Page 8 of Hot Water

After pacing my room for what feels like hours, I know I can’t do this alone. As much as I despise it, I need help. Hacking the resort’s site to find out her room number is above my computer abilities, but I know someone who might be able to pull it off. Giant Carmichael, an old friend who happens to be one of the best security experts in the country, has a knack for getting information quickly and discreetly. Grabbing my phone, I dial his number before I’m able to talk myself out of it.

The tension in my chest multiplies as I wait for him to pick up.

“Sinclair, what’s up?” He answers on the second ring.

“I need a favor. I need to find someone staying at the same resort I’m staying at. The Paradise Palms Resort in Barbados. Her name is Amelia Thorne Reynolds. Can you see if you can get me her room number?”

There’s a brief silence on the other end, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his head. “If this was anyone else, I’d tell them hell fucking no.” I already know asking him to do this is illegal, but I don’t fucking care. Finding my soulmate is more important than anything else. “But I trust you have a good reason to ask me to use my power for nefarious purposes. Give me a few minutes.”

I hang up and slump into the chair by the desk, my fingers tapping restlessly on the cool glass surface. Waiting has never been my forte, but knowing Giant will come through gives me a shred of patience.

Just under ten minutes later, my phone buzzes with a text from Giant.

Giant

She’s in bungalow 14. Be careful. Wealthy family, high profile.

The breath I’ve been holding rushes out of me.

Me

Thanks. I owe you one.

Giant

You owe me more than one. I want the full story when you get back from your vacation.

After taking a quick shower, I pull on my khaki shorts and light blue polo shirt and walk out into the living room to find my asshole brother sprawled on the sofa. He glances over at me and sighs. “Heading out?”

“I’ll explain everything later,” I tell him as I step into the hallway, ignoring his pout. I don’t have time to soothe my younger brother’s ruffled feathers right now.

The resort’s grounds are alive with evening activities, guests milling about, heading to dinner or other entertainment. I navigate my way through, heading toward bungalow fourteen, each step amplifying my anticipation and anxiety.

When I finally stand in front of her door, I take a deep breath, steadying myself. I reach out and knock, my pulse pounding in my ears. It’s a delicate balance—knowing this could go either incredibly well or disastrously wrong.

Moments later, the door opens slightly, revealing Amelia. Her eyes narrow in curiosity, then widen slightly in recognition. Fuck, she’s even more stunning with her hair dried and pulled up in a messy bun. From the look of things, she also showered. Her delicate floral scent teases my nose, causing my cock to turn to stone.

“Hi, Amelia. I wanted to clear the air and thank you properly for saving my life.” I step close to the door, ready to beg if needed.

She hesitates, glancing over her shoulder into the room. There’s a flicker of something in her eyes. It could be caution or curiosity, I’m not sure.

Finally, she opens the door wider and steps aside to let me in. “Alright, Mr. Midnight. Come in. Let’s talk.”

Once inside, the warm, cozy atmosphere of her bungalow feels almost ironic given the tension hanging in the air.

“So?” she asks and crosses her arms across her lush tits. She leans against the small dining table, studying me intently.

“I wanted to thank you properly for pulling me out of the water earlier today,” I start, calling on all my law enforcement training to keep my voice calm when the only thing I want to do right now is throw her gorgeous ass over my shoulder and head for the nearest bedroom to show her exactly how I feel. “And clear up a misconception you have about my intentions.”

“You already thanked me,” she cuts in, her tone sharp. “And the second you found out who I am, or rather who my parents are, you suddenly went all caveman, trying to convince me you fell hard and fast for me.”

I blink, taken aback. What the fuck? My heart clenches at the hurt shining in her bright green eyes. “You have it all wrong.”

“Really?” she challenges, a fire replacing the pain in her eyes. “Because I’ve seen it before. People recognize the name Reynolds and suddenly think they can get a piece of the pie.”

I shake my head, frustration bubbling up. “Amelia, it’s not about your money. I didn’t even?—”

“Didn’t even what?” she snaps. “Go back to your room and Google me? Find out my mother is a billionaire, and my father is famous in his own right?”

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