“Oh yes. We’re good friends.” She gives me a playful smile, her eyes twinkling as she looks at me. “But I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.”
My blush deepens, and I try to ignore it as I let her direct me to the elevators.
“This is your keycard.” She presses a credit-card sized piece of black metal into my hand. It shimmers in the artificial lights. “It grants you access to every level of the hotel. There is a restaurant on level three, and a full bar there as well. There is another bar on the ground level.” Vicky scans her own black card and presses a button. The elevator glides into motion. “But we advise you to use the more…exclusive one, during your stay here. The third level is off limits to anyone not staying at the hotel, but the ground floor is open to the general public. It’s safer if you keep to the more protected areas.”
“Are we really afraid I’ll be attacked while getting a drink?” I ask sardonically.
Vicky doesn’t share my skepticism, but she still smiles sweetly as she explains, “Mr. Sterling has made it clear that your safety is our top priority. And staying within the secure areas of the hotel is the best way to ensure that safety.”
It’s hard not to feel trapped when she says that. Like I’m being held captive.
Vicky notices. “Don’t worry,” she assures me, reaching for my hand to hold it again, giving it a friendly squeeze. “You’ll have plenty to do in the hotel. We have a full spa, private movie theatre, 24/7 bars, restaurants and room service. Anything you could ever desire.” Her smile grows. “And once the other girls hear about your kitten? You’re going to make so many friends!”
44
SYDNEY
“Oh my GOD!”
I smirk as I stroke my fingers over Bea’s fur. She’s curled in a perfectly round ball on the massive bed, purring softly, completely unfazed by my best friend’s shouting as she inspects my suite.
“They have ROBES!” Jade calls, her body half hidden in the wardrobe as she digs through it. “Sydney, have you seen these?”
I had seen them, actually, when Vicky gave me a full tour of the Goddess Suite. The name suits this space perfectly. Each of the four rooms are draped in golds and soft creams, crystal chandeliers bathing everything in a golden ambient glow. Canopies of sheer silk flow from the ceiling above each bed in delicate waves. It’s decadent, fantastical. The stone floors are even heated, and covered with plush rugs that feel heavenly beneath my feet.
“Oh, they feel likeclouds,” Jade coos, pulling a robe off the hanger and rubbing it against her face. “We have to wear these later.”
“There’s a spa, too,” I tell her. Jade’s eyes flash with interest. “One floor down.”
“We’re getting massages,” Jade says decisively. “There’s no way we’re passing that up.”
She throws herself onto the bed next to me, the mattress bouncing with the force of it. The bed is so big, I barely feel it, but Bea opens a single eye and levels a grumpy glare at Jade for interrupting her nap.
“Thanks for coming,” I tell Jade. I pull my knees up to my chest and wrap my arms around them, hugging myself. “You didn’t have to shut down the store for this, you know.”
“Sydney…” Jade gives me alook. “You were attacked. In your own home. Who cares about the store?”
I do, I want to say. I care about it.
“Besides, it’ll still be there tomorrow. I’ll open up on my own.” Jade rolls over on the bed and reaches out to pet Bea. “Justin can help me in the morning, but we’re usually slow enough that I can close on my own without any issues.”
I still feel guilty, though. “I’m sure I’ll only be gone for a day or so,” I tell her. “But still… I really appreciate you coming.”
“Like I’m going to miss the world’s most expensive sleep over?” Jade jokes. “So. What do you want to do first?”
“Massages. Definitely. And then maybe grab a drink at the bar?” I hug myself tighter. “And then room service. And bad pay-per-view movies.”
“Sounds perfect.”
My phone chirps. I’d almost forgotten about it, and I realize I haven’t paid any attention to it since Jade arrived. It’s been easier to ignore it and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist.
The Boss: How are you feeling, darling?
I’m okay.
The Boss: Second Circle should have everything you need but if there’s anything I can do, just ask.
I stare down at the screen, my anger bubbling to the surface.
