Page 16 of The Love Bargain

As the reporter and photographer approach us, I snag her around the waist, lift her off her feet, and race to the elevator.

“Where are we going?”

“I booked a room. It’s upstairs, and we’ll be safe there.”

She bites her lip and hides her face in my chest. The elevator doors shut, enclosing us safely inside.

Chapter7

Sharks

Sabine

The paparazzi came out of nowhere, and the restaurant’s security seemed powerless to do anything. Escaping the photographers gives us the perfect excuse to leave the restaurant, but I didn’t expect Ryland would have a room booked.

We race into the foyer, the sound of camera shutters spurring us to run faster toward the elevator. I’ve never sprinted in heels, and don’t recommend it.

Maybe the fiasco is a sign that I’m not cut out to work with famous people. I can’t seem to attract the right clients anyway, so why am I trying so hard?

“It’s too dangerous out there, but we’re safe now,” he says as the elevator doors close.

I nod, my heart racing. Ryland holds me firmly in his embrace. I’m facing the doors with his solid chest against my back and his big his hands wrapped around my waist. My ass is pressed against his thick, firm thigh, and it’s all I can do not to rub against him.

His breath is hot on the back of my neck, and when his lips ghost over my skin, I shiver with pleasure. Being in his arms feels so right, and I sink into him. There’s so much we need to talk about, but right now, all I want to do is kiss him. And more. So much more.

“We’re going to your room, right?” A room you reserved in the hope we ended up here?

“Yes.” His tone is clipped like he’s holding himself back.

“And we’ll camp out until the press leave us alone?” I have a ton of questions, and they all lead to the same place. It's easier to ask when I'm not staring him in the face.

“Sabine, you can stay as long as you like. If you feel safe from danger but want to go home, I’ll drive. Or you can stay.”

Ryland’s heated gaze was on me constantly as we enjoyed dinner, and he kept stealing small touches. I felt my stomach twisting with anticipation, but questions swirled around my mind like a dust storm. For so long, I didn’t think he wanted me, and now it’s the complete opposite.

I pull away from his embrace and face him.

“Why now? What’s changed?” I ask.

“What do you mean?” His brow furrows, and his gaze drills into me.

The question hangs between us like an invisible barrier, and the atmosphere becomes thick, pressing down on me like a weight. I'm trying to figure out how to phrase the question and not invite criticism.

But I set my pride aside because getting an answer is too important. I'll never be content without knowing his reasons. That doesn't mean I'll understand, but I need to know.

I push forward, speaking more boldly than usual, but my voice trembles despite my best efforts to remain calm. “Why did you agree to be my client?”

“Bean, your happiness is everything,” he says in a low voice. “It isn't my place to judge your methods. My job is to support you.”

My heart softens, but still… was that the best way to show support?

“Were you trying to make me jealous?” Frustrated, I snap my mouth shut.

His eyes blaze and the mounting tension between us rises another notch. He clenches his jaw, and his shoulders tense up.

I feel uncomfortable and edgy. It's like my defensive walls went up, as did his. Letting out a long breath through his nose, Ryland shifts his stance.

Finally, he breaks the silence with three broken words he grits out as if he’s spitting sandpaper. “I made a mistake.”

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