The man returns with my keys, but rather than handing them to me, he smiles. “Allow me to show you to your room. And let me take your bag.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Austin growls. He’s a force to be reckoned with for sure. “I’ll handle her bag.”
The man tries to stare Austin down, but one glance of Austin’s steely eyes has the man looking away in submission. There’s no doubt that Austin is the alpha in every room he walks into.
“Alright. Both of you can follow me.”
I feel so much better knowing that Austin is at my side as we follow the clerk to the elevator. His hulking body is like a shield as he walks beside me, but like the gentleman he is, he allows me to get into the elevator first. It’s just another way of proving how damn perfect he is.
He gets in the elevator beside me. There’s plenty of room, but he stands close to me, our arms touching. I look up at him, willing him to look my way. When he does, my body melts under his gaze. The chemistry between us is insane. I wonder if anyone else has noticed. Surely it can’t just be me feeling this?
I shouldn’t be searching for this feeling, even though it comes so naturally to me now that I’m standing next to him. I think of my father and I know he’d disapprove. He’d say that Austin is too old for me. But I need him in my life. I don’t want to let go now that he’s finally here. I want to take this all the way.
We reach my floor and the clerk guides us down the corridor. Austin remains close to my side, falling into step with me. Anxiety clenches in my stomach. Once we get to the room, Austin will drop my bag off and leave me behind. It’s inevitable. And then I’ll be left yearning for him, just like before. Suddenly, I don’t ever want this corridor to end.
We reach the room and I feel the sinking feeling in my stomach growing. This is it. The clerk opens the door for me and I step inside. The room is stunning with plush furniture and a view to die for, but I couldn’t care less. The only thing I want is for Austin to stay here with me.
Austin steps into the room like he owns it, glancing around at it with a look of disgust on his face, though I can’t figure out why. He shakes his head to himself, turning back to the clerk.
“This room won’t do,” he growls. The clerk blinks.
“Sir this is one of the finest rooms we have in the hotel. We have ensured it is cleaned to perfection and-”
“It’s not good enough. Not for her,” he snarls. I’m taken aback by him once again, but I feel a rush of lust for him. Because I understand what he’s implying. He knows the room is fine...he just doesn’t think it’s good enough for me. He wants me to have the best. And when he looks at me with his sharp blue eyes, I understand that I’m not the only one feeling this intense connection between us. He feels it too.
“I’m sorry, sir...the hotel is fully booked. This room is all we have available for her,” the clerk says, looking nervously at Austin.
“That’s fine,” Austin snaps. “But she won’t be staying in here. She’ll be coming to stay with me.”
Austin
I know I shouldn’t be doing this. I’m fully aware of the implications of inviting Sydney to stay in my room. I know her father would never forgive me if he found out. But I don’t want to leave her here alone. Not when men like the clerk are so desperate to eye her up. She’ll only be truly safe if I can keep an eye on her. And in truth, I don’t think I can go another night in my life without her right by my side.
“Sir...there’s no need for that,” the clerk insists, looking irritated. I’ll bet he planned to come back later to try and seduce her. The thought makes my blood boil. I’ve never been prone to anger, but since finding Sydney again, I feel this overwhelming urge to protect her from harm. There’s no chance I’m allowing her to stay here alone tonight.
“My decision has been made,” I growl. “You can take her keys back to reception. She won’t be needing them.”
I can see he’s gearing up to argue with me, but one glare in his direction makes him back off. He looks angry and disappointed, but at least he’s leaving.
“Alright. Enjoy your stay,” he says stiffly. As he leaves, Sydney moves closer to me.
“I’m so glad he’s gone,” she says quietly. I cup her face in my hand before I can stop myself, brushing her cheek with my thumb. She’s trembling under my touch.