Page 9 of Dark Temptations

“Hello, Miss Ariana.”

“Hello, Charlie.”

“And who is your friend?” Charlie asked.

Ariana was taken aback by how suspicious the doorman was. “He’s a friend.”

“I’m only dropping her off,” Xavier said.

“I can see her up to her room, sir,” Charlie said.

“No. I’ll do it. She’s safe with me.”

“I hope so. I would hate to have to call Security.”

Xavier nodded. “I understand. You won’t have to.”

Charlie glanced at her and tipped his head. “Call down if you need anything, Miss Ariana.”

She looked back and forth, confused. It was like they were having a different conversation that she didn’t understand.

“I will. Thank you, Charlie. Good night.”

Xavier led her onto the elevator and pushed the button for her floor.

He stood silently watching the numbers on top of the door.

“Are you going to tell me what that was about?” she asked.

He looked down at her, and the blazing expression in his eyes sent a shiver down her body. Not in fear, but unadulterated female awareness.

Sooner than she wanted, they were at her door, and she was unlocking it. She turned to face him, debating whether to invite him in.

“I need to get back to the club,” he said.

That took away the idea of inviting him in, but the thought of never seeing him again was upsetting.

“Thank you for your help. I’m sorry if I caused trouble,” she said.

He stared at her for a moment before stepping close to her and cupping her face in his hands. “I have to have at least one before I leave.”

Her brows pinched together. “One what…”

His lip took hers. There was no gentle buildup for them. He opened her mouth with pressure on her jaw as his lips covered her with a hunger that blew her mind and left her weak. He explored her with a thoroughness that left her limp.

She made a wild little sound as her senses exploded, leaving her weak and confused.

The kiss could have gone on for a minute or an hour, but either way, she groaned when he lifted his head and looked down at her. Her stomach twisted in desire-filled agony at the naked hunger in his expression, and she wanted to beg him to ease her discomfort.

He took a step back, leaving her feeling alone and empty.

“I have to go. Stay safe,” he said and turned and walked away.

Her nose stung as tears filled her eyes because she knew he wouldn’t be calling her, so this was the last time she’d ever see him.

He looked back one more time before he stepped onto the elevator.

She shut her door and leaned against it with her eyes closed. How could a person just meet another, spend maybe an hour together, and feel like they took a part of them when they left?

---