Page 27 of Little Temptation

That’s what I need to do before Liam wakes.

I head to the reception desk, and despite the hotel being empty, there’s a woman there.

“I’d like a taxi or a car to the airport,” I state my intention but don’t make eye contact, fiddling with my bags so I don’t have to see the scrutiny or confusion about my request in the middle of the night.

“Of course. A car will be around shortly.”

I look up at her. She offers a kind smile that settles my nerves. She gestures with her arm to the entrance where I got dropped off, and I take the hint, heading outside to wait.

The air is still warm despite the hour, and I listen to the night chorus of insects in the surrounding foliage.

This place really must be the best because a car pulls up within minutes despite what Liam said about the limited staff. The driver takes my suitcase, and I climb in the back.

It’s only been a couple of days, but it feels so much longer. I arrived solely to celebrate my brother’s wedding and maybe cancel out the what-ifs about Liam Ford.

Now, I’m fleeing in the middle of the night after a holiday fling with the boy who stole my heart when I was a child and forgot to give it back. But I’m making the right call. This is a fling and nothing more. A sexy, sordid, mind-altering fling, but that’s it. I said nothing would change between us, and I’m confident of keeping to that.

A fantasy checked off my list.

An experience.

Nothing more.

I straighten my spine in the car and close my eyes. It’s too dark to see any of the countryside, anyway.

Chapter Twelve

Liam

Istretch out with my arm, seeking Isla’s warm body. Morning sex is definitely what I want to try next with her. I can’t even remember the last time I woke up with a woman in the same bed, but it’s different with Lil. Everything’s different with her.

My hand reaches out further, patting the sheet, but it comes back empty. “Lil?”

No answer.

“Lil?” I open my eyes and look at the empty space in the bed next to me. “Lil?” I listen, but there’s no other sound in the room or ensuite.

I pull back the covers and walk around the suite looking for her, but it doesn’t take me long to realise she’s not here. I open the door and head in the direction of her room.

I use the key card to open her room. “Lil?” But there’s no sign of her. And no sign of any of her things.

“Fuck.”

I pick up the phone and dial reception.

“Can I help?”

“Yes, where is Isla Littlewood?”

“I’m sorry, sir. She left. Asked for a car to the airport.”

“What time?” I grit out through my teeth.

“About two a.m. I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t realise you didn’t know.”

I roll my eyes and count to three. “No, it’s no problem.” I hang up.

Now what?

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