The Tycoon’s Secret(42)

Anger flared in Damien’s stomach as he flung a robe around himself and walked back out to the living area of the hotel suite. He was about to pick up the phone when he found a note next to it.

When he hesitated before picking it up, fury spread through him.

Damien Whitfield didn’t hesitate – ever.

He swiped the piece of paper up, wrinkling the page in his haste as his narrowed eyes scanned her words.



Damien,

Please don’t be upset. I really need some time to think. The last week with you has been almost magical, and I truly enjoyed myself, but I had to get out of there for a while. I’m going to my friend’s house, back in the States. I’m taking an early flight and should be airborne by the time you read this. You can get ahold of me at the email listed on the bottom of the note and let me know when you get back to the States if you’d still like for me to work for you. I need time to think. I know our little affair was a lot of fun and that’s something you’re used to, but as you know, I’m not. I just need to process all of this. Please don’t be too upset. I think it’s best if we take some time apart and then if you still want me to work for you, we can discuss that. I think it best if we stay professional, though. The sex was pleasant, but I don’t think it wise to continue the affair. Please don’t be angry.

Sincerely,

Sierra



Pleasant? Pleasant! Damien wadded the paper in his hand, tossing it across the room. He reached for the phone again, planning on calling his pilot to prepare his jet, before he remembered there was no way he could leave – not for a couple days, at least.

When he realized how angry he was, he forcibly made himself calm down. He wasn’t letting a woman get under his skin – especially a woman who meant nothing more to him than a means to an end. Once he got what he wanted from her, she’d be history.

He cringed at the callous thought, but firmed his shoulders and marched back to his room, where he went straight for the bathroom and a hot shower. He had business that day. He’d deal with Sierra later, and make sure she regretted her impulsive flight home.



∞∞∞



“I can’t believe you’re really here,” Bree exclaimed as she engulfed Sierra in a hug. “Please tell me you’re not leaving for at least a year,” she added, only half-kidding.

“I’ve missed you, Bree,” Sierra answered with a grin. She didn’t know how much time she had and she certainly didn’t want to waste it. Right at that moment though, she was exhausted. It had been an incredibly long flight in coach. She had jet lag, stress from not knowing how Damien was going to react, and fear of her father finding out and hunting her down.

She tried reminding herself that her father couldn’t touch her. She was an adult and didn’t have to ever go back there again if she didn’t want to, but no matter how much she reassured herself, years of abuse and fear didn’t disappear overnight.

“I love you to death and want to do nothing but talk and talk, but I can see you’re barely keeping your eyes open. Let’s get you out of this airport and to my house where you can sleep for twenty-hours. Once you do that, we’ll spend the next twenty doing nothing but catching up,” Bree said as she grabbed the small carry-on-bag Sierra was barely holding on to.

“I think you’ve read my mind,” Sierra told her friend with gratitude in her voice.

“Chad is waiting out front with the car. He had to circle around because I absolutely didn’t want to walk five miles just to park,” Bree exaggerated.

“I’m grateful for that, too.”

“I knew you would be,” Bree said as she placed her arm through Sierra’s and quickly led her through the maze of the Sea-Tac airport. They arrived at luggage, and thankfully didn’t have to wait too long for Sierra’s bags. Even better was the fact that both her bags had made it safely. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with the nightmare of any lost luggage claims.

As they walked outside, Sierra smiled at the familiar rain soaked street. The area was loud with cars quickly pulling up to the curb to pick up passengers, and the smell of exhaust was prominent, but it was still home.

They weren’t waiting long when Chad approached in a large SUV. He parked at the loading and unloading curb, and hopped out, quickly giving Sierra a hug before taking the bags and placing them in back.

“It’s so good to see you again, Sierra. Bree’s been pacing the house for what seems like months waiting for you to visit,” Chad said, making Sierra sigh. Bree’s husband was drop-you-to-your-knees gorgeous, and had a voice that could melt butter.