He nods, shooting me a dazzling smile.
“But you’re right. This must be a huge surprise. I’m Ranger Trenton, by the way. I never caught your name?”
I stare at him because I have half a mind to turn on my heel and walk out at this very moment. There’s no way his story is true! I mean, what has the world come to if now the TSA is staging mock-hijackings mid-air? But the handsome man merely waits, expecting my answer.
“Mr. Trenton,” I manage in a fairly normal voice. “Nice to meet you. I’m Sydney McGrath.”
He grins, flashing bright white teeth.
“Well Sydney, it’s nice to meet youagain,” he chuckles before looking around. “Listen, I know this must come as a shock, and you must have a lot of questions. Why don’t we go up to my hotel room to continue the conversation? We’ll be able to talk without worrying that someone’s going to overhear because obviously, we’ve been through some pretty intense stuff.”
I shoot him a withering look.
“That’s one way of putting it,” I say in a sarcastic tone.
Unbothered, he slides off the bar stool before motioning for the tab and taking my hand in his.
“Then you’re game?”
Again, I know I should say no. I should call Club Z right now and complain that they’ve set me up with a maniac. But instead, I nod, causing the handsome man’s grin to flash again.
“Good,” he growls. “Because we’re going to have fun upstairs, Miss McGrath. Are you ready?”
With that, Ranger guides me out of the bar and into the lavish hotel lobby. My mind’s still whirling even as my feet traipse over the marble floors because what the hell is going on? This is so crazy, and yet a small part of me can’t wait to see what happens next because it turns out that my criminal lover is actually someone else entirely. Who is this man? And what does he want from me?
Ranger chuckles and slides a big palm over my lower back as the elevator dings. His touch is sensuous and suggestive, making my skin prickle with awareness of his huge form.
“After you, Miss McGrath,” he whispers as the lift doors open. “All of your questions will be answered in time.” I step on-board, wondering what in the world could possibly happen next.
6
RANGER
“Wow,” Sydney whispers as we walk into my suite, looking around in awe. “This place is amazing!”
I smile as I glance around the spacious living room. Of course, I’ve rented something special for my escort’s stay in London, and so it’s not just a hotel room. Instead, I’ve booked a luxurious suite for her, and going the extra mile is paying off. As we stroll inside, one of the living room walls is made completely out of glass, so there’s an enormous panoramic view of the city. A huge chandelier dazzles from the ceiling, and Sydney’s heels click on real marble floors as we move towards two leather couches done in a sumptuous mocha crème color.
“Here, have a seat,” I invite while gesturing to one of the sofas. The pretty girl lowers herself as I stroll to the bar area before selecting a bottle of wine and pouring the liquid into two glasses.
“Um, so this is a crazy turn of events,” she murmurs with a stunned look. “I mean, what are the chances that my hijacker would also be my client?”
I nod, frowning a bit because I don’t really believe in coincidences. But then again, here we are and there’s no real explanation for it.
“Yeah,” I muse while handing Sydney a wine glass. “It’s strange, I’ll give you that. Unless Club Z is in cahoots with the TSA, somehow? I have no idea. I mean, tell me sweetheart – did they plant you on the flight in order to test my ability as an air marshal? Are you actually who you say you are?” I chuckle but my question is serious even as Sydney snorts, shaking her head.
“Trust me, that didn’t happen. I mean, there’ s no way Club Z and the TSA would associate with each other. Club Z’s business is underground, so how could they get involved with a government agency? Of course, they have a legitimate membership-based outfit in New York City, but some of the things the club sponsors aredefinitelyillegal.”
“Yeah, like right now,” I grin as I lean back against the couch. “Seriously, there’s no need to read fiction because the world is just so fucking strange in and of itself.”
Sydney takes a sip of her wine, looking contemplative. But then she turns to me.
“Yes, but how did you find me Ranger?” she asks. “I mean, of all the Club Z girls, why me?”
I grin because I knew this was coming.
“I saw a video of you.”
She nods, her cheeks flushing.