what it is. That way, I know what I need to do to make it a better place.”
“I’ll work on myself.” I breathed through my humiliation.
His shoulders dropped. “Once you see the truth it can’t be unseen.”
The thought of anyone lacking the basic necessities of life made my heart sink. I was the living definition of spoiled.
“Come on, Marie Antoinette.” He reached for a strand of my hair and ran it through his fingers. “We should kiss now.”
“If you think it will help.”
“For the photogs.”
“Right.”
He reached behind my head and dragged me in, our mouths locking in bondage as our tongues fought with one another, my moans escaping as urgent wanton desires sparked inside my core. The memory of what he’d done to me by the pool filled me with delicious sensations.
He bit down on my lip and made me wince, leaving me breathless and panting when he pulled away.
“I imagine that looked…convincing.” Damien followed that up with a dashing smile.
I felt giddy and ashamed at how easily his suaveness had bypassed my defenses. His kisses were like arrows of unrequited love right into my heart.
Breaking away, I feigned the kiss had not affected me at all. “Oh, a shrimp salad. My favorite.” I moved over to the table, glancing back to see him still focused on me. “Thank you for this.”
“Allow me.” Damien pulled out my seat.
After sitting down, I felt the brush of his lips on my neck, firm and affectionate, trailing along my shoulder and causing me to shudder.
Please, let this be real…
His warm hand pressed against my nape. “Thank you for playing along.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Of course.”
He put his sunglasses on and sat opposite me. His laptop rested on another chair to his right.
Pointing to it, I said, “You were doing some work?”
“While you slept.” He reached for a napkin. “I find it hard not to keep busy.”
“What are you working on?”
“Research on why someone might want the land meant for the Fairfield Project.”
“Can I see?”
“Maybe later.”
This man was never going to let me get close. All that could be done was surrender to the inevitable.
I was still up for playing nice. “This place is lovely.”
“We needed a location that was understated. Not too flashy. That never looks good. A hotel that would accommodate a long angle lens but prevent the reach of listening devices.”
“They’re going to an awful lot of trouble.”
“The Oval Office rules the world. Trust me, you’re worth it.”
“I’m flattered.”
“Settle in. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
“Speaking of bumpy rides, you need to work on landing planes.”
“It was a flawless landing.”
“If you’re fine with your passengers feeling like they’re on a roller coaster.”
He looked amused. “You’ve regained your feistiness after your nap. Maybe we should make that a regular occurrence.”
“When I’m asleep I’m not thinking of my situation.”
He lifted his fork and skewered a shrimp. “Your father is still part of the same political party as ours. He stands to gain a tremendous amount from us winning the election. You and me, we’re playing our part.”
“I know.”
“I’m doing my best to make this situation easier on you.”
Having him show his true feelings was what my heart yearned for. Still, to be reminded I was merely an asset stung. I reached for my knife and fork and cut through the leafy greens.
He pulled up his laptop and typed away as he ate dinner. It made me wish I’d brought my Smartphone or a book to read.
Usually, when my glass was empty, a hovering staff member would quickly fill it. Here, it was Damien who reached for the water to refill our glasses, preferring a more relaxed dining experience.
I pushed to my feet, rounding the table to stand before him.
“Yes?” he said, curious.
“At first, I thought you were wrong in so many ways. To break with tradition all the time. Ignoring etiquette. But I like it. Your ways are different.”
He sat back and studied me. “I’m waiting.”
“For?”
“Your caustic criticism.”
“For as long as I can remember, I was told ‘this is the only way,’ but it was from centuries of regulated rules. A legacy as one of America’s most celebrated families. And yet all along, I was destined to be sold off to the highest bidder.”
He pulled me onto his lap. “Tell me what I can do to make you happy.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and whispered, “You have to ask?” Surely, he knew.
“You’re a very complicated young lady.”
“Have a guess, Damien Godman.”
“You used my full name.” His lips