“Since different packs are participating, it’s a diplomatic setting. No one pack has a stronghold here. Neutral territory.”
That makes sense.
“I’ve been here a couple of times,” he says. “I’ll show you around while we’re here. Miami has a lot to offer. Humans are surprisingly creative when it comes to entertainment spaces.”
I know I should limit the time I spend with him, but his hand curls around mine, and all the fight leaves me. I don’t pull my hand away, muttering, “Fine. Do what you want.”
If I expected him to be put off by my tone, I’m sadly mistaken. He brushes his thumb against my knuckles, his voice quiet. “I intend to.”
The hotel looms into view, a tower of gleaming glass and art deco architecture. I step out of the car and crane my neck to take it all in.
“Fancy,” I say dryly.
Darius’s lips twitch. “I would hardly have you stay at some holein the wall.”
He retrieves our bags, and we walk into a lobby full of marble floors and crystal chandeliers. The receptionist, a young woman with a professional smile, greets us.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to the Fontaine. How may I help you?”
“Reservation for Moonvale,” Darius says.
She types at her computer, and her smile falters slightly. “Ah, yes. Mr. Moonvale. I see the reservation here.” She pauses, glancing between us. “I’m terribly sorry, but there’s been an issue with your suite.”
My stomach drops.
“What kind of issue?” Darius asks, his tone cool.
“The air conditioning unit malfunctioned this morning. Maintenance is working on it, but that suite won’t be habitable for several days.” She types quickly. “However, we can move you to another one. I do apologize, but it only has one bed.”
“We need two beds or two rooms,” I say quickly.
“I’m sorry,” the woman says regretfully. “We don’t have anything else available. There are a few events happening in the city, and most of the hotels are fully booked.” Before I can say anything further, she picks up the phone. “Let me get the manager for you.”
A man in an immaculate suit appears within seconds, his smile apologetic. “I’m David Chen, the hotel manager. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We’d be happy to comp your entire stay and provide complimentary room service.”
“We’ll take the available suite,” Darius says.
I whip my head toward him. “Wait—”
He gives me a look that makes the protest die in my throat. Later, his eyes say. We’ll discuss this later.
“Wonderful.” The manager’s relief is palpable. “I’ll have a bellhop bring up your bags immediately.”
I follow Darius to the elevator in silence, my mind racing. This can’t be happening. One bed. With Darius. For three nights.
“We have to find another hotel,” I say as soon as the elevator doors close.
“Everything good will be booked. Didn’t you hear her? It’d be a waste of time.”
“Then you can sleep on the couch. Or the floor.”
He looks at me, amused. “I’m not sleeping on the floor, Violet.”
“Okay, I will.”
“You’re not sleeping on the floor, either.” His tone leaves no room for discussion.
I want to argue, but I know it’s pointless. He’s not going to budge, and honestly? The suite probably has a couch big enough that it won’t be an issue.
