Page 101 of Strictly Forbidden

I snuggled a little bit closer, staring down at Max. My boy had been through a lot as well, coming through like a little trooper. What would I have done without the two boys?

“Yes, sir. It is available.”

He shoved his card across the counter just as Max decided to jump onto the edge with his two paws, his tail wagging incessantly.

The girl’s immediate look of horror clearly pissed Kage off and I’d learned that wasn’t a good thing for anyone to do.

I adored him for that as well.

What was I saying? I adored the man through and through.

“I’m sorry, sir, but dogs aren’t allowed in our guest rooms.”

I had to bite back a laugh as he slowly leaned over the counter. He was so huge that I noticed true fear in her eyes. I was certain he was going to wrap his hand around her throat but instead of playing the brutality card, he used another.

And it shocked me almost as much.

“Perhaps you don’t know who I am, Miss Jenaro. My name is Kage Bronson. Abbot Bronson was my grandfather, the man who helped provide the funding for this hotel many years ago. Now, since my grandfather’s death, I’ve taken over his holdings and his empire. One part of his company that was very important to him was the continued funds he gave as gifts to various Denver locations for renovations or additions. I believe this hotel is scheduled for renovation next year. Now, I would hate to pull the fifty million dollars earmarked for the project from my company because my well-trained, loving dog was not allowed to stay in your fine establishment. However, I will leave that up to you. There are other five-star hotels in the area that I am certain will welcome us after surviving an attack in the middle of a snowstorm.”

Even the sound of the man’s voice was amazing, a huge turn-on. Through the entire soliloquy, he’d kept sweet and sexy smile on his face.

God, I hungered for him.

“I am so sorry. I’m entirely certain my manager wouldn’t mind. After all, your family is a legend in this hotel. Let me get everything set up for you.”

“While you’re at it, I want two bottles of champagne sent up along with four filets cooked perfectly rare along with all the accompaniments, a cheese and fruit platter, and a full bottle of Macallan scotch. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll make certain that happens.”

I glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. “You do realize there is a chance the kitchen is closed. Right?”

“Then they will open it back up,” he said gruffly as he turned around, rubbing his palms down my arms.

When I shivered this time, it was for an entirely different reason.

“Four filets?”

He shrugged, peering down at Max. “I kinda think our boy deserves to have two. Don’t you? I mean for his heroic deeds and all.”

“Our boy, huh?” It was the second time he’d made the statement, and in truth, I loved hearing it more than I should.

“Yep.”

“I’m curious, big man. Do you always get what you want?”

His grin at that moment could light up the entire lobby. “Pretty much.”

“I like that about you.”

“I hope there’s more you like.”

“Oh,” I whispered. “Much more.”

“You’re all set, Mr. Bronson and I apologize for my misstatement. We will be happy to accept your pup anytime you’d like to bring her.”

“Him and his name is Max,” Kage corrected as he grabbed the package of key cards just as Max slapped his paws on the counter once again.

This time as if on cue he issued a single low-throated growl. Yes, I should admonish him but it was all I could do to keep from bursting into laughter. The night was more than just surreal.

---