Chapter 3
chapter three
The moment Julienne stepped into the bar, she thought she might have made a mistake. Granted, it was a hotel bar and it wasn’t dodgy, but she never went drinking by herself. She was the kind of woman who always traveled in a pack of other women, or with Gregor.
Just thinking her ex-fiancé’s name had her squaring her shoulders. She could do this. She was certain of it. Stiff upper lip and all that rubbish. She was an adult. Kind of. No, she really was an adult who had an amazing reputation in hotel design. Not the buildings. No, she handled all the pretty things people tended to take for granted.
She realized she was standing there holding her keycard like an idiot. Fumbling, she tried to open her purse but dropped the key. Rolling her eyes, she bent over and picked it up, stuffing it in her purse. Then, she straightened her shoulders again and surveyed the occupants of the bar. No one had seemingly noticed her, for which she was thankful. This was one of the reasons she was on her way to Hawaii. The stopover in San Francisco was more for David, who had a few friends in the city. And yes, she was a woman who made unnecessary stops because her PA had always wanted to come to San Francisco.
With a shake of her head, she decided that maybe a dinner in her room was best. Going to a hotel bar in a strange city by herself was not her thing—even if her family owned the hotel.
“It won’t bite,” a deep male voice said from behind her.
She turned in the direction of the voice, and her eyes widened as she leaned her head back to look at the man. He was massive, well over six-four, and all muscle. How had she not heard him approach?
“Pardon me?”
Inwardly, Julienne cringed. Whenever embarrassed, she tended to sound condescending.
He took no offense. Instead, one side of his mouth curved up into a lopsided smile. His dark brown eyes sparkled. God, he’s pretty.
“The bar. It won’t bite.”
Julienne glanced around the dark interior. It wasn’t a scary kind of dark. Instead, it was more of an intimate setting, one that allowed for privacy. But that’s what the hotel was known for. The security was so tight, she actually got a free night without her security guys Brent or Jack hovering around.
“Unless you’re meeting someone?”
She turned back to him. She knew that no one could even get into the hotel without a security check, so he didn’t worry her. At least, she wasn’t concerned he was a tabloid reporter. Now, just looking at him, well, there was a good chance he would star in her fantasies for a while.
As she had thought, he was tall. He had light golden skin that looked like he had spent years in the sun. The suit he wore would look plain on any other man, but on him…well, anything would probably look good on him. The black trousers, jacket, and button-down was definitely designer quality, although something told her he would rather be in a pair of jeans. Or was that her? The idea of seeing faded denim stretching across his thick thighs…
She cleared her throat. “No. No, just me, myself, and I.”
He nodded. “I’m going to get a drink if you would like to join me.”
Julienne hesitated. Did he know who she was? She didn’t fool herself into thinking everyone knew her, especially in the States. But she didn’t know if she should or not. She’d never actually dated a man without a proper introduction.
This is what you’re here for.
And it wasn’t a date. It was a drink in a lush bar with a sexy stranger. David had encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone. They didn’t have the normal relationship most PAs and bosses did. He was one of her best friends. In fact, next to Nicola, he was her best friend. Most of those slags had abandoned her these last few months. And David had known she was lonely.
“Girlfriend, you need a good hard shag.”
She rolled her eyes. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
“Have a one-night stand.”
“That’s not my kind of thing.”
“No woman should reach the age of thirty and not have one night of dirty sex.”
“I have a feeling if my mother knew you said that to me, she would insist on firing you.”
“Please,” he said, waving his hand at her. “I’m pretty sure your mother has had more than a few nights of dirty sex. Your father was a DILF.”
“Ugh. Stop talking about my parents.”
“Anyway, if I find out you spent all night here in your room while I am out, I will never forgive you. Go downstairs and have a drink. Take a leap.”
She sighed as the memory faded away. The gorgeous man was still looking at her, and she made her decision right then and there.
“I think I would like to do that. Yes.”
His face lightened with humor, his eyes sparkling. Bloody hell, he was pretty, she thought once again.
“Thank you.”
She blinked. “For what?”
“I’ve never been called pretty, to my knowledge.”
