Michaela
Idrag my exhausted body from the Bentley to the front of the
Pompadour Hotel. After my father shattered my existence with yet
another devastating blow, I cried until I had no more tears. The two
hours of broken sle ep did nothing more than confuse the hell out of my
system. When I woke up at six-thirty, I was disoriented. One look
around the bedroom, and I was reminded of my grim reality. Since I
didn’t have the courage to face Keira, I sat in bed, reliving yesterday
over and over in my head. Defeated, I picked up my phone and
composed twenty different text messages until I settled on one. With a
heavy heart, I offered my freedom in exchange for a piece of property.
Considering his position and responsibilities, I was surprised Phoenix
had room in his schedule to meet. What’s the point of avoiding the
inevitable? When the elevator doors open on the top floor, I smooth
down my dress before taking a st ep forward. As I was selecting what to
wear this morning, it hit me. My only remaining possessions are
hanging in the closet of Rhys Hartford’s guesthouse closet. A sense of
sheer panic choked the breath out of me at the thought, and I wanted
nothing more than to dissolve into tears again. But I didn’t. I couldn’t.
So, here I am striding down the same corridor as yesterday, but instead
of being fueled with indignation and fury, I’m consumed by worry and
fear. I pull open the glass door and st ep inside Phoenix’s world. The
woman sitting behind a desk glances up at me and lifts a finger,
indicating she won’t be too long. I nod, and my heart beats a little faster.
I take a long st ep back to give her privacy.
Not that I’m eavesdropping, but this close, I can’t help it. Everything
about Lydia Gillanders screams poised, but her surly tone with whoever
she’s talking to indicates this has been a shit morning. Welcome to my
world. As I wait while Phoenix’s executive assistant finishes with her
call, I remind myself why I’m doing this. I promise I won’t let you
down, Mom. As soon as the woman hangs up, I st ep up to her desk. I’m
going to guess Lydia is thirty-something. Her salon-blonde hair is
sleeked back in an office appropriate style. The turquoise sleeveless,
form-fitting dress with a flattering neckline she’s wearing accentuates
her well-toned and welltanned arms, her bright red lips and her light
brown eyes. There’s no denying it, she’s attractive. Too attractive. The
rock on her ring finger squashes the snarky and catty thought that pops
to mind—King Kong Tycoon is probably not banging his pretty
executive assistant. Good. Lydia glances up at me. “I’m sorry for
making you wait. It’s been a crazy morning so far,” she says, pressing a
button on the phone console. “Not a problem.” I smile. Her eyes meet
mine and she offers a tight one. “How can I help you?” “My name is
Michaela Knight—” “You’re the fiancée.” A warm smile stretches
Lydia’s lips. “I am.” I pray my voice doesn’t betray my nervousness.
She leans against her desk. I mimic her. “No wonder the boss has been
ke eping you a secret. You’re gorgeous. Good thing the boss saw you
first. He would’ve had to fight the three other König heirs for your
attention.” I blush from ear to ear. “Thank you.” “He’s expecting you.”
She jerks her thumb over her shoulder. “Thank you.” I make my way to
the wooden door I burst through yesterday on shaky legs. What a
difference a day makes. I ready myself to knock, but the door swings
open. And there he is... my future husband.