He could do this.
Even as his sensible brain reiterated the plan, his fingers curled against her back, hugging her tighter.
Friends.
Yeah, right.
Chapter Eleven
Before dawn, Alex accompanied Dana back to her suite. Although dressed in that sinful red gown again, she appeared younger, more fragile. She’d draped her beige trench coat around her shoulders and she clutched it around the neck, as if warding off a chill.
The penthouse level hallway was quiet and so were they. She hadn’t been talkative when they were getting dressed and he didn’t know what to say. He hoped his presence would be enough.
When they reached her door, she turned to him and removed her jacket, slinging it over her arm. “Well, I guess this is it.”
“It doesn’t have to be.”
“You know as well as I do, it does.” She touched his chin. “I should have stayed far away from you, Alex Markov.”
“Why should you? You’re a dynamic woman. Last I checked, no one was trying to wall you up alive in an old castle.”
“There’s an idea.”
“Dana…”
“I’m joking. I am capable of humor from time to time.” She flattened her hand on his chest, slowly dragging it downward. “Last night was…”
“It was the best I’ve ever had.”
“Yeah, for me too. Until I messed it up.”
“You didn’t mess anything up. I want…I want to try.”
“I don’t think that’s wise.”
“Fuck wisdom. Wisdom can kiss my ass.”
His words almost got a smile out of her but that hint of a grin disappeared when they heard the shuffling at the next door. It opened. Anise walked into the hallway, dressed in the hotel slippers and bathrobe. When she saw them in a clutch, and Dana in that dress, her mouth fell open. “So, I guess you two are a thing now?”
Alex said “yes,” the same time Dana said “no.”
They gave each other a look and then Dana turned to her sister. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Anise’s eyes widened. “If you tell me you just eloped with that man, and in that dress…”
“Get inside and sit down.” Red in the face, Dana unlocked her suite door and nudged Anise inside. She held the door open for Alex. “Would you stay? Please.”
“Of course.”
She shut the door behind him.
Anise crossed her arms and sat on the couch. “I’m waiting.”
Dana took a deep breath and sat on the couch opposite her. Alex risked Anise’s wrath and sat next to Dana. Anise looked him up and down and rolled her eyes.
Dana sat up tall. Alex grabbed her hand and held it. She squeezed it. “I never told you why Tommy broke up with me.”
“I know,” said Anise. “I’ve been trying to figure that one out.”
