Page 17 of Lord of Vice
I jumped when he pressed both hands against the metal on either side of my head. “In case I wasn’t clear. I make the rules. You’re going to follow them.”
Period. The end.
When the elevator pinged, I issued a slight whimper, which seemed to cause him alarm. As he walked out into what reminded me of a stunning entrance to an apartment, I glanced toward the floor-to-ceiling window. The neon-infused lights from the strip were big and bold, the draw as electrifying as the man.
Once again, he pressed his fingers against a second panel, waiting until we’d both heard a click. When I glanced over my shoulder toward the closing elevator doors, the deep baritone of his chuckle seemed so close.
“What are you searching for? A way out? I assure you that you aren’t going anywhere,” he asked, opening the set of double doors for us.
“Aren’t your guards going to follow us? I’m certain you prefer to keep your goons with you.”
“Those goons are highly trained individuals who have been told to keep you safe. At this point, they are not allowed to enter my private suite, but I assure you they are standing guard inside the lobby.”
Jesus. He was so serious. The moment I walked inside, a gasp of surprise slipped past my lips. From the baby grand pianoand the two sets of luxurious leather seating areas to the granite fireplace in the corner, flames licking up from the ceramic logs, the place was gorgeous. The artwork on the walls and placed on various tables was stunning, vibrant in bold and artistic colors. Two hallways flanked the massive room and I could see a full kitchen from where I was standing.
A single leather couch likely cost more than I made in an entire year.
Three sets of French doors led to a sparkling terrace and I found myself walking closer, staring out at the most incredible pool, which was just one of the amazing features. There were planters in several locations, rich-looking foliage and flowers adding a powerful yet subtle touch. Underneath one massive trellis was a beautiful hot tub. Under a second was an outdoor kitchen that would rival any commercial space. I found myself planting a hand on the glass as I stared out at the buildings in the distance.
Remington was already tugging at my hold, eager to look at his temporary home. I took a second, removing the leash and allowing him to romp, searching every room. His helicopter tail indicated he was a happy pup. I might as well test my keeper’s insistence on making him a part of our twisted family. I also snorted from the thought.
Seconds later, feeling Kraven’s presence behind me was enough to pull me out of the moment of revelry.
“I hope this is acceptable,” he said.
Was he really going to act like he wasn’t rich enough? Or that this was a casual thing between us, not an actual kidnapping?
“You live here all the time?” I asked.
“When I’m in the city. I have a house about thirty miles from here, the secluded estate much preferable to the garish lights.” He took the purse from my arm, giving me another nod as if trying to tell me everything was going to be alright. I watched as he placed it on the couch. Afterwards, he grabbed the to-go bag, heading toward the kitchen I’d seen.
I realized I was holding my breath, shifting so I could see him tossing the bag into a refrigerator so large someone could place a dead body into it.
God. What was I thinking?
“I’m not sharing a bed with you.” I turned to face him as he walked toward me, folding my arms as if that would keep him from hurting me.
“You won’t need to, Penny, and you can cut the dramatics. There are four bedrooms inside the suite, bathrooms as well, although one boudoir I use as my office. I believe you’ll be comfortable while you’re here.”
A strange pinging sound captured my attention.
He grinned, which highlighted dimples I didn’t know he had. “That would be room service and your meager things.”
“Don’t make fun of me, Kraven. I worked hard to try and purchase a few nice things. It’s been tough.” As if he cared. I wasn’t going to be shamed because he was rich and I was poor.
“I find that admirable, Penny.”
Right…
He took the time to remove his jacket, tossing it over the back of one of the couches, not hurrying as he moved toward the door.As he did so, he unfastened buttons on his tieless shirt, switching to his sleeves as soon as he’d done so. I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off him as he rolled up his sleeves, also staring at his tattoos, which were as stunning as the man.
Meanwhile, Remington was doing zoomies, racing from one side of the suite to the other. I even noticed a smile on Kraven’s face as he headed to the door. This was all too surreal.
He opened the door carefully, placing one hand on the weapon secured in an arm holster. A waiter and a bellman came inside, bringing my things and a rolling cart with the champagne and food requested.
I had no idea how I was still hungry but seeing the incredible display of fruits and cheeses made my mouth water almost as much as the man had before.
Remington finally whined, strolling toward Kraven as if he was part of the package deal. He studied the two attendants who brought in the rolling cart and I had to admit, I was impressed when one of them crouched down, making cooing sounds, then handed my pup a huge dog biscuit.