“And don’t try to deny it. You were seen on the beach in a shameful display.”
Shameful.
It’s that word that turns my mortification into anger. Who the hell does this man think he is to confront me, a virtual stranger, and chastise me like a child?
I’m an adult woman who can do what the hell I want. He doesn’t have any say over my actions, and I don’t owe him anything. “Mr. Banbury,” I say, as my mind flicks through responses. I could be rude, but I don’t want to be. He’s already overstepped the line, but he’s still the boy’s father. “I really feel that you should be having this conversation with your sons, not me.”
I step to the side to pass him, but he steps in front of me again. “Oh, I will be, Connie. But I wanted you to know too. I’m sure that you’re a sensible girl. You must be able to see that Natalie has made a big mistake pursuing this freakish existence. There will be someone out there for you who can give you a normal life. The kind of life you deserve. Please leave my sons alone.”
When he’s finished, he steps back to allow me to pass.
I rush away, almost tripping over my feet on my way into the hotel. In the elevator, I rest back against the chilled mirror, panting half with rage and half with shock.
It’s only when I get back to my room that I allow myself to cry.
15
I spend an hour in the shower, letting the hot water wash away my tears. By the time I emerge, I've spun my way through the full range of emotions. Hurt and shame come first, closely followed by anger. The smug expression that Blake Banbury shot in my direction is still clear in my mind. How can a man like that have raised four such amazing men? In a million years, I can't imagine any of the Banbury brothers speaking to or acting that way toward a woman.
My final emotion is determination. I'm not going to let anyone tell me what I can and can't do, and I'm certainly not letting Mr. Rude destroy my last day of vacation. I make a vow not to tell the boys what happened. I get the feeling that Blake thinks that confronting me will mean he doesn't have to lay down the law with his sons. Something tells me that won't go well.
I'm going to make this last evening count, and tomorrow, I'm arranging a taxi to collect me early. I’ll spend some time wandering around Bangkok before I make my way to the airport. If I get a chance, I'll grab Holden's guidebook and check out the names of the markets. Maybe I'll buy some chopsticks and some of the cool cotton pants that tie around the waist. They'll make awesome loungewear for back home.
I dress in my tight black dress, strapping on my slinky silver sandals. I decide not to wear any panties and mutter, fuck you, Blake, under my breath as I strut into the corridor. There's a feeling of bubbling power in me. Maybe it's the scarlet lipstick I painted onto my mouth or the leather choker I fixed around my throat. Maybe it's the sense that I have nothing to lose by going all in tonight.
The boys are waiting for me in the hotel reception, lounging on the velvet couches. It's Harris who sees me first, and he's on his feet in a flash. "Connie." He whistles, shaking his head in appreciation. His brothers all turn, standing and mirroring their brother.
I feel like dynamite, ready to detonate my sexual power all over these men. I feel sharp as a dagger and bright as a star.
"Ready to feed me and fuck me?" I say, loud enough for another couple to hear. The man's jaw practically hits the floor.
"Can we change the order?" Kane says, grabbing me around the waist and planting a kiss on my lips.
"Nope. That massage has made me hungry."
"How was it?" Karter asks as we make our way out of the hotel. We've decided to try the restaurant in the hotel next door for a change. Mostly it's because I don't want to run into their father again. I've decided to keep that exchange to myself—no point in riling them up and spoiling my last few hours.
"It was amazing." I take his hand and squeeze it gently. "Thanks for booking it."
"Don't give us credit for being thoughtful. Mostly we were just worried that without some serious intervention, you were going to be physically out of action soon."
I grin broadly. "You mean, you thought sex would be off the table."
"I'm all for fucking you senseless," Holden says, "but not so you end up unable to walk."
I pace forward, my heels clinking against the pavement, and turn, placing my hands on my hips. "As you can see, I'm perfectly able to walk."