Total pages in book: 767
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
His fingers curled into his palms and he repressed the urge to reach out and tug on the dangling tails, undoing the bow and opening her shirt to expose her lovely neck.
“Alexander.” She smiled regally, a large Birkin bag hooked in the crook of her elbow.
“Alena. May I?” He gestured to her bag.
“I’ve got the bag, but I’ll take your arm.” Alexander cocked his arm, and she slid her left hand around his right elbow.
They walked down the hall and paused at the door to the dungeon. She’d suggested they get a drink, which meant going into the ballroom, as that was where the bar for this event was.
They both hesitated, and Alena glanced at him, brows raised, lips twisted in distaste.
He didn’t want to go back in there either.
“It’s nearly five a.m. Perhaps we should have breakfast instead.” The words were out before he could think about them. It wasn’t exactly forbidden for members to socialize outside of the club, but it was discouraged.
Alena smiled, clearly relieved. “Breakfast is perfect. I forgot you’re a local, well, at least you’re from this country. Do you know the city well enough to choose a place? I can do a quick search if not.”
“I know the city. I live in Wien.”
“Where’s that?”
“My apologies. Wien is Vienna. It’s the German name.”
Alena clicked her tongue. “Of course, I knew that. I’ll admit my brain is tired after everything you put me through.”
She narrowed her eyes in mock anger, and Alexander laughed.
Had he ever laughed with a sub before? No, usually they were either blissed out or semi-horrified once the arousal wore off.
Together they walked to the elevator, passing a few couples and triads still in their club attire headed for aftercare rooms.
Alexander pushed the button for the elevator, then turned to look at Alena. “Are you staying in this hotel?” The hotel was technically closed, which was why they were able to use it, but the host had made rooms available to members.
“I was. I had my bags picked up last night before coming up to the club. I’m headed to Iceland this morning for business, and didn’t want to have to worry about my suitcase.”
“You’re flying to Iceland today?”
“My flight is at ten.” She checked her slim watch. “Given that it’s now just after five a.m., I have plenty of time for breakfast. And at least two cups of strong tea.”
The elevator doors opened and they stepped in. Alexander set his kit down and tugged his phone out of his pocket, looking for the article he’d seen.
“Are any restaurants going to be open this early?” Alena mused.
He tapped the screen, opening the article. “I don’t think you’re going to Iceland today.”
“Sugar, I know I said I wanted another night, and if I didn’t have to go I’d be—”
“One of their volcanos is spewing ash,” he interrupted. Later he’d think about what she’d been saying and parse out what it made him feel. “Flights are grounded.” Alexander turned the phone screen so she could see it.
Alena took his phone, quickly scanning the article. “No flights in or out. Well damn.” She passed back the phone and started to reach into her bag when the doors opened.
Alexander cupped her elbow, guiding her out. Most of the lobby was draped in plastic that sealed off the areas being remodeled. Tall, slim windows above the main doors allowed in light. Alena paused in a streak of pale pearly white luminescence that painted silver highlights on her cheekbones and hair. Dawn was approaching, and quickly.
She dug her phone out of her purse and checked it, making a frustrated noise. “My flight was most definitely canceled. My assistant, who I hope is now asleep, poor thing, canceled my meeting, but didn’t make me another reservation.” Alena tapped her nail on the phone screen. “I don’t like to make unnecessary trips, or waste trips.” Alena was speaking fast, her fingers sliding over her phone screen. “Just paying for carbon offset won’t do as much good as not flying when I don’t need to.”
“You are an environmentalist?” Alexander asked. His company moved goods by plane, train, and cargo ship, all of which produced pollutants.
“No, just want to make sure the earth survives.” Alena sighed. “Anyway, apparently I don’t have a flight to catch. Would you be so kind as to recommend a hotel?”
“You’re planning to stay in Vienna?”
“I’m already in Europe, so hopefully I can bring forward some meetings I have scheduled in France for next month, and avoid flying to Europe again.”
“The planet thanks you,” Alexander said while internally wincing.
She tucked her phone into her bag. “My clever plan to have my luggage held at the airport doesn’t seem so clever now. Once I check in somewhere, hopefully I can get a messenger service to deliver my bags.”
She looked up at the windows above the door. The roof of the building across the street was visible, and a little patch of pale gray-blue sky.