Page 39 of Twisted Lies

I laugh a little and try to distract myself by looking out the window and watching the world go by.

“Is this your first time in New York?” he asks. I feel his gaze on me as I stare out.

“Yes.”

“In the morning, I have a meeting, but after, I’ll take you to some of the sights.”

I nod, not removing my eyes from looking out. I don’t want to look at him now. Then he would see all the different emotions I am feeling. The drive to the hotel goes by quicker than I would have liked. At least in the car, the driver was a buffer of some sort. But it’d only be us in the hotel room. I’m nervous about being alone with him.ThisElijah I do not know.

Even with Claire’s words ringing in my head that he’s the same person, I know he’s not. She’s not. It turns out I didn’t know either one of them, and it irritates me that I care.

The hotel itself is vast. Walking in takes my breath away. This is a five-star hotel at its finest. This is not a place that someone off the street would book or even come near. It screams money and privilege. I feel out of place in jeans, a warm sweater, and a coat. I have to remind myself it’s still a hotel. Elijah seems to not notice or care at the looks we get walking toward the elevators.

“This place must cost a fortune,” I state as he pushes the top number and takes a metal key out and pushes it into the bottom hole and turns.

He shrugs in response. “Not really. I own it now. Just bought it a few days ago.” My eyes widen at his words.Of course, he did.

After what feels like climbing Mount Everest in an elevator, the double doors open. We step out, and the room makes the downstairs look like a Motel 6.

The first thing I see as we walk in the door is the elegant living room and gigantic windows. I bypass looking at the rest of the room and walk, mesmerized by the view out the window. My hands press against the cool glass as I look out.

“The view is something else,” he says, coming to stand behind me.

“Yes. It’s amazing,” I say breathlessly. I never knew a view could take my breath away till today.

I hear him step away but don’t turn around to see where he goes. A few minutes later, he reappears at my side in a change of clothes. He looks much comfier in sweats and a sweatshirt. I’ve never seen him appear so casual. “You own sweats?” I state, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s been an eventful few days. Since we are to be engaged, I figured you wouldn’t care seeing me at my worst.”

“No, of course not. I’ve just never seen you in them before.”

“I don’t wear them often. Do you want to change?” he asks. Ah, he changed more out of an attempt to make me comfortable, I realize with surprise.

“I will in a few,” I say. I feel better in jeans than my sleepwear. That’s the most comfortable thing I brought with me. Claire had told me to pack nicer clothes and had given me some of her things. “Where will I sleep?” I ask. I had assumed I would have my own bed, but so far, I’ve only seen one king with my quick glance around.

“In the bed, of course.”

“And you?” I ask, dreading and hoping for the same answer.

He raises an eyebrow as if to say, where do you think. “In the bed. It’s not like we’ve not shared a bed before,” he points out.

“I remember. I also remember the next day you showed up with sparkles.”

He rolls his eyes. “This again.”

“Yes, this again. I’m still pissed. I don’t care, but it was still a dick move.”

“If you don’t care, why are we talking about it? And why do your eyes flash with such hurt?” he asks, leaning closer.

“Because…” I search my brain for an answer.

“What I thought,” he nods.

“What did you think? I wasn’t aware you had the ability,” I hiss. I’m angry at both of us.

“I’ve gotten under your skin.”

“You have not. Your ego knows no limit,” I state, crossing my arms over my chest.

---