Page 83 of Risky Obsession

I drove onto a large circular drive with an enormous fountain centered in the middle.

“Wow, this looks amazing. Like something out of a Gothic movie,” she said, slipping forward on her seat.

“Looks about three hundred years old.” I pulled to a stop and turned off the engine. “Come on, let’s check it out.”

“Kane . . . are you?—?”

I climbed out of the driver’s seat and as I shut the door, a man dressed in black slacks and a red blazer trimmed with gold raced down the steps to greet me.

“Guten Tag.Good afternoon, sir!” The man’s voice carried a hint of a British accent.

“Good afternoon,” I said.

He bowed slightly. “Welcome to Villa Rosenheim. How may I assist you today?”

“We’re looking for accommodation.” I gestured toward Tory, who hadn’t moved. “Do you have a room available for tonight?”

The man glanced over both of us, lingering just a moment longer on Tory before he nodded. “We have one of our finest suites ready for guests tonight.”

“Great. We’ll take it.”

“Would you like more information on the room, sir?”

I read that to mean, ‘Did I need the price?’ Tory and I didn’t look like we could afford a room at a local pub, let alone a luxury villa. “That’s not necessary. We have traveled a long way, and we would like a bit of rest before we go to the gala at Schloss Abenddämmerung.”

His eyes brightened, confirming I’d said the magic words. “Of course. Please, come his way.”

I raised a finger at him. “Just give me a minute.”

“Yes, sir. I shall wait up here. Do you have any luggage?”

I handed him the car keys. “In the trunk.”

“I shall attend to them while you and your friend get settled.” He retreated up the stairs, like he wanted to give me room while I convinced Tory to exit the car.

I strolled around to the passenger side and opened Tory’s door. “We’re in luck. The luxury villa is available.”

She looked toward the entrance with horror on her features.

“Come on. Let’s get you to the room so you can have some sleep. We have a big night ahead.”

She took my hand, and I helped her out. As we walked up the stairs, she fiddled with her hair and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of her jacket.

A second man in the same red-colored coat waited for us beside large oak doors, studded with iron hardware. “This way please.” He guided me to the reception counter.

As I completed the copious paperwork, Tory stood back, and her gaze swept from the ornate chandeliers dangling from the high ceilings to the grand staircase lined with red carpet and gold trimmings.

Unfortunately, the security in this hotel was much more detailed than the last one, requiring me to present my passport, so I had no choice but to use my own name and credit card.

Hopefully, that won’t come back to haunt me.

With the paperwork done, the man in the red coat stepped forward. “This way, please.”

I nodded at Tory, and she seemed lost as she gave me an unconvincing smile. The concierge led us down a hallway lined with intricate tapestries and antique furniture, pointing out access points to the luxury spa, steam room, indoor heated pool, restaurant, and bar.

As we took the elevator to the third floor which was also the top floor, Tory’s stony silence screamed volumes over how uncomfortable she was in this villa.

Finally, we reached our corner room. The concierge pushed open the ornate door, and Tory’s eyes widened even more.