I smile as he stares at me with those intense eyes that say so much when his mouth doesn’t. I watch as they turn from lust-filled to empty. I run my tongue over my lip, trying to look sexy, but the moment has passed, and I have no idea why.
“You should go,” he says.
My eyes widen, but I don’t ask why. I’m not going to beg someone to sleep with me when he obviously doesn’t want to.
“Okay. Just help me find my purse.” I must look disappointed as I stand and gather myself from the bed.
“Don’t. Don’t think that. I want you. I’m desperate for you…” He looks down. “I just can’t. I’m not going to be the guy you lose yourself in because you are running away. When I fuck you, it will be because you want me as much as I want you right now.”
I laugh nervously. “I thought we were done after today.”
He looks at me even more seriously, if that is possible. “No. Today is just the beginning.”
I try to smile, but I can’t. This man is insane. No, he’s bipolar. One minute, he can’t keep his hands off of me, and the next, he’s a knight in shining armor. I just wish I knew which was a facade and which was the real Killian.
I walk out of the bedroom and back into the living area. I hear Killian following me, but I don’t turn to face him. I just walk.
“Here,” he says, holding out my purse.
I take it from him. I see he is also holding my phone in his hands. He types something in before handing it to me as well.
“I put my number in your phone.”
“What makes you t
hink I want that?”
He cocks his head to the side as he stares at me. “You will. I have a feeling you will want it really soon.”
God, this man is arrogant, but his confidence is alluring. I could use an ounce or two of his confidence, if only for just a day. Maybe then I wouldn’t be marrying a complete stranger in six months.
I walk to the door. He follows.
I open the door and stand in the doorway. “Thanks for the wine and—”
His lips crash with mine before I can say anything. He’s promising more, I realize. With his tongue pushing further into my mouth, he’s demanding that I call him.
When we finally break away, my breathing is fast, much too fast. I touch my hands to my chest, trying to calm my breathing. I stare at him for a second longer before turning to leave without a word.
“Don’t run anymore. You’re stronger than you think.”
I pause at his words, but I don’t turn around. He doesn’t follow me or say anything else.
He’s left me his number to call. And I will. I’ll call. He knows it as well as I do.
I walk into the elevator alone. I touch my fingers to my lips that are still tingling from his kiss, a kiss I want more of. Maybe he’s the answer. He’s smart, probably a businessman. He’s older and responsible. There’s not a tattoo or piercing on his body—at least not one that I noticed.
What if I found someone capable of running the company on my own? What if I found my own love? Then, I could marry who I wanted while still making sure the company would be in good hands.
I just have to find a way to convince Granddad. I need to find a way to buy myself some time. And introducing Granddad to Killian might just be the way. I could show him that I am capable of dating strong, intelligent men.
Killian might not be the best choice, but right now, he’s my only choice. And, maybe, he might be the right choice.
I step foot back inside the Felton Grand. Even though I was just in the hotel earlier when I was with Killian, this is the first time since my father’s death that I’ve really let myself take in the casino. Before, I was busy focusing on the game. And after that, I just let Killian rush me to his room as fast as possible. Now, I’m walking slowly, taking in everything.
I notice the gentle calming sound of the expansive fountain at the entrance to the hotel. I see the light that twinkles off the water from the large crystal chandelier overhead.
I walk through the long hallways filled with shops and restaurants. The hallways are calm. It’s early, and only a few people have woken up to enjoy breakfast at one of the many restaurants. I smile as I look up and see the details of the arched ceiling overhead. When I was a kid, I used to lie on a bench in the hallway and just stare up at the beautiful ceiling.