Free My Escort by Kia Carrington-Russell Page B

on their thoughts on women—fashion, nightlife haunts, what they fancy in a woman. A real insight into a man’s head, you know, about what he would find attractive in other woman. So I thought why not Damon? He is handsome and—”
    “But I only have eyes for Clover,” Damon said sharply. His polite smile did not waver. I was surprised by his strict tone, but Damon could obviously see the tension Debra was trying to inject into our “relationship.” The mention about his thoughts on other women was a clear indication of that.
    “Of course, all I am saying is this would be a great opportunity for our readers to gain a real understanding of the male psyche. And well, it would most certainly help Clover. My, it may be a few late nights for her because of the extra workload a new model will entail.”
    “I have no interest in modelling or interviews, I’m afraid. Thank you for considering me, though,” Damon said blandly. Although he was being polite I could tell he was uncomfortable with the request.
    “Debra, please,” I said. “I will find someone else. The concept sounds like a great idea. I will find someone.”
    “Hmm, Damon what if it was just the modelling? It would only be an hour or two at the most, and I tell you what, in exchange for helping me, I will let Clover have Friday off,” Debra said cunningly.
    “You can’t speak on behalf of me like that,” I interjected angrily. I didn’t like her manipulative words. It was almost beyond belief that she would offer someone who was almost a stranger the front cover of the magazine. In the cafeteria, no less.
    “You have had a huge workload lately, haven’t you, poppet?” Damon said contemplatively.
    I looked at him oddly, unsure of what to say. I went to argue with him, but...I was busy. Even so, surely he wasn’t considering...
    “Okay,” Damon said to Debra. “But only the modelling. I refuse to do any interviews about other women or my thoughts on anything else. And so, Clover will be mine Friday. No calling her, no e-mails, she’s mine for the day.”
    I stared at him, open-mouthed. Cassidy giggled and I looked at her sharply. She took another sip of her drink innocently, before intently looking between Debra, Damon, and me.
    “Done,” Debra said, shaking his hand. “Are you able to make it around lunch time tomorrow?”
    “I could squeeze it in,” Damon agreed.
    “All right, we will see you then,” Debra gave me a crisp, victorious smile before spinning on her heel and walking away.
    I didn’t understand why she attempted to make my life a living hell, or why she played these games. But more importantly, I didn’t understand why Damon would agree to modelling for her just so I could have one day off work.
    “What was that?” I asked angrily. I didn’t like people making decisions for me. It was up to me whether I wanted to work or not.
    “Well, this is me telling you I will pick you up at 8 a.m. Friday morning,” Damon said, holding my gaze. I felt angry and yet flattered all at once.
    “Very smooth,” Cassidy congratulated him with a giggle, before bumping me lightly on the arm. “Come on Clover, it was very endearing.”
    “She hates me right now,” Damon joked. “Half a day on Friday and we are even for the shirt?”
    “That’s blackmail,” I said narrowing my eyes on him, yet finding the humorous side to it.
    He stepped forward with a teasing expression. “As much as I like a dominant woman, I do hope you will agree to join me... dear.” His lips were so close to mine, but he pulled away with a cocky smile.
    My heart had missed its beat but I was conscious of how he watched me. He wanted to see the affect he had on me, but I would not let him win. My body was once again hot, so I assumed an expression of indifference. “You’re very sure of yourself, dear ,” I said, just as arrogantly as him.
    “I can be at times. I am going to mingle with some of your co-workers now, angel puff,” Damon grinned before