Seizing her elbow, Eric directed her toward the still open elevator. His voice was low, yet determined, “Ms. Claire, there are many people about. Perhaps this time you could make an exception?”
Surprised by his assertiveness and stunned by his touch, her feet moved obediently into the elevator. When the doors closed, she pulled her elbow free from his grasp and felt the floor move upward.
This wasn’t an elevator used by guests, but an industrial lift, presumably used by the staff of the St. Regis. The stainless steel walls marred with fingerprints and floor covered by a large black mat resembled the service elevator at Claire’s condominium.
As the doors opened, Eric gallantly turned and asked, “Ms. Nichols, may I assist you?”
She wondered if that meant: Do you want me to forcibly remove you from this elevator?
Her stoic expression remained while her words were clipped, “Thank you, I believe I’m capable of walking on my own.” She wasn’t happy with this man. Yet, she knew Eric was only doing what everyone did around Anthony Rawlings, following orders. Exiting the elevator, they stepped into a brightly lit, empty hallway. The sound of her heels upon the concrete floor echoed through the passage. “I’ll follow you, as you seem to know where we’re going.”
Eric nodded, “Yes, ma’am, this way please.”
What choice did she have? The elevator was now closed. The sensor near the doors indicated a key was required to regain entry. The hallway had few options for escape. The few doors they passed held name plates indicating the contents beyond: heating/AC, cleaning supplies, and personal supplies. The destination at the end of the passage was not labeled. Eric opened the door and held it for Claire to pass. She did, each step becoming more difficult to endure. More than anything, she wanted to call Harry, but he was busy with problems at SiJo. She squared her shoulders and entered an elegant posh foyer. Claire knew who she’d find at the end of this journey. Before her were two options, an elevator and a set of double doors. This elevator was adorned with golden mirrored doors.
Eric placed a card below an electronic reader near the double doors, and she heard tumblers shift. Anthony Rawlings’ driver and right hand man opened one of the grand doors. Claire obediently entered the threshold of the luxurious penthouse atop the San Francisco St. Regis Hotel. Although every fiber within her body told her to run for the gold elevator, Claire’s Jimmy Choo four and a half inch heels moved forward. She heard the click of each step as she followed Eric through the foyer, complete with a winding staircase, toward a beautiful sitting area. Beyond the elaborately furnished room, with multiple sofas, tables and entries to other rooms were windows covering the wall from the polished floor to the ceiling, at least fifteen feet above.
Claire saw the back of his head, hair gelled perfectly in place and his customary Armani tuxedo slacks and perfectly pressed white silk shirt. She couldn’t remember how many he owned. She knew it was many. Tony’s large form appeared dwarfed against the height of the glass pane. Beyond him the sky filled with color, creating a magnificent vista as an amazing sunset glistened in the western sky, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the foreground.
The anger growing within her chest stilled as she heard his voice. Uncharacteristic anger emanated. He was yelling at some poor soul on the phone he held tightly in his right hand. With his left hand he twisted a cord. It was the tie holding back the drapes at the edge of the amazing view.
“She’s not to be there. He is to remain.” “No, that isn’t acceptable.” “This has been the plan forever. If you aren’t capable, I will find someone who is.” He turned, hearing Eric and Claire enter. His eyes smoldered. Despite the dark blackness of his irises, fire flashed from a deep untouchable abyss. Claire searched his expression for a sign of assurance, finding none; she shivered knowing the depths of this man’s temper.
The words of protest she’d been silently practicing since entering the elevator, faded into Tony’s cloud of rage. With all her soul, Claire prayed she wasn’t the one meant to disappear or the reason for his fury.
“Twenty minutes. I’ll be waiting.” He disconnected his phone and slid it into the pocket of his Armani 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.” Before Claire could blink Eric disappeared down the hall, and she heard the grand double doors close.
Claire gripped her purse and nervously ran her fingers over the silk of the wrap, now lying over her arm. Eric was a source of uneasiness, yet his departure was more unnerving. She stood anxiously before her ex-husband. Straightening her neck, she tried for a formidable yet respectful voice. “Tony, please explain to...”
He didn’t allow her to finish her sentence. Instantly, his chest touched hers, and her chin rose with the direction of his forceful grasp. His warm breath hit her face as his harsh words flowed, “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.”
The bile bubbling from her stomach caused her knees to tremble, yet her voice remained resilient. “I agreed to attend this gala, weeks ago. I didn’t learn of your attendance until this evening.”
His grip increased as he held her emerald eyes toward his pits of darkness, “Then your informant is as incompetent as the firewall at SiJo.”
Though her stance remained still, her eyes ignited, “What did you do?”
“Nothing. As long as your friends don’t have an overwhelming sense of conscious requiring them to inform the public of their near breach, no harm will come.”
Claire remained motionless. Her well trained protocol wouldn’t allow her to pull away from his hold. Nevertheless, her eyes screamed at his manipulation. “Why?”
As his hand released her face, Claire flexed her neck and shoulders. Taking a step back, Claire assessed the man before her. He was still very agitated. However, she needed to know, “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 will not be harmed,” He paused and walked to the window. The sky of orange and red was now darkening. The land beyond the bridge was speckled with lights as the bridge glowed with artificial illumination. Turning on his heels Tony’s gaze devoured her, as his commanding voice filled the tall room, “IF you follow my rules.”
Claire’s heart sunk. Her knees wobbled, and her stomach twisted. This was her nightmare, her greatest fear. She’d convinced herself she was able to maintain the upper hand. Her inner voice tried to warn her, but Claire hadn’t listened. Now it was too late. Suddenly his expression changed.
“Are you not feeling well? You’re pale.” Was there concern in the voice that only seconds ago was harsh and authoritative?
“I need to sit down.”
Tony wrapped his arm around Claire’s waist and directed her toward a soft leather love seat. Her knees buckled and a sudden wave of perspiration covered her skin as she settled against the cool plush hide. Claire lowered her head to her knees and tried to inhale. She saw Tony’s shiny loafers move away and return. Then his voice reassuringly offered assistance, “Here’s some water, drink.”
Claire shook her head against the green material of her Donna Karen gown. The feeling of queasiness wouldn’t fade. She feared if she drank the water she’d be ill.
“Dinner will be starting downstairs in about an hour. Have you eaten recently?”
Feeling the chill that comes after the rush of heat, Claire looked up into the softening eyes. “No, I haven’t.” Her voice quivered, revealing the trembling within her body. She wasn’t sure if the cause of her trembling was the recent onset of nausea or Tony. “I don’t want to go down there with you.” She sat straighter, trying desperately for strength. “I’m here for SiJo, for Amber and Simon.”