Free Eternal Hearts by Jennifer Turner Page A

antique whatever table. Won’t ya, Rob?”
    Robert smiled at her, but his eyes told Drake a much different story. “For you, Miss Tutoro, I’d gladly allow such behavior. However, it would appear that you are possessing of far more discriminating tastes than my dear friend Drake. So if you’d like to join the only other adult in the room here at the counter, I’d be happy to assist you in finding your suite.”
    Drake cast a sideways glance to Toni. “Did I mention the Old Man’s got attitude?”
    She smiled up at him, her eyes brimming with amusement. “No, you didn’t.”
    Drake tightened his arm around her shoulders and walked her up to the counter before he released her. “Well, he does. Lots of it. But other than that, he’s a pretty decent guy.”
    Robert nodded as he extended a hand in Toni’s direction. “Please, allow me to properly welcome you to the Legacy Suites. My name is Robert, and it is nothing but an honor and pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Tutoro.”
    A small smile curved her lips as she accepted his hand. “It’s nice to meet you too, Robert.” Her eyes moved over the marble countertop and the crystal vase of fresh red roses to the right of him. “I’m, Toni…and I so don’t belong here.”
    He offered her a very fatherly smile. “Your attire is perfectly acceptable, Miss.” He inclined his head towards Drake. “As you can see, we even extend hospitality to those of the leather clad Barbarian persuasion, so please don’t worry yourself in regard to trappings as trivial as clothing.”
    Drake slapped a hand against the counter. “Hey, I’ll have you know that my trappings cost more than a months’ stay here.” He held his trench coat open to show off the silk and wool blend inlay. “This baby was painstakingly handcrafted, specifically for my body and needs, by the finest tailor in all the land.”
    In the space of a single heartbeat, Robert’s smile went from fatherly to something evil laced with mischief. “I’m sure the hefty price tag attached to your coat and trousers lend great comfort to the four cows slain in the making of them.”
    Drake stared at Robert when Toni started laughing. “What was that you said earlier about me channeling my inner Odin?”
    Robert shrugged. “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, Mr. Black.”
    “So how long have you two known each other?” Toni asked.
    Drake smiled down at her. “Too long.”
    “But not nearly long enough,” Robert added. “I assure you, Miss Tutoro, while he may seem a bit rough around the edges in this particular setting, beneath those layers of dark leather there lives a good man.”
    Her face slowly softened as she stared up at Drake, until she’d perfectly recreated the sweet and innocent smile from her contract photo. “I know he’s a good man. I can see it.”
    Drake shook his head. Whatever she thought she saw, it sure as hell didn’t live in him. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to sit down and kick my feet up.” He purposefully shot a taunting glare to Robert. “On a table that no one will make me clean when I’m done.”
    Robert chuckled as he slid a credit card style key across the counter to Toni. “This is the key to your suite, Miss, which is located on the nineteenth floor.” He motioned to his left. “You’ll find the elevators down the hall to your right. And should you need anything at all or find your accommodations lacking in any form, please don’t hesitate to phone the desk. I do hope you enjoy your time with us, Miss Tutoro, and again, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you.”
    She picked up the card. “Thanks, Robert. It was nice to meet you, too.” She started for the elevators but turned around after only a few steps. “And thanks for making me feel…like I could fit here.” She lowered her gaze to her hands, where she tapped the key against her fingertips. “You didn’t have to, but thank you.”
    Robert’s eyes reflected the