Page 182 of Rough and Rugged

“Why do you ask?” I look up at him and freeze.

Golden brown eyes stare down at me. My skin heats and I feel my blush crawl up my neck to my cheeks. I see his pupils dilate, and his chest rumbles before a growl leaves his lips.

My body reacts instantly.

My nipples pebble, my core dampness, and I start to pant. I’m no better than a bitch in heat, and it makes me dizzy. I slap my hand on the elevator wall and try to back as far away as possible, but that just traps me in the corner, since he follows me.

“No,” I whisper as his nose grazes my cheek as he sniffs me.

“You’re right. Scared isn’t what you feel at all.” He nips my neck as the elevator dings and the door opens.

I push the cart and him out into the hall.

“See you around, Braxton.” I speed walk away from him, but not before I hear his words.

“Sooner than you think.” I glance behind me as the elevator closes on him, and I swallow hard.

I need to keep my head in the game. I can’t afford to ruin my plans for a quicky with the cute guy. I sigh as I knock on the first room. When no one answers, I unlock the door with my badge and announce myself.

“Room Service!” I call out, but again, I’m met with quiet.

I push the cart into the room and close the door, flipping the inside door lock. I need to be quick. I make the beds first and do it. At least it looks like I’m doing the job, but then I start searching. I find some cash, jewelry, and a bottle of pain pills I can probably sell later in a bigger city.

I vacuum and then head over to the next suite.

There are four in total, so it doesn’t take long. The next two rooms are duds. They used the safes and I’m a horrible cat cracking them. I’d spend the previous little time I have and might not get a thing in return.

The last room is a gold mine!

Designer bags, watches, jewelry, an open safe full of cash—it’s like Christmas morning. I busy myself loading as much as I can into my laundry cart and then have to put stuff back because I have no safe way of taking it out. My backpack can only fit so much. I take the wallets and leave the purses with a heavy sigh.

I glance at the clock and gasp.

It’s lunchtime! I need to get the laundry to the basement and grab my stuff. It’s go time. I make it all the way down the elevator and to my backpack without being seen. I’m putting my stuff in its hiding spot when I hear Chef’s voice.

“I waited for you last night. I’ve never been so disappointed in my life. How about you join me for lunch instead?” I spin to face him and use my foot to push my pack behind the curtain more.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t think it appropriate, plus I was bone tired.” I shrugged, embarrassed by all the people watching us.

“Lunch?” I shake my head to say no, cause I need to get the fuck out of here.

“I can’t. My break isn’t for another hour,” I lie and smile to soften the blow as his grin widens.

“Luckily, I know the boss. I doubt my brother would mind. Come.” He offers me his hand, and I hesitate.

“Don’t make me beg,” he whispers, and I place my hand in his.

“Your brother is my boss?” I ask as we walk to the cafeteria hand in hand.

“Technically, so am I. Along with our third brother, Braxton. We all own equal shares.” Alarm bells start going off in my head.

Abort mission!

“Um.” I try to pull out of his grip, but he tightens his hold and pulls me into a secluded corner, away from prying eyes.

“Shh,” he says, so close to my lips I can feel his breath on mine.

“Why are you panicking?” He sniffs me and I really am starting to think there’s something wrong with these men.

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