Page 129 of The Grand Duel
It takes a split second for the doubt to come crashing in.
Did I do something wrong?
Did I not do enough?
Have I done something to make them react this way?
I push back out of his hold, hating where my mind goes as I comb over the last few minutes in my head at a million miles an hour.
“Lissie.”
“It’s fine,” I tell him, forcing a smile as I cover my breasts properly. “I need to shower anyway so that we can get to breakfast and home for your meetings.”
I stand from the bed and pause. The shirt clings to the insides of my thighs, wet from my arousal. I lift my eyes to his, the memory of him behind me…
Only he looks haunted as he watches me now.
He looks like he regrets touching me at all.
His rejection slaps me hard, my face burning red with humiliation as I stand at the side of the bed, more vulnerable than I’ve ever been in my life, my heart aching in my chest.
The man who made me feel so safe to speak just hours ago says nothing as I turn and walk into the bathroom.
Charlie
Lissie went to breakfast without me. Or at least I presume that’s where she’s gone.
I sit on the edge of the bed with a towel wrapped around my waist and run my hands through my hair. I should go down and find her. Explain myself.
Only explaining myself will mean telling her about the club, and doing that seems like the worst thing I could do.
She tried to touch me, and I shut her down.
I stand and place my hands on my hips as I pace, my head in tatters.
She’s hurt.Ihurt her feelings.
She could barely look at me when she came out of the bathroom dressed in her clothes from last night. She picked up her bag and told me the key must have been posted under our door and that she was going back to our suite.
I heard them post the key when they knocked earlier.
She had woken up and almost climbed from the bed to answer the door, but with the way she felt in my arms?—
My phone chimes with an email, and I walk to where it lies on the side table.
I have a few things to grab in the town before we fly out. I’ll meet you at the airport if that’s okay. Would you mind bringing my case, please? It’s packed and in the suite.
Lissie
Assistant to director
Charles Aldridge Ltd
My heart thumps in my chest as I reply.