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I stare back at him, determined not to let him have anything over me, but he towers above me, and the way he leers down at me makes me feel small and weak. I know he's trying to show me I'm no match for him, but that's nothing new. He's a big man. I already knew before today, this is a man's world; they hold all the power because we're more fragile than them. But I'll be dammed if I go down without a fight, and this particular motherfucker will regret the day he decided to drag me into whatever game he is playing.
"Get your fucking hands off me," I snarl at him, dragging each word out and making sure he can hear me loud and clear. I will talk to him any way I see fit.
His grip on me grows impossibly tighter, his fingers digging into my flesh uncomfortably. "You pretty American girls think you can talk your way out of anything. But I had a deal with your father, and since he couldn't make good on his end, because his daughter is a disobedient little bitch, I'm going to take what I want from you. It's going to feel so satisfying, watching your label grow under my watchful eye."
I blink back at him, my father's words coming back to me.Do you really think you built your fashion empire alone? That's right. And I can tear it all down just as fast as I built it. Make the right choice. I expect you on a plane to Paris with your children in three days.It wasn't an empty threat. Maybe he can destroy my business. "But I own my label, not my father," I whimper through the pain.
His smile is sly and sinister, like he is taking pleasure in my discomfort. And right now, his hold on me really fucking hurts. "The site of your factory is now mine. Part of that deal." He watches my face as I process what he is telling me. "Come to think of it, this building that houses your design studio and your boutique is now mine as well. Growing my property portfolio in America has always been a dream of mine, and I guess I should thank you for helping it come true."
I heave in a deep breath, trying to will away the tears threatening to give away the anguish he's causing me. But I won't show him any weakness.
"I own you now,ma belle." He smirks with pleasure.
My building tears turn to burning rage as I glare daggers back at him. I guess all this explains how he got through our security system and into my office. He might be the proud new owner of the building, but like fuck he owns me. I shove at him, trying to push him off me with all the built-up aggression coursing through me.
He grabs hold of my arms, spinning me around and forcing me into the wall so my face is pressed against the cold hard surface. He drops his mouth to my ear. "I'm sure you're madly trying to work out how you'll get out of this, and I'm sure you could move everything out of my buildings and start fresh somewhere else, but the kind of capital that would cost you is sure to make you bankrupt in the process. I have you, Amelia, and there is nothing you can do about it."
I heave out a shallow breath, knowing he's right. I'm no match for him.
His hand runs down my body, making me cringe. "It would be so much easier to just do as you're told like a good girl."
I close my eyes so I don't have to see him anymore. "What do you want from me?" I whimper, seeing my dreams go up in flames.
"Your label. Your designs, every piece you create from now on, I want it under my name. Artemis by House of Blanchet, has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"I'll never give you my label," I cry weakly.
"We'll see. Somehow, I think the next twenty-four hours are going to make you change your mind. When you have nothing else left, my offer will look generous. One way or another, I'm going to own you,ma belle." He drops his grip on me, stepping away.
I turn around, running my hand over my bruised side.
He stops when he makes it to my door, swinging it open. "You have until this time tomorrow to make up your mind."
"You will never own me or anything I create," I tell him, emphasizing every word.
"Take the time, you might find you need it." He smiles like the first time I met him, all cool and calm, full of charm, and walks out the door, like he didn't just threaten me.
I want to hurl something at him, more frustrated than I have ever been. How fucking dare he! And what did he mean by this time tomorrow I will change my mind when I have nothing else left? He knows something I don't. My skin prickles with fear. Heath and his meeting with Della. I need to call him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
HEATH
Dellaopensthedoor,looking like she means business as usual, in one of those fitted dresses she wears. Today she's steering away from her standard black, and she's gone for a deep red. There is no sign of sadness for the girl who was once her stepsister. "Just you, not your new friend," she says bluntly, pointing in Kobe's direction. So much for a nice apology. I guess this is as nice as she gets.
I glance at Kobe. What could go wrong here? It's just Della and an empty hotel room, pretty sure I can handle myself against her. "It's all good, Kobe, I won't be long," I tell him, waving him off.
"I'll be in the hall if you need me," he huffs out, looking Della over with suspicion before positioning himself leaning against the wall.
"Heath." She smiles, all teeth, and with way too much enthusiasm for the Della I have grown to know. "Thanks for meeting me." She hugs me awkwardly, never having been one for physical affection. I'm surprised I even got that.
"Are you okay?" I look at her like she has gone mad.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Just checking. What are you even doing in Palm Springs?"
She motions to the seating area around a small, rounded table in the room and takes a seat. "Just had a meeting with a client, probably the next big thing. Something fitting about me being back here in Palm Springs finding talent. Made me think of you. Heard you and Amelia got married. Congratulations."
