hurt him, but pain had touched his eyes the minute he probably realized his dear sister had worn some of those props and costumes, too. I should have known. How would she? She had zero experience with relationships or dealing with men on an intimate level.
Her abuse had emotionally stunted her, and she’d pay that high price for the rest of her life. “What else do you remember?”
“I’ll go through my notes.”
“Good. Mr. Taylor should be arriving soon, and I don’t want him to wait.”
“I’ll be right back.” Jackie clutched her tablet and scurried out the door.
Alexa glanced at the paperweight a former auctionee had sent her. A bit cheesy in the shape of a graduation hat, it read in cursive letters, “I’m sharing this with you. Thank you.” She scooped it from the desk and squeezed the keepsake, feeling the cold weight on her palm.
Michele had been a grad student who needed cash badly to finish university. She’d come to Alexa, and during her first interview all but begged for an opportunity. While this behavior usually put her off, Alexa had made an exception and chosen Michele to be her virgin. Michele had made a lot of money, had finished her dream course, and had even put some money down for a condo.
Alexa had been elated for Michele’s victories. Her story wasn’t the exception. Throughout the years, House of Alexa had sent many women to college or higher education and had helped them make their dreams come true. At least, she’d given them financial independence and security. A couple of auctionees had even married the men who had bid on them. Yep. Pretty Woman on acid. Amaya and Abby both were still happily married. One to a Greek billionaire, and the other to an African king. Of course, the world didn’t know how they’d met their husbands—and Alexa did everything in her power to ensure no one ever would.
Alexa slumped her shoulders, the memory of Pamela sneaking into her mind. Somehow, Pamela had entered her building and not come out of it alive. If this information leaked out, she’d have to close her business earlier than intended. Her name would be in the news, not just in the variety section of men’s magazines. The media would destroy her, and in the process, find out her true identity.
Fear knotted inside her. Her stepfather would find out about her existence, and the fact he was behind bars didn’t soothe her at all. She didn’t want to live in a world where people could link the two of them together. She’d never escape her past.
“Alexa,” said the male baritone she’d come to recognize, making her heart race.
She swiveled her chair to face Brooks wearing a black top and denim jeans. Though his damp hair hinted at a recent shower, the rings under his eyes told her he hadn’t gotten much sleep himself. “Have a seat,” she said.
He shortened the gap between them but didn’t sit, choosing to pace the Persian rug instead. “I can’t. I’m too riled up. Where’s your assistant?”
“She’ll be right back. I told her to fetch her files. She’s up to speed.”
“Good.”
She rubbed the back of her neck, uneasiness creeping under her skin. “How are you?” she asked in a small voice, giving him a once-over.
He rubbed his eyes, then ran his fingers down his face and yawned. “Not good. I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Listen, Brooks, we’ll do whatever we can to help you,” she said, fighting the impulse to walk up to him and give him a hug. Whoa. Where did that come from? First the small talk, and now this? She bit her lip to keep from saying something she’d regret.
“Thanks.” He inclined his head, then flashed her a look of appreciation. “I will find out what happened. That’s my promise to Pamela, and I’ll honor it. But something is getting in the way of my thoughts and common sense.”
She swallowed.
He leaned onto the desk, splaying his hands on either side. “You,” he said, the accusatory tone evident in his whisper.
She shifted in her chair, searching for the right position to handle the situation, her heart leaping up her throat. A wave of heat washed over her, and she sucked in a deep breath, the need for him turning into an ache. What to say?
“Last night after we fucked I was still so turned on, I checked into my hotel and masturbated twice, but still couldn’t sleep.”
She licked her dry lips. A sensuous light passed between