The side of my lips curve up. “I guess so,” I joke and point to the bed. “I ordered a king-size bed. It should arrive today.”
“You ordered a bed?” he repeats as if surprised.
I give him a sassy grin. “I don’t want to catch an STD or something.”
His head falls back as he laughs. “You’re really something, aren’t you?”
“I’ve been warned about your womanizing ways,” I say, amused.
“And they warned me about your… ways.”
I shrug. “I’m busy and I like sex.”
He nods. “Me too!”
I study him. God, he’s handsome. Strong, square jaw, and I do love a good beard. The confidence and sexual energy that radiate from him also add to his appeal. I’m usually a great judge of character. How did I not see the devil in disguise?
The chauffeur walks in with my suitcase. “I’ll go back down and help him get the rest of your bags,” Viper says, and they leave together, leaving me alone in the room.
At least his bed is made, and as I make my way to his wardrobe and slide the door open, I see he has hung up all his clothes fairly neatly. Well… thank the Lord, he’s clean. There’s no sign of dirty clothes lying around, and it smells heavenly… so far, so good. My heart is still beating fast as I wonder what is waiting for me around every corner.
Viper walks in with his hands full and places the bags beside the others. He’s not breathing heavily or even breaking a sweat, unlike the chauffeur.
“Ma’am, do you need anything else?”
“No, thank you.” I give him a small smile before he leaves.
Viper peers down, and when I follow his gaze, he’s staring at my wedding ring. “Yes, I’m still wearing it.” He needs to think I’m giving this so-called marriage a chance, so at the end he will sign those papers.
“Good! You can’t half-ass this. I want you to give us a shot… you never know, you could grow to love me.” His voice carries both flirtation and a touch of hopefulness. Ialmostfeel guilty knowing that I’ll be out of here as soon as the four weeks are up.
“And what’s this, hmmm?” I ask, raising my hand and turning it, showing him my wrist. Oh, the smugness in his eyes makes me want to slap that look right off his face. He turns his wrist over and I see the same “Partner in Crime” tattoo.
“We got tattoos… we got married… is there anything else I should know about?” Sarcasm laces my tone.
“I’ve got some photos of us, if you want to see?”
My head inches back. “No.” I don’t need to see any more evidence of that night, and now I have to organize laser tattoo removal.
I break eye contact and gaze around the room. “Where’s the bathroom?”
His eyes go to the doorway. “Down the hallway and to the left.”
My stomach sinks. “You don’t have your own bathroom?” I don’t think I’ve ever had to share a bathroom before.
He must see the disturbed look on my face. “Don’t stress. The women clean them every couple of days.” My eyes bulge.Cleaning… I hope he isn’t expecting me to clean toilets and bathrooms. It provides a small bit of relief that they’re clean, but I’m still not happy with the arrangement.
“Are you hungry?” he asks.
I nod. I guess I could eat. He tilts his head toward the door with the sexy half-grin that always seems to be etched on his face. “Come outside for lunch and see everyone.”
“Sure… you go down. I need to make a phone call.”
He tilts his chin up at me, and once he’s gone, I pull my phone out and dial Piper.
“Hey,” she answers in an upbeat voice. “How did the divorce go?”
I cringe. “Well… I’m staying here in Crown Village at the clubhouse for a month.”
