Chapter 81 - SHARE A ROOM
I didn't just have a bodyguard. I too have a babysitter. Not that I complain, it's just that the man seated next to me inside the cab was unbelievable not suited for the job, I'm not referring to his ability but I'm basing my opinion on his appearance. Not all men, especially as gorgeous as the demigod seated next to me could afford to fulfill the job Alexander Crawford hired him for...unless he was left with no option. I wonder if father forced him to take the job at gunpoint.
"Did I pass your standards, Madam?" He whispered in a husky tone that made my throat dry.
Warmth spread on my cheeks. Luckily the backseat was dimly lit, the dark shadow concealed the startled look on my face. I must have been too wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn't easily spot him. He was intently watching me the same way my eyes curiously glided to his remarkable facial features.
I have to blink several times to recover my wavering composure. It took me an excessive amount of effort to find my voice and when I did, I said the first thing that came to mind. "Don't worry Sir, you're overqualified."
Did I actually say that? Mortified, I bit my lower lip. A good thing to say to embarrass myself. But wasn't I telling the truth?
By the faint glow from the lights casually permeating the transparent glass window of the cab, I saw a faint smile stretched from his lips, it was a sexy sultry smile a professional photographer would kill to take a shot. I caught a flicker of amusement dancing on his exquisite blue eyes before he replied. "Thank you, Madam." He said humbly.? There's a slight trace of humor on his tone.
I escaped his deeply penetrating eyes by looking away. He said nothing more and focused his attention on Faith Vienne who was peacefully snuggled into his arms. He adjusted the white cloth wrapped upon her fragile body and lifted gently brushed his hand on her head.
Silence hung between us but it was not an awkward kind of silence, it was a stillness that lifts the spirit and overwhelms the heart. I could close my eyes and feel nothing but a sense of serenity. Having him sit next to me seems the most natural thing in the world as if the only place I belong was next to his arms.
Pitch black darkness greeted my eyes after turning towards the window. Rain continues to pour heavily. Lightning casually danced from the sky followed by a loud clap of thunder. The gloomy weather no longer has its depressing effect on me. Perhaps the man sitting next to me was the reason why.
I leaned on the soft cushion of the seat and pressed my eyes from sleepiness and exhaustion. A warm, soft bed would be a great idea. A few more minutes and I would be able to rest comfortably inside a hotel room.
"Do you think Madam Stella would be fine?" It was Carter. I opened my eyes and glanced up at him in surprise. There was a slight tinge of worry in his tone, not that I could blame him, Stella nearly suffered a car accident an hour ago. By god's grace, her personal driver managed to step on the brakes before a drunk truck driver carelessly dragged their car off the bridge. There was a car collision but Madam Stella was lucky to be unharmed. Unfortunately, others weren't as lucky as her.
"I'm not sure but I pray she will be fine," I said softly and took a deep intake of breath. The memory of my earlier conversation with Madam Stella sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but wonder what could possibly happen if the near-death experience happened on our way to her estates while Faith Vienne was inside the car. Dear Lord. I couldn't bear if something bad would happen to my daughter.
Madam Stella sounded frantic while she was talking to me on the phone. Her usually calm tone trembles. I was half expecting she would fall into hysterics but she miraculously kept her composure. She even said she would still proceed to the airport but she would be delayed for an hour due to the traffic and storm which was slowing the car down.
"No Madam Stella! I advise you to go back home. We will stay in a hotel for the night." I firmly said when she still insisted on fetching me at the airport. I fell into a long encouraging litany hoping she would agree. Unfortunately, she's hard-headed as I am and argued she would come. It was when I told her that Alexander would be worried that altered her decision. Her tone softened and before I knew it, she already agreed. Having Madam Stella agree to my advice was such a huge relief.
"You're worried." He observed. Surprise that he even noticed,? my gaze shifted to his.
"Am I that obvious?" I asked dubiously and scrunched my eyebrows in confusion as I peered at him closely.
"No, perhaps I'm just intuitive."? He said seriously which made me smile.
The cab finally pulled into a stop in front of a three-story hotel. The rain didn't stop pouring even after we reached our destination.? A Hotel Attendant opened the door and greeted us with a good evening. I smiled at the man in return. Carter on the other hand just nodded his head.
Heads turned as we made a beeline straight into the front desk. Carter was tall, well-built, muscular, and above all sexually appealing. His good qualities were more than enough reason to attract too much attention. By the time we reached the front desk, a dozen eyes were feasted on him as if he was a piece of a tasty morsel.
Carter was holding Faith Vienne into his left arm while he pulled the large suitcase on the other.? A large black backpack containing his clothes and personal necessities slung on his back. He was an epitome of grace and muscular strength. Until that moment I never knew that grace could be used to describe a man. But it was what came into my mind as I described him.
"Good evening Ma'am and Sir, welcome to El Greco Hotel." The receptionists greeted, she blinked several times when her gaze landed on Carter, and then she blushed. "How may I help you?" She added giving me her sweetest smile.
"We need a room please," Carter said.
The receptionist stared at Faith Vienne, her face softened affectionately. "Oh, yes of course. We offered various hotel rooms of your taste. Unfortunately, we have a lot of guests tonight and that makes almost all our available rooms occupied." The receptionist paused, clasped her hands in front of her and her smile widened before she continues, "But you're lucky, the honeymoon suite is available, I guess that would do—"
"A what?" My hands nervously grasped the edge of the counter. Butterflies began to churn my stomach. My wide bulging eyes never leave her face.
"A honeymoon suite Ma'am." She repeated, this time a naughty smile tugged at the corner of her lips, her cheeks turned bright red. She even winked at me meaningfully.
"This is a misun—" Before I could explain further Carter cut my words off. "We will take the room." He said softly and cast me a warning glance enough to silence me. "Right honey." He added threateningly.
"Yeah, of course, honey," I replied sweetly,? hooked my hand into his arms, and stomped on his feet hard just as the receptionist turned to retrieve our room key.
"Ouch!" Carter winced and shot me a pained look.
"What have you done, Carter!" I muttered, gritting my teeth. If looks could kill, he already burned into ashes.
"Get us a room, I think." He was sarcastic, his eyebrows scrunched in annoyance. For the first time, I saw how tired he looked. His eyes were half-open as he looked at me as if anytime soon he would fall into a deep slumber. "I'm not in the mood to search for another Hotel under a raging storm. If you want to go then you're free to leave."
I know how to accept defeat when I know I have no chance of winning. That's exactly what I'm trying to do as I followed behind him like a tail after the receptionist handed him the key. I hate to admit it but Carter was right it was raining so hard and we have no other option but to share the available room.
We entered the elevator and the door closed. Moments later, it opened to the second floor of the Hotel. We moved down the hallway in silence. His feet made no sound against the floor. He was moving fast and I had to half-run to match his long strides.
Finally, when I thought we would be walking down the endless hallway forever, he pulled into a stop.
Carter checked the room number attached to the key. After confirming he got the right door, he inserts the key into the door and pushed it open.
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