Page 3 of The Pretender

Thirty minutes later, we’re finally up. I walk to one clerk while Deo walks to the one beside me. My clerk has a look ofpure terror on his face as he takes my ID. He clacks on the keyboard, his expression darkening as he scrolls.

“I’m so sorry, sir, but the last room was just booked.” He braces himself for the anger I’m sure he thinks I’m going to exhibit. “We are setting up cots in one of our ballrooms. Free of charge, of course.”

“I have a room.” Deo taps my arm. “I guess I got the last one.”

“Congrats.” I rub my forehead, thinking of where the safest place would be to hole up for the night. If Vin’s guys could get here, am I safer at the airport or a hotel?

“I meant you could share it with me.”

I turn my attention to Deo. “What?”

“I know it’s weird because we’re strangers, but I’ve done more than sleep in the same room with a stranger before.” He shrugs, laughing softly. “So, if you want to…”

“Are you sure?”

He nods, even as his cheeks turn pink. “I’m assuming you’re not a serial killer or something.”

“No. Besides, if I was, too many people could identify me.”

Deo chuckles, but when I don’t, he clears his throat. “Right.” He holds up his keycard. “Fifth floor.”

“Thank you, Deo. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. Come on.”

I follow him to the elevator bank, happy to leave behind the throng of people still clamoring for rooms only to find out there aren’t any.

Deo presses the button for the fifth floor, briefly glancing at me. “Bets on finding our luggage tomorrow?”

“The odds are shitty.”

He nods. “Definitely shitty.”

The elevator dings and the doors slide open. The hotel is pretty standard—beige walls, beige carpet, and generic art on the walls—but it’ll do. Beggars can’t be choosers, as they say.

I stand behind Deo as he swipes the key card and steps into the room. I follow him, flicking on the light, only to discover a new problem.

“There’s only bed,” Deo says softly. “She said it was a queen room. I assumed that meant two beds.” He turns to me, frowning. “Sorry.”

My hopes for a decent sleep are dashed, but I nod. “Thanks anyway for the offer. I’ll get out of your way.”

Before I can walk away, Deo grabs my arm. “Where are you going?”

“Down to the ballroom, I guess.”

His brow crinkles. “Why?”

I’m perplexed. “Because there’s only one bed?”

“Oh, I wasn’t kicking you out. It’s a little weirder than we thought, but I can share.”

“The bed?”

Deo nods, flicking his tongue over his bottom lip. “Sure. If you don’t mind, I don’t.”

I suppose there are worse things than sleeping in a too-small bed with an adorable man. “If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” He smiles, toeing off his shoes. “You can be the big spoon.” He winks, drawing a chuckle from me.