Page 29 of Damaged Mogul
Thank God, my punishment is over. We’re back at her hotel.
As much as I’d like to bid her goodnight and let her make her way up to her room, the gentleman in me, protests. I refuse to cower to bad manners. I’m willing to suffer for a few more minutes in her presence.
What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, an’ all.
After asking my chauffeur to wait, I slide out of the car and circle it. I compose myself before opening the door.
Keep it together.
When I open it, I extend a hand to help Lily out. When her feet are firmly on the ground, I let go of her hand. She’s a bit surprised by the brusque movement, but she doesn’t comment.
Good.
I’d only be capable of answering with a grunt.
Chaos greets us when we enter the Pompadour Hotel.
Crowds of tourists huddle around groupings of luggage.
Based on the conversations taking place around us, it’s safe to say, these people are Italian. From the unmistakable flair in their fashion selection, I’m guessing they’re from the motherland.
I follow Lily across the busy lobby to the elevators. At this time of the night, there are no chances of me bumping into Mr. and Mrs. König or any of the König brothers.
We turn the corner.
There’s a long line at the elevator area.
Neither Lily or I speak as we wait our turn.
Not that we have to.
Between haphazard conversations, bellboys rushing up and down the hallway, and hotel staff fussing about, it’s enough commotion to fill our silence.
I let out a sigh of relief when a vacant car arrives at the lobby. I invite Lily to enter first.
With a politethank you, she steps inside.
I follow behind her.
She punches the button to her floor.
As the doors are about to close, a hand slams against the rubber padding, forcing the doors to open.
“Buona serata.Good evening,” a man says in a heavy accent.
“Good evening,” Lily says.
I nod.
The man lifts a finger. Then, he waves to someone outside of the elevator.
Footsteps echo against the floor before a group of travelers appear. It’s a flurry of commotion as they crowd the car.
Between the people and the luggage, it’s a tight fit.
Shit.
It’s an excruciating ascension to Lily’s floor, which happens to be one of the top floors.
