Page 42 of Avoiding Temptation
“This is our hotel?” My voice is full of awe.
“Yeah. Is that okay?”
“Okay? Joe, this place is stunning. It must have cost you a damn fortune.”
“As much as I’d love to agree, I actually got us an amazing last-minute deal.”
“Just tell me how much my half is, and I’ll make sure to pay you back.”
His eyes burn into the side of my head as I bend down to grab my bag, ready to get out. A shiver runs down my spine, and when I look over at him I understand why. His eyes are full of anger and frustration. The look is one I’m familiar with, and it makes my muscles tense, ready for what’s to come.
“You’ll do no such thing. I booked this for you, as a gift. I don’t expect anything in return.” His voice is hard, but it doesn’t hold the disgust or vile words I’m so used to following anger.
I open my mouth to respond, but he beats me to it.
“And don’t even think about arguing.”
“I wasn’t,” I lie. “I was going to ask if you were sure you didn’t wantanythingin return.”
His eyes darken further, but it’s no longer with anger. They drop from mine in favour of my lips, and I can't help my tongue sneaking out to wet my bottom one in preparation for what I hope is to come. We’ve been together over two hours and side by side in this confined space for most of that, and he’s yet to do anything aside from place his hand on my thigh and look at me like he wants to devour me.
He clears his throat. “Come on, let’s check in.” It takes him a few seconds to do as he suggested. His eyes are too focused on my lips to move.
Grabbing both of our bags, he takes my hand and, after placing a kiss to my knuckles, threads our fingers together and guides me towards the entrance.
“I’ve got a room booked for Mr. Kingsman,” he says, seemingly oblivious to the girl behind the reception desk drooling over him.
“Oh um…yes. I have some good news for you as well—it seems your room has been upgraded.” He looks over at me and winks. I damn near melt into a puddle on the floor.
The receptionist hands over our key and talks through a couple of things, but I don’t pay any attention. I’m too busy taking note of the intricate tattoos that cover Joe’s arms and hands.
“Your dinner reservation is for nine o’clock. It’ll be in our restaurant just behind me,” she explains seconds before Joe thanks her and takes my hand once again. “Would you like any help with your luggage?” Joe waves her off, and we head for the lift.
“I think she liked you,” I say once the doors have closed us inside the small space.
“Didn’t notice.”
“How’s that possible? She was about ready to jump the desk so she could lick you.”
“You were standing next to me, Quinn. Why would I be paying attention to anyone else?”
“I…uh…” The lift opens on the top floor of the hotel, and we walk out hand in hand.
Joe holds the keycard up to the pad, and the door clicks unlocked. Dropping my hand, he reaches for the handle and pushes it open.
“After you.”
I step forward and my eyes go wide.
“Wow.” I walk into the huge, luxurious room, trying and failing to take it all in. The old beams are through the walls and ceilings, giving it the perfect old and rustic look that’s stereotypical of the buildings here. The rest of the room is in keeping with the age of the building, but it’s mixed with a few sleek modern touches.
“I was thinking the same.” Having dropped the bags, Joe’s hands slip around my waist and I’m pulled back against him. His heat immediately seeps into me, and I breathe a sigh of contentment.
I’m safe.
“Only, I haven’t had a chance to look at the room because I can’t take my eyes off you.”
“Are you always this smooth?”
