Chapter 15

Alejandro’s POV

My blood boiled hot as I stared at that smirk on Ace’s face and the smile on Mira’s lips.

This was my friend for crying out loud, and I should have been overjoyed to see him at all times, but suddenly I couldn’t help the spite that grew quietly in my chest, slow and poisonous.

Why the fuck was he here?

Did Mira invite him?

“Hi, Dro,” he grinned, pulling me into a hug.

I stiffened before returning it briefly. “What are you doing here, Ace?” I asked without wasting time.

He frowned, stepping back slightly. “One might think you’re not too happy to see me.”

I forced a smile that felt tight on my face. “Of course I am happy. Just surprised.”

He turned to Mira then, taking her hand in his and pressing his lips gently against her knuckles. “Hi, Mira. Nice to meet you again.”

Mira’s cheeks flushed red like a teenager in love.

Disgusting.

“Hi, Ace. Nice to meet you again as well,” she replied softly, almost breathless.

I scoffed under my breath. “Still waiting for an answer, Ace.”

He cleared his throat, glancing between us. “Well, I’m here on a business trip in my dad’s name. Apparently, I’m meant to close a deal here that’ll benefit the family business.”

“What a coincidence then. We’ll be in town for a few days too,” Mira said casually.

This was no coincidence, and I knew it deep in my bones.

“We should settle in,” I cut in, breaking whatever silent exchange they were having. “It’s getting late, and we have a lot to handle tomorrow.”

Ace nodded, turning to me again. “My room’s on the other side of the hotel, bro. Guess we’ll be seeing each other more often.”

With that, he wished us goodnight and walked off, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth as Mira and I headed toward the reception desk of the hotel we’d be staying in.

“You can stop smiling now,” I muttered.

She shot me a look. “I wasn’t smiling.”

“Yeah. Right,” I replied, stepping up to the counter.

A tanned, skinny woman looked up and smiled politely. “Good evening, Mr. Montenegro. Welcome.”

“Can I get the keys to my room and hers?” I said firmly.

She blinked. “Hers?” Her eyes flicked to Mira over my shoulder. “Only one room was reserved, sir.”

“That can’t be right,” I snapped. “My assistant booked two separate rooms for our entire stay.”

The receptionist looked confused, almost nervous. “No, sir. Just one room was requested. It must be a mistake from her end.”

I exhaled sharply, irritation crawling under my skin. “Fine. Get us another room now.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” she said carefully. “We’re fully booked. Another room can only be made available after two days.”

Mira stepped forward, her tone firm. “You can’t be serious. There has to be something you can do.”

“I can help, ma’am,” the woman replied, “but not tonight.”

I rubbed my temple, patience thinning. “I need to speak to your manager.”

Before she could respond, Mira stopped her. “It’s fine. Just make sure this is sorted out by tomorrow.”

I turned to Mira slowly. “If you agree to this, I’m not leaving the bed for you. Not even a little.”

She muttered under her breath as we walked into the room we were forced to share.

“I call dibs on the shower!” Mira yelled, dashing into the bathroom.

I stifled a laugh, placing my things neatly into the wardrobe before making a few business calls to distract myself.

The moment Mira stepped out of that bathroom, I knew accepting this arrangement was her way of pushing me toward winning that bet faster than I’d planned.

She clutched her skimpy black lace nightgown as she walked toward the bed. Her hair sat in a messy bun, loose strands framing her face, and her skin glowed brighter than the moon outside the window.

“I’m sorry,” she said awkwardly, settling on the far side of the bed. “These are the only nightwears I own. I thought I’d have my own room.”

I chuckled softly. “I don’t know what you’re apologizing for. It’s not like the lingerie is showing me something I haven’t already seen. Besides, I can barely see anything. They’re small.”

Her face turned crimson as I headed for the bathroom. The moment the door shut behind me, I hissed, my dick throbbing painfully.

“Can’t behave around that body, huh?” I muttered to myself with a dry laugh, grabbing the baby oil and rubbing it over my palm.

“Fuck. She’s so hot,” I groaned, stroking slowly as her scent filled my head.

Those perky breasts. Those smooth, shiny thighs. Her eyes, always watching, always challenging.

“I’ll fuck you once, and I’ll fuck you right, Mira,” I whispered, eyes closing. “When I do, I’ll win that stupid bet and make Ace understand his place when it comes to you.”

“Argh,” I groaned, pumping harder as warmth spilled over my hand. “Damn you, Mira.”

I cleaned up properly, took a real bath, and returned to the room composed.

“Are you okay?” Mira asked.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You took longer than a lady,” she teased. “And I heard sounds like you were in pain.”

“Mind your business, Mira,” I replied, sliding into bed beside her.

She frowned, watching me settle in.

I chuckled. “You didn’t think I’d let you have the bed while I slept on the couch, did you?”

She folded her arms. “That’s what a gentleman would do.”

“I never said I was one,” I smirked. “Either you get comfortable under this blanket with me, or you take the couch. Looks like there’ll be a storm tonight.”

“Asshole,” she murmured.

Just as I closed my eyes, the doorbell rang.

Mira nudged me. “You should get it. If it’s a thief, they’ll get you first.”

“Ha ha. Very funny,” I said dryly, getting up.

When I opened the door, a man stood there with a trolley filled with food, wine, and fresh roses.

“For Miss Martinez,” he said politely. “Compliments from Mr. Ace.”