Page 6 of Dark Temptations

Xavier couldn’t relax until the door closed behind him, leaving them in total silence.

She looked around her. “What is this room?”

“It’s one of our private lounges. We have a few, but this is the smallest.” And most intimate, but he wasn’t going to tell her that.

The room was meant for two to six people and had a fireplace, two plush sofas, and a few tables scattered. There was also a small bar and wooden table with chairs off to the side. This room was exclusive and expensive to rent for the night, so it was usually rich businessmen or politicians who used it.

The doors were solid metal, and the walls were double sheetrock with metal in between. Many people liked to rent the room for private meetings, because he always guaranteed they would not be disturbed and couldn’t be overheard.

“It’s very nice,” she said and sat on one of the sofas. “Would you like to tell me why you had to bring me here?”

He sat beside her but left two feet between them, so he didn’t scare her more than she already was.

“Did you notice the men around you?”

She frowned. “In the bar?”

Xavier nodded.

“There were men everywhere.”

He almost smiled. “Yes, but the ones around you were getting ready to fight.”

“Why?”

“Because of you.”

Her eyes widened. “Wait, I didn’t do anything.”

“I took one look at you, and I knew you’d cause trouble.”

She gasped. “But I didn’t do anything. I swear.”

“Baby, all you had to do was sit there. I can guarantee every man in the club wanted you when they saw you.”

She stared at him for a moment and then snorted. “Stop. Are you making fun of me?”

“No. I saw the look on several men’s faces around you, and they all wanted you.”

“For what?”

He almost rolled his eyes. “They want to take you to bed.” He wanted to say “like I do” but kept it in for the moment.

A blush covered her face. “Why? I mean, they don’t know me, and I’m boring. Really boring. Just ask my friends.”

“It doesn’t matter,” he said.

“So, what’s going to happen?” she asked.

“We’ll find your friends.”

“What if you don’t? Can I just get an Uber ride home? I could have you give a note to give to my friends.”

Xavier shook his head. Hell, no. He didn’t trust anyone with her. He wasn’t going to question his protectiveness because it felt right. “It’s not safe, so I’ll take you home. Do you live with them?”

She shook her head. “No, I work on the other side of town, so I have my own place.”

“That’s fine.” He studied her and hid a smile when she stared back at him. She was not only sweet and innocent, but she made him feel peaceful or something. It was an emotion he was unfamiliar with, but he knew he could get used to it very easily.

---