Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Bryce

She let out a sigh, blinking at the phone. Eric’s name was still on the screen. “I don’t…” she looked at me. “I can’t talk to him right now.”

She pressed the side button and handed it back to me. Raising an eyebrow at her, I dropped it on the nightstand and slipped back beside her. She scooted towards me, placing her head on my chest.

A part of me worried that she was making it a little too obvious to Eric that she was done with him and it would hinder our plans. But if she insisted she knew what she was doing, I would have to trust her, wouldn’t I?

I glanced back at her and her breathing had evened out. Her shoulders were relaxed now, her hand curling against my chest. Something about seeing it, made my chest tight.

Damn it.

I should get up, and leave before it became more complicated than it already was but I couldn’t. Instead, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, holding her closer. She made a small sound, scooting even closer, her breath warm against my neck.

Thank the stars I got there when I did and saw that bastard McBroten putting his goddamn hands on her. I felt angry all over again. I had literally seen red when I saw him cornering her. Didn’t even think about shit before I punched him.

Looking down at her, I flicked the light switch above the bed, closed my eyes, and allowed myself fall asleep. There was no need to start pulling away tonight. I could do that in the morning.

My eyes fluttered open. It was still quiet. The curtains were still dark so the sun wasn’t up yet. Probably five am. Glancing at my watch, a small smirk formed on my lips.

Yup. 5:25

The room was dark except for the light from the bedside lamp. Sydney moved beside me and I turned. She was still asleep, one leg tangled with mine beneath the sheets.

She looked at peace. The sheets had slid down her body, allowing me to see the curve of her breasts, rising to that tip. I felt a stirring beneath my waist, a lump forming in my throat.

Fuck.

I looked away and my eyes settled on her face. Her hair was a mess, the dark brown strands spreading across the pillow. Her olive skin seemed to glow softly under the dim light.

She was fucking beautiful. Not like there was ever a time I didn’t think she was incredibly attractive. Even when I first saw her. But there was a big difference between thinking someone was hot and feeling like they punched you in the chest every time you saw them.

These days, it was starting to feel more and more like the latter. I wanted this woman. Not just physically, even though God knows that’s a huge part but I wanted more than that. Wanted to make her mine.

I shook my head, pushing the thought away. She wasn’t mine. She was Eric Stanley’s fucking wife, even though she claimed she was going to get a divorce, I didn’t think she would want whatever I was offering either.

She turned, her hand sliding across my chest. I should get up and stop thinking these stupid thoughts. I managed to sit up, without waking her, flinging my leg over the bed when her phone screen lit up.

I picked it up automatically to silence it when I saw who it was. Eric. He was texting. Scratch that. He had been texting all night.

Syd, I’m getting worried. Please call me when you wake up. I love you.

I scoffed, dropping the phone. Sure he did. Manipulative bastard. His damn love was nothing more than forged board signatures, fraud, and money laundering. I also knew what he was capable of.

I didn’t know if Sydney knew how deep Eric’s criminal mind was or if she was pretending not to know. It didn’t matter though, I was stuck in the middle between wanting to protect her and have my revenge on that bastard at the same time.

I glanced at her again and felt something in my chest. Pushing it away, I eased out of bed. She murmured something and I froze, watching her turn to the side, gathering the sheets towards herself, and return to sleep.

Letting out a sigh, I picked up my clothes that were scattered over the floor, getting dressed. I needed distance. If I stayed too close, I’d make a fool out of myself and I’d be too lost in this woman who I wasn’t even sure wanted me.

Pulling my pen from my jacket, I opened the desk drawer, pulling out one of the hotel fliers. I stared at it for a minute wondering what I was supposed to say.

Hey Sydney,

Sorry, I left. Had to handle some urgent business this morning. Didn’t want to disturb your sleep. I’ve instructed my PA to book you a return flight. Will be in touch.

B.

Letting out a sigh, I placed it on the nightstand beneath her phone and forced myself to leave.

I needed to get out of here before she woke up and I felt like I needed to stay longer. Opening the door as quietly as possible, I stepped into the hallway. It was barely lit and the lights were dimmed.

I pulled the door shut and was about to head for my suite when I heard voices. I stopped, curiosity getting the better of me.

Pressing myself against the wall, I took a few steps forward and two figures were standing near the elevator. I glanced at my watch again, barely lit in the dim light.

5:35

The first figure was clearly a man in dark slacks and a white shirt. The other was a woman. She had blonde hair that caught the light, her curls falling down her shoulders. Which was weird. It was barely dawn so how the hell was she still so put together? She was in a matching black gym set. She pressed something into the man’s hand. Cash? A business card? Who knew?.

The man glanced around nervously before nodding and heading for the elevators.

She turned, pulling out her phone and the light caught her face. My heart stopped

Cassandra Witmore.

Eric’s mistress. What the hell was she doing here?