Page 39 of Twilight Longings

“What are you?” Kadie asked, as they took the elevator to the third floor. “A millionaire?”

“Close enough.”

The room was lovely, all done in mauve and white with pale green accents.

Kadie followed Saintcrow into the bedroom, stood in the doorway, watching, as he dropped her bags on the king-size bed. When he turned to face her, an image of the two of them on the mattress, locked in each other’s arms, flashed across her mind.

“I’m tired,” she said, faking a yawn. “I’d like to get some sleep. It’s been an unusual day. I’m afraid I’m still reeling from everything that’s happened.”

Saintcrow nodded. “If you need anything from the hotel, just charge it to the room.”

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” He clenched his hands to keep from reaching for her. “Remember, if you need anything, call me.”

“I will.”

She had never been a good liar, he thought, as he left the hotel. And she hadn’t gotten any better at it.

Saintcrow had no sooner stepped outside than Eleni appeared beside him. “We have a deal,” she said, her voice laced with steel. “I think it’s time to consummate it.”

“I think it’s time to cancel it.”

“Cancel it? Why would I do that?”

“Because you violated our agreement. I promised you one night afteryouhealed Kadie. You didn’t.”

“I provided the means.”

“That’s not the same thing.” An oath escaped Saintcrow’s lips as Eleni unleashed her power on him, driving him to his knees.

A young couple passing by grinned.

“Look,” the man exclaimed. “He’s proposing right in front of a hotel!”

“I guess they can’t wait for the honeymoon,” the woman said, with a laugh.

Eleni forced a smile until the couple were out of sight. “Stand up, you fool.”

A wave of her hand forced him to his feet as a fresh wave of pain rocked him. “You know I’m right,” he hissed through clenched teeth.

“In this case, might makes right,” Eleni replied. “How convenient that we’re so close to a hotel. Let’s go get a room.”

He had no choice but to follow her into the lobby. He stood there like a mindless robot as she asked for the bridal suite. Inside the elevator, she took his hand in hers.

“Are you gonna release me?” he asked.

“Of course.” A wave of her hand freed him from her thrall. “I want you to be able to move around as you see fit. Here we are,” she said when they reached the suite on the top floor.

“Alone at last.” A word opened the door.

Saintcrow followed her inside, stripped off his shirt and threw it on the floor. “Let’s do it.”

“Is that your idea of romance?” she asked, an icy edge to her voice.

“This isn’t romance, it’s blackmail,” he retorted. “Get undressed and let’s get this farce over with.”

Eleni glared at him, and he glared back.