Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
Damien
I stepped out of the elevator and into the foyer of my penthouse. Setting my bag down, I was startled when I walked into the living room and saw Charlie sitting in the chair, staring at me.
“Jesus. You scared me.”
“Sorry, my friend, but I wanted to be here when you came home.”
“How are you feeling?” I asked, walking over to the bar and pouring a scotch. “Drink?”
“No. I’m feeling better.”
“That’s good.” I glanced at him, sitting there, shaking his head at me.
“What the actual fuckity fuck fuck, Damien? The one time I don’t go to Vegas with you, you go and get hitched to a total stranger.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I sat on the couch. “Did my Uncle Kroy call you?”
“He called me this morning and sent me the link to the article and video. Jesus Christ, Damien. How did it happen? And who is this woman? I mean—she’s absolutely gorgeous, but you could have just spent the night with her, not marry her.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“We were drugged.” I tipped the glass to my lips.
“Uh-huh.”
“We were, Charlie. The last thing we both remembered was talking to some guy we met at the bar. He bought us a round of drinks. He must have slipped something into them.”
“You think?” His brows furrowed.
“I know. You’ve seen me at my worst with alcohol, and there were some things I could remember. This time, nothing. It’s like a black hole.”
“Damn, Damien.” He shook his head. “This is crazy. Your Uncle Kroy is livid, and he said the board is too. I’m really scared for you tomorrow.”
“You and me both.” I sighed.
“So, how did you meet her in the first place?” he asked.
“Some kids were running by and knocked her into the hotel’s pool. I helped her out. We started talking, drinking, and then we woke up married the next morning.”
“That’s it? So, then you consummated the marriage?” He smirked.
“Yep. According to the three torn condom wrappers lying on the nightstand.”
He laughed. “How was she?”
“I haven’t a clue. I have no memory of us having sex at all, and neither does she. If the condom wrappers weren’t sitting on the nightstand, I wouldn’t think we did anything.”
“Hold on a second. You really don’t remember having sex?” He cocked his head.
“No, Charlie. I don’t.”
“Damn. I guess you were drugged. So, tell me about this Willa Aster.”
“There’s nothing to tell. She lives here in New York and is between jobs.”
“Between jobs?” He chuckled. “Boy, did she hit the jackpot. What kind of work does she do?”
“She said she was a legal secretary, made one error, and they fired her. She’s beautiful but strange, Charlie.” I stood up and poured another scotch.
“Strange how?”
“I can’t explain it. She’s just—just—quirky, I guess.”
“She seems a little odd in the video. But then again, you two were drugged. You’re fucked, my friend.” He pointed at me.
“Why do you have to keep reminding me?” I took my drink to the couch.
“I’m not just talking with the company. I’m talking with her. What if she decides to sue you and take part of your money?”
“Willa isn’t going to sue me.”
“You know women are crazy. You said she’s between jobs. Living in this city, you could go broke after being unemployed for a week. She may see this as her golden opportunity to get rich quick.”
“She wouldn’t do that.” I tipped the glass to my lips.
“You’ve known her what—two days?” he said.
Shit. I’d never thought of that.
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” I got up and went to the kitchen, setting my glass in the sink.
“Listen, buddy.” Charlie walked up and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Get some rest and prepare for tomorrow. Whatever happens, I have your back. You know that.”
“Thanks, Charlie. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Now I have to go home and do damage control. Donna is having a fit over your Vegas shenanigans and told me she didn’t want me hanging with you anymore.” He sighed.
“I don’t blame her.”
“I’ll always be your best friend, and Donna will never change that. I’ll see you in the morning.”
* * *
I adjusted my tie, my fingers trembling slightly as I prepared for the wrath of the board members.
“Get it together,” I whispered, wiping a bead of sweat from my temple.
“Damien, wait,” My Uncle Kroy stopped me from entering the boardroom.
“I thought you were already in there,” I said, furrowing my brows.
“I got pulled out a moment ago. Come to my office.”
“Uncle Kroy, the meeting is starting.”
“I’m postponing it. Vale is sitting in my office. He wants to talk to you.”
“For fuck’s sake,” I said, following my uncle to his office. “Theodore, it’s good to see you.” I put on a fake smile as I walked into my uncle’s office.
“Damien.” He smiled, shaking my hand.
“What can I do for you?” I asked.
“Congratulations on your nuptials in Vegas. I saw the video. Your bride is beautiful. Your uncle told me you’ve been keeping her a secret for quite a while.”
I looked at my uncle and narrowed my eyes. The look on his face told me to play along.
“Yes. I have.”
“I don’t understand. Why would you do that?” Theodore asked.
“Well—”
“Willa likes to live a low-key life. Damien was just protecting her and abiding by her wishes. Isn’t that right, Damien?” my Uncle Kroy said.
“Yes. He’s right. Willa is very shy.”
“She didn’t look shy in that video I saw.”
“It was our wedding day, and we had a little too much to drink.” I smiled.
“I have to ask, Damien. What are her thoughts about your behavior with all those other women lately, especially that last yacht party you were at?”
“That was all just to appease the investor I was trying to bring to our firm. Willa was at that party. She knows everything that went on.”
“She was?” he asked with surprise.
“Yes.”
“But you knew all along that family means the world to my company. The company was built on strong family values. Why wouldn’t you tell me about Willa and that you planned to marry her?”
“Because my personal life isn’t anyone’s business, Theodore. I guard my privacy carefully, and it does not affect how I run my company.”
“Why Vegas? Why not a big, beautiful wedding here in New York, celebrated with your family and friends?” he asked.
“Because it’s what my wife wanted. As long as I got to marry her, I didn’t care where and how we did it.”
“I see. Well, I can’t wait to meet your beautiful wife. Talk things over with her and let me know when it’s a good time to come to your home for dinner. The sooner, the better.”
“How about Friday night?” my Uncle Kroy said. “I was supposed to go to dinner with Willa and Damien, but we can do that another time. I’m sure he’d much rather have you and your wife over to his home. Isn’t that right, Damien?”
“Uh, yes. Of course. Willa will be thrilled to meet you.”
“Excellent. How is seven o’clock?” Theodore asked.
“Seven o’clock is perfect. I’ll text you my address.”
As soon as Theodore Vale left the office, I breathed.
“There may be hope for us yet.” Uncle Kroy pointed at me. “Your fuck up could actually be a good thing this time. Call Elijah and tell him to hold off on that annulment. And buy Willa a plane ticket and get her ass to New York before Friday.”
“She lives here, Uncle Kroy.”
“God, even better.” He laughed. “Then you better get her on board with what’s happening. We need her to close this merger.” He walked out of his office.