Did she say that out loud? From the expression on his face, she realized she had indeed. She was such a mess, and this confirmed it. Maybe she should just go back to her room and hide until her flight tomorrow.
“Oh, now, don’t be embarrassed. After the day I’ve had, I welcome any and all compliments.”
There was a rhythm to his voice that she couldn’t place. Julienne had spent some time in the US and Canada, but his cadence was something different. Almost lyrical.
“Then, yes. I would love to have a drink with you.”
The grin he shot her made him look years younger. He waved his hand indicating that she should walk in front of him. As she did, heat prickled over her skin. Looking at many of the other patrons, she realized she might be a tad bit overdressed in her little black cocktail dress that hit just above her knees. It was a little tight unfortunately, thanks to the last few months of stress eating.
She thought she’d sit at the bar, out in the open, but when she saw a round booth tucked into the corner, Julienne headed straight for it. After she slid into the seat, the man joined her, sliding almost all the way around.
“Alek.”
She blinked. “Excuse me?”
“I figured that you would like to know the name of the man you’re having a drink with.”
She nodded. “Jules.”
He cocked his head. “Have we met before?”
“Isn’t that a bad pick up line?”
He chuckled. “Yeah, but I already have you in the booth. There’s something familiar about you.”
Julienne smiled and fought the scream that threatened to escape.
“Uh, I don’t think so. Not unless you read the tabloids.”
He shook his head and opened his mouth to respond, but the waitress stepped up to their table. Julienne ordered a single malt whiskey, as did Alek.
Once they were alone, she said, “I’m glad you didn’t add any ice to that.”
His eyebrows rose up. “Why would I want to water down the drink?”
She smiled. “You were going to say something when we were interrupted.”
“Oh, yeah, well, I don’t read the tabloids. They weren’t plentiful where I was for the last few years.”
Before she could ask anything about that, the waiter returned. The hotel and bar were well known for their service, but it was annoying.
Once they were again alone, Alek raised his glass.
“What are we drinking to?” she asked.
“New beginnings?”
“I like that.” She clinked her glass to his and took a sip. The liquid burned down her throat, leaving warmth in its path. “That is a bloody good drink.”
He smiled at her. Oh, he had dimples. He had a rugged face, with a little scruff, and a nose that had been broken at least once. Those dimples, along with the straight white teeth, against his golden skin mesmerized her.
“Yeah, haven’t had a good whiskey in a few months.”
“Oh,” she said sipping at hers a little bit. “Been on the wagon?”
He hesitated and she thought he might have said more than he thought.
“I just left the military. Been deployed most of the last year.”
“Oh.”
That’s all she could say to that.
“I take it that you’re not from the States?” he asked, humor lacing his voice. She smiled.
“No. England. London actually.”
It was refreshing that he didn’t know who she was.
“Ah, I was there once. A little…crazy at times.”
She smiled thinking of her home city and the hum that always seemed to vibrate through the streets. “Yes. And I love it.”
Well, she did. The last year had driven her barmy. She had grown up in the eye of the world. Although, they weren’t one of the best-known families in England. Jensen’s addiction and subsequent recovery had thrust them into the spotlight. Then this thing with Gregor…She shoved that thought away.
“What?”
She blinked. “What, what?”
“You were thinking about something that upset you.”
If she opened her mouth and spewed it all out on him, he would run in the other direction. Nothing was going to happen beyond tonight. She knew that as well as she knew what trends were coming out in Milan in April. No, this man, he would never go for a woman like her. Really, no man wants to hear about another man. Still…
“An ex-finance.”
One eyebrow rose and he studied her. “Not in the picture anymore?”
She shook her head. “No. Well, not really. He won’t let it go, but that’s why I’m halfway around the world working for my family.”
“You shouldn’t let him chase you away from your home.”
She chuckled. “The truth is the break is good for me. I’ve been a bit of a dull prat these last few months.”
“Mourning your relationship.”
“No. I was the one who called it off. I just…well, he’s well-known and the tabloids are not nice.”
“Ah, well fuck them.”
There was a moment of silence and then she let out a bark of laughter.
