25. Amara
Chapter twenty-five
Amara
I don’t belong here.
That’s the only thought in my mind the moment I step into the Blackwood hotel lobby. I feel like I’ve stumbled into an alternate reality.
The marble floors are so shiny I’m convinced if I stare long enough, I might just see my own shocked face staring back at me. It even smells expensive. Like fresh roses, leather, and the kind of money I can only dream about.
Nicholas rests his hand on my back as we make our way toward the check-in counter. He’s calm, collected, like he owns the place—which he does. Whereas I’m doing my best not to look like someone who wandered in off the street by mistake.
As Nicholas approaches the counter, the concierge straightens up, a flicker of surprise flashing before it morphs into a practiced smile. “Mr. Blackwood, good evening. We weren’t expecting you.”
“It was a last-minute trip,” Nicholas responds smoothly, pulling his wallet from his jacket pocket, handing them his ID.
“No problem at all.” The concierge types away. “We’re happy to have you with us. The Presidential Suite is ready and waiting.”
My breath catches. The Presidential Suite. Naturally. Because anything less would be unacceptable for Nicholas Blackwood.
Nicholas nods, sliding his wallet back into place. “Thank you.”
“If you need anything at all during your stay, just let us know,” the concierge adds, handing back his ID with a smile.
Watching the interaction is like observing royalty being served.
Nicholas turns, his hand sliding back to the small of my back as we stroll across the lobby toward the elevator. It’s casual, probably no big deal to him, but I can’t help but love how he keeps touching me, like he’s drawn to it without even realizing.
“So, this is a Blackwood Hotel,” I murmur to myself more than anyone, letting my eyes roam over the hotel lobby.
Nicholas halts mid-step, glancing down at me, a brow raised. “You’ve never been to one?”
The disbelief in his voice makes me bite back a smile. “Not exactly in my price range.”
He blinks, his expression blank for a beat. “You’re serious?”
“Unfortunately.” I shrug, letting out a soft laugh. “Besides, I’ve never really needed to stay in a hotel. I’ve always been busy with work. Never had the time for a vacation.”
For a split second, his expression softens, a moment of realization crossing his face like he’s just realized how different our worlds really are. “You’ve really never stayed in a hotel like this before?”
“Nope.” I shake my head.
He studies me for a long beat before his lips tug into a smile. “Well, that’s about to change.”
He turns to press the button for the elevator, and we stand there, his hand sliding back to my side just as a guy in a pristine gray suit taps Nicholas on the shoulder.
“Nicholas.” He extends a hand. “I wasn’t expecting you here this week.”
“Michael.” Nicholas greets him, his posture somehow even straighter than usual. “Last-minute trip. This is Amara.” He looks at me with that easy smile of his. “My fiancée.”
Michael’s eyes flicker between us, and I’m almost certain I catch a brief flash of surprise before he quickly masks it with a polite grin. He’s probably thinking I don’t belong with someone like Nicholas.
“Nice to meet you, Amara.”
I swallow hard, forcing a smile. “You too.”
Michael turns back to Nicholas. “Let me know if you need anything while you’re here.”
“Will do. Thanks, Michael.”
The elevator doors open and Nicholas guides me inside. “Is it always like this for you?” I ask, glancing at him. “People fawning over you everywhere you go?”
He shrugs, adjusting his cufflinks. “You get used to it.”
I don’t push him further, but I can’t imagine ever getting used to this .
The elevator dings, and we step into a private hallway. Nicholas swipes his key card, the door opening with a soft click.
The first thing that hits me is the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the far wall, framing a breathtaking shot of Los Angeles at sunset, the city sprawling beneath us.
The suite itself is out of this world. Sleek, traditional, and so luxurious I feel like I’ve stepped into someone else’s life. The living room is bathed in muted tones, featuring a velvet couch and a glass coffee table. Off to the side is a small bar stocked with bottles of liquor I can’t even name, and a dining table that could host a dinner party for ten.
Nicholas pushes open the door to the bedroom, and my eyes go straight to the king-size bed in the middle, piled high with what looks like a million cushions.
“Wow,” I breathe, stepping further into the room, taking it all in.
Nicholas stops by the door and glances at me. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful,” I reply, letting my eyes wander around.
His brow lifts, watching me carefully. “But…”
I turn to face him, catching the knowing look on his face, and hesitate for a moment, chewing on my lip. “The rug,” I say slowly. “It doesn’t match the vibe. It’s too busy. And the lighting in the bathroom… it’s too harsh for the marble. It needs something warmer to balance it out. Oh, and that table?” I point toward the dining area. “It’s stunning, but it feels too light for the space. A dark wooden table would have made it much more inviting.”
I trail off, suddenly aware of how much I’ve said. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t apologize,” Nicholas interrupts. “You’re right.”
I blink, caught off guard. “What?”
“You’re right,” he repeats, stepping closer. “The rug, the lighting, the dining table… You nailed it. You have an incredible eye for this, Amara.”
Heat rises to my cheeks. “Thank you. It’s always been what I wanted to do.”
“I know. And you’re going to be amazing at it.”
His words hang in the air, and for a moment, the raw honesty of them settles something deep in my chest. I’ve spent so long wondering if I’m good enough for this, if I’m just fooling myself into thinking it’s something I can actually do. And the fact that he believes in me—really believes in me—in a way I’ve never let myself believe, makes my chest flutter with hope.
Before I can process, he steps closer, his hand brushing my cheek. My breath catches as his lips find mine. It’s a kiss that feels a little too real, and when he pulls back, I’m dizzy, my head spinning.
I turn toward the window, needing a moment to steady myself. “The view’s amazing,” I say. “But… I think I prefer the view back home.”
Nicholas moves behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist as he places the softest of kisses against my neck. “I prefer the view wherever you are.”
My heart stumbles in my chest, and I force out a laugh. “You’re laying it on thick, don’t you think? No one’s around to hear you.”
“You are. I don’t need anyone but you to hear it.”
“Okay,” I laugh, spinning to face him. “Are you done?”
“Not quite.” He smirks, reaching into his pocket.
Nicholas pulls out a sleek black card and hands it to me. I frown, staring at it in confusion when I see my name printed on the front. “Nicholas… What is this?”
“We have the opening,” he explains, leaning in to place a soft kiss on the corner of my mouth. “Go buy something nice to wear. Something expensive.”
I shake my head, almost immediately. He’s already covered the dress, the flight, the hotel. And now this… I open my mouth, but he stops me.
“Don’t argue,” he interrupts, as he steps closer. His tall frame towers over me, and that familiar flutter stirs in my stomach. “You need a dress for tonight, and I know you love to shop. Trust me, I want to see you in a new dress. Preferably one you can’t wear panties with.”
I roll my eyes, but his grin only widens as he gently tips my chin up, locking his gaze with mine. “Spare no expense. You’re the fiancée of a billionaire. Start acting like it.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re going to regret saying that.”
His lips twitch into a smirk. “I doubt it. I’ll meet you back here in a few hours.”
I hesitate for all of five seconds before plucking the card from his hand. It’s surprisingly heavy, and I can’t help but grin as I slide it into my purse. “You sure about this?”
“Amara.” His tone is dry, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “If you can max it out, I’ll be impressed.”
Challenge accepted .