Page 55 of Forbidden Mistress

I wait for his reply, but after a few minutes, I switch over to check my social media accounts. He must be busy, though, doing what? It’s late. Is he at Obscura?

A few minutes later, a notification pops up with Hart’s reply.

I’ve reserved a room at a hotel in Pasadena. Meet me there in an hour.

When he sends me the address, I release a long, disbelieving breath. Shit…of course, it’s the most expensive hotel in my area. And he just booked a room like it’s nothing. Fuuuck. He gives me the room number, and of course, it’s the penthouse suite. Of course.

I glance at the time—it’s late, but fuck it. Although I’m the one who reached out to him, I only half-expected him to actually come out here. He’s such a busy guy, and Malibu is a fair distance away from Pasadena. But just knowing I’ll see him in an hour is such a relief. I imagine sinking into his hard chest, tucking myself into his warmth, and falling asleep…after some mind-blowing sex, of course.

I hop into a hot shower, then quickly shove all my makeup, toiletries, and clothes into a bag. After telling Avery and Haley where I’m going, I jump in my car and head over to the hotel. The person manning the front desk is already aware of who I am, and after handing me the keycard, she sends someone to help me take my one little bag upstairs to the penthouse. It’s ridiculous actually, and I’m kind of self-conscious about my worn, threadbare bag.

When I swipe into the suite, it’s empty—and absolutely gorgeous. It’s like a large apartment with a living room, bar area, and dining area—as well as a short hallway that I’m guessing leads to the bedroom.

I turn to the bellboy and hand him the only two crumpled bills I have on hand. “Thank you.”

With a quick nod, he smiles and leaves, leaving me alone in the penthouse. One second later, I get a text that sends my heart racing.

In the bedroom.

He’s already here. My breathing speeds up, and my face immediately feels hot.

I head down the short hallway to the master bedroom. When I open the door, it’s dark inside. Pitch black. I reach for the light switch when his voice emerges from the abyss.

“Don’t.” On instinct, I pull my hand away. How can he see me? “No lights. Come in and close the door.”

I suck in a deep breath and do as he asks. “Thank you for coming out here. I didn’t really expect you to drop everything.”

“Come here,” he says in that thick British accent.

I kick my shoes off and carefully pick my way over to the bed, using his voice as my guide. I’ve obviously never seen this room in the light, so my advance isn’t exactly graceful. Once my knee hits the side of the bed, I climb up onto the mattress. His large frame is in the middle of the bed, and my roving hands pick up on the fact that he’s only wearing his underwear—nothing else.

“Did you lose your clothes?” I tease.

“This is what I sleep in,” he answers. “You, on the other hand, are overdressed.”

With a little laugh, I sit up and pull my dress off, flinging it into the darkness. Now, we’re evenly matched. I’m in my bra and panties. “Better?”

His only answer is a deep rumble of approval that comes from somewhere deep in his chest. Scootching over to him, I find the crook of his arm and chest and nestle into it. His warmth calms me instantly, and I sink into it. His heartbeat is strong and steady and lulls me into a deep sense of contentment.

I press my cheek to his solid chest and close my eyes. “I missed you…” I whisper.

“You’ve had a difficult day. Talk to me, Little Fawn.”

I shake my head. “Mom is getting better. Stronger. She should be released really soon.”

“But there’s something bothering you. I can hear it in your voice. In the way it catches a little when you speak.”

How is it possible for a complete stranger to know me so intimately? I don’t want to sound overly romantic, but is this what kismet is? Two people who were meant to come together?

I adjust my position a little, nestling even deeper into his arms. “My stepbrother. I’ve been trying to avoid him during this whole ordeal but tonight…he was there at the hospital. We don’t talk much anymore. We were close at one time but not since he went off to college and now he’s just become this cold, calculating jerk. Nothing like he used to be. I just—”

I cut myself off. How much should I really get into it with Hart? I’m sure he doesn’t really care about my stepbrother drama. But to my surprise, he tugs me a little closer.

“Why does he upset you?” he asks.

I push out a breath. “Because…I don’t know. Like I told you at your office, when my dad died, my stepbrother took my dad’s business and left me with nothing.”

There’s a moment of silence before he says, “Definitely an asshole move. But he can’t keep something from you that’s rightfully yours.”

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