Chapter 30: Damn, I Want This
Luna's POV
I was wiped out by the time I dragged myself into the luxurious Moor Grand Hotel. All I craved was checking in and crashing on a bed.
The lobby sparkled with marble floors and crystal chandeliers—the kind of over-the-top elegance that made my scuffed boots and rumpled travel clothes feel like a total mismatch. I shuffled up to the front desk and slid my ID across the polished counter.
"Reservation for Luna Gray," I said, fighting back a yawn.
The receptionist, a perfectly styled blonde with a polished smile, started typing away. That's when I heard a voice that hit like a blast from the past.
"Luna? Luna Gray, is that really you?"
I turned slowly, forcing a fake grin. There stood Eric Caldwell, his arm slung possessively around a slim brunette who was giving me the once-over.
"Eric," I said with a nod. "Long time no see."
Eric and I had been classmates back in high school.
"What a small world!" he said, looking like he was actually happy to bump into me.
"So this is the infamous Luna Gray," his fiancée chimed in, her voice carrying loud enough for the whole lobby to hear. "Vale's resident gold digger. I heard you snagged an Anderson, but then they dumped you. Wasn't it because you cheated?"
The receptionist's eyes widened just a bit. I took a deep breath, keeping my face blank. Don't let this bitch get to you.
"Luna," Eric jumped in, clearly squirming, "we should grab dinner while you're here. Catch up properly?"
I gave him a tight smile. "Sorry, Eric, I've got plans. Maybe another time."
Caitlyn snorted delicately. "Plans? Hey, if you're strapped for cash, I'd be happy to spot you for the room. This place isn't cheap."
The receptionist cleared her throat. "Actually, Mrs. Caldwell, Ms. Gray's stay is already paid in full."
I couldn't resist. I fished the unlimited black card Gabriel had shoved on me out of my purse and held it up, making sure Caitlyn got a good eyeful.
"Thanks for the concern about my wallet," I said sweetly, "but I'm all set."
Caitlyn's gaze locked on the card, her smug look cracking into confusion. She leaned into Eric, whispering just loud enough: "I thought you said she was some broke screenwriter?"
Before Eric could stammer a reply, a familiar voice rang out across the lobby.
"Luna, darling! Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Isabella swept over in a haze of subtle perfume and effortless grace. She air-kissed my cheeks like we were lifelong pals, not just new business partners. "Hope the flight wasn't a nightmare," she said, looping her arm through mine.
"Ms. Devon!" Eric practically tripped over his feet stepping closer. "What a surprise. My company's been dying to chat about a collab with Ethereal."
Isabella flashed him a polite but cool smile. "All our partnerships go through Legacy Media exclusively." She turned to the hotel manager who'd appeared like magic. "Is the penthouse suite ready for Ms. Gray?"
"The penthouse?" Caitlyn echoed, her voice barely a whisper.
"Absolutely, Ms. Devon," the manager said with a nod. "Everything's set as requested."
Isabella smiled at me. "Shall we? The view's to die for."
As we headed to the private elevator, I could feel Caitlyn and Eric's stares burning into my back. Security gently but firmly blocked them when they tried to tag along.
---
The penthouse was straight-up stunning—floor-to-ceiling windows with a killer 360-degree view of Moor.
"This is way over the top," I said, trailing my fingers along the marble wet bar. "A regular room would've been fine."
Isabella laughed, popping open a chilled bottle of champagne and pouring us each a glass. "Blame Legacy Media—they picked the spot. But I did push for this suite; the lighting's perfect for tomorrow's photoshoot."
We clinked glasses, and she settled onto a plush sofa. "Just so you know," she said, getting straight to it, "I'm teaming up with you because of your talent and vibe, not your tie to Gabriel."
Her honesty threw me for a loop. "I appreciate that," I said sincerely. "Your designs have real heart. I've been obsessed with Ethereal since your debut collection."
She grinned, clearly pleased. "I have a feeling we're gonna be great friends, Luna—beyond the work stuff."
We chatted effortlessly about the collab, her no-BS style a breath of fresh air compared to Vale's fake social scene.
Then her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her easy vibe shifting just a tad. "Sorry, I gotta take this," she said, stepping toward the door for privacy.
She answered quietly, out of earshot, before hanging up quickly. Turning back, she said, "Hey, something came up—I need to hash it out with Oliver. Mind if we pick this up tomorrow? Get some rest."
"No problem," I said. "I could use the downtime anyway."
After she left, I indulged in a long, steamy shower in the massive marble bathroom—bigger than my old apartment.
I slipped into my light gray silk nightdress and padded barefoot across the heated floors to the windows. The sun was dipping over Moor Harbor, splashing the sky in oranges and pinks that danced on the water.
On a whim, I snapped a pic of the view and posted it on social media, visible only to Gabriel. Petty? Maybe, but I couldn't resist.
My phone lit up almost instantly—Gabriel liked it. Then came the video call request.
I let it ring twice before picking up, playing it cool. "That was quick. You just lurking for my posts?"
Gabriel's face filled the screen, his gray-blue eyes piercing even digitally. A shadow of stubble gave him that edgy, dangerous edge, stirring a flutter in my gut.
"I wanted to catch the Moor sunset," he said, his voice low and smooth.
"Oh, yeah." I flipped the camera to show the view. "It's pretty amazing."
"Luna," he murmured, his tone dropping deeper. "Switch it back. You're the view I want."
Heat crept up my cheeks as I turned the camera. "Better?"
His gaze roamed over me, making me hyper-aware of the thin silk. "Much. I miss you."
"It's only been half a day," I teased, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Twenty hours," he corrected. "And it's killing me."
I rolled my eyes, but a smile slipped out. "Drama queen."
"You know," he said, voice husky now, "in that sunset light, your slip's basically see-through. I can see everything—your nipples are hard, Luna. Just for me?"
I glanced down and gasped. He was right—the backlight turned the fabric sheer, outlining my breasts perfectly, my nipples pebbled and obvious. No underwear made it even worse. My face burned.
"GABRIEL!" I yelped, ending the call in a panic.
Heart pounding, I stepped back from the window. Even from afar, he got under my skin like that—infuriating and thrilling all at once.
Damn it. I think I actually want this—us—again.