“I got trapped in one when I was kid. My mother was cleaning rooms in a sprawling hotel on the big island. I went looking for her and took a service elevator. The power went out and the damn thing got stuck between floors. The lights flickered and went black. I panicked and pushed every button. An emergency light came on and soon after someone came and got me out, but my God, by then I was already a mess.”
With a gentle touch, she smoothed his hair away from his face. His cheekbones were broad and imposing. He had a warrior’s face and it melted her heart to hear him admit he’d ever been a frightened child who desperately needed someone to rescue him. A quiet ping signaled their arrival to the penthouse floor. She kissed his lips. “Guess what? The ride’s over. We’re here.”
The crease between his brows released. “Good.”
The doors opened onto a softly lit, elegant foyer lined with pale marble and golden wall sconces shaped like nautilus shells. They stepped onto a highly polished floor that mirrored the bright lights of Vegas beyond towering window.
Kai swiped a card. The door unlocked with a soft thunk. He pushed it open and motioned for her to enter.
She strolled into the beautiful living room. Everything was subdued shades of sun bleached driftwood and teal. A crystal chandelier made the floor to ceiling windows sparkle. The multi-level space was broken up into many little private pockets of cushy sofas and love seats where people could gather and socialize. Sensuous music floated from everywhere and nowhere. “Mighty nice. You could entertain a hundred people up here.”
“They often do.” He walked to a well appointed bar and snooped in the cabinets. “We’re lucky to have it to ourselves.”
“No kidding, I hope Roy doesn’t regret offering it. After all, the plan has changed. The convention is a crime scene wrapped in yellow tape. Shouldn’t this suite be making money for the hotel?”
“It makes plenty. One night won’t break the bank.” He pulled a rustic bottle with a cobalt blue stopper, off the shelf. “Holy shit! Don Mágico tequila. This stuff’s the best.”
She studied a beautiful bronze sculpture of a mermaid set on a coffee table near a pale leather couch. The bare-breasted miniature siren was perched on a rock blowing kisses into the air. “The high rollers get the fancy art.”
“Not my taste in sculpture.” Kai walked into the guest bathroom and returned clutching a towel. He used the towel like a shroud to cover the mermaid. “Ah. That’s better. We don’t need to be reminded of her.”
Adara strolled around the kitchen area. “This place is huge. Do you think our room is down this hallway?” She caught herself. “I meant my room. We should probably be resting and waiting for Roy’s call.”
He grazed his fingertips across her throat. “There’s a faint red mark where the bone bead struck. How are you feeling? Are you okay?”
She touched his hand. It was so wonderful to have a man look at her this way. It would be so easy to get addicted. “I’m fine.”
“I’m not afraid to say that scared me back there. God damned skinwalker. Out of nowhere something comes along to remind you how quickly life can fall apart.”
Cupping his hand around her throat, he drew her near. Kai kissed the side of her neck. With lips soft, his moist breath bathed her skin. He slid the jacket from her shoulders and allowed his kisses to travel lower. “You’re a kind person Adara. Compassion shines in your eyes. I don’t ever want to see you get hurt. I would never hurt you.”
A thrill raced through her. “What are you saying?”
The edges of his teeth gently nipped the soft slope of her shoulders. “I’m saying, I think we’re well match. Everything about you makes me want to take care of you.“ He caressed her hips. “Would you like to explore that?”
She wanted to be touched so badly she ached. “Now?”
“A beautiful night with a lovely view. We may never get the penthouse to ourselves again.”
In the past, she’d never been spontaneous. Until today, caution had ruled her. Maybe just this once...? “We’re co-workers.”
“Unless I’m dense as a brick, I’m sensing a hell of an attraction between us. Adara, you’re in charge. Tell me when to stop. I just need to know that what I’m feeling is real.”
“It may not be.” Her voice shook.
“Let’s find out. Kiss me.”
“You’re not staying in Vegas. You said it yourself. You’re out of here as soon as the Oceanic Counsel releases you.”
No empathy-skills were necessary to see the passionate storm brewing in his eyes. “If I go, come with me. You’re fire, I’m water, we could live by a volcano in Iceland.” A sly smile crooked his lips. “I think I’m going to indulge in one shot of Don Mágico, will you join me?”
Dear God, she nearly blurted, yes. “Is that a good idea?”
He laughed. “It’s not a bad one. Don Mágico is a thousand dollars a bottle. Aren’t you curious?”
She was. “Okay, but I sip my shots. I don’t knock’em back.”