“Yes, fuck them.” She raised her glass again and clinked it against his, then tossed the rest of it back. The burn was good. Amazing, even.
She hadn’t gotten pissed in years, so maybe tonight would be the night for it. Julienne held her hand up to order another drink.
“I’d rather you not be drunk,” Alek said, the rumble of his voice sending a wonderful tingle down her spine. He was still on his first drink.
She smiled at him. He truly was a beautiful man. Even with the crooked nose. In fact, it kept him from being too pretty. His eyes were dark, rimmed with gold, and his lips were full and sensuous.
“Why is that?”
He leaned closer and his scent seemed to surround her. He smelled of fresh ocean air, seduction, and escape.
“I had plans to take you to bed, and if you’re wasted, I won’t be able to.”
Her breath stuttered. Men didn’t talk to her that way. Not to Julienne Rebecca Wulf. She was cold, aloof, the perfect daughter. Men tended to ask permission before they kissed her. Not this man. He plainly stated his plan to shag her tonight. And god help her, she liked it. He was as bold as he was beautiful.
“Indeed?”
He chuckled, the sound slipping down her spine, sending another wave of heat slapping through her blood. She pressed her legs together and that just made it worse somehow. She didn’t even want to know the state of her panties, even though she was sure they were soaked.
He nodded, his dark eyes sparkling with humor.
“Yes.”
She wanted to pick up her glass and down the whole damn thing, but her hands were shaking. Her entire body was trembling, begging her for relief. It’s not like she didn’t have help waiting back in her room. She even had backup batteries.
“And why is that?”
His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. “Are you begging for compliments?”
She shook her head. “I’m serious.”
“You have to know you’re the most beautiful woman in here.”
Julienne blinked. “I do not.”
He sat back and studied her. “You really don’t think you’re gorgeous?” She shook her head, and he leaned forward, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear him. “From the moment I saw you, I’ve been imagining what you’re wearing under that dress.”
Oh, bloody hell. Her nipples tightened against the lace of her bra. Julienne knew she should respond. She should tell him a lady didn’t like being talked to in that manner. Only, her body was betraying her. Even now, she leaned closer, the very heat of him seeming like an aphrodisiac.
“Cat got your tongue?”
She swallowed and shook her head. Still saying nothing.
His mouth curled up on one side, his dimple appearing.
“So, I guess I shouldn’t tell you I’ve been wondering what you taste like?”
She swallowed again, then said, “You expect me to believe that you’ve been thinking about…what my mouth tastes like?”
Another chuckle, the rich, deep sound sending her head spinning.
“Those aren’t the lips I was thinking about tasting.”
Good lord. She didn’t like dirty talk. Or, maybe she thought she shouldn’t. She’d only been with one man and he was…well, boring. It’s why she called off their wedding. Was this what she had been missing?
His gaze dipped down to her mouth, then back up to meet her eyes. “Although, I wouldn’t mind tasting those lips either.”
Oh, God. Need rushed through her, her entire body lighting up. She wanted that. What was wrong with her? Why did this man appeal to her? Well, other than the fact that he’s a bloody god. She could just imagine how all those hard muscles felt like beneath her fingers.
“But, if you aren’t interested, we can just enjoy our drinks.”
She didn’t do things like this. She always did the right thing, whatever would keep her on the straight and narrow. Until she split with Gregor, she had never been featured in a tabloid because of her behavior. And where did that get her? Exiled from England—albeit to Hawaii—so that the scandal could die down. Her brothers never worried about that. No one questioned their behavior. They were allowed to have sex lives without all of the judgement.
And she was damned sick of it.
One night. Fun. Escape. A beautiful man who was actually attracted to her.
“Jules?”
She studied him but said nothing, thinking over the idea. Of taking him to bed, letting him do all the things she’d read about other women experiencing. She didn’t know how she knew it, but she knew this guy could do them all. THEM. ALL.
“No worries,” he said shaking his head.
“You’re rescinding your offer?”
It was his turn to blink, then his mouth curved up slowly and before she knew it, he was grinning at her.
“No. It’s an open invitation.”
