Page 13 of A Mutually Beneficial Proposal

“That’s okay. Apparently, the papers have already been delivered. Thanks for looking.” I turn to head back to my room.

“Would you like me to book something for you? I have a list of options I prepared that won’t conflict with the schedule of your work functions,” Robert says before I’ve even made it three steps.

I sigh and swivel back around with a polite smile. I don’t want to be rude. “Can I take the list with me and get back to you?”

He nods. “Of course. Let me grab that for you.”

Robert pulls a folder from underneath the counter. There are several brochures and papers, but he only pulls out one, sliding it across to me.

I raise the paper up a little before folding and tucking it into my back pocket. “Thanks for this.”

“It’s my absolute pleasure, Owen.”

When I’m halfway to the elevator, the sight of someone familiar catches my attention and I stop. Walking toward the coffee bar is Ella, the woman from the plane. She’s changed from her jean shorts to a light-pink bikini with one of those sheer cover-up dresses that falls to her mid-thigh.

Her thick brown hair is piled atop her head, and loose strands frame her oval face. I consider waiting for her to feel me staring, but I can’t stop myself from impatiently taking a step forward. Though, when I begin walking in her direction, I see subtle changes coming over her.

Her eyes pinch, then widen. Her lips flatten into a thin line, and her hands are twisting together in front of her while she slows her pace.

A man about my age in gray swim trunks and a white tank top is standing with a blonde woman in a black bikini that leaves little to the imagination.

The man is smiling and waves at Ella. She doesn’t retreat, even though her face is paling, and she isn’t returning this man’s enthusiasm about seeing each other.

The woman drapes herself over the guy and splays her hand over his chest, revealing a massive diamond on her ring finger.

I’m close enough now that I see how Ella gulps and lowers her gaze. Whoever these people are, they aren’t her friends.

I’m driven to help her, but I have no idea why. Maybe because she seemed a little broken on the airplane, or because she had no interest in me, or merely because the sight of her makes my dick twitch. Whatever the reason, I’m either about to piss her the hell off and get slapped in the face, or I’m going to save her from whatever dreadful situation she’s suddenly found herself in.