I can barely move, but I turn my head away. “I’m going to find proof.” My heart twists, and it hurts more than a flogger or nipple clamps could ever hurt me, sparking tears in my eyes. “I’m going to catch you.”
“I have no doubt.” He doesn’t sound threatened or resigned. He sounds pleased and almost proud. “You can do anything.” Finally, I feel the weight of a blanket being drawn over me. “But tonight, just sleep.”
15
Inara
I come awake with a gasp,surrounded by the scent of jasmine. I’m lying face down in a large, soft bed. The room is dark, and large curtains are drawn over the window.
He carried me here. Tucked me in.In my mind’s eye, I see him watching over me, the shadow of a smile on his mouth.
I will always watch over you.
He brought me to a hotel room, much nicer than any hotel room I’ve been in before, judging by the brocade on the fine coverlet. The sky-blue fabric matches the textured wallpaper.
On the bedside table, there’s a vaseful of vines with dark, glossy leaves and yellow blossoms not yet unfurled. That’s where the smell of jasmine is coming from.
I grope for the phone and mash the button that says Concierge.
“Good morning, Ms. Ramos.”
Is it morning? I squint through the vines at the alarm clock. It is, just barely.
“What can I do for you?” the concierge prompts politely.
“Where am I?”
“Hotel Magnifique.” He names a premier hotel I’ve never even stepped foot in because I can’t afford to breathe the lobby air.
“Um. . .” I reach for the clock as if it will give me answers and almost knock over the flowers. I need to get it together. The concierge sounds so formal. I feel the need to reciprocate. “What time is checkout?”
“Any time you prefer. Do you wish to leave today? The room is reserved for you indefinitely.”
“What?” I abandon all hope of getting it together.
“Your stay is complimentary. Courtesy of the owner.”
“Owner?”
“Roy Enterprises.”
That shouldn’t mean anything to me until I remember. . . Roy, as in Rex Roy. Of course.
Smug bastard, giving me the perfect scene and then checking me into the fanciest hotel in the city. A fancy hotel heowns.He can’t resist flaunting his wealth.
I run my hand over the soft coverlet. This is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.
I’m going to take care of you. . .
“Shall I send up some breakfast?” the concierge asks.
“Let me guess, it’s also included in the room.”
“Of course, madam.”
“Yeah, sure, whatever. I mean, thank you.” I hang up so I don’t make more of a fool of myself.
I try to sit up, and my body screams at me. Delicious pain shoots from my raw skin, warming me through. He worked me over so well. My pussy purrs with satisfaction, remembering.
