Page 67 of Alex

When she speaks, her voice is quiet, like there’s no fight left in her. “Please bring me back to the hotel.”

I nod my head even though she can’t see me. “Okay.”

We walk in silence around the brick building to my car. We don’t speak for the entire trip back to the hotel.

I want to tell her how sorry I am for my past mistakes. And how sorry I am for ruining our night out.

“Shit.” I mumble to myself when I remember the other part of my surprise for Elise.

If everything went according to my plan, there will be a box of assorted chocolates on Elise’s bed and dissolvable rose petals in her jetted tub.

She doesn’t comment on my outburst or ask if I’m okay. I glance over at her, but her head is facing the window.

With the help of the city lights surrounding us, I can make out her reflection in the window. Her eyes are closed and she looks peaceful, but I know deep inside there’s a war going on.

She continues to ignore me and not speak, even after I park my car and lead her inside the lobby to the elevator.

It feels like my heart has been ripped out. I know I have to do something, but I’m at a loss. I’ve never felt like this before.

Sure, I thought I loved Bianca, but my feelings back then don’t compare to how I feel about Elise.

Before Elise can escape into her room, I grab her hand and pull her toward me.

“Elise, wait. Please, just talk to me. I don’t like this. I can’t stand the idea of you hating me and refusing to speak to me.”

She shakes her head. “Alex, I can’t. I just need time to process everything that happened tonight. Please.”

I let go of her hand and watch as it falls to her side.

She pushes open her bedroom door and turns around to look at me. “I don’t hate you, Alex. I don’t think I could ever hate you. It just takes me time to think, assess, and process.”

The tiny spark of hope sparks back to life. “I understand. Goodnight, Elise.”

I don’t wait for her answer. Walking past her, I open my bedroom door and slink inside, heading straight for the shower.

Turning the water to max heat, I step under the scalding spray and scrub off the horrible events of tonight.

My thoughts turn to Elise. I wonder if she saw the chocolates and rose petals.

Will she think it’s cheesy or romantic?

I planned on spending the night making her feel treasured and pampered before worshiping her perfectly curvy body all night.

My plans for tonight didn’t include bumping into Bianca and Adam, or Elise finding out about the poker game.

The office was an unexpected event. One that I wasn’t expecting in the slightest, but one I would welcome anytime and anywhere.

I have to turn the water to cold for a few moments to cool my raging boner. The longer Ithink about Elise, the harder my dick gets. Before things can get out of hand, I get out of the shower and dry off.

Grabbing a pair of lounge shorts from my bag, I slip them on and head into the living room to pour myself a stiff drink. If I can’t be with Elise tonight, drinking is always an option.

I grab a glass from the cabinet, open the bottle of expensive whiskey Dad likes to keep here, and pour me a couple of shots.

Dad’s voice comes from down his hallway. “You’re back home already? Is everything okay with Elise?”

“Uh, yeah.” I down the drink before pouring another one. “Are you heading out?”

Dad is wearing his navy blue suit with his light blue shirt. His diamond cufflinks shine in the light. It’s way too dressy for him to just be heading downstairs to the restaurant or bar.

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