With his steely gaze on me it takes everything in me to not just jump him right here and now.
My self-control is fraying, and I am confused at this draw to him, this desire to strip off his clothes and admire and then maybe lick and devour what they are hiding.
He turns toward the older gentleman, his fake expression now full of accusation. It was refreshing for him to listen to me and not just follow the couple’s lies.
“Sir, is this true? Have you and your wife insulted this woman for no other reason than you feel you have the right?”
The man’s face turned an angry shade of purple. It might have been funny if not for the situation.
As the man in the suit spoke, I couldn’t help but study him. The suit melds to his muscles as if made just for him, while still concealing his body underneath. His icy blue eyes glance at me from time to time, jaw tight as he speaks, but the strong square lines have my core heating.
And who knew that a slight dimple in the chin would be so sexy?
The drowned rat wife chose then to stomp back up with a towel wrapped around her, a perfect manicured finger pointing directly at me. Mascara is running down her cheeks, makeup now ruined.
Who wears makeup to the pool?
“This slut pushed me into the water,” she shrieks at a pitch that shouldn’t be possible. “I want her thrown out. I have never been so embarrassed in my life.”
The suit’s mouth is wide open as he takes in the woman walking our way. “Ma’am are you all right? Do you need help to your room?”
“No, I want her out! First this trash insults me in the elevator, then takes my chair here at the pool before pushing me into the water. I have never been treated so poorly in my life. I want her out of here.”
He flashes her a placating smile that she eats up. “I assure you, I will get to the bottom of this. Why don’t you go to the bar and get a drink on the house? I want to have a word with this guest.”
He motions for them to start ahead of him, watching and waiting for them to be out of earshot.
Knowing this is going to be a pain in the ass, I sit up, crossing my legs as he takes a seat on the edge of the lounger. His smile fades a little as his gaze slowly devours me. I swear there’s heat in those icy blue eyes.
“Miss,” he starts.
“Hayden,” I interrupt before he can ask for my name. The corner of his mouth tips up in a ghost of a smile. He even makes that look sexy.
“Hayden, am I gonna have a problem with you? I love a good fight, but it’s not something I can condone in my hotel.”
My stomach sinks. Does he believe this bullshit?
“Sir, I promise you that I’ve been minding my own business. They seem to just have a problem with my existence. First, I entered the elevator and she called me a slut. Instead of engaging, I just ignored her words and continued to my room. After that ordeal, I decided that a little rest by the pool with a good book was just what I needed. I found this chair, and just as I sat down, they walked up. Nothing was taken but she complained that I took her chair. She insulted me yet again and sent her man to find a manager. It’s not my fault she tripped and fell into the pool, but I never once got out of this seat. I am on vacation, drama is the last thing I want right now. Check your cameras if you want proof. I assume you have them.”
He leans in a little closer, his scent carried on the wind toward me. It’s an odd mix of copper, sweat, and cologne. Each scent calls to me as they meld together into an intoxicating blend. Without thought, I find myself inching a little bit closer to him.
“I’ll review the tapes,” he says as he stands. “If indeed they started all of this, I will ask them to leave. If I notice it was you, then you will have to leave. Understood?”
“Yes. I’ll be right here, soaking up the sun and reading if youneed me.” To keep up the unbothered appearance, I recline in my seat, opening my book and stretching my feet out to where he was seated.
My eyes follow him while he walks to the bar. His ass is a fantastic sight in those pants.
He stops near the couple for a moment before continuing toward the hotel.
Once I make sure he’s out of sight, I dig for my phone and send a text, hoping my loyal companion receives it.
LAINIE!!!
I’m here, Lady Hades. Is everything okay?
Yes, but I think I’ve found him. My mate is here.
Already? Wow, maybe you should have taken a vacation sooner!
