jacket and tie. All my
close protection team dressed smart for concerts. The rest of the time, I preferred them in more casual clothing.
It helped them blend in more, not that I ever did.
“I’m going to head to bed,” I said around a yawn.
“You should drink some water first.”
“I drank plenty during the concert.”
“Not enough. Sit down. I’ll get you some from the minibar.”
I did as I was told, not because I needed a drink, but because I was bemused. Pete got me a bottle of mineral
water out of the fridge, filled a glass with ice from the ice bucket, and poured the water over it. Normally, he’d
have just handed me the bottle, which would have been much faster.
“What’s going on?” I asked when he handed me the drink. I took a sip. Damn, it was cold. I liked cold, but this
was a bit much.
“Just looking out for you, that’s all.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re up to something. Is this another bet?”
“Nope.”
I wasn’t sure I believed him.
“Be good and drink your water.”
I scowled but obeyed. I couldn’t do much more than sip the water, but at least it was refreshing.
I was about halfway through when there was a knock at the door. Pete’s lips curved into a smile as he went to
answer it.
It was Wulf. “Special delivery for Mr Faire.” He grinned as he handed a plain black rucksack to Pete.
“Thanks, Wulf.” Pete shut the door and carried the rucksack over to the coffee table.
“Okay, what’s going on?” I asked.
“Like Wulf said, you’ve got a special delivery.” He put the bag on the table and unzipped it.
A couple of seconds later, a little monkey head popped out. I gasped and damn near dropped the water. I did
splash it all over my jeans. Pete took it from me as the monkey clambered out of the bag and jumped onto my
lap. He flung his tiny monkey arms around me and hugged tight.
“Austin?” I looked to the monkey and then Pete, who nodded. “But…how?”
“I think that’s obvious,” Pete said. “Wulf snuck him into the hotel in the rucksack.”
I lifted Austin to bring his eyes in line with mine. “What are you doing here?”
The monkey tilted his head and then shot a glare at Pete.
“I think that’s my cue to go to bed,” Pete said. “Have fun.”
“Thanks,” I said as he got to the door that led to his bedroom.
He shrugged. “It’s good to see a smile on your face that isn’t an act. Night, Charlie. Night, Austin.”
The moment Austin and I were alone, I put him down on the floor. I gritted my teeth as he shifted and let out a
mournful noise. The pain of shifting was not something either of us enjoyed. He stood before me: beautiful,
naked, and real.
“You look tired,” he said, sitting beside me and pulling me into his arms.
“Exhausted.”
He kissed my hair. “Let’s go to bed, then.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to touch you.” He stroked my shoulder. “Smell you.” He buried his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply. “
And kiss you.”
I tilted my face up so our lips could touch in a brief but perfect kiss. “I…don’t have the energy to be with you.”
“I didn’t expect you to. I’m happy to cuddle you while you sleep.”
“Really? You got on a plane just to hold me while I sleep?”
Austin nodded.
“That’s…”
“Romantic?”
I laughed. “I was going to say crazy, but yeah, it is romantic.”
“I got to see your concert too.”
I frowned. “How? It was sold out.”
“It pays to have the hotline number for Charlie Faire’s bodyguards.” He winked and kissed me again.
“Oh, so you abused your power?”
“Absolutely.” He took my hand and pulled me to my feet. “Come on, let’s go to bed.”
I showed him through to my bedroom, which was on the opposite side of the lounge area to Pete’s.
“Let me undress you,” he said between pressing soft kisses to my jaw and neck.
I nodded, happy to let him worship my body as he slowly took my clothing off. He kissed me tenderly throughout,
and it was a shame I was too damn tired to be turned on.
Once I was naked, Austin took me to the bed, turned the light off, and tucked us both in together. He spooned
around my back, holding me close to his chest. He rested his face against my shoulder, his beard tickling my
skin.
“Are you sure you’re happy to fall asleep together?” I asked.
“More than.”
“Am I dreaming?”
He chuckled, and his warm breath puffed