I’m just about to reply when I feel Dr. Kincaid’s hand on my back. I jump and my phone clatters to the ground. He bends down and picks it up, and fortunately, the screen appears to be locked. However, thereisan older email from him on the lock screen… with the sender labeled asDOCTOR DEVIL.I wince as I look up at him, but his expression is neutral. I don’t think he sees it, thank God.
“Ready?” he asks, throwing a large wad of cash down onto the table.All hundreds.
“Yep,” I say quickly, pulling my jacket on and taking the bag with my heels. “Thanks again for the shoes. Please let me pay you back.”
He scowls at me over his shoulder as we head downstairs, and he’s quiet the entire walk back to the hotel. It’s significantly colder now, and I wrap my arms around my body as we arrive at the Four Seasons.
“Thanks for dinner,” I tell him as we walk to the elevators.
“You’re welcome.”
Again, he doesn’t speak as we make our way up to the suite. Once we get inside, he turns the deadbolt on the door, as well as the chain lock.
“Scared of someone breaking in?” I tease, kicking the new boots off my feet.
His back stiffens as he finishes locking up, and when he turns around, his pupils are darker and more intense.
“Not exactly,” he murmurs, cocking his head. “Good night, Francesca.”
“Oh, um, g-good night,” I stutter.
“Feel free to use the restroom first. I’ll be in the other room getting some work done,” he says, gesturing to the formal dining room just off the main living room.
His tone isn’t cold, but whatever warmth I sensed at dinner is gone.
“Okay.”
I walk into the bedroom and get my toiletries before heading into the shared bathroom. Locking the door, I lean back against it and take a few steadying breaths.
Not that I wanted anything to happen, but my god, Ari wascompletelywrong about tonight. I chuckle as I take my dress and underwear off, and once I’m completely naked, I start the shower. I’ve always loved taking a shower before bed, because it means I can climb into bed feeling fresh and warm. I take an extra-long shower, because it’s been an extra-long day. Once I’m done, I go through my nighttime routine and dry my long hair. Slipping into one of the robes hung on the back of the door, I gather my clothes and walk out.
The sound of typing comes from within the dining room, but I can’t see Dr. Kincaid.
Not wanting to chance interrupting him, I walk into the bedroom and close the door. My phone beeps with a new email, and as I set my clothes in the foldable laundry hamper I brought, I walk over to my purse and pull it out, brows scrunched as I realize Doctor Devil emailed me from the other room.
Francesca,
The panel tomorrow morning doesn’t require your attendance. Please feel free to sleep in and order breakfast to the room. I do have a talk I’d like to attend at 10:30, so please be ready to take notes.
Don’t forget to lock your door.
-Doctor Devil
My heart jumps into my throat, and I have to read his sign-off at least fifteen times before I can breathe again.
Setting my phone down, I open the bedroom door and pad to the dining room without thinking about the fact that I’m only wearing a robe. When I see Dr. Kincaid sitting in the near dark with the light of his laptop screen highlighting just how chiseled his jaw is, I nearly stop breathing again.
“Have you always been a fan of alliteration, Francesca?” he asks without looking up.
“W-what?” I ask, heart racing. “I’m so, so sorry?—”
He pushes back from the dining table and places his hands behind his neck, and when he flicks those green eyes to me, my pulse spikes even further. His irises bloom and his jaw tics as his eyes drag down my body. He seems… angry? And yet, his lips tic up almost imperceptibly, as if he’s amused.
“It’s a clever nickname. I can’t fault you for your creativity.”
“You were never supposed to see it. I swear it was only a joke.”
He tilts his head as his eyes bore into mine. “No matter.” Standing up, he closes his laptop. “I should get to bed.”
