Daddy’s Little Pet

RENEE

“I’m worried, Nicole.”

Nicole raised her brows and drew her gaze away from the TV screen. “Huh? “What about?”

Pacing in front of my best friend, I ran my hand through my strawberry blonde hair, tugging at it to relieve some of my anxiety.

I shook my head and stared at the floor, letting out a shaky laugh. “Who about, rather. It’s Robert. I’m worried about him.”

“Oh.” Nicole’s face softened, and she leaned forward from the couch she was sitting on, resting her elbows on her knees and clasping her hands together.

Her lips pursed as she watched me pace, and I could see her perplexity and concern deep in her chestnut-brown eyes.

“What’s wrong? Talk to me.”

With a groan, I stopped and plopped my ass on the same couch as her. Wrapping my arms around myself for comfort, I stared into space, attempting to gather my thoughts.

“It’s been four days since I left his suite, and we haven’t seen each other since. I haven’t heard from him. No calls. No texts. No presents.”

“Okay, so?”

“This is out of character. I know things have been rough between us, but this is unlike Robert. I…” I trailed off, nervously chewing my lower lip as I tried to find the perfect words.

Letting out a thoughtful hum, Nicole smiled softly. “Perhaps he’s giving you the space you need. You know, after the little argument you had after that guy…” She trailed off, and I just nodded.

I understood what she was saying, and I tried to agree that, indeed, Robert was giving me space, but something inside of me felt uneasy. Something told me things had changed with him, all because of my selfishness and the horrible things I’d said.

My idiotic words-everything I’d said that morning when we’d argued about what happened at the bar, the bodyguards he’d hired to keep an eye on me, and everything else-had changed everything.

I vividly recalled the hurt on his face, the way he tightened his jaw and rushed out of the room after muttering some farewell… It was as if I had broken him in half with my words, and all that remained was a shell.

The pain that blazed in those blue eyes when he walked away from me burned just as intensely now. My breathing became choppy just remembering.

“I… this is more than just him giving me space, Nicole.” I paused. “With my overbearing attitude, I think I may have pushed Robert away for good.”

“Oh, please, Renee.” Nicole sighed and rolled her eyes. “You’re just overthinking things.”

“No, I’m not!” I yelled.

“Yes, you are.” My best friend countered and continued. “Maybe he’s busy or something, but I’m sure he’ll get reach out to you soon. If there’s one thing I know about Robert, it’s that he loves you to the point of obsession, and you don’t know half of it. It’s clear how much he adores you from the way he looks at you. The way his face lights up when you’re around, and the way he cares about you. So, relax, okay? Everything will be alright.” Nicole’s voice softened, and she reached for my hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

“Yeah, I hope you’re right.” I sighed, and she winked at me.

“Who knows, maybe he’s planning something big for you. There could be a surprise on the way, and you’d just be fussing over nothing.”

Nicole’s remarks brought a faint grin to my lips, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to believe her.

“But Nicole, our last goodbye. He looked hurt, and rightfully so. He was so rude and gruff. Robert never does that. Even when-”

“Stop whining, Renee. You’re reading too much into things. If you’re that concerned, pick up the phone and call him. There’s no harm in doing that, right?” Nicole suggested, and when I shrugged, she continued. “Alright then, I’d like to continue watching my movie. So, next, thank you.” She winked before returning her gaze to the television.

Slowly, I pulled myself to my feet and walked toward the bedroom, my heart heavy with doubt.

I’d barely moved a step when Nicole gasped, halting my movement.

Her wide eyes were fixed on the television screen. “What the hell!”

I dragged my gaze to the TV screen to see what’d caught her attention.

And lo and behold, staring back at me was none other than Robert Clarke.

I froze in place instantly.

He was on TV, seated next to a stunning brunette news anchor or a host of whatever this show was.

They were smiling and talking, but all I could see was Robert.

Long, straight lashes rested on his cheekbones, framing his crystal blue eyes and exquisite face. With his ever-so-small pout, his gorgeous, full, soft, and pink mouth parted gently.

His hair was longer and carefully styled, and he wore a white button-down shirt, dark pants, a crimson tie, and black boots. He looked relaxed yet elegant and professional. And, damn, did it look nice on him.

“Renee, are you listening?” Nicole snapped, her voice bringing me back to reality. I refocused my eyes, and I saw her looking at me expectantly.

“Huh? Yes, I am.”

“Are you, though? Did you read the headline?”

“What headline?”

She pointed to the bottom right corner of the screen, and that’s when I saw it. The fucking headline.

Billionaire Robert Clarke Discusses His Love Life, Personal Affairs, & Business.

“No way!” I whispered, my feet shaky as I walked across the living room to turn up the TV volume.

“Tell me this is a joke.” I giggled nervously, returning my attention to the TV, where Robert and the news anchor were having a casual discussion.

“Mr. Clarke is here today to set the record right on several unfounded stories about his personal life that have been floating about.” When she finished, I had a horrible feeling in my gut.

I knew what this was about. I knew where this interview was going, and judging by Nicole’s expression, she did too.

“He’s going to talk about you, Renee.” Nicole spoke quietly, stating the obvious. As if on cue, Robert began speaking in his powerful voice and the sound from the TV reverberated around the apartment.

“First and foremost, these scandalous stories being circulated are false and unsubstantiated. This is my personal life. I’m not too fond of the notion of it being broadcasted publicly. But I know I have to set things straight.’

“You should.” The anchor cut in, making me cringe. “Everyone would like to hear your side of the story.”

Robert chuckled, clearing his throat and momentarily looking back at the camera. “Exactly, and as you’ve already gathered, Miss Michael is the only woman in my life right now.”

