Entranced (The ROGUES Billionaire #1) - Tracie Delaney Page 0,13

“I’m choosier than you, that’s all.”

Elliot’s laughter grew. “If you hadn’t set about screwing half the Eastern seaboard of the United States the second your balls dropped, I’d be inclined to believe you.”

If he had any inkling why I’d behaved that way, I’d have no choice other than celibacy, because he’d chop my dick off.

“Maybe that’s why then,” I said. “I’ve run out of options.”

“The news anchor on the TV this morning said there’s a typhoon brewing in the Pacific. I’m sure I read somewhere that typhoons make women’s kink-o-meter kick up a notch. Something about atmospheric pressure.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ve told you before to stop believing everything you read in the National Enquirer. Next you’ll be telling me E.T. exists.”

Elliot made a shocked face. “He doesn’t?”

“Fuck off.”

Our banter continued the entire journey back to the hotel, and the whole ride up to the top floor in the elevator. At least it kept us awake long enough to make it to our penthouses. We said goodnight. I pretended to check something on my phone until I was sure Elliot had gone inside. Once he had, I flashed the key card, waited for the click, then entered.

“Ah, you’re back.”

The man I’d hired to watch Athena rose from the couch. He stretched, adjusted his pants, and slipped his phone into his pocket.

“All okay?” I asked.

“No trouble. She went to bed about an hour ago.”

“Which room?”

He pointed to one of the guest beds.

“Great. I can take it from here. Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

He bowed, then left.

I went into my bedroom, leaving the door open in case Athena tried to leave. I wouldn’t put anything past that woman. She was as slippery as a snake. Quickly shedding my clothes, I shoved them in a bag, double knotted it, and tossed it in the corner of my room ready for the maids in the morning. I typed a note in my phone reminding me to have a new Alexander Amosu suit made next time I was in London.

I desperately wanted a shower, but how could I risk it? If Athena heard running water, she’d definitely make a run for it. When the answer came to me, I grinned. Striding naked across the living area, I picked up one of the six dining chairs and slid it under the door handle to her room. That should hold her long enough for me to get rid of the cloying smell of smoke.

Ten minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom, the awful stench finally gone. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and, leaving my hair damp, I went over to Athena’s room. The chair was in the same place, indicating she hadn’t attempted to leave. I put it to one side and quietly opened her door.

Athena had her back to me, her long dark hair fanned out over the crisp white pillow. Her breathing was soft and even. Considering how tired I was, I briefly contemplated letting her sleep until morning but immediately discarded the idea. This conversation needed to happen tonight.

I sat on the edge of the bed and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear so I could see her face better. Her cheeks were tinged pink, her lips parted. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful.

My chest tightened. “What am I going to do with you, my little goddess?” I whispered.

She stirred and then rolled onto her back. A few seconds later, her eyelids flickered then opened.

“Ryker?”

Her voice, thick with sleep, sent blood rushing to my groin. Fucking hell. Not now.

“Yeah,” I rasped. “It’s me.”

She let out a contented sigh and stretched, the movement parting the robe and giving me more than a glimpse of her breasts. I raised my eyes heavenward. Are you kidding me?

And then she shot up in bed, pinning me with an angry glare. “You left. You dragged me back here against my will and left me with that… that… oaf.”

I raised one eyebrow. “Oaf?”

“He picked his teeth,” she explained with a pout.

I grinned. “At least it wasn’t his nose.”

“Urgh, Ryker.” She slammed her palm into my shoulder. “That’s disgusting.”

I stood before she could cast her unique spell—the one that made me forget my own name.

“Get dressed. You owe me an explanation.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You want me to put on the clothes I was wearing at the club?”

Christ. I was too tired to think straight. With everything else going on, I’d forgotten she didn’t have anything to wear other than that outfit. And I’d gouge out my