“Twenty minutes—I’ll be waiting.” Tony said as he disconnected the call and slid his phone into the pocket of his slacks. “Thank you, Eric. Ms. Claire will remain with me. Please take care of our other issue. I’m late for the benefit, and that’s very upsetting to me.”
“Yes, Mr. Rawlings. Twenty minutes?”
“Not a second more.”
Eric nodded as he backed toward the door. “Yes, sir.”
Tony stood and glared. This wasn’t how he wanted their reunion to go down, yet desperate times called for desperate measures. The closing doors echoed through the suite; silence filled the room, until Claire’s shoulders straightened and she swallowed. “Tony, please explain to—”
He didn’t allow her to finish. Instantly, he was across the room, his chest pressed against hers and her chin in his grip. Forcing eye contact, he leaned down and bathed her cheeks in his warm breath. “I have no intention of being at a social gathering, or anywhere else, with you and another man. You’re a fool to consider such a thing.”
Her face trembled below his grasp, yet her words sounded strong. “I agreed to attend this gala weeks ago, and I didn’t learn of your attendance until this evening.”
Tightening his hold of her chin, he replied, “Then your informant is as incompetent as the firewall at SiJo.”
Fire ignited behind her glare. “What did you do?”
“Nothing—and as long as your friends don’t have an overwhelming sense of conscience requiring them to inform the public of their near breach, no harm will come.”
“Why?”
He released her chin and continued to stare. That damn fire burned right through his overwrought nerves. He’d made the right decision. Claire may not realize it, but they belonged together. No one else could do what she was doing. No one else could continue to maintain eye contact as well as question his motives.
She repeated her question. “Why did you do this?”
“I told you, Claire. I know your weakness; it’s your concern for others. God only knows why, but for some reason, Amber McCoy has been kind to you. Her company won’t be harmed.” He paused and walked toward the window. The darkening sky reminded him that he was late. The gala was starting without him, and he’d yet to learn of Sophia’s location. Exhaling, Tony turned back to Claire and continued. “If you follow my rules.”
He waited. Claire didn’t respond, yet her complexion blanched as she lost footing. It wasn’t what he’d expected. Fight? Argue? Tears? Instead, she suddenly appeared ill. “Are you not feeling well?” Tony asked. Concern overtook his displeased tone “You’re pale.”
“I need to sit down.”
Wrapping his arm around her petite waist, Tony helped Claire to the nearest sofa. As she sat, her beautifully painted face glistened with a sheen of perspiration. He watched in horror as she lowered her head to her knees. Tony noticed a crystal pitcher of iced water and poured Claire a glass. When he returned, he knelt before her and handed her the glass. The domination in his voice was replaced with something softer and reassuring. “Here’s some water, drink.”
Only her head moved as she shook it slightly from side to side.
“Dinner will be starting downstairs in about an hour. Have you eaten recently?”
Claire’s cheeks were flushed as she looked up. “No, I-I haven’t. I don’t want to go down there with you.” Her strength seemed to be returning. “I’m here for SiJo, for Amber and Simon.”
Harshness returned. “Then you’ll do as I say.”
Lowering her head once again to her lap, she obediently replied, “What do you want me to do?”
Tony closed his eyes. With his plans blowing up right and left, her response was exactly what he needed to hear. He touched her knee. “Claire, what the hell was that? Are you sick?”
She shook her head. “I’m not ill. I’m sick of this. Please, just tell me what you want me to do so that I can help my friends and go home.”
Tony clenched his jaw and exhaled. “I’m ordering you some food. After you feel better we’ll discuss your duties.”
Exceptional service was only one of the perks associated with the presidential suite. In no time at all, Claire had a plate of crackers, cheese, and fruit as well as a soda to calm her stomach. Tony waited. When she seemed steadier, he asked for her purse. The last thing he wanted was her calling for reinforcements. This night would be about the two of them. Thankfully, she didn’t protest. He immediately removed her iPhone, turned it off, and placed it in the breast pocket of his shirt. Next, he began searching each compartment and found only cosmetics and tissues.
Claire asked, “What are you looking for?”
“Your work phone.”
“It isn’t here; I left it in my condo.”
From what he could see, she was telling the truth. He glanced at his watch; still no word on Sophia, but he needed to get things moving. “As you may remember, while at a function such as this, your attention should be on me and your duties at hand. I believe tonight you’re representing SiJo Gaming. As well as representing it to the masses downstairs, your behavior will go a long way in solving their current situation, or,” he paused, “making it public.”
“I understand.”
“I’m glad you do. You’ll get your phone back when this evening is done. I believe you’ll have enough on your plate, and you don’t need another distraction.”
Tony then handed Claire the news release.
“What is this?”
“It’s a new release. My press secretary released it moments before you arrived to the penthouse.” Smiling, he added, “I just saw a text from Shelly; it’s already viral.”
He watched as Claire read. After she’d finished, she looked up at him; her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “W-why? Why are you doing this?”
Tony explained, “I’ve tried to express my feelings for you. I’ve even apologized for past behaviors and attempted to explain, yet you blatantly flaunt another man at a shared function.”
“I was not flaunting. We—you and I—are divorced. This…” she picked up the news release, “…is false. You didn’t secure my pardon. You had nothing to do with it.”
“And who’s going to refute my claim?” Tony replied confidently. “Governor Bosley? No, he’s dead. Jane Allyson? I think not.”
“Why, Tony? What have you done to Jane?”
He made no attempt to suppress his grin. “Again, so much credit, I should be honored.”
Claire stood and her words slowed. “Tell me what you’ve done.”
“While I may be able to assume some responsibility, it’s quite the opposite of what you suspect. Miss Allyson is currently enjoying the honor of an invitation to one of the most prestigious law firms in Des Moines.” His phone buzzed. Tony read the text from Eric.
“MS. BURKE AND MR. GEORGE ARE WITH ME IN THE SUITE.”
He sighed in relief. “Now, as informative as this conversation has been, we can continue it later. It’s almost 8:00 PM. As you know, this gala started an hour ago. You may remember—I do not like to be late.”