Page 29 of Our Forbidden Romance 1
I stroll back in. “Everything is sorted, so finish your pancakes, and we can head over,” I say with a flourish and a smile.
“I can’t eat anymore. Why did you not talk me out of going for seconds?” She lets out a groan holding her stomach.
“We can take them with us. You can have them later. I didn’t force you to eat them.” I laugh.
Alana glares at me. I chuckle and shake my head. I grab the attention of one of the staff. “Can I have the cheque please? And can we take the rest of the pancakes to go?” The waitress nods.
The sooner we get to the hotel the better because I am sure she is shattered, and I will become relaxed once I know she is completely safe.
“All I want right now is a warm shower and some sleep.” Alana yawns as we climb into my car.
“You can do that soon enough, kitten. You can sleep all day if you want.” I don’t know what she is doing regarding work and classes, but it is a conversation for later when she is rested.
My main focus is to make sure she is taken care of today.
Ezra finally stops the car,and I assume we have arrived at our destination, one which he refused to tell me until we got there. I look out the window and gasp in shock. “No! You better not have booked me a room here, Ezra. It is too much.”
We are outside the Thistle Hotel, one of the most expensive hotels.
“Alana, the price doesn’t matter. I have booked you in for the next week, and don’t try arguing with me about it, okay? It is paid for,” he replies firmly.
I wish he’d stop saying that the price doesn’t matter! Maybe to him it doesn’t, but to me it does. I could never afford to stay somewhere like this, and I sure as hell don’t expect anyone else to pay for me to stay here either.
“Yes, it does! The money you have paid you could have used for something else, something more important. Give it to charity, start a scholarship, help families in poverty.” I whimper because the thought of me staying somewhere so fancy and expensive makes me sick to my stomach, especially since there are so many more people worse off than me.
“Alana, it is my money. I can do with it what I please. And if it makes you feel any better all those things you suggested, I already do them,” he says softly.
“You do?” I don’t mean to sound so surprised, but let’s be honest, how many wealthy people don’t help anyone but themselves.
“Yes. I make sure a percentage of the money I make each year is given to help the people in need because no one in this world should ever have to struggle to find food and shelter. I donate to many different charities because I know what it is like to struggle and not afford the basic things in life to survive.” There is a sadness in his voice when he speaks.
How can he know what it feels like? He has always had everything he needed or wanted.
“And how would you know how that feels?” I question.
“There is a lot of things you don’t know about me, Alana. I’d rather not discuss it right now, but I will tell you one thing. I was adopted when I was nine by the Barclays, and before I was, my life was hell. Every day was a struggle.” He sighs.
I had no clue, and sure as hell wasn’t expecting him to tell me something like that. “I am sorry. I didn’t realize,” I reply softly.
“No, it’s okay. The only people who know are my family, no one else, not even Bella,” he says.
His girlfriend doesn’t know he’s adopted. I thought it’d be a topic you’d tell the person you are with, but what would I know?
“Come on, bright eyes, let’s go inside, and get you settled into your room,” he says, changing the subject.
“Fine, but know I am not happy with you for booking me in here.” I huff. I want to make it clear.
Ezra laughs. “Then you are going to hate me when you see your room.” He climbs out of the car before I have a chance to react. Like a gentleman he walks around to the passenger’s side and opens the door for me. He holds out his arm for me to take and escorts me inside.
The moment I step inside I am in complete awe of the place. I have never seen something so beautiful. The floors were cream and titled, the ceilings high with stunning architecture, crystal chandeliers hanging from it. The walls were all white.
Ezra keeps me close as we make our way to reception. I feel nervous standing around in case someone sees us.
“Good morning, Mr. Barclay. It’s nice to see you again.” The desk clerk called Alexander smiles.
“Good morning, Alexander. You too. Is the room ready? This is my friend Miss Goodman who will be staying here until things are sorted for her,” Ezra replies.
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Goodman. I am Alexander. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call down to me and ask.” He smiles.
