka martini.”

He seemed surprised, even hesitating. “Excellent. I think I’ll join you.”

Dinner. I hadn’t brought a single additional dress. There’d been no time, no conversations about where we were going. I simply dumped clean clothes into the suitcase, trying to rationalize why I was going with him in the first place. What I refused to do was go to dinner in the city with no underwear. I bit back a nervous laugh as I walked into the bedroom. My bedroom.

The realization hit me as I stared at the massive king-sized bed where I’d sleep all alone. Michael had claimed a second room that was completely on the other side of the suite. Maybe he had no intention of doing anything but fucking me. Arm candy. Well, if that was the case, then I would enjoy the trip and try to keep emotions out of the picture. I could do that.

Besides, the room itself was gorgeous, complete with fresh flowers and another exquisite