He paused before continuing. “I love her, and she’s made me so happy. She’s the most important person in my life.”

“Oh, how sweet.” The anchor teased.

“It is.” Robert replied with a slight chuckle. “She’s like my soulmate, the one I meet late in life. We didn’t know each other when we first met. I can promise you that all these stories circulating about how she purposely dated my son and then me are lies. Although I don’t want to talk about it, there’s a reason she’s my son’s ex, and she always will be-no pun intended.”

“Ah, yes.” The anchor grinned, and Robert continued.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“I know it’s absurd, but love can happen in the weirdest circumstances.

“Yes. I completely agree with you. Love can be hard work. All shades of messy and complicated.”

“Absolutely, you get it. It can be the best thing to ever happen to someone also. For me, I’m content with Renee, and I adore her so much. She lights up my world in ways I can’t describe. She’s my world.”

His soulmate.

His world. Damn!

Shocked and stunned into silence by what Robert said, I blinked hard to stop the tears from welling in my eyes, but to no avail. They fell, leaving blazing hot trails as his words sank in.

A sob escaped me.

“Renee.” Nicole muttered something under her breath, her voice tinged with apprehension. “Are you alright?”

Swallowing my tears down, I shook my head frantically as numerous thoughts assaulted me.

My God, this man loved me!

Even though our connection was broken and forbidden, he still adored me. Despite the shambles we’ve both made, the hurtful things we’ve said to one other, and all of the pain and heartache that came with it.

Robert still loved me.

It echoed in my head as I fought against the emotions threatening to overflow. “God…” I grumbled under my breath, my gaze stuck to the television screen, unable to look away from him.

He sat motionless, talking excitedly with the news anchor, his grin never fading.

“How could I have thought I could leave him? How? Just how? Fuck, Robert. I love you so much. I love you.” I whispered the words out loud, my voice trembling and my chest constricted.

And I meant it. Deep, soul-wrenching honest feelings surged through me, and I now understood that I needed Robert more than ever. I wanted him and was done pushing him away.

“Mr. Clarke, you’re a bonafide lover boy. How sweet!” The anchor’s voice cut through my thoughts, jolting me out of my reverie.

Robert shook his head shyly, his grin widening. “Sure, and I’m not ashamed to say it. Before I forget, I have a message for the media-hungry reporters spreading the fake news about Renee and me.”

“Tell us, Mr. Clarke.” The anchor urged, leaning forward in her chair.

“Thank you.” Before continuing, Robert expressed his gratitude. ‘First and foremost, I’d begin by letting everyone know that Renee is not a gold digger, as she’s been portrayed. She doesn’t deserve everything that’s been thrown at her in public. Everything that happened with my ex-wife and son at that event was entirely my fault, and I bear full responsibility.”

His voice softened, and I almost didn’t hear his next words, despite how loud the TV’s volume was. “With that said, I respectfully request that the press and all others abstain from spreading negative information or talking trash about my relationship with Renee. Please respect our privacy. No photos, tweets, interviews, or unwanted public harassment. If I find any, I’ll be forced to do things the hard way. Please. For Renee’s sake. Thank you very much.”

“That was one hell of a speech. But I only have one question for you.”

“Of course, go ahead.”

“Are you and Renee still together? Rumors are circulating that you two were taking a break. But based on what you’ve said, it sounds like you haven’t stopped seeing each other. Is this correct?”

“Hmmm, sure. Regardless of what anyone says or thinks, we’re still together. Renee will be by my side for a very long time. That woman has me hook, line, and sinker. The sooner everyone understands, the better.” Robert snickered, and the anchor laughed briefly.

“You’re so sweet, Mr. Clarke. Renee is extremely lucky to have you.”

“Why yes. I bet she is.” Robert said, this time winking directly at the camera, and color filled my cheeks.

It felt like he was staring straight at me, and tingly thrills rushed down my spine.

“Thank you for taking the time to give us an exclusive report on the rumors regarding your private life.” The anchor said, and facing the camera, she announced. “Apologies for the upcoming commercial break. When we return, we’ll talk more about Mr. Clarke’s recent exploits in the tech sector.”

As soon as the anchor finished speaking, the TV screen went black, and, as she’d said, a bland food commercial filled the screen.

“Wow, girl.” Nicole said with a gasp and a broad smile on her face. “I knew Robert was planning something special for you. That man has squashed all the rumors about you.”

“I… I… I have no idea what to say. All of this is beyond my comprehension.” I stuttered, words failing me.

Laughing, Nicole said. “Of course, you can. For the record, the boyfriend of the year award goes to Robert Clarke. Or will I say, sugar daddy? Jeez!”

“Yeah. Boyfriend is putting it lightly.” I whispered under my breath and gave Nicole a defiant expression while retaining her stare.

“What’s that look you’ve got there, girl?” Nicole asked, her brow furrowed.

I smirked. “I’m going to meet with him.”

“Robert?”

“Yes, Robert. I don’t need him to come to me as he always does. I’ll take the initiative. I’m done playing games or allowing the paparazzi to follow me. I won’t let my fears get the best of me. Dylan and Amanda, or whatever her name was, are fucked. I’m not going to let them spoil this beautiful relationship.”

Nicole gave a nod. “Yes, go meet him. Go get your man.”

“I will. I already have something planned…” A warm smile lit up my cheeks.

“What plan?” Nicole asked, her eyes mischievously glittering and amusement sparkling in her chestnut brown eyes.

“Oh, you’ll know soon enough because you’ll be assisting me!”

A bright laugh sprung from Nicole’s lips, and clapping her hands excitedly, she said, “Well then, my lady, let’s get started.”