Damian's Seduction (The Steamy Billionaire Series: Book 1)

Chapter 10: No Pity for the Wicked

Damian's mind was haunted by the vile words painted on Chloe's dorm door as he drove to Liberty Golf Club. It wasn't just graffiti; it was a declaration of hate, red letters that stained more than just the paint—a racial slur that seared itself into Chloe's heart. And behind it, he was sure, was Todd Wood.

Despite the police closing the case due to lack of evidence, Damian was certain of Todd's guilt. No witnesses had come forward, and Todd had presented a convenient alibi: he claimed he was dining with his parents at the golf club at the time of the incident. However, Damian's intuition nagged at him, telling him that something about Todd's story didn't add up.

In Damian's world, power protected its own, and he knew Todd's parents would lie for their son without hesitation. Today, he would confront Todd at the golf club where the elite hid their darkest secrets behind manicured greens. Chloe had shown him Todd's social media profile, and Damian studied his features carefully.

The air was crisp as Damian met with his father, Alistair, and Uncle Nick, each moment stretching taut as he awaited Todd's arrival. His family's laughter mingled with the distant thwack of golf balls, a soothing backdrop to the storm brewing in Damian's chest. His hands gripped the golf club as he surveyed the lush green expanse under the pale morning sun, casting shadows across the dewy grass.

Uncle Nick leaned in, lowering his voice, a conspiratorial gleam in his eye, "Remember, it's not just about swinging at balls here. It's about swinging the power dynamics in your favor."

"Ease up on the life lessons, Lazarus," Alistair chuckled, using the nickname he'd given Nick after he miraculously returned to their lives years after being presumed dead in a boating accident.

Nick's cold, gray eyes, so like Damian's mother's, flickered with amusement before turning to Damian. "Anything new stirring in your life, lad?"

Damian kept his response neutral, his eyes scanning the crowd. "All's calm. Just the usual grind at university and volleyball."

"Volleyball? That's right, you have a match coming up?" Alistair's tone was light, but his gaze was sharp, missing nothing.

"Next weekend, against Saint Agnes," Damian replied, the words automatic.

"Make sure you send me the details because Vera wants to watch."

"I will." Damian nodded, his gaze finally landing on the figure of Todd entering the clubhouse. His skin prickled with a dark thrill.

Uncle Nick chuckled, leaning closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "You seem tense. Problems with a girl?"

Damian's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Something like that."

Before more could be said, a familiar voice called out. "Scotty! Over here!"

He turned to see Angelo Lucciano, whose presence at the club was no coincidence. Damian had his plans, and they involved some muscle Angelo could provide.

"This is my nephew, Chase, and his girlfriend, Veronica." Angelo gestured to the young couple beside him. Chase was a striking figure, his big, brown eyes and dark hair curling at the nape of his neck, giving him a roguish charm. Despite his good looks, there was an arrogance to his demeanor that Damian found instantly off-putting.

Damian shook Chase's hand, noting the dismissive glance the other man gave him. "Nice to meet you. What do you do, Chase?"

"Pilot training," Chase replied, vanity tinting his tone. "And you?"

"Finance, last year of college," Damian answered, his attention split as he watched Todd laugh with his friends by the bar.

Chase's disinterest was palpable as he excused himself, pulling Veronica away. Damian's focus sharpened—pleasantries were over.