“Reservation for Reggie Jones,” Regg announced to the attendant.
“ID Mr. Jones?” Regg presented his ID and we were soon being escorted to the elevator. My feet hurt, my head hurt, and I was on the verge passing out. Lindsey seemed to be in no better shape. We walked down the hall of the hotel and Regg opened the door to a suite. He ushered us in and handed me the key.
“Do not leave. Someone will be here in the morning to take you to your car. Understand?” Fun Regg was gone and in his place was stern, demanding, no-nonsense- biker, Regg. I nodded my head in agreement, not wanting to argue only sleep. “You have Luke’s number. Call if you need anything.” With that, Regg and the PROSPECT turn and leave. I collapsed on the bed and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
I woke the next morning with a start. As I sat straight up in the bed, I took note that I was fully dressed and smelled of booze. My hair was a tangled mess and it took me a moment to remember the previous night. I looked around the large spacious room. The balcony doors leading outside were open and a cool breeze was blowing in despite the hot weather we usually had for September. I heard the shower running, and not seeing Lindsey, assumed it was her. A light rap sounded at the door and I scrambled out of bed to see who it was. I opened the door to find an older gentleman delivering room service.
“Miss Knox?” he asks kindly.
“Yes, I am Miss Knox.”
“Mr. Jones had this sent up for you.” I opened the door wider to allow the man to come inside. With him was a cart covered in silver platters along with a pitcher of orange juice, water, and coffee.
“Thank you so much,” I said graciously, fishing a twenty out of my purse. He nodded in response and left, closing the door behind him. I uncovered the platters to find a little of everything-sausage, bacon, eggs, grits, pancakes, fresh fruit, bagels… Regg had gone all out. Lindsey emerged from the bathroom dressed in a robe with her wet hair piled high on her head.
“Mmmm, something smells delicious. Did you order this?” she asked, grabbing a piece of sausage and greedily taking a bite.
“No, apparently Mr. Jones had this sent up to us,” I said mockingly.
“Well thank God, I am starving.” I shook my head at her and made my way to the bathroom. My appearance reflected the way I felt this morning. Shitty. I decided on a hot shower to help clear my head. As the hot water cascaded over my body, I let the memories of last night come back to haunt me. Luke had sent Regg and PROSPECT to check on me. I knew it. Why could he not have come himself? Why did he even care? I was pissed that he sent Regg. I was pissed that he felt the need to control me. I was pissed that I was in this hotel. But, I was mostly pissed at myself. My body and heart were betraying me. My nerves sung out with the hopeful promise to feel his touch again and my treacherous heart fluttered at just the thought of talking to him today. Even his voice possessed me. Without him even being here I felt his presence, because I knew deep down that he was responsible for me being here.
My strong will and never bending pride took over as a sense of pure rage engulfed me. Who in the hell did he think he was? I pushed aside the feeling of elation I got when my mind was made up that I would call him. Negative attention was just as good as anything. Maybe if I made him mad enough, he would show up just to reprimand me. The thought of him doing something crude to me as punishment sent chills down my body, causing me to shudder.
Ugh. Snap out of it Dallas. I quickly shut the water off and stepped out of the shower, adamant to not let my carnal instincts take over and stick to my guns. Luke was wrong for what he did. In no way do I belong to him nor does he have any right to treat me as though I do. Determined to end this debacle once and for all, I towel dried my hair, put on a robe, and headed out of the bathroom to grab my phone. Of course, my plan fell through when my eyes met those ocean blue ones across the room.
Luke was here. Relief flooded through me as an overwhelming sensation to jump in his arms took over. Somehow or another, I managed to keep my composure, and straightening my shoulders, I glared at him with my mastered impassive face. He was no fool, he could see right through me and I knew it. An arrogant smile spread across his face as he lifted his hands in the air as if to surrender.