Chapter Twenty-Two
Arriving at The Hamptons Hideaway, Donovan found it just as impressive as he remembered. The costume Sam had arranged had already been delivered, but he was too tired to check it out. After a good night’s sleep, he’d spend the following day studying the information in the envelope.
After unpacking the few clothes he’d brought with him, and taking a much needed long, hot shower, he stretched out on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. Though being thrown into the lion’s den with no notice wasn’t ideal, he was a master at improvisation. Finally beginning to relax after his hectic trip, he called room service for some much needed food, then closed his eyes and thought about Phoebe.
His feelings for her were unique.
She was a spitfire, but so damn smart it was almost scary. It was hard to believe she was the daughter of such a wealthy and important man, but then it dawned on him she’d probably inherited her father’s pluck and spirit. She’d said her mother was an architect, and he wondered if she worked for the company her father had built from scratch. He smiled. It was no wonder Phoebe was such a strong, bright young woman. As he flashed back to the unforgettable moment when she’d laid herself over his spanking bench in his dungeon, he felt his cock begin to stir, but a sharp knock startled him awake. Relieved room service had arrived, he slipped from the bed, tightened the cord around his bathrobe, then strode from the bedroom and through the living area.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he declared, opening the door.
“You are? I thought you’d be furious--and how did you know I was coming?” Phoebe asked, grinning up at him. “Did Sam figure it out and call you!”
“What the hell. How did you get here?”
“By plane and a taxi of course,” she replied, marching past him. “Wow, this is really nice.”
“Are you completely crazy?” he shouted, closing the door behind her.
“But, Donovan, you just said you were glad I was here.”
“I thought you were room service!” he shot back. “How did you manage to get out of the lodge? And what about Nadia?”
“Nadia? Oh, your assistant. I was gone before she arrived. In fact, I left shortly after you did.”
“Answer the question! How were you able to leave my lodge? There’s no way a car could find their way up there. Wait…did you take my bike?”
“It was the only transportation available. It’s fabulous by the way.”
“You are the most impossible, frustrating, irresponsible—”
“Hey, I’m not irresponsible. I’m here to help.”
“I cannot believe this is happening,” he muttered, staring at her and shaking his head, but before he could continue there was a light tapping on the door, and a male voice said, “Room Service.”
“Sit down and don’t say another word,” he warned, stepping back to the door and opening it.
“Would you like me to set this out in the dining room. sir?” the young man asked as he pushed in the trolley.
“No, thank you, it’s fine where it is,” he replied, quickly signing the bill. But as the waiter left, Donovan took a moment to gather his thoughts, and headed back to the bedroom.
“Wait…where are you going?”
“I’m calling Sam, then you’ll be getting into a cab and taking the next flight—hold on—” he muttered, pausing his step. “How did you get here so quickly?”
“I flew into the local airport on a private plane.”
“Of course you did,” he groaned, rolling his eyes.
“What does that mean?”
“I know who you are, Phoebe, or rather, I know who your father was.”
“Oh…well…I was going to tell you, but I didn’t want you making any assumptions. People always do when they find out.”
“Assumptions like, you’re stubborn and do what you want regardless of anyone else and the possible consequences?”
“I honestly came because I want to help. I really do. You know what I can do. Please can’t we at least talk about this?”
“Right now I’m calling Sam to let him know you’re safe. I’m sure he’s worried sick, then I’m going to have my dinner. You can save your excuses and justifications and whatever else you have to say until I’m finished.”
“Aren’t you even the littlest bit glad to see me?” she asked softly, gazing up at him. “The house was so empty after you left, and I was so worried something awful would happen to you.”
He felt himself melting. Fighting the temptation to take her into his arms, he marched into the bedroom, picked up his phone and placed the call.
“Donovan! How is everything?”
“Good question. Phoebe just showed up.”
“When Nadia arrived at the lodge and found it empty I assumed she’d followed you. Thank God she’s okay.”
“Why didn’t you let me know?”
“Donovan…think about it. You have enough on your plate. The last thing you needed was a distraction. But since she’s there...you probably don’t want to hear this,” Sam said solemnly.
“Go ahead. What are you thinking?”
“She might be useful. If you show up with Frederick Beaumont’s daughter on your arm, even if Manny recognizes you, which I doubt, but even if he does, he won’t touch you. It’s too high risk, even for him. Phoebe could be your saving grace tomorrow night.”