Page 38 of Interview with the Billionaire

Nikki: It’s okay, Damien. As for the possibility, I’m not blind to that. And if someone else turns up—verifiable—then we’ll deal with it. In case it isn’t clear to you yet, We’re a strong family.

Bridge: You are. And yet you came close to losing one of your children.

Nikki: That’s out of bounds./Damien: Enough.

Damien: Shut it down, Lena. I set terms. You agreed to them. And unless my memory is failing me, these interviews are supposed to be for a profile about me in conjunction with the Sports Center and my birthday. Not a tribute to the National Enquirer. Perhaps we should shift topics to business?

Bridge: The focus is on the man behind the business. But we’ll get there. Right now, tell me more about Ashton. The man stood up at your vow renewal and basically shut it down.

Nikki: That’s true, but he had reason to. Maybe he could have approached it less dramatically, but we don’t fault him. We love him.

[Damien has been watching her as she speaks. Now he cups her head, then pulls her into a kiss as I sit there, waiting to get back to the interview. I clear my throat, then smile.]

Bridge: Moving on. Nikki, has Damien’s money ever been a problem for you?

Nikki: Um, no. Not at all. I’ve noticed that his money spends exactly like all the other money. It took some getting used to. The vast oceans of wealth, I mean. But I wouldn’t call it a problem.

Bridge: I only ask because you’re still working. I presume you’re earning your own money on principal.

Nikki: Oh, I see. And no. I’m working because I like to. As I said, it took some getting used to, but now if I feel like going shopping in Paris, I just take one of the jets and our Amex Black Card and go for it. It’s ridiculously convenient. And honestly, it’s no problem at all.

[I’m certain her smile is the one she pulled out at pageants.]

Damien: It’s getting late. Why don’t we continue this in the morning.

Bridge: Of course. Could I speak to you for a moment?

[From his expression, I expect him to say no.]

Damien: Nikki, go on. I’ll walk Maggie out.

Nikki: No problem.

[Nikki leaves. And I am left to walk with Damien.]

Interview End

As I walk toward my husband, this man I love with all my heart, I glimpse the lingering shadows in his eyes, and I can’t shake the cold blanket of fear that settles over my shoulders when I slide my hand into Damien’s.

- Please Me

Chapter 7: Alone Again

The Story

As soon as Nikki entered the foyer to the master bedroom, Damien ushered Maggie down the stairs. “Would you care to explain yourself?”

“About what?”

“About the shift from pleasant to confrontational. You’ve been goading Nikki, and I want to know why.”

“You’re being paranoid. I’m a reporter. The job requires a bit of pushing. That’s how you get the meat.”

“You’re not writing about Chernobyl, Maggie. It’s a puff piece and we both know it.”

They reached the front door, and she turned to face him. “I know. I’m sorry. The truth is—well, never mind.”

“What?”