Page 27 of Aldo

“Um, bit of a headache.”

She tutted. “Take a break. We’re not overly busy.”

I sat at the back with a milkshake, too tense to eat. At one, she approached me. “You take off. We’re quiet, and I know you want Derek to have the hours.”

I nodded, grateful. Derek’s pregnant wife had been laid off, and they were scrambling. Wanda caught me trying to sneak some of my tip money into his jar, and since then, she had donated some every night we worked together on my behalf. I made way more than he did in tips, and I wanted to help. But I knew he would refuse my offer.

I headed to the staff room on the floor below, wondering about using the shower there to freshen up. I had over an hour before Aldo expected me. But when I opened my locker, I found an envelope inside, a passkey the only item in it. Nothing was written on it, but I knew it was for the room. I didn’t even wonder how he’d gotten into my locker. They supplied the locks, so no doubt, he had a master. I thought about it for a moment and decided to head up and use the shower there. I would be waiting when Aldo arrived.

I stepped into the suite, gazing around. A huge bed occupied the space, with a sofa and a chair by the window overlooking the Falls. There was a small bar and kitchen area. It was luxurious and spacious, decorated in the same water-colored theme as the rest of the hotel. The ceilings were high, crown molding setting off the pattern in the stucco.

The bathroom was enormous, with a Jacuzzi tub and a multiheaded shower. I shut the door and slipped off my uniform, stepping in and soaping up quickly. I hoped I would have more time to enjoy the shower and maybe the tub later.

Unless he planned on fucking me and kicking me out right away.

When I was done, I brushed my teeth and slipped on the soft terry robe hanging on the back of the door. It was warm and large, but I appreciated the coverage.

For some reason, I was nervous. I couldn’t recall a man making me nervous before Aldo. But he did something to my equilibrium.

I opened the door and stepped into the room, freezing. Leaning on the back of the sofa was Aldo. His suit jacket was folded over the top of the cushions, his tie lying on top. He had undone some buttons on his shirt and rolled up the sleeves, exposing his taut forearms. He held a glass of amber liquid, taking a sip as he stared at me, his expression intense. Dark. Glittering with purpose. His hair was damp, as if he, too, had just showered.

“You were early,” he observed. “I saw you come up.”

“I-I wanted a shower. Wanda let me go, and I thought…” I trailed off, unsure how to explain.

“Eager, baby?”

I lifted my head, pushing back my shoulders. “Anxious.”

“This is only for tonight,” he said.

“I know. We’ll get it out of our system.” I had already figured out Aldo didn’t do long-term. Or relationships. I wasn’t sure I would be satisfied with one night, but if it was all I could get, I would take it. I wanted him. “I’m a big girl, Aldo. I know how it is.”

Something passed over his face, and he set aside his glass, holding out his hand. “Come here.”

I crossed the room, taking his proffered hand. It was bigger than mine, the fingers long, the tips slightly callused. His skin was warm, and he tugged me closer.

“I want you,” I murmured. “You’re all I can think about.”

“Me too, baby. Me too.”

Our gazes locked, the passion flaring. I expected him to rip off the robe I was wearing and throw me over the sofa or on the bed and ravish me. Instead, he cupped my face between his warm palms, pressing his lips to mine. He kissed me slowly, thoroughly, sweetly. His tongue glided with mine in long, languid passes. He hooked an arm around my waist, drawing me closer so I was between his legs. I wrapped my arms around his neck, sinking into him. Into his kiss. I had never experienced a kiss like it. Powerful. Tender. Claiming.

I whimpered as he deepened the kiss, holding me tighter. I felt his erection pressed between us, and I dropped my hand, stroking him through the material of his pants. He groaned, spearing his hand into my hair and pulling—not hurting but, instead, caressing. We kissed endlessly. Hard and fast. Soft and sweet. Deep and carnal. We shared oxygen, neither of us wanting to separate our lips. We kissed until I was dizzy. Panting. Needy.

For him.

He dragged his lips along my cheek to my ear, and his voice was low, raspy, and sexy. “I want to see you, Violet. Show me what I’ve been waiting for.”

I stepped back, slowly untying the belt and letting the folds of the robe fall open. He narrowed his eyes, his hands fisting the fabric of the sofa. I rolled my shoulders, letting the robe fall away. I stood in front of him naked, my shoulders back, my eyes locked on his. I didn’t move as he swept his gaze over me. Once. Twice. Again. His gaze turned even darker, and he licked his lips. I felt his glance like a physical touch. Scorching and hot. I burned under his gaze. His pants tented obscenely, and he made no attempt to hide the fact.

“Violet,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. He waited until I met his gaze.

“You are a goddess.”

His words surprised me. Everything so far had surprised me. I wanted to surprise him.

I stepped closer and fell to my knees. “This goddess wants to worship you.”