Chapter 11
Eleven
Maeve
I can handle most anything. I’ve been embarrassed enough times in my life that I’m not afraid to look like a fool. What I am afraid of is how hard my heart is beating. Stupid organ. Why does it have to be beating so fast for him? If I was ever going to hand my heart to someone, it wouldn’t be the likes of him. I might as well just rip it out and throw it away. That would be the ultimate form of looking like a fool. That’s the type of humiliation I don’t know if I could come back from: falling for Nicholas Deschamps.
He keeps a safe distance from me as we ride the elevator to the top floor. I can’t stand the silence or the tension hanging in the air.
“Where is Gram if all the rooms are booked?”
“I have an area of rooms that are exclusive to VIP clients and family. It’d only be right to have my future in-law stay there.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re really committed to playing your part.”
“I give one hundred percent to everything I do. Pure dedication.” The elevator dings and the doors slide open. Nicholas walks over to the mini bar. “Another drink?”
“Sure. Thank you.” I take a seat on the bar stool and watch him remove his jacket. “Who is Cleric? Mark frowned at the fact that you two are associates.”
“Cleric took me under his wing for a long time. He molded me into who I am now.”
“A monster?”
“Ouch. I prefer what he called me. ‘The Wolf.’”
Nicholas places a glass of wine in front of me. I twirl the glass and then take a small sip. It’s divine. “This is delicious. Just leave the bottle right here.” I pat the counter in front of me. “So, why did he nickname you the wolf? ”
“He actually uses the French word. Le Loup. Since I’m half French. I received the nickname mostly because of my tracking skills. He said I could hunt anyone down. I’m ruthless, territorial, and loyal.”
“Interesting.”
“Interesting?” he repeats. “Do you find my skills interesting? I have more that I could show you.”
“I was wondering if you enjoy the hunt.”
“Extremely. I always have. I was the master seeker in hide-and-go seek.”
“Really? Wanna play now?”
His eyes brighten. A lust-filled look passing over them. “Remember what I told you. I always win. And this time, if I catch you, I will devour you.”
“Deal.” It sounds like I’ll win either way this goes. After watching him lick the dice and telling me he wants to taste directly from the source, I’ll be a gracious loser. My competitive and defiant nature wants to beat his cocky ass though. “But first, I need to get out of this dress.”
Nicholas hurries around the bar. I move to stand, but he blocks me from taking a single step. “Allow me.”
My lips fall open as he rips the dress and jerks it off me. Then his lips are on mine, his tongue pushing its way through to massage mine. Nicholas pulls away and asks huskily, “Are you wet for me at the thought of me chasing you?” He nips my bottom lip and then asks, “Or should I just find out for myself?”
“You’re a fast learner.”
Two fingertips slide over my pussy, rubbing and teasing my sensitive skin. “I plan to own this pussy tonight. I’m going to torture you with my tongue. Be prepared for a long night, Little Bit.”
“Why do you keep using my Gram’s nickname for me? It’s kind of weird.”
“To fuck with you,” he says, like it’s completely obvious.
“Can you not?”
“Isn’t it conflicting for you? Hearing that term of endearment, that sweet little nickname, while being on the verge of sinful bliss. Does it mess with your head?”
“No.”
He pinches my clit. “Liar. I’ll punish you for that after I catch you.” Nicholas sticks his fingers in his mouth as he steps away from me. “I had clothes delivered for you. They’re in the bedroom closet. Hurry. I’m not going to give you much of a head start.”
“What are the rules?”
“You can hide anywhere on this property. You can’t leave the resort. Casino. Restaurants. Rooms. Gym. Pool. Anywhere as long as you don’t leave the grounds. Choose your hiding spot wisely. Because once I find you, I’m fucking you.”
“If you can find and catch me before I make it back to this spot; otherwise, you’ll be sleeping on the couch.”
He licks his lips and raises his brows at me. “You’re bold. Standing there nude and threatening to put me on the couch in my own home. You know there’s another bedroom, right?”
“Couch. Unless you’re scared you’ll lose.”
“Bet,” he growls.
I give him a single nod and rush to the bedroom to put on some clothes. No surprise when I check the closet and drawers – no underwear. But he did get me a bra. Yay, for small luxuries. When I step out in a pair of leggings, a beige sweater, and my red flats, I find Nicholas has changed. He’s wearing black sweatpants and a black hoodie. His eyes shine even brighter against all the darkness covering him. It’s a sinister and frightening look. The tiniest smirk appears on his handsome face as he speaks one word. “Run.”
I hurry to the door and press the call button. Nicholas crosses his arms and penetrates me with his gaze. “One hundred. Ninety-Nine. Ninety-Eight.” The elevator opens and he continues to count down in an eerily calm foreboding voice. He’s giving me a little over a minute to run and hide. Not much of a head start, but I’m up for the challenge.
As soon as the doors open to the lobby, I hurry out and run straight. My main goal is to put distance between me and him, then I’ll find my hiding spot. Or wait –
That’s what he’s going to expect. I spin around and search an area from the opposite direction of walking off the elevator. There’s a restaurant a few feet away. Bingo. I sprint over.
“My friends are already seated,” I tell the hostess as I pass. Do I sit like a customer and hide behind a menu? No. I weave through the tables searching for a place. There’s the restroom and the kitchen. I’m going for the kitchen. If I walk back here with confidence as though I belong, maybe nobody will say anything. Servers rush about. Some glance at me, but most are too busy to stop and bother with me. The cooks don’t even glance my way. It’s loud in here with the sounds of the grill sizzling, plates clattering, and glasses clinking. Everyone is too distracted or busy to care about me. I don’t linger. I don’t want to push my luck. Nicholas is on the hunt by now. The back of my neck tingles with paranoia or my fight or flight instincts are kicking in. There’s a giant walk-in cooler, a freezer, and a storage room with all the dry products. It’s going to be cold, but the cooler might be my best bet.