CHAPTER 3
When we arrived at The Scandinavian we were swept inside like VIPs. We were ushered into a private elevator that swept us up to a rooftop restaurant. Stepping into the restaurant, I was in awe of the d?cor. It was modern Scandinavian design with the walls displaying specially designed light exhibits, which constantly changed the atmosphere of the restaurant. It struck me immediately how different it was from Robertos hotel that displayed old world charm where this was sleek and modern. Just like the two men themselves. They appeared to be polar opposites.
Across the room, Alex spotted us and made his way over and took my hands in his.
"Im so glad you made it."
I noticed his smile didnt extend to Roberto.
"This restaurant is wonderful. The d?cor is stunning." I said sincerely.
"Thank you. I tried to bring a bit of Sweden here so I would feel less homesick."
"Youre from Sweden? I would never know it; you have no accent at all."
Roberto gave Alex a sharp look. Alex replied smoothly, "I work very hard on blending in here in America. It is better for my business dealings to do so."
"Oh please say something in Swedish for us." Janel asked coyly.
Alexs eyes were smoldering when he looked directly at me and said, "Du vill bli min."
I wasnt sure what he said. He could have been saying we are having lovely weather this evening. But it was said in such a sexy, husky voice it made me want to swoon. Swoon? I dont think I ever used that word before, but it did certainly fit in with Alexs raw sexuality.
I heard Robertos quick indrawn breath, but couldnt seem to take a breath myself. Alex continued to
20 stare at me. I licked my lips nervously, and his green eyes were immediately drawn to my mouth. I heard a groan come from him before Roberto quickly said, "Okay, if we are done with the language lessons, let us sit down and enjoy what is to be no doubt a wonderful meal with two charming ladies."
Walking to our table I remembered to ask Alex what it was he said in Swedish. He opened his mouth to answer; and Roberto said, "He said that he is glad to have you here, as am I."
One look at the smirk on Alexs face, and I decided tomorrow I would look up the translation for glad to have you here in Swedish.
No sooner did we sit when a large man dressed in black appeared at our table, bent and whispered into Robertos ear. Roberto stood and said, "Excuse us ladies; we need to speak to this gentleman regarding a problem that has arisen."
Alex stood up and gave me a smile and said, "Well be right back."
He took a few steps and turned. Pulling me to my feet, he slowly brushed his lips against mine lightly and moved his mouth to a sensitive spot behind my right ear. I felt tiny, pleasant pinpricks race along my arms and spread across my scalp. He seemed to be nibbling on me as I felt his teeth scrape along my neck. I leaned into him wanting more and he didnt disappoint me. He bent me over his arm and used his tongue to part my lips. His tongue swept in and the kiss deepened in a way that made my legs weak.
After kissing me to distraction, he gave a little laugh and with a wink walked away. I looked at Roberto who had a thunderous look on his face.
"That was strange."
At Janels puzzled look I forced my mind away from some highly erotic images of Alex going through my mind to actually pay attention to what she was saying.
21 "Yeah, that was strange; I hardly know the man, and we just came close to a make out session."
"No, not that." Janel laughed. "Though I have to admit Ive never seen you act that way before. Not even with your ex. What I want to know is why did that Steven Segal wannabe speak to Roberto? I mean we are at Alexs hotel after all. And why did they both seem so concerned?"
"I didnt notice anything out of the ordinary."
"Of course you didnt you were too busy being seduced by tall, blond, and gorgeous." She laughed.
"Seduced? I hardly think that...."
The reappearance of Alex and Roberto back at the table made me lose all thoughts. Alex grabbed my arm and said, "We have to go now."
Roberto grabbed Janel and was pulling her to her feet.
"Oww! What the hell are you doing?" Janel yelped.
I took a look at their faces and said to Janel. "I dont know whats going on but please lets just listen to them."
An uneasy feeling blossomed in my stomach as they pulled us along at an almost run through the restaurant. Maybe it was more like a premonition, but on a subconscious level I knew we had to listen to these two men.
Instead of heading to the elevator, Alex pulled me to the left where there was a sign marked exit. He burst through the door leading to the stairs.
Janel said, "No freaking way you think Im going down forty flights of stairs do you?"
"I suggest you move your asses if you want to live." Roberto hissed.
That got my ass moving. We went down three floors when there was a massive explosion above us.