Page 37 of Behind the Scenes
“Let me rephrase: Youarecrazy, but you’re not an idiot. You dragged me here, so I expect to do something more mentally stimulating than sitting in a hotel room alone eating subpar room service.”
I couldn’t stop my smirk. She had no idea what my plans were. It would be insulting to take her to some random hotel with what she claimed was subpar room service. She deserved so much more, and I was going to give it to her.
But I didn't let her in on any of the surprises. I merely followed her to the car, let her and Penelope step inside, and then stayed silent during the trip from the airport to the resort.
And then I ate up every single moment of Laura's reaction when she saw where I was taking her.
No, it wasn't just a hotel. It was a five-star fucking resort that cost thousands of dollars a night, which came right out of my own bank account. The movie people didn’t care as long as they didn’t have to pay for it.
Laura was excited, I could see it in her eyes. Not that she would ever want to admit it.
So instead of rubbing it in, I let it go and just let the driver pull up and carry our bags while I showed Laura and Penelope in.
I went straight to the receptionist, but I didn't have to give her any of my information. Her eyes widened, and she immediately started typing on her computer.
“Ms. Hart, it’s wonderful to see you. I have your rooms ready; just give me a second to get your keys.”
I gave her a dazzling smile and held out my hand for them.
“Thank you so much, love,” I said and gave Penelope one. I could instantly see smoke coming out of Laura’s ears.
“We are not sleeping?—”
Before she could finish her sentence, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and turned us toward the elevators.
“We have an image to uphold, my love,” I whispered in her ear. I didn't miss the shiver that ran through her body.
Penelope motioned for us to get into the elevator first, so I nodded and pulled Laura close, thankful that Penelope got the hint to wait for the next one.
“Two beds,” I finally said, unwinding my arm from her. “Whatever you think of me, I wouldn’t force myself on you. And just think of how fun it’ll be when you comewillingly.”
She let out a scoff but said nothing else.
The room was on the 12th floor and not too extravagant, even though it was one of the best ones they had. I wanted Laura to beable to enjoy her time in Maui without feeling overwhelmed. I could wait to spoil her a bit more.
“You'll have a good time here,” I promised, sending her a smile as we reached the door. “Trust me a little, okay?”
She gave me a look, and I wasn’t sure what it meant, so I swiped the key and pushed open the door.
“Trust you? You’ve got to?—”
Her voice cut off when we got a first look at the state of the room.
It was a complete mess.
Pillows were torn up. Glass was shattered across the entire room. And there was some type of black substance drizzled over most surfaces.
On the sliding glass doors to the balcony, that same black substance spelled out one word.
Whore.
laura
. . .
Is this the moment I’ll get to see a glimpse of the monster again?
The dichotomy between the mask Harley wore for the world and her killer persona was enough to give me whiplash.
