Page 43 of Stars in Halo

It was time to level up.

‘Staying at this hotel?’ Xion rasped.

‘I am,’ she replied, her voice husky with an undertone of desire.

Their eyes met once more.

‘If I say so, I think you’re too buzzed to return to your lodgings,’ she added.

There was nothing to lose, so he shot his shot.

‘You may say so,’ he grunted. ‘What are you going to do about it?’

Her haloed gems flashed, and her chest heaved.

She was feeling the heat as much as he was.

As the tension crackled between them, Katya exhaled, revealing a raw hunger in her eyes that mirrored Xion’s desire.

She leaned in closer, her breath mingling with his as she whispered, ‘I think I can accommodate you.’

He cocked a brow. ‘Why don’t we explore said accommodations and see how hot this fire burns.’

She rose to her feet and extended a slender hand.

Despite a warning in the back of his mind, he took it.

Without another word, Xion took her hand and led her out of the bustling bar, their steps quickening with anticipation.

At the elevator, he ushered her inside, stroking all down her back.

‘No attachments, beautiful,’ he murmured, giving her his consummate one-night stand preamble. Even as the words left his lips, he sensed their hollowness and regretted them. ‘Sorry - .’

‘No feelings, handsome,’ she breathed in return, as if she hadn’t tagged his contriteness.

The lift pinged open.

They exited, exchanging yet another heated glance.

The air conditioning did little to cool their skin as they made their way to Katya’s suite, along a corridor lined with plush carpeting in deep burgundy.

The walls were pristine white, adorned with ornate gold accents.

Soft instrumental music filled the space, adding to the sophistication of the ambience.

Crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the opulent surroundings.

She paused at a gild-edged door and fumbled with her wrist comm.

A muted ping let them into an apartment as extravagant as the hallway outside.

It featured rich furniture, silk curtains, and velvet cushions scattered throughout.

It invited, called and promised a sensual voyage of discovery.

Between two bodies, souls and minds.

A Night of Unexpected Bliss