Page 34 of Tempt Me

“Jane,” he barked. “Where the hell have you been?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Karwatsky, there was an emergency on the fifth floor.”

“Really?” His skepticism was unmistakable. He turned his attention to the guests and smiled sweetly at them. “I’m so sorry for this inconvenience. I’ll make sure Jane takes twenty percent off your accommodation.” He turned to me and sneered, and I knew I would have to make up the difference with my next paycheck.

I deserved it. My stupid libido was bound to get me into trouble sooner or later.

With their paperwork sorted, I handed the couple the cards to their rooms and helped them load their luggage onto a couple of trolleys. “I’m so sorry.” I apologized for the umpteenth time as they took turns bundling into the elevator with their luggage.

Once the guests had vacated the lobby, I turned to Needledick. His red cheeks and evil glare confirmed my trouble was only just beginning.

“Right, miss.” He slapped his hand on the counter. “What was this supposed emergency?”

I swallowed as my mind raced for an answer. “The guest in room twenty-five smashed a pile of plates by accident and needed a dustpan and brush. I went up to help him.”

“Is that right?” He waggled his head, seeing through my lie.

As I nodded with conviction, a trickle of sweat rolled down my lower back. “It’s the truth.”

“Let’s go see him then.”

My eyes bulged. “Pardon?”

“Let’s go see if he was happy with your service, shall we?”

Oh, God. “Ummm, there’s no need for that.”

He glared to me. “Yes, Jane. There is. I think you’ve been up in your room instead of working behind this counter.”

Chapter Eleven

My heart pounded as I shook my head. “But. . . but?—"

He snatched his keys off the desk. “Let’s go.”

“Me?” I palmed my chest.

“Yes, you.” He scowled at me like I was a fucking lunatic.

Waiting for the return of the elevator was done in excruciating silence.

We stepped in together.

My mind was a fucked-up scramble as I tried to picture how this would play out.

On the fifth floor, Needledick strode ahead of me and knocked on room twenty-five. Corben opened moments later with a huge grin on his face.

“Sorry to bother you, sir, but I just wanted to check that Jane helped you with the broken plates.”

I reached up onto my tiptoes so he could see me better and mouthedpleaseto Corben.

He frowned at me, then cocked his head to the side. “Come and look for yourself.” He stepped aside, and Needledick strode into the room and headed to the kitchen.

Corben’s eyes pierced me. As I stepped past him, he squeezed my butt. “Hello, Jane.”

I wanted to vomit.

Again, I mouthed, please.

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