She downed the rest of her drink, then leaned forward. “I think I would very much like to know what you taste like, Alek.” Her gaze drifted down, then back up. “In more ways than one.”
He groaned. “You’re going to kill me.”
She laughed but stopped the moment he leaned closer and pressed his mouth against hers. Just a simple kiss, but it changed in a flash the second his tongue slipped over the seam of her lips. She opened to him, easily. He tasted of the whiskey they had shared and temptation. So much temptation. She had never been a woman who jumped without looking, but in this instance, she wanted it. Craved him on some level that left her almost dizzy.
She shifted closer to him and felt the dampness of her panties. Every nerve ending in her body seemed to be on fire, sizzling just beneath the surface of her flesh.
She slipped her hand up to slide her fingers through his short, dark hair. There was a loud moan, a vibration of need that past between them, and she realized it came from her. She wanted him. Right there, in the booth, and she didn’t care who saw them.
When that hit her, she realized she needed to get herself under control. This hotel had the very best security—her family made sure of that. Still, that didn’t mean she should jump on the first attractive man who came on to her.
She forced herself to pull back. His eyelids lifted slightly, his pupils were dilated, which told her he was at least attracted to her.
“You truly don’t know who I am?”
He shook his head. There was no deception in his clear gaze. Just raw desire. The same desire that was pounding through her veins. The longer they stared at each other, his eyebrow rose in question.
She opened her purse to pay for the drinks, but he growled. Julienne looked up.
He was pulling out his wallet and throwing a few twenties on the table. “I pay.”
She wanted to argue with him, tell him she paid her way through life. Gregor had no problem with her picking up the tab most of the time, but, when she saw the determined glint in Alek’s eyes and the tic in his jaw, she knew this was something she couldn’t deny him. She might not be that knowledgeable about men, but this she knew.
He slid out the opposite side of the booth and then held his hand out for her. She took it easily, ready to escape, to quench the hunger that was now surging through her blood.
They walked to the bank of elevators, those nerve endings of hers popping in anticipation. His hand was at the small of her back in a possessive gesture. Julienne hated to admit that she liked it. She couldn’t fall into that trap. This was a one-night stand, nothing more. Having a man wanting to possess her wasn’t in her bag of tricks. She was too much, too…her. But for this one night, this would be her thing. Because, having his hand on her back, feeling the warmth of his fingers through the fabric of her dress, that was amazing.
He pressed the up button, and they waited. All the while, it felt as if someone was pulling the tension tighter and tighter. When the doors slid open, he waited for Julienne to take the first step into the lift. He didn’t ask for her floor number but pressed the next to top floor button. The penthouse was where she was staying, where her family always stayed. In truth, it was only for family.
So, he was taking her to his room. Gregor had never been so dominant in their relationship, especially in the bedroom. He would never presume she was going to go to his room.
The doors slid closed and he turned and backed her into the corner, cupping her face in both of his massive hands and devouring her. She would normally be alarmed by this action, but instead, her whole body screamed with joy. He pressed her against the wall of the lift, and she could feel all of him. From his massive chest, down to his cock. God, he was huge, and she wanted it all. Her pussy pulsed, relief not anywhere in site. She needed to be closer. Much closer.
She slipped her hands up his arms to his shoulders as he slid his down to her ass. He lifted her, grinding his cock against her center. Bloody hell. Her entire body tingled, as pleasure coursed through every inch of her. Julienne matched his movements, pressing against him. He broke the kiss just to attack her neck. She moaned, enjoying the feel of him in complete control. He had her up against the wall, her legs wrapped around his waist and his cock was rubbing against her panty clad pussy. Now, she was regretting her choice in wearing knickers tonight.
The door dinged open and they barely noticed. Or at least, she didn’t. She wanted more. She wanted to feel him inside of her. Nothing else mattered. Not the tabloids or the fact she had been run off from her home. He pulled back and she followed him with a growl, he chuckled. She blinked her eyes open, then realized they’d made it to his floor. Without a word, he took her hand and dragged her out of the lift. Julienne happily followed, because tonight, for once, it was all about her and happiness.