Chapter 146: One Bedroom

Amelia's POV

My brain short-circuited. I stared at Alexander, waiting for him to crack a smile or add something like "so I'll take the couch." But his expression remained impassive, those ice-blue eyes giving nothing away.

"This... we..." My cheeks burned hot enough to melt steel. I gestured awkwardly between us, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his mouth curving into the slightest hint of amusement. "Is there a problem, Ms. Throne?"

His gaze slowly traveled from my face down to my clothes, then back up again. That simple action sent my heart into overdrive, beating so loudly I was certain he could hear it across the room.

"No! I mean... yes! I—" I took a deep breath. "I thought we'd have separate rooms."

"The company booked us one suite. I didn't think it would be an issue." His tone suggested he found my discomfort entertaining. "There's a very comfortable couch in the living room. I'm sure we can figure something out."

Before he could say anything else that would make my face burst into flames, I grabbed my carry-on bag. "I'll just... check out the bedroom."

I rushed toward the door he'd indicated, slipped inside, and firmly locked it behind me. Leaning against the door, I exhaled the breath I'd been holding. Then I turned around and froze.

"Holy shit."

The bedroom was bigger than my entire apartment. A massive king-sized bed dominated the center, covered in dark gold silk sheets that looked sinfully soft. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of Azure Lake, now turning deep purple as twilight settled. The carpet felt like walking on clouds, and I wondered how many months of my salary it would take to afford just one night in this place.

I wandered around the room, running my fingers over the polished surfaces of the furniture. Everything screamed money and power—Alexander's natural habitat. Did he deliberately choose accommodations that would remind me of the vast difference in our positions? Or was this just normal for him, the everyday luxury I could only dream about?

A plush leather couch sat in one corner beside a small marble table where a bottle of expensive champagne waited in an ice bucket. The light from a crystal chandelier bathed everything in a warm, golden glow.

"This is like a fucking honeymoon suite," I whispered to myself, approaching the bed and running my fingers over the silky sheets. Then I quickly pulled my hand away as if burned. "No. Focus, Amelia. This is work. WORK!"

A sharp knock at the suite's entrance interrupted my spiraling thoughts. I pressed my ear against the bedroom door, listening.

"Your luggage, Mr. Westbrook," a male voice announced.

"Thank you. Set them by the door," Alexander replied.

I cracked the door open slightly, peering through. The hotel staff member rolled in our suitcases while Alexander signed something.

"Azure Lake is honored to have you staying with us again, Mr. Westbrook. Will you be attending the full moon ceremony this weekend?"

"Most likely. It's tradition, after all."

"Of course, sir. And may I say, the pack appreciates your continued leadership. Everyone still talks about how you handled the Palmer situation last year."

Alexander's voice dropped an octave. "When someone challenges my authority, they need to understand the consequences. Exile was merciful, considering."

A chill ran down my spine. Though he was speaking to the hotel employee, his words felt directed at me. A warning. My wolf bristled inside me, both intimidated and strangely excited by the reminder of his power.

The moment the suite door closed, I darted back into the bedroom, my heart still pounding from his words. I needed a shower to clear my head and wash off the travel grime.

The bathroom was another shock of luxury—gleaming marble, a steam shower big enough for four people, and a jetted tub that could double as a small swimming pool. Gold fixtures gleamed under recessed lighting. Even the complimentary toiletries looked expensive, housed in elegant glass bottles with the hotel's crest.

I stepped into the shower, letting hot water cascade over me. As steam filled the glass enclosure, I tried to think rationally about the situation. I was here for work. Professional. Just because we were sharing a suite didn't mean anything had to happen. But my mind kept drifting to the massive bed just beyond the bathroom door, and the thought of Alexander sleeping just a wall away made my skin tingle in ways I didn't want to acknowledge.

After the most luxurious shower of my life, I wrapped myself in a plush white towel that felt like it was woven from clouds. It was only then that I realized my critical mistake—I'd forgotten to bring clothes into the bathroom.

"Shit," I muttered, securing the towel around my body. It barely covered me, stopping high on my thighs and clinging to my damp skin. I'd have to make a quick dash to my suitcase.

I cracked the bathroom door open and listened. Silence. Maybe Alexander had stepped out? Taking a deep breath, I padded across the thick carpet toward where I'd seen the bellhop place my luggage.

I needed to look professional for tonight's welcome party. First impressions mattered, especially when I was representing Westbrook Industries. Maybe the navy blue dress with the modest neckline? Or the black pantsuit that screamed "serious businesswoman, not the CEO's mate"?

The bedroom door suddenly swung open.

"Fuck!" I yelped, jumping back and clutching my towel tighter. I'd forgotten to lock it after my luggage spying mission. "Wait, don't—"

Too late. Alexander stood in the doorway, one hand still on the doorknob. His eyes widened slightly as they took in my near-naked state, droplets of water still clinging to my shoulders and running down my collarbone.

The towel chose that exact moment to loosen. I grabbed it frantically, pressing it against my chest, but not before it had slipped dangerously low. I felt exposed, vulnerable, and yet something about the heat in his gaze made my breath catch for reasons that had nothing to do with embarrassment.

His gaze traveled slowly from my shocked face down to my bare shoulders, lingering on the towel I clutched desperately to my chest, then down to my exposed legs. When his eyes met mine again, they had darkened to the color of storm clouds.

"Your seduction techniques are getting more sophisticated, mate," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through my entire body.