Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
“Maxim, this place is crazy expensive.” She darts a glance at some of the people outside as I lead her through the lobby. “I’m not dressed to go in there.”
Her small hand tugs on my arm, but I ignore her protests. “You’re fine.” She’s more than fine, but I keep that to myself. “Let’s hurry. I’m hungry.”
She doesn’t offer any more protests, but I see her looking down at her clothes and then trying to wipe off some nonexistent dust as I check in.
“Mr. Longhorn, welcome back. Can we offer you your usual suite?”
“Longhorn?” Rue mumbles, but I squeeze her hand to silence her.
“Hello, Jeffrey. We’ll take the honeymoon if it’s available,” I tell the man behind the counter, and he beams as he nods to Rue.
“Certainly. And let me be the first here to congratulate you.”
“What the fu—”
“Thank you,” I say, louder than Rue to cut off what I know she was about to say. Then I slide the credit card I use when I stay here across the counter. “We’d like dinner sent to our room as soon as possible.”
“I’ll see to it myself. We’ve got a lovely seven-course meal for our honeymoon guests that we can—”
“Send it up,” I agree and nod to my card. “And I’ll be purchasing some items from the shops down here if you can have them sent up as well.”
“Of course.”
Thankfully, Jeffrey can sense the urgency of the situation, and he completes the check-in process in record time. As soon as he slides us the key, I’m practically dragging Rue behind me to the elevators.
“Okay, Daddy Warbucks, what the hell is going on?” Rue says when the elevators close and I scan the special pass that allows us access to the penthouse.
“Daddy?” I raise a brow at her and then watch her cheeks flush. “Hmm, can’t say I hate that.”
“Fine, Mr. Longhorn.”
“You know that’s not really my last name,” I tell her as I wait for the doors to open.
“You’re avoiding the question. Why the heck did you bring me to the most expensive place this side of the Mississippi?”
“Because they don’t ask a lot of questions if you’ve got the money to stay here,” I answer without looking at her. “They like money, and I’ve got plenty to burn. It’s a safe place for us to stay for a couple of days while everything blows over.”
“A couple of days?” She barks a laugh. “Yeah, that’s not happening. I’ve got places to be.”
“Like with your ex?” This time I look at her, and it’s a mistake. She can hear the jealousy in my voice just as much as I can. This whole situation is unlike anything I’ve had to deal with before, so I’m winging it.
“My point still stands.” Rue crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m not staying with you or with anyone. I’ve got things I need to do that are none of your concern. And I’ve got a life. I can’t be expected to sit still and wait for someone to find me.”
The elevator doors open into a foyer, and her eyes widen as she takes in the lush cream decor and the ridiculously large arrangement of white roses. The door for our suite is on the other side of the flowers, so I lead her around and unlock the door.
At the last second, I think fuck it and scoop her up in my arms to carry her over the threshold. She squeals in a mix of surprise and irritation, but I’ve got her on her feet almost as quickly as I swept her off of them.
“Very funny.” She scowls, and I fight a smile.
When I close the door behind us, I watch as she takes in the suite. I’ve been in here once before when my normal room was already booked, but it was awkward being in a romantic space like this on my own. It’s over the top, to say the least, but I like that I’m able to shock her. I get the feeling she’s not often surprised. Maybe it’s because she expects the worst in people. Or maybe because she’s actually seen the worst in people.
“Okay, now I know this is rich people shit; there’s a swimming pool in here!”
“I think they call that a jacuzzi,” I tell her as I lean against the doorframe of the bathroom and watch her get into the empty tub. The corner of my mouth turns up when she lies down in it and starts making snow angels.
“I’m like a starfish on the bottom of the ocean.” She sits up on her elbows and narrows her eyes at me. “Who are you?”
This time I don’t try to hide my grin. I’ve been asked that question several times in my life, so I give her the standard answer. “I’m nobody to everybody.” But then for the first time, another answer comes to mind.