Page 24 of Riot
Ignoring him, I tear off my jacket and toss it to the bed, leaving me in the skintight white dress with gold buttons as I head to the bar to pour a drink. When I turn, I jump. He’s right behind me, looking me over hungrily before he blinks.
“Sorry, yes, I’m here.” He reaches for me, but I dart out of his grasp, making him grin as I sit stiffly on one of the chairs, trying my best to ignore him. I don’t care if he calls her. Why would I? Let him.
He’s nothing to me.
He’s probably tired of the chase, which is fine.
“Yes, how much would it take to buy your hotel tonight?” My head jerks up, my eyes wide. I’m sure I misheard him. “I see, one moment.” He hangs up and dials someone else.
“Elijah, purchase the plaza I’m in right now, and let me know when it’s done.” He hangs up, and then he kneels before me on the carpeted floor. He takes my crystal tumbler and licks the rim before shooting it back.
I just stare, unsure what to do or say.
He wasn’t calling her?
Why am I relieved?
His phone rings, and he answers, simply grunting before he calls someone else again. “I’m the owner now. I’ll sign the paperwork tomorrow, but before then, I want a”—he lifts the card—“Sarah Fredricks fired right now. I also want word going out to every hotel or staff members you have that she is not to be hired in this city again. Make it happen.” He hangs up and rips the card, letting the pieces flutter from his fingers.
He bought the hotel.
He fired her.
He bought the hotel just to fire the woman who was rude to me.
Who the fuck does that?
Kage does.
“Why did you do that? You don’t need to defend me.” I choose to feel angry, not wanting to admit how hard my heart is racing right now. He keeps barging into my life and doing these kinds of things. It’s confusing.
“Haven’t you realized yet, sweetheart? There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you,” he murmurs as he stands and tips my chin up. “Nobody insults you, ever. If Henry wasn’t enough of a warning, then she will be.”
“Henry?” My brows furrow as I put the pieces together. “You got him fired.”
He smirks. “Hungry? I bet you are after the day you had. I’ll order room service. Go get comfy. Although that dress is fucking sexy, it doesn’t look comfortable.”
“You aren’t staying here!” I yell, but he ignores me and picks up the phone, looking over the menu.
“You want pasta or meat?” he asks.
“None. Get out, Kage. I mean it.”
“I’ll order both.” He ignores me, dialing.
I stare at him, and he looks over at me. “Either get comfy or I’ll undress you myself.” Something in his eyes tells me he would, so like a chicken, I grab some clothes and head into the bathroom, only realizing what I grabbed when I get inside, and I groan.
I tug the oversized shirt down and sigh. I’d be better going out naked.
He is going to get the wrong idea.
I stare at myself in the huge mirror, and I want to sink into the floor, but I refuse. Plus, he’d just come in here and drag me out. Summoning all the courage I have, I step out and catch him pouring drinks. He lifts his head, a soft smile on his lips before it widens.
I’m wearing an oversized gray band shirt with the spiked lettering of his name and songs across it.
“I was given this today. I didn’t even realize what I grabbed until I was in the bathroom and it was too late,” I mutter self-consciously.
His eyes are blown wide, and he’s frozen where he stands. “You look fucking amazing in my merch,” he whispers, dragging his eyes over me. “I’m going to make every T-shirt I can and give them to you so you can live in them. I might not even let anyone else buy them.”