Page 4 of Restrained

“And your other hotels?”

“Are typical. Nice. Luxurious but not exactly what I’m thinking for these three. They’ll be something different.”

My tongue darts out to wet my dry lips, and I watch his eyes track the movement as I clear my throat, his heated gaze making me flush. “What will make these different?”

He straightens his back in the chair, his chin lifted and his eyes locked on mine. “You.”

His intensity makes it hard for me to breathe, and I remind myself to be professional. He’s a prick. That much is apparent, but there’s also an attraction crackling in the air between us, one I'm not used to. One that feels dangerous. I swallow, trying to fight how dry my throat has become. “And how can I do that? I’ve never worked for a hotel chain before.”

“It’s not a chain, first of all.” His hand lays flat on the table between our bodies, and I find myself doing a once-over of his large hand with trimmed fingernails and tanned skin. Absolutely perfect like the rest of him except for one pink scar running diagonally from his thumb to his pinkie. “Second of all...” My eyes move back to his face which I would expect to be clean-shaven to match the rest of him, but he has fine stubble covering his cheeks and chin only adding to his appeal. “The hotels only have fifty rooms each. I intend for them to be the epitome of luxury.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes. When he said elite, he really meant it. Only those with high means will be staying there. More benefits to the rich. “Luxury.”

He looks devious and hasn’t lost the air of annoyance as he quips, “Yes. I’m suretheLola Sterling will have no problem with luxury.”

The way he says my name sends a shiver through me.Do I know him?“Did you Google me or something?”

His head tilts to the right as if I'm a child, and then he shakes his head, not bothering to answer my question. “There will be a spa, a restaurant, and a theater. The rooms are massive, and I want them to smell like money but not be snooty and uncomfortable.”

How could they not?“Got it. Luxurious. Home away from their already ostentatious homes.”

“Better. I want them to envy the hotel.Crave it.”

I swallow tightly, seeing the passion in his eyes while he talks about this project. “Crave a hotel?”

“Yes.” The determination in his eyes makes me squirm a little in my seat as I raise the coffee to my lips and take a sip. His eyes watch my movements intently. “If you don’t think you can handle it...”

“My partner and I are the best of the best.”

“So I’ve heard, but word of mouth can be bought like everything else.”

Rich prick.Just like everyone I've known. I have to believe that some things can’t be purchased, but everything I've seen over the years has proved him right and me wrong.

“I’ll have to talk to Penelope about it, but I’ll let you know.”

“Walk with me to my car.” My eyes widen, and I don’t move as he stands, looking at me like a petulant child not worth his time. “I have the contract there.”

I stand reluctantly. “Most clients invite us to their office for the first meeting.”

“I don’t let strangers in my home.”

I scoff, rolling my eyes as I sling my bag over my shoulder. “Your office is in your home? You don’t even have a separate office, and yet, you’re looking down your nose at me.”

What is his game? Is it all for show?His suit and overall appearance scream money, but there’s something in his eyes. Something that portrays so much more. Something that seems slightly off, lacking the pedigree and staunch boredom I’ve become accustomed to around prep schoolboys, groomed to become country club men. His body creeps near my own, forcing the hair on my arms to stand on high alert as goosebumps prickle over my skin from his close contact. “I happen to like my home. I’ve worked hard for it. And you’ll sign the contract, Lola.”

His stern tone and domineering presence does nothing to alleviate the goosebumps on my arms. “And how can you be so certain?”

“Because you need this deal.” His full lips are mesmerizing as he stands so near. “I imagine your trust fund would seem like a whole hell of a lot to most people, but starting a business in California? Buying a house right on the beach? A brand new Bently?” His tongue flicks with furious precision.How does he know all that?“You have to be running on fumes at this point, living on debt and your father’s last name.”

I nearly gulp, hating how accurate he is. “We’ve been successful.”

“And yet . . . you need this.”

I hate him. How it’s possible when we’ve just met, I'm not sure, but I hate this asshole. “I don’t bow down to anyone, no matter how dire the circumstance.”

His eyes flick to mine and then down to my knees. “You’ll kneel at my feet and thank God I came to you for this project when you see the contract, Lola.” His fingers button his suit jacket with expert movement as he straightens his shoulders and turns toward the entrance, expecting me to follow.

Everything in me screams not to do it.

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