Free Betrayal by Aleatha Romig

suite?”
    “I hope you don’t mind,” Nox said. “I may have changed your order—a little.”
    “Yes,” I said louder than I intended. “I do mind.” Turning toward the waiter I mellowed my tone. “Please go back to the kitchen. Bring me the house red and if you can manage to return alone, I’ll triple your tip.”
    Still wearing the suit from our dinner, minus the jacket I’d thrown at him, Nox grinned as he pulled a money clip from the front pocket of his gray trousers. Without speaking, he peeled back a few bills. I tried not to look, but saw that each one was a hundred.
    “Here you go,” he said, offering the cash to the waiter. “The lady will be fine with the wine you currently have on your cart. Take it into her suite.”
    I pressed my lips together and moved aside to allow the waiter entrance.
    As he moved the small linen-covered cart, he smiled bashfully. “Miss Moore, would you like me to open the bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon?” His smile grew as he proclaimed, “It’s our finest wine.”
    “It’s from Napa Valley,” Nox whispered, leaning close to my ear, sending warm breaths over my neck.
    “Yes, sir,” the waiter replied. “We only serve California wines at Del Mar.”
    I shook my head. “No, thank you, just leave the opener and I can take care of it.”
    “Yes, miss. Thank you. If you need anything else…”
    “That’ll be all,” Nox answered. “We’ll call if we do.”
    The waiter nodded and disappeared down the hallway. Reaching for the door, I cocked my head to the side. “You’re rather confident for a man who’s still standing in the hallway.”
    “I am.” His blue eyes shone with newfound determination. “However, you’re right about my location, very astute of you. I’d much prefer to be in there.” He nodded toward me.
    Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone else in the hall. “Nox, I don’t see married men.”
    “Mrs. Witt was right. Would you allow me to explain, inside your room?”
    I swallowed as he inched closer, his eyes never leaving mine as the intoxicating, woodsy scent filled my senses. I tried to stay focused. “No. That won’t be necessary. It’s very simple.”
    “Charli, it isn’t as simple as you think. I don’t usually ask the same question twice, but for you, I’ll make an exception. May I come in and explain?”
    He took another step my direction. If I remained still, we’d be close enough to touch. Unwilling to allow the contact, I took a step back. “Fine,” I snapped, waving my arm in a grand gesture, “make it quick. Apparently I have some expensive wine to drink.”
    “The best California red Del Mar has to offer,” he said with a smirk as he entered.
    I didn’t move farther into the suite or invite him to sit. Instead, I tugged on the lapels of my robe and said, “You have thirty seconds. Explain.”
    Nox’s neck straightened as his shoulders broadened before me and the seams of his shirt pulled against the strain. His head moved slowly from side to side as he searched for the right words. “I also don’t take orders well, but once again, I’ll make an exception.”
    “Then you must be a great employee. I’m surprised your bosses allow you to stay in such expensive suites.”
    “My bosses?”
    “You said you run businesses. They must belong to someone.”
    “Yes, you’re right. They do.”
    I waved my hand in the air. “You know what? I don’t care. I don’t care if you take orders. I don’t care if you repeat yourself, and I don’t care whom you work for. Your time is almost up.”
    “I’m not married.”
    My jaw tightened. “I don’t see married men and I detest liars.”
    He took another step towards me. “Charli Moore, I also don’t explain myself … to anyone. I want you to listen and listen closely.” He seized my shoulders. Before I could protest he continued, “I’m not married. I was. I won’t elaborate any more than that. You’re right that I took the ring off recently. I