CHAPTER 14
MADDIE
Rio and I scroll through messages as we exit the ballroom, with Antoine leading the way.
Behind us, I hear journalists buzzing to one another about our statements. Snorty's name is mentioned more than once, each time followed by charmed laughter.
"According to your itinerary, this looks like free time," I say to Antoine. "And I could use a nap after that circus of a press conference."
Antoine shakes his head as he turns to us, tapping his clipboard.
"No free time any longer. We need visuals to solidify the narrative you just spun in there. I've engaged photographers to take pictures of you two frolicking in the spa. It's supposed to be the best in Las Vegas."
He points toward two men following behind us. One's tall with a beard. The other photographer short and sinewy. They both carry heavy camera bags.
"These gentlemen are Marco and Ben," Antoine explains in a low voice. "They are on my payroll. I've trained them to be invisible until I say otherwise."
"Antoine the magician," I tease. "Exactly," Antoine says. "They capture exactly what I want the world to see, and nothing I don’t."
"Sorry Antoine, I need to practice with the guys. I don't have time to have a 'spa experience,'" Rio says.
"There won't be a concert unless you convince America that you and Maddie are madly in love," Antoine counters.
"You've taken the first step with the press conference. And the second step is the spa. You'll enjoy it."
"Right," says Rio, hanging back to make a call. His voice drops to a low, seductive murmur.Could he be talking to a girl?Making midnight hookup plans?
My stomach twists with jealousy.
No. He wouldn't dare risk it.
Not with his band's future on the line.
But after that dorm night fiasco four years ago, I wouldn't put anything past him.
Just when Antoine half-talked me into believing that he may have changed.
“Well, here we are,” Antoine says, pushing open the grand doors to the same hotel spa we visited a few hours earlier.
"Miss Smith, nice to see you again," says the attendant. And hello, Mr. Wilder," she says to Rio, flirtation thick in her voice. "Right on time for your romantic escape."
Rio pockets his phone and smirks. “Lead the way. I'm looking for some deep relaxation."
The attendant's voice drips with practiced honey as she describes what's waiting for us.
"We've got the 'Intimacy Experience' prepped just for you two," she says, her manicured hand gesturing toward a hallway lined with orchids.
Antoine signals to Marco and Ben, who slip into the background, their camera lenses already pointed our way.
"Starting with the warm lagoon to unwind, then the snow room for contrast, and your side-by-side massages. Any preferences we should note?"
"Is it optional attire?" Rio asks in that deep sexy voice that has made millions of girls scream at concerts.
My eyes widen, and I feel heat crawl up my neck. "You mean... nude?"
I blurt this out, picturing his tattooed body without a stitch of clothing. The thought makes my mouth go dry. And other parts of me get a bit moist.
The attendant doesn't even blink. "Entirely up to you. For the ultimate relaxation, some do go au naturel."
