Page 12 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

“Hi, Jannette.” I offer a polite, thin smile. I’m too tired for pleasantries.

I gesture toward the guys. “Jannette, this is Zee and Aaden. They’ll be staying at the apartment and will need full security access.”

Zee steps forward, startling Jannette. She quickly recovers and appraises him. I cock my head, trying to view him from her perspective. Zee’s broad shoulders complement his generous six-foot-plus height, and a well-defined chest stretches his black T-shirt, his muscles honed from years of fighting and training. His short, dark hair matches the five o’clock shadow that seems to sit permanently on his rugged face, giving him a slightly dangerous look, matching his personality. His spring green eyes have flecks of brown in the center. He’s appealing, but Jannette is missing one important detail—he’s a cocky jerk. There’s time for her to learn, I suppose.

Zee smirks and preens under our attention, and Jannette blushes while I roll my eyes; like he needs an ego boost. Ten minutes later, Zee and Aaden’s handprints have been scanned, giving them access to the private elevator and a set of doors to the apartment.

Upon entering the apartment, Zee strides down the hallway, I assume for security reasons rather than being nosy—but it’s probably both. Aaden stands still, taking in the large open-plan living area with enormous, curved oatmeal-colored sofas in front of a wall-length fireplace. The entire apartment is a blend of rich gold and cream tones.

Taking Aaden’s hand, I pull him to the balcony doors.

“Let me show you my favorite view in Seattle and give you a tour of the apartment.” Stepping out onto the balcony, we’re greeted with a magnificent view of Elliott Bay. I lean over the rail, watching the ferry boats and twinkling lights.

“It’s stunning… Did you stay here often?” Aaden asks.

Turning away, I warm my hands over the yellow flames licking the air from the stone fire pit in the middle of the chairs and loungers.

“Often enough to call it a home. We used it when we traveled since it’s closer to the airport.”

Aaden’s eyes gleam. “Did you travel often?”

“Yes. I’m lucky. Hong Kong, Australia, UK, France, Singapore, and more.”

“That’s incredible.”

Zee pokes his head through the door and glances around the balcony. His eyes narrow on the steam escaping from a hot tub large enough for twelve people. A slow grin spreads across his mouth.

“Fancy a dip later?” He wiggles his eyebrows.

I roll my eyes. “Keep dreaming.”

He chuckles. “Oh, I will.”

My aching muscles beg me to get in and allow the jets to massage the sore spots. Before following Zee inside, I promise the tub we have a date soon.

We grab some water from the fully stocked kitchen, and Aaden picks some restaurant menus off the refrigerator and raises his eyebrows. “Wow, how the other half live…”

I don’t explain all the ways he wouldn’t enjoy “the other half” of life. I know my childhood was privileged. My grandparents gave me an excellent education and loved me unconditionally. But my life was full of constraints, expectations, judgments, and the lack of freedom to make my own decisions. Leaving Seattle for New York to follow my dreams and study dance at a prestigious arts school, I put an entire continent between me and that life.

I wave my hand between the two main floor guest bedrooms. “And here are your accommodations, gentlemen.” I show them where the clean towels are kept and leave them to choose their bedrooms. Naturally, Zee argues about it despite them being almost identical. I shake my head. He would argue the sky is green, just for the sake of it.

Upstairs in the master suite, I fling open my suitcase and prepare to unpack when Zee appears in the doorway with his luggage. I glance at his bag then his face, raising an eyebrow in question.

“I’m taking the bedroom next to yours. It’s closer—I can protect you better.”

My fists clench at my sides. “No way. The bodyguarding is foroutsideof this apartment. I’m not sleeping next door to you. The bedrooms have adjoining doors.”

He grins. “I know. Scared?”

A little, but showing weakness to this man would be dangerous. My chin lifts. “Not at all.”

“I’ll be next door then,” he says, wearing a self-satisfied expression as he stalks away. Narcissist.

Realizing he’s manipulated me using my inability to back down from a challenge, I growl. I hear him laugh. My mental shields kick in, selecting “Boombastic” by Shaggy. Can’t beat that for clearing your mind. Aaden jogs up the stairs, taking two at a time, and stalks into my bedroom. He must consider personal boundaries optional.

His face wrinkles at my song choice. “What did he do?”

“Manipulated me into letting him take the adjoining bedroom.”

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