“Mr. Reed, what are you doing here?”
N
Daniel glanced at me. “This hotel has bad
security. I wasn’t comfortable leaving you alone.”
I wondered if I was imagining it, but he seemed irritable tonight, emanating a don’t–come- near–me vibe.
The sounds next door abruptly stopped.
Daniel looked me over. “Uncomfortable?”
“Huh?”
“I can get you another room.”
I quickly shook my head. “It’s late. You have work tomorrow. You should rest…”
As I spoke, I realized I had booked a room with a single king–sized bed. And the way I pulled
<
back the covers looked like I was inviting him to
share it with me.
The atmosphere became instantly awkward.
Daniel’s gaze lingered on my bare legs before
he looked away and called his secretary. “Book
another room—”
Suddenly, Lisa’s shrieks resumed, louder than
before. A surge of anger welled up inside me.
Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed the corner of Daniel’s shirt. “It’s okay… let’s just
stay here,” I whispered.
Daniel’s expression shifted, his eyes taking on a
subtle, almost predatory glint.
My face flushed. Had I been too forward? “I’m
sorry, I… I didn’t mean-
“Alright.” Daniel calmly hung up the phone. “You
want to shower first?”
<
Bang! A loud crash came from next door,
followed by Lisa’s gasp. My phone vibrated. It
was Ethan. I didn’t answer. Then, a text
message popped up on the screen: “Sarah
Mitchell, you have three minutes to come out.”
Daniel’s lips curved into a cold smile. “He’s a
busy man.”
Before I could respond, Daniel stood up and
started to take off his watch and unbutton his
shirt.
I stared at him, dumbfounded. “You… you…”
I was quickly enveloped in the scent of his
cologne. “Miss Mitchell, you extended the
invitation. I wouldn’t dream of being impolite.”
My heart pounded in my chest. We were so
close I could count his eyelashes.
“Will it be loud?” he asked.
<
“What?” My voice was barely a whisper.
Daniel chuckled. “Your voice is much nicer than
hers.”
I suddenly understood what he meant. “Ah-”
My voice was strained, but it made Daniel
laugh, a sound of approval, as if saying I’d done
a great job.
Suddenly, Ethan’s voice came from next door,
strained with anger. “Sarah Mitchell, answer
your phone.”
Daniel picked up my phone and said calmly,
“She’s in the shower.”
A long silence.
“David Reed?” Ethan asked softly.
“That’s right.”
=
:
<
Einan Scored. II you want to die, I don’t mina
helping you along.”
Daniel brushed my hair away from my face and
chuckled. “Big talk. I hope your actions are as
swift as your… surrender.”
