I reached out a hand, letting it hover over his face, wanting desperately to slide aside that single lock of hair that teased his brow. With a deep inhale, I pulled it back. If I touched him, he might wake. It was better for me if he didn’t. I couldn’t say goodbye to that wicked smile or those gorgeous eyes without breaking down. Tears pricked the back of my lids, and I forcefully reminded myself that I agreed to this—a perfect night with a stranger, no complications, no surprises. Only, my heart didn’t get the memo, and I hadn’t expected my stranger to be so perfect.
Slowly, I stood and dressed, my movements mechanical. When I had everything I needed, I approached the bottom of the bed and forced myself to smile as I drank in the essence of him one more time. “Goodbye, Prince,” I whispered. Swallowing against the threat of tears I knew wouldn’t stay down for long, I turned away.
As I left the bedroom, my eyes fell to the briefcase near the door and inside it, the proposal that started my descent into euphoria I never thought I’d experience, ever. I stepped toward it then glanced over my shoulder one last time. I let myself out the main door, realizing that while it was a lot of money, my prince charming had given me something money could never buy—the feeling of belonging to someone, even if it were for just a moment. I hadn’t met anyone like him before—someone poised, formidable, and charismatic. Maybe I’d been in over my head when I agreed to his proposal, maybe not. Two things I was sure of, he’d be unforgettable, and I’d be forever intoxicated.
Drake
IROLLED ONTO MY SIDEand reached out a hand, seeking the warm body I’d enjoyed the entire night. My fingers were met with cold sheets. Opening my eyes, I stared at the empty bedside. Squinting, I flipped onto my back again and listened for sounds from the bathroom. Nothing but silence filled the air. Not even the morning traffic outside penetrated the sound-proof windows. I sat up and glanced around. For the first time since opening my eyes, a sense of dread washed over me.
With a quick rake of fingers through my hair, I vaulted off the bed and called out, “Sia?” No answer. Reaching for my pants, I slipped them on. I scanned the room. Nothing of hers remained. “Fuck.” Not caring for a shirt or shoes, I hurried to the front door and let myself out. Impatient, I raced down seven flights of stairs from the penthouse. When I reached the bottom, I barely pulled in a breath before calling out for the doorman. “Lester?”
“Good morning, Sir.” He slipped inside the glass doors and tipped his hat at me. Taking in my distraught face and harsh breathing, his friendly smile morphed into a frown. “Is everything all right, Sir?”
I swallowed against the dryness. “The young woman I came in with last night.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Have you seen her?”
“Yes, sir.”
Panic clenched my heart. I fisted my hands. “When?”
“Er...”
“What time, Lester?” I shouted. He recoiled at the anger in my tone. “I’m sorry.” I held out my palms in an apology and attempted to soften my expression. I failed. The erratic beat of my heart battled my composure. “What time did she come down?”
He glanced at his watch. “About an hour or—”
I shot out the door, cutting him off. I stood on the curb, my head swinging from left to right in sharp snaps. “Fuck,” I roared. Several passersby sidestepped the shirtless, barefooted, cursing, mad man with indignant looks. I turned to face Lester, who’d stepped out behind me. At his concerned look, I inhaled deeply. “Did you see which way she went?” Last resort, but worth a try. “Did she call for a cab?”
“She went down that way, sir.” He pointed to his left.
I took a couple of steps forward, then stopped short. What the fuck would I do when I reached the end of the street. She could’ve gone anywhere. I patted my pockets for my phone.Shit.It was still upstairs. “You’re such a fucking idiot,” I cursed myself and ran back inside. “Thanks, Lester,” I called over my shoulder as I mounted the stairs, taking them two at a time. Inside the apartment, I sprinted to the nightstand on my side of the bed, cursing when I remembered I’d left it on Sia’s side before going to sleep. It was only as I picked up the phone and scrolled through my contacts list, did I realize I hadn’t taken her number. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I hurled the phone with such ferocity, it crashed against the wall.
I clutched the sides of my head and paced the room, my body numb with irritation. I felt nothing when I punched the wall. “Fuck.” I hit it again, gritting my teeth against the pain, yet welcoming the hurt, hoping it would soothe the distress Sia left behind. Cupping the back of my neck, I walked to the window and stared out, my brain going into meltdown.
