Page 191 of The Billionaire's Secret
"You ain't as much of a tosser as you seem," he chuckles.
I blink, watch as he plonks the sign over his shoulder, then marches up the road.
"Is that fucking odd or what?" I pivot, stalk toward the hotel.
"Why did he thank you for dinner?" she queries.
"He probably eats every night at the hotel," I mutter.
"He does?"
I nod, "All of the leftovers of the day are donated every night, in a makeshift soup kitchen we set up in the back."
Her forehead furrows, "You do that?"
"It’s economical." Heat suffuses my face, "Don’t go making me out to be empathetic or some such shit, because I’m not."
"Of course, not." Her lips curve slightly.
The wind blows again and she shivers. I pull her close, steer her up the steps and through the open door. Bypassing the main elevators in the lobby, I head for the one at the far end of the floor. The doors open almost immediately, and I step inside with her.
I frown, "Did you see his face? The guy who took you?"
She shakes her head, "I only heard him a couple of times through the closed door of my room."
She curls her finger into my shirt and I cuddle her even closer. "You’re safe with me, Gigi."
"So you keep saying," she sniffs.
"I mean it."
She peers up at me, "I know."
"I won’t let Antonio or anyone else get to you."
"Antonio won’t hurt—"
"That’s all I am going to say on the topic," I growl.
She purses her lips. For a second, I am sure she’s going to counter me, then she draws in a breath and nods. "Truce?"
"For now."
"Jesus," she huffs, "can’t you ever let me have the last word?"
"Never," I allow my lips to curl.
She frowns. The doors open, I step onto the penthouse floor, then guide her to my hotel suite. Once inside, I pull her with me, through the living room, into the bedroom, then the ensuite.
"What are you doing?"
I don’t answer. If I do, no doubt, my words will hurt her further. I reach the tub and turn on the water. Steam instantly rises in the air. I lift her onto the counter, then undo her buttons.
She tries to pull her shirt off. I catch her hands in mine, "Let me, Gigi, please."
She tips up her chin, searching my features. What is she looking for?
Her green eyes darken and her lips part. Her fingers tremble in mine. I move in closer. She parts her legs and I step into the space between them. "Gigi," my voice comes out harsh.
