The Perfect Doll He Discarded

Damien’s hand hung in the air, inches from my face.

My body trembled.

Not with fear. With rage.

"Don't touch her."

Julian’s voice was like steel.

He stepped forward, shielding me with his body.

I could feel his warmth. I could smell the faint scent of his cologne.

The feeling of being protected made my heart race again.

Damien slowly lowered his hand. His eyes shifted to Julian.

The two men sized each other up. The air crackled with danger.

"Julian Thorne." A cold smile played on Damien's lips. "I've heard of you. The lawyer who never loses in court."

"My reputation precedes me, it seems," Julian said calmly, but I felt the muscles in his back tense.

"This isn't a courtroom, counselor," Damien moved closer. "This is my world. And in my world, I make the rules."

Marco shifted on his feet, his hand inching toward his jacket.

The redhead, Sophia, pressed herself against the elevator wall, her eyes wide with excitement.

She loved watching men fight over a woman.

"Your world?" Julian chuckled softly. "Mr. Costello, I'm afraid you're mistaken."

His hand found my back, a simple touch that sent a shiver through me.

"The lady has already made her choice."

A flash of raw murder crossed Damien's eyes. "A choice? She has no idea what she's choosing."

"Maybe you should ask her," Julian said, not moving an inch. He was still a wall in front of me.

"Isabella," Damien’s voice became a low, seductive purr. "Tell this stranger who you belong to."

I stepped out from behind Julian. I looked Damien straight in the eye.

"I don't belong to anyone."

Damien's face darkened. "Watch your mouth, sweetheart."

"A threat?" Julian cut in. His voice was still calm, but it carried its own danger. "How predictable."

Damien turned on him, the fire in his eyes about to spill over. "You have no idea what you're playing with."

"On the contrary." Julian smiled, an elegant and deadly curve of his lips. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

The tension in the elevator was so thick I could barely breathe. A fight could break out any second.

Suddenly, Damien took a step back. He held up his hands in mock surrender.

"Alright," he said, the chilling smile returning. "I'm a gentleman. Everything for you two tonight is on the house."

He gave Marco a look. "Call the manager. Tell him Mr. Thorne and Miss Rossi get whatever they want tonight."

Marco pulled out his phone and started dialing.

"Of course," Damien continued, his eyes darting between Julian and me. "I'll have some special 'gifts' sent to your room. To make sure you have a good time."

His words were laced with poison. My face went hot.

"That won't be necessary," Julian replied smoothly. "We have our own plans."

"Oh?" Damien raised an eyebrow. "Quite the appetite. Just be careful not to play too rough, counselor. Some dolls break easier than they look."

Humiliation and anger choked me.

He was shaming me in the cruelest way possible.

Julian sensed it.

His hand found mine. He laced his fingers through mine.

"Mr. Costello." His voice was still calm, but it held absolute power. "Some games, I prefer to make the rules myself."

Damien's smile vanished.

"We'll have plenty of time for games," Julian continued, looking Damien dead in the eye. "And you... Mr. Costello. Your time is up."

The words hit Damien like a punch to the gut.

His face went from pale to red.

"You..."

Julian hit the 'door close' button.

"Goodnight, Mr. Costello."

The doors began to slide shut.

In the last second, I saw a primal rage explode in Damien’s eyes.

BANG!

A loud crash echoed from outside the elevator. He had punched the wall.

The elevator began to rise, sweeping us away from his raw, possessive rage.