Page 39 of Ardent Desires

“We did,” Alexander replies, leaning back in his chair. “It was perfect.”

I nod in agreement, though I’m not sure I trust myself to speak just yet, not after the kind of night we had. Camilla’s sharp eyes flick between us, but she doesn’t comment. Instead, she smiles warmly and says, “Wonderful. After breakfast, I’d love to give you both a tour of the hotel. Show you some of our new additions.”

“That sounds great,” I say, finally finding my voice.

“Oh, and Camilla,” Alexander adds, setting down his coffee cup, “I wanted to ask—where were the tiles in the bathrooms imported from?”

Her face lights up at the question. “Ah, those! They’re from a small artisan shop in Sicily. Hand-painted and absolutely one-of-a-kind. I’ll send you the details, darling. I knew you’d appreciate them.”

He nods, satisfied, and I can’t help but admire the way he manages to talk business so smoothly, even over breakfast. It’s like his mind is always working, always planning, and somehow, it’s sexy as hell.

Camilla turns to me, her smile genuine. “Are you enjoying your stay so far, Ellie?”

“Oh, it’s incredible,” I say, glancing at Alexander before looking back at her. “I’ve never seen anything like this place.”

“Wonderful. We’re very proud of what we’ve built here. I think you’ll love the tour—it’s one of my favorite parts of the property.” She beams, clearly pleased with my response.

After a few more minutes of chatting, Camilla waves over one of the staff to clear the plates. “Take your time finishing breakfast, and then we’ll head out for the tour,” she says, excusing herself with a graceful smile.

I watch her walk away, and as soon as she’s out of earshot, I turn to Alexander. “She’s amazing.”

“She is,” he agrees, though his eyes are locked on me. “But you’re more amazing.”

I roll my eyes, laughing softly. “You don’t have to say that.”

“I’m not just saying it,” he murmurs, leaning closer. “You are.”

I bite my lip, trying to keep my cool, but it’s hard when he looks at me like that, like I’m the only thing in the world that matters. He reaches over, his hand resting on mine, and the simple touch sends a shiver of warmth through me.

We finish breakfast leisurely, the sounds of the city below mixing with the soft clinking of dishes as the staff clears the table. It’s peaceful, but there’s this underlying tension between us—a kind of electric charge that makes my skin buzz.

As we stand to get ready for the tour, Alexander’s hand finds the small of my back, guiding me gently. It’s a simple gesture, but it makes me feel grounded, like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Camilla meets us by the entrance to the terrace, her face lighting up when she sees us. “Shall we begin?” she asks, her excitement infectious.

We nod, and she leads us down a path lined with lush greenery, explaining the history of the hotel as we go. Every detail, from the architecture to the design, is carefully thoughtout, and I can see why Alexander is so fascinated by this place. It’s luxurious without being ostentatious, elegant without feeling cold.

We walk through the main lobby, the marble floors gleaming under the soft light, and into a private wing that’s been newly renovated. Camilla points out the custom pieces they’ve added, including an exclusive art collection and designer furniture.

“Everything is handcrafted,” she explains, her voice filled with pride. “We want our guests to feel like they’re stepping into a world of luxury, where every detail is curated for them.”

Alexander asks a few more questions, mostly about the construction and materials, and I can see the way his mind is working, already thinking of ways to incorporate these ideas into his own projects.

We move on to the spa area, which is honestly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The entire space feels like an oasis, with serene pools, lush plants, and soft, ambient lighting that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.

“You’ll have to try out the spa later,” Camilla says, winking at me. “It’s heavenly.”

I smile, already imagining myself relaxing in one of those gorgeous pools. “I might have to.”

By the time we finish the tour, I’m completely in awe of everything. The hotel is a masterpiece, and I can see why it’s such a big deal for them. But more than that, I’m starting to see how Alexander’s world fits into all of this—the luxury, the precision, the attention to detail. It’s all a reflection of him in a way, and it’s making me fall for him even harder.

As we make our way back to the terrace, Alexander leans in close, his lips brushing against my ear. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

I laugh softly, my heart fluttering in my chest. “Yeah, I really am.”

He smiles, and I can see that spark in his eyes—the one that makes everything feel like it’s just the beginning of something incredible.

And I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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