The sound of the suite door closing brought her thoughts to the present.
Tony didn’t speak but his eyes did, acknowledging Claire on the balcony and bidding her to enter. She did. Determined to continue the bogus act of strength she walked within inches of him and stood her ground. He didn’t greet her, instead he lifted her chin. His eyes looked as cold as his hand felt. Claire knew without a doubt this will not be good. “What did we discuss just before we arrived at the Simmonses?”
Her eyes flashed fire but her words sounded respectful. “I told you I wouldn’t let you down and I didn’t.”
“Actions have consequences, I have told you that. Why is that difficult for you to understand?”
“Tony, it isn’t. If—” He stopped her, not with a gentle finger to the lips but with a slap to her left cheek. Claire stopped speaking, her eyes moist, but she refused to look away or back down.
“Actions have consequences. I have been thinking quite a bit about an appropriate punishment.”
Claire decided she had nothing to lose. There was punishment coming, so she might as well push her luck. “Tony, if you would please let me talk. I know your decision is set, but allow me to speak.” Impressed by her strength, he nodded and told her to make it quick. “I was nervous about going to this barbeque today, but I had a wonderful time. Courtney was the perfect hostess and very charming. Everyone was nice to me. I really didn’t know what to expect.” She tried to hurry. “Well, everyone except Bonnie. By the way, I overheard Bonnie and MaryAnn talking and everyone there had your back. That includes me. And Sue, well Sue is lonely. She told me that Tim works long hours, which she mentioned he enjoys, but she is lonely. At some point, she asked me for my number. I don’t have one, as you know. But I thought that sounded dumb, everyone has a cell phone, so I just said I didn’t have it with me and I didn’t know my number. I never call myself. So I am guessing that is why she gave me her number. I really didn’t know she was going to do it. If I did, would I have her do it right in front of you?”
Tony hadn’t stopped her, so she decided to keep rambling, pacing a little. “When Courtney introduced me to Tim and Sue, I told Tim I’d heard good things about him from you. I can only guess that made Sue and I instant friends. Women love to hear good things about their husbands. I would have told you if I’d gotten the number without you knowing. I have no way of calling. And if I just didn’t call, it would appear rude. I know how you feel about appearances.” She didn’t know what else to say, but at least she had said her piece. “I really did well today, this is just a misunderstanding, and your friends are very nice.”
She stood and maintained eye contact. Tony continued speaking as if no words had been spoken. “I have decided you may choose. Perhaps you would like to know your choices?”
Claire’s heart sank. She lowered herself into a chair at the table and looked away. Nothing she said mattered. He hadn’t listened to a word. “Tony, your decision is made, I don’t care.” Defeat filled her voice. She looked at the table, where on a piece of paper was a list of positives from her day.
“The first option is a two-week timeout in your suite.” What? That never crossed her mind. There was no way, she couldn’t take that. She glared at him.
Tony watched her. She stood and met him face to face. God, her strength captivated him. “Then I choose number two.” Claire’s voice sounded resilient. He didn’t respond. The silence grew. He wanted her. He wanted to tell her he was sorry, he had overreacted, but that wasn’t him. He couldn’t.
“Very well, undress.”
She didn’t hesitate, she obeyed his command. She started by unbuttoning her blouse, one button at a time. Then she shimmied out of her slacks, she didn’t argue or complain, and maintained eye contact the entire time. Tony’s arousal was becoming difficult to conceal. Her body before him trembled slightly and his demeanor dissolved.
“Claire, come here.” She did. He held her shoulders and looked into her green eyes. “Damn you, Claire.” He pulled her close. “I make snap decisions based on