Page 54 of Royal Desire

The man and woman are fit, stylish, and probably in their mid-forties. But sixty is the new fifty and so on, so who knows.

The man drapes his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “It’s more than great. Our old financial planner would never do this. We’re looking forward to getting outside tomorrow.”

The elevator dings, and the doors open. There’s no way I can stand here and argue with Payne without looking like an idiot. He’s getting exactly what he wants.

After the elevator doors close, the woman turns to me. “You and your brother were amazing. Really, a great show. Who knew there would be this level of entertainment in the middle of nowhere. We live in the suburbs and have to go downtown for live performances.”

“Thank you so much. We’re new to the manor. I’m happy you liked it.” The elevator zooms up four floors before we know it, saving me from further small talk.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Payne calls as they say their goodnights and exit the elevator. Payne swipes his card again and presses the button for the top floor suite.

I yank my hand from his and move to the other side of the elevator. “The penthouse. So swanky.”

He throws me a glance from the corner of his eyes. “For your information, I didn’t book the penthouse. Devon comped it to me for the weekend. Trust me, this is no vacation. I haven’t had one of those in years.”

“Hmm,” I mutter under my breath. “I assume you would’ve gone on your honeymoon solo.”

“Add that to the list of things we need to talk about, after we talk about the shit at the top of the list.” The elevator dings, and the doors open. When I don’t move, he holds his arm out to hold the door. “After you.”

Since I have no escape, I put one flip flop in front of the other and stalk off the elevator with my head held high. There are only two doors in the small hallway. I stand back and cross my arms as Payne goes to the one on the left, unlocks the door, and holds it open for me. I force myself to cross the threshold and try not to think about being alone with him. “You have five minutes. I’ll call Blake to come and get me so you don’t have to take me home.”

Wow. This is no normal hotel room. Places like the manor don’t fit into my budget for overnight stays. I’ve never seen anything like this.

I move through the entryway and around a center table with an enormous bouquet of flowers that are taller than me. A chandelier hangs over it that looks so old, I wonder if it’s original to the estate. Beyond is a living area with enough seating for a cocktail party. But my eyes are drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase Lake Winslet and the mountains that frame the little town we grew up in. The moon is almost swollen full and shining bright on my life that’s holding on by a thread.

I ignore the sound of the door closing behind me, solidifying the fact I’m alone with Payne Deacon for the first time in over a decade. I move to the dining table and stare out at the moon as I hear him move around the small kitchen.

“Devon loaded the place up for me. Wine, tequila, vodka, whiskey...” I hear ice clink in a glass. “What can I get you?”

I cross my arms so tightly, I hug myself from the cool chill of the room as I turn to him. He’s pouring himself a bourbon.

“I didn’t come here to drink. You’re down to four minutes. If I were you, I’d use them wisely.”

There’s a cool demeanor about him that I haven’t seen since I’ve been back. It reminds me of the old Payne.

Calm.

Confident.

Even cocky.

All things I love about him.

And right now, he looks like he has a secret.

He takes a sip of his drink. “I’d rethink that if I were you.”

I tip my head to the side. “The drink or coming up here with you? And when did you start drinking?”

Ice rattles in the crystal lowball that dangles from his veined hand as he stalks toward me. “I rarely drink but tonight calls for it.”

What I don’t tell him is that I don’t trust myself to be near him unless I’m in complete control. He’s already kissed me once. I don’t need anything else to make me stupid. I’m good at that all on my own.

“Three minutes, Payne. If you don’t think I’ll run out of here and walk home if I have to, then you must’ve forgotten who you’re dealing with.”

He takes one more sip as he stalks toward me. I force myself not to move. Unlike when I was overcome by the beauty of the suite, right now, I see nothing but him. “Suit yourself. And I refuse to be put on a clock. You’re not leaving here until you tell me everything.”

I drop my arms with frustration and bite my words out. “Tell you everything about what?”