Page 57 of Dalla's Royal Guards
“How did it do what?”
Dalla waved her hand at the box. “We were just in the car park… then we stepped into that box, and now we’re here? How did that happen?”
Musad chuckled and shook his head. “No, it’s an elevator. It takes visitors to different levels within the hotel. The car park is below us.”
“Ah. I have seen only one such device before. Well, not quite like this one. It was more of a cage with wires and pulleys. I did not like it before,” she commented with a shudder, turning back to look around the foyer of the hotel.
The lobby was a mix of tired grandeur and hopeful remodeling—chipped columns, fresh paint, and exposed wires coiled behind hanging tarps. A broad marble staircase led up to the mezzanine, where someone played a haunting tune on a piano. A toddler screamed in delight as she raced down the hallway, pursued by a laughing father. The scent of perfume and sweat clung to the air, barely masking the fragrance of cleaning solution.
Musad walked up to the front desk while Dalla and Nasser remained in the background.
“Two nights,” Musad told the clerk. “In-suite if you have one.”
Minutes later, Musad returned and handed a keycard to Nasser. Dalla frowned when he said he would return shortly.
“Where are you going?”
Musad glanced at her and smiled. “To find us something to wear that doesn’t reek of cave smoke and gunpowder. It will help us blend in better if we don’t look like we’ve been in a battle.”
Her lips twitched. “I like the clothing of this time. It will be nice to wear something softer. Do you promise you aren’t sneaking away to call this Raja’s army?”
He leaned close, his voice dropping. “I promise I’m not secretly negotiating with the Simdan king or buying us weapons—at least not the usual kind: Iwillbuy you undergarments that will drive us all crazy. And some other clothes because they are necessary. But I will hurry back to you, Dalla. You have my word.” She leaned into his hand when he touched her cheek with a tenderness that made her breath catch. “I’m sure Nasser wouldn’t mind helping you get cleaned up while I’m gone. I’ll help you get dressed when I return.” He winked, and she stared after him as he walked away.
Her lips twitched with amusement when she saw the subtle look he passed to Nasser that contained a wealth of caution and encouragement—their years together allowing them to have silent conversations and understand each other perfectly.
Nasser smiled impishly as he stepped closer to her until she could feel the heat of his skin through her clothing.
“Whatever will we do to pass the time,” he teased.
A shiver ran through her at the promise in his voice.
He wrapped his arm around her and guided her toward the metal box again. Three other people entered before the doors closed. Nasser didn’t release her once they were inside. Instead, he caressed her hip, rubbing his thumb in a pattern that was driving her insane. Her mind was replaying the last time they had made love.
What would it be like to have them individually?
The thought sent a silent tremor through her. It was mind-blowing when the three of them came together. Would the same passion and fulfillment be there with one of them missing?
The door opened and closed twice before they finally reached the top floor. She breathed a sigh of relief when the doors opened and Nasser pressed his hand against the small of her back as they stepped out.
“You’re quiet,” she murmured as they walked down to the end of the corridor.
“I’m thinking.”
“About what?”
His lips twitched. “How many ways I’m going to make love to you.”
“Oh.”
“I’m hoping the bed is big enough to do everything we want.”
Her grin was slow and wicked. “And if it isn’t?”
“Then I guess we’ll just have to get creative,” he said with a wicked grin.
The flush of heat that seared through her surprised her. She ran her eyes over Nasser’s back to his ass and back again. She wondered what he had in mind… and wondered if he would mind if she was just as creative.
Nasser unlocked the door and stepped inside first, instinct and habit having him scan the suite with a soldier’s efficiency. Dalla followed, her hands moving to the fastening on her vest as she wandered around the interior. The room was large and opened into a small living room with a kitchenette. The living roomhad two armchairs with a narrow wooden table between them. Across from it was a long, plush couch. She walked over to the window. The hotel was fourteen stories, and they were on the top front corner.
