Page 14 of The Penalty

My groin tightens thinking about helping her take it off. That would only be the beginning. Then I’d move on to peel the black leather second skin off so I can see what’s underneath. Every curve, every freckle. I want to devour her.

“I should find something to eat before I head back to my room.” My voice comes out in a rasp. “It’s a little farther out.” A twenty-minute drive, but I won’t be taking a car, so the bus will take longer.

“Oh. Do you live here?”

“No.” I don’t elaborate.

Shepulls away from me. Probably deterred by my lack of a response.

“Couldn’t snag a room close by? I get it. The city is packed right now. I booked last year to make sure I would have a place to stay. I’ve got a room here. You could... come back with me. We could order room service. Spend the night...” All the in-your-face confidence is gone, replaced with a vulnerability I recognize. A fear of rejection or being a bother. I don’t want her to feel that way. Not because of me and my issues.

“But I guess you’ve left your bags at your hotel, so if it doesn’t work for you, I totally get it. Don’t worry about it.”

We’ve reached the door leading down the tunnel into the lobby. I could turn away. Leave her for the night and hope she doesn’t decide to enjoy an after party somewhere. Meet someone else to take home. Or I could take a chance. Say yes. Savor every inch of her. It’s not a fair contest. I’m in. I’ve got a tough year ahead of me. Might as well enjoy this weekend to the fullest.

“No.”

Her face falls.

“I mean, no, I left my bag in the lockers, so it’s here. I can grab it. What I should have said was yes. I’d love to spend the night with you.”

Chapter 5

No Pictures Please

Cece

That conversation was abit like being on a turbulent plane ride. I put myself out there. At first, I thought it was a lock. He’s into me. I’m into him. This was bound to happen. But then he shut down. The one-word answers, the hesitation. Up and down, tossing me all around. It was a little much for my sensitive self. I don’t always show it, but the hurt comes hard and fast when I think someone is rejecting me. I’m so used to being criticized or overlooked by my family, the confidence I put out there is a veneer. A fragile shield sitting on top of my insecurities, concealing them from the world, but easily shattered.

But then he said yes, and now here we are. Crushed together against the mirrored wall on the long trip to the twenty-first floor. There’s nothing wrong with the hotel elevator itself, but the sweaty nerd bodies all jammed in after a day spent in toomany layers are nauseating. Someone coughs, and I wince, trying to hold my breath. I’m not interested in moving into my new place with a case of con crud.

Dev slides an arm around me, pulling me in tight to his side. He’s so much taller than me, I fit perfectly, and as I turn my head to face the painted on white skull on the front of his black tee, I catch a soothing whiff. Whatever he’s wearing is soft and fresh smelling. Like a cool breeze on a hot day. I bury my head in it, seeking the sanctuary of him. And it works. I’m surrounded by the scent of him now. It slides around me in a hug as comforting as the physical one.

I’m so wrapped up in it, I don’t notice the other people leaving the elevator in pairs and small clusters until it’s only us. I don’t realize it until he slides his hands up my back, up my neck in a shivery rush, stopping when he reaches my cheeks. His large hands swallow up my face as he tilts it up to meet his eyes. He bends down, lips hovering over mine. A mere fraction of an inch away.

My body is begging, pleading for him to close the distance. It’s been a long summer. I’ve been on my best behavior. I need this. So, I take it.

I push up on my tiptoes, traveling the last inch until my lips meet his in a gentle press. But that single taste isn’t enough for either of us. The world disappears with the intensity of our kiss. We’ve both been waiting for this all day. He pulls me in closer, crushing me in a bruising embrace. I return the gesture, nibbling on his lower lip. Grasping and seeking the heat of him. His lips are soft, but commanding. Demanding surrender.He tastes like the strawberries and cream from the funnel cake we shared.

His tongue invades my mouth, sliding along my lips, begging for entrance. I’m a panting, gasping mess already as his hand moves in a slow, tentative slide down my neck to my breast. He smooths over the slippery fabric, but it’s too thick. I can’t feel his touch, so I arch into him, looking for more.

A loud ding startles me out of the moment, and I hate it. Stupid elevator doing its stupid job. I’ve never wanted to get trapped in an elevator with someone until this moment.

Grabbing his hand, I hurry through the door before it’s fully open, glancing at the gold plaques on the wall to get my bearings. I’m in room 2308 or 2303. I’m not even sure anymore, but they’re both in the same direction, so I turn down the right hallway, fumbling in my bag for the key card. Flipping open the little grey envelope, I spot the number 2308 inked on it. That’s it. Perfect.

The long hall takes longer to traverse because we keep turning toward each other, stopping to steal a kiss before we move forward again.

My father would kill me if he saw me doing this. Bringing a strange man back to my hotel room. Letting him in without a background check or a pedigree he’d approve of. If only he knew what some of those blue-blooded boys he pushes me toward have done. To me, to other girls, the world in general.

I’m not stupid. I texted Tess my room number along with a pic of Dev. Just in case.

Before tapping my key card on the sensor, I turn to him. “I sent a picture of you to Tess, just so you know. She’s got my coordinates and your photo, so if you’re planning on murdering me in my own hotel room, you will be caught.”

The cloudy glaze in his eyes clears for a moment. “Good to know. I’ll refrain from breaking out my ax.”

I laugh, glancing at the threadbare canvas bag he’s got slung over his broad shoulder. The only piece of luggage he brought with him. I’m almost embarrassed to let him in. He’ll see the very large, and very expensive suitcases I brought for my few days away. But I’m heading directly to Lakeview after this, so I had to bring some extra clothes and supplies until the moving truck arrives next week. Beau had better help me move in. He’s been cagey about it. Too busy enjoying the remnants of summer to help his sister out.

“Last chance to back out.” I tell him, hand hovering a safe distance from the pad.

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