Betrayal (Infidelity Book 1) - Aleatha Romig Page 0,6

want to be taken by one of the club whores. You see Mike, or Max, or whatever he’s calling himself today, makes his way by seducing new arrivals. He and his friend pick out the new women who they believe will shower them with food, drinks, and whatever else. I’ve watched him work the pool decks and clubs off and on for a while now. You were about to be taken.”

I wasn’t sure if it was his condescending tone or arrogance at believing I would have been taken, but whatever it was, I was done. Straightening my neck, I said, “Well, sir, you’ve done your good deed for the day. Since I’m obviously not smart enough to spot a swindler, I better avoid all possible accomplices.” I reached for my slushy. “You may go.”

I lowered my eyes to the now melted drink and began to suck. With each slurp of cool strawberry and mango over my tongue, I waited for his shadow to move and my legs to once again be bathed in sunlight. By the time I reached the bottom of the glass, my heart was pounding in my chest, and my head was fighting a brain freeze, but the shadow hadn’t disappeared. It’d gotten bigger as he inched closer.

Whipping my face toward his, I asked, “May I help you? Would you like a tip or something for your kindness?”

The annoyance I’d seen earlier was gone. The light eyes, now merely inches from my own, danced with amusement. I wasn’t sure which emotion made me more uneasy.

“Something.” The word rolled from his lips, deep and full of promise.

I let out an exasperated sigh. “What?”

“You asked if I wanted a tip or something. I want something. I want dinner, tonight. Eight o’clock in the presidential suite. Don’t worry, Charli with an i, I’ll take care of the tip.”

“B-But—”

“Tell the doorman your name. He’ll take you up the private elevator.”

I stared incredulously, unsure what to say.

Is this guy for real? Or is this my fantasy? Charli’s fantasy?

I lifted my chin. “What if you’re no better than Max?”

One side of his full sensual lips quirked upward, diverting my gaze away from his chiseled jaw, the one covered with just enough beard growth to be abrasive to sensitive skin. My nipples hardened at the thought.

“I guarantee,” he said, “I’m much better than Max.”

Just then he turned and walked away, leaving me with a view of long, tanned legs, a tight ass covered with swim trunks, a trim waist, and broad shoulders. He wasn’t overly muscular, but definitely fit. Though older than Max and Shaun, I couldn’t gauge his age. By the sound of confidence in his tone and judging by our surroundings, he was successful. Hell, he’d told me to have dinner with him in the presidential suite. I knew how much our two-bedroom suite cost for a week. The presidential suite definitely required money.

As I continued to sit, I contemplated what had just happened or what would happen.

Am I even considering going to dinner with him in the presidential suite?

“Who was that?” Chelsea asked as she slid back into her chair, an icy pink drink in her hand.

I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? Weren’t you talking to him?”

“Yes,” I answered, unsure why I hadn’t asked his name or why he hadn’t offered.

“Max whispered something to Shaun, and he asked if he was your husband.”

I started laughing. “Well, actually, he’s not mine. He’s Charli’s.”

“What?” she asked, turning toward me with a big smile. “Wow! Charli moves fast! I think it’s the i. Women with names that end in i get to have all the fun.”

“What happened with Shaun? Why aren’t you two over there whispering sickening things to one another?”

Chelsea pursed her lips together. “He ordered our drinks and then asked for our room number. The creep was going to charge them to me!”

I smirked. Maybe the things Mr. Deep Voice said were true. “Oh Chelsea, tell me you didn’t give it to him. I don’t want him or Max showing up at our door.”

“No.” She laughed. “I’ve been the player too many times to be played. I gave him a sob story about my being here with my boyfriend. I said he was up in the room sleeping off too many drinks from last night, and if he saw the drinks on our tab I’d be in big trouble.” She leaned closer. “I made him out to be a real badass. Shaun felt sorry for me and bought the