Page 74 of Strictly Business

Chapter twenty-five

Amara

Idon’t belong here.

That’s the only thought in my mind the moment I step into the Blackwood hotel lobby. I feel like I’ve stumbled into an alternate reality.

The marble floors are so shiny I’m convinced if I stare long enough, I might just see my own shocked face staring back at me. It even smells expensive. Like fresh roses, leather, and the kind of money I can only dream about.

Nicholas rests his hand on my back as we make our way toward the check-in counter. He’s calm, collected, like he owns the place—which he does. Whereas I’m doing my best not to look like someone who wandered in off the street by mistake.

As Nicholas approaches the counter, the concierge straightens up, a flicker of surprise flashing before it morphs into a practiced smile. “Mr. Blackwood, good evening. We weren’t expecting you.”

“It was a last-minute trip,” Nicholas responds smoothly, pulling his wallet from his jacket pocket, handing them his ID.

“No problem at all.” The concierge types away. “We’re happy to have you with us. The Presidential Suite is ready and waiting.”

My breath catches. The Presidential Suite. Naturally. Because anything less would be unacceptable for Nicholas Blackwood.

Nicholas nods, sliding his wallet back into place. “Thank you.”

“If you need anything at all during your stay, just let us know,” the concierge adds, handing back his ID with a smile.

Watching the interaction is like observing royalty being served.

Nicholas turns, his hand sliding back to the small of my back as we stroll across the lobby toward the elevator. It’s casual, probably no big deal to him, but I can’t help but love how he keeps touching me, like he’s drawn to it without even realizing.

“So, this is a Blackwood Hotel,” I murmur to myself more than anyone, letting my eyes roam over the hotel lobby.

Nicholas halts mid-step, glancing down at me, a brow raised. “You’ve never been to one?”

The disbelief in his voice makes me bite back a smile. “Not exactly in my price range.”

He blinks, his expression blank for a beat. “You’re serious?”

“Unfortunately.” I shrug, letting out a soft laugh. “Besides, I’ve never really needed to stay in a hotel. I’ve always been busy with work. Never had the time for a vacation.”

For a split second, his expression softens, a moment of realization crossing his face like he’s just realized how different our worlds really are. “You’ve really never stayed in a hotel like this before?”

“Nope.” I shake my head.

He studies me for a long beat before his lips tug into a smile. “Well, that’s about to change.”

He turns to press the button for the elevator, and we stand there, his hand sliding back to my side just as a guy in a pristine gray suit taps Nicholas on the shoulder.

“Nicholas.” He extends a hand. “I wasn’t expecting you here this week.”

“Michael.” Nicholas greets him, his posture somehow even straighter than usual. “Last-minute trip. This is Amara.” He looks at me with that easy smile of his. “My fiancée.”

Michael’s eyes flicker between us, and I’m almost certain I catch a brief flash of surprise before he quickly masks it with a polite grin. He’s probably thinking I don’t belong with someone like Nicholas.

“Nice to meet you, Amara.”

I swallow hard, forcing a smile. “You too.”

Michael turns back to Nicholas. “Let me know if you need anything while you’re here.”

“Will do. Thanks, Michael.”

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