Page 37 of Something like Redemption

“Of the clerk?” he asks in disbelief, pulling a repulsed face.

“No. Yes. I don’t know. Start the elevator,” I say, attempting to push him aside, but he won’t budge.

“Tell me what you’re thinking.”

I know he won’t let this go, and I owe him the truth. “I’m jealous of every girl looking at you, all right. Happy?” I snap, narrowing my eyes at him.

Quinn nibbles on his hoop, head poised to the side.But he’s obviously not happy with my response. “Why? Why are you jealous?”

He wants me to say it. He wants me to tell him that…he’s mine.So I will.

“Because you’re m—” I yell but am interrupted by a nasal voice through the intercom.

“Excuse me. This is reception. Is everything okay in there?”

No!I scream within but settle for, “Yes.”

“Your car seems to have stopped. We’re getting maintenance to have a look. Sit tight.”

Looking at Quinn from under my lashes, I slowly reach around him to push the emergency button. The elevator resumes its journey like nothing happened.

But it did.

And now I have to deal with the consequences.

I can see why they call this suite the Empire Suite. This room could easily house a large family and their pets.

Speaking of which. Lucky has his own room, equipped with a heated doggy bed. I wouldn’t believe a hotel such as this would allow pets, but thankfully, they do.

What I also can’t believe is the extravagant size of the bed.

I’m nervously eyeing it while leaning on the kitchen’s marbled counter, sipping a beer.Draped in gold and maroon linen and a million and one throw cushions, this bed was made for rolling around on without fear of falling off.

The conversation in the elevator has played on repeat in my mind. What would Quinn have said if I admitted I see him as being mine? Would we be making use of that inviting bed right now? That thought scares me.

And it’s not because I don’t want to.

Quite the contrary, andthat’swhat scares me.

I lose all control when Quinn is involved, and it’s a feeling I’m not used to. After relying on no one other than myself for such a long time, letting someone in like Quinn changes everything. But am I ready for that change? I have a feeling there will be no turning back once I embrace it.

“Starting early?” Quinn says from behind me, startling me.

As I turn, I see him running his hands through his damp hair, which does not help the perverted images that plague my brain involving that huge bed.

His white T-shirt hugs every hardened inch of his chiseled torso, and I try to close my gaping mouth, but it’s a struggle when I see the top button of his blue jeans is undone.

“I’m going downstairs,” I blurt out while pushing off the counter, as I want some time to clear my head.

“Give me a sec, and I’ll come down with you,” he says, looking for his shoes.

“No, it’s okay. I wouldn’t mind checking the place out.”

Quinn understands I mean alone.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“I won’t be long,” I say over my shoulder. I’m out the door before he can follow or argue with me.

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