Chapter-24🌜The Hotel
William's POV
I come out of the car and look at Zane. He doesn't look as poised as always. Or so he didn't-
Because now he's back to looking cool as a cucumber. No signs of the earlier crack in his usually balanced demeanor. Though he is not looking at me-his eyes are focused on the gate in front of us.
He starts walking towards the well-lit door of our hotel, but stops midway and turns back.
"Now you can rest in your suite." He tells me. "The wedding will start at 3:00 PM-so you have to be ready by 2:30 max." He keeps eye contact, but his eyes look hollow and his tone is flat and detached.
The fuck is wrong with him? Why is he being so weird now? Is he still stuck up on his, "I won't bother you." shit? Then what was the moment at the airport?
The whole declaration of his possessiveness? This just confirms it was for his own ego. He can't just lose respect from his men...
Self-absorbed fucking man.
He wants to play this game? Well, the game is on. I am not bothered. Not at all.
In fact I just give him a nod and start walking towards the entrance gate.
The citrus scent of the hotel hits me and even when the sun hasn't even risen-the insides still look bright and elegant.
Now I just need to find my room. 'Hmm... where's the reception'. I think as I roam around and then finally see the huge reception desk on my left.
There are two men attending the desk. I make a beeline for them.
One of the men-who looks Italian, greets me when he sees me, "Welcome home, Mr.Oberoi-Maxwell. We have been expecting you since the early flight landed."
Oh so they already know my name. Fuck... Like usually people know my dad and stuff, but I am not visible in public's eyes.
So this definitely would have happened after the wedding announcement.
I haven't checked my social media since... Romie.
But Ryan told me there's a huge buzz on the internet about this marriage.
From controversies about this being a marriage between two men, especially ones from influential families. To the people invited...
I saw the way paparazzi and bodyguards were scattered on the main gate outside the hotel when we were trying to enter through the exclusive gate in the back. Though no one dared to stop or come in the way of our cars.
And in reply all I do is nod. Then I ask, "Yes, but can you assist me with my suite?"
"Sure sir." He says as he types something on his system and pauses briefly and then continues,
"Mr. Oberoi-Maxwell your suite is prepared in the Garden Wing.
Per the families' strict instructions, we have ensured it is a perfect match to the suite in the Grand Hotel Wing currently occupied by Mr. Belladonna.
You will each have your own terrace and private pool for the morning. "
So we are staying on separate wings but with identical suites? Who will go to this length to make sure of that...
Because as much as I know-these people would try their best to put the other down.
You know the whole classism, like dad has wealth, but it's nowhere near Belladonna level richness and if they booked the hotel-why make sure of equality?
And did he say, 'for the morning'? What about after that...
Where will we go then? Like I have packed like ten days of luggage-as I was asked to. So what about after this wedding?
I just want to ask that, but then the reception continues.
"The Grand Hotel Wing is currently secured for Mr. Belladonna's guests-we have several foreign ministers and private security teams already on-site." Fucking hell this much security?
Why can't I still digest the fact that I am getting married to a man whose family can do actions that will require this...
Just why?
"We ask that you remain in the Garden Wing until the ceremony to ensure the traditional separation is maintained." He tells me. As if I would want anything else...
Separation before the ceremony? I won't even want to be with him at the ceremony.
I laugh internally at my joke.
"Your wedding attire has already been delivered to your dressing room."
I don't have to find my way. A woman from-what I think is-Guest Relations, dressed in a sharp navy suit that matched the Ionian Sea outside, gestures for me to follow.
And I give her a subtle smile and start following her.
She doesn't lead me like a tourist-she walks beside me, her heels clicking softly against the 14th-century stone.
As we cross the silent, frost-nipped Cloister, I see two men in earpieces step out of the shadows of a vaulted arch. And that makes all the anxiety that I thought vanished earlier, make a comeback.
Who the fuck are they?!
I watch them pass, and then vanish back into the stone. "Don't mind them," she says softly, not even looking back.
"They are with the Minister in the Grand Wing. Your peace is through here, in the Garden side." I nod although she can't see me.
Finally, as we enter a quieter wing, which she calls, "Ancient Convent Wing" while telling me about its history, how earlier it had the rooms used by the monks themselves.
But now they are redesigned and reestablished with the addition of luxury.
And much more lore, which enters from one ear and exits from another.
Then she mentions the preparation they have done, "The Chiesa Ballroom which was a former monastery church, is being prepped for the 300+ influential guests."
As if I care about those guests, I roll my eyes. But I don't say that and just nod. Which again, she can't see.
'Hey bhagwan kab rukegi yeah...' I scowl, 'Oh God, how does she have this much energy at 7?' I shake my head.
For the love of god if she doesn't stop now, imma-
"This is your suite. Your personal valet is standing by in your suite to assist with the final fitting for the 3:00 PM ceremony."
Personal Valet? This early? Hell FUCKIN' no! I'm gonna shoo him away.
I open the door and sure enough-there's a man in a uniform standing right in front of me and he greets me, "Buongiorno, signore."
"Buongiorno, but hey I won't need you this early. I just need to rest a little before my...wedding. You can go for now, and come back like around hmm-" I think about the timings and then, "12:30, yeah that will work."
He doesn't look certain about it, but just says, "Sure, sir." He makes his way out the door.
Was that rude? Maybe...
But damn, I am just tired!
And now as I am alone, I glance at the room, and see the vintage and excruciatingly expensive.
Damn, the bed looks comfy-just what I need and then I see the sight of the private plunge pool in front of the bed. I head towards it and see the pool on the terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Not feeling like swimming right now. Right now, I just need a calming shower and then some sleep. I did sleep in the jet, but I am tired again.
I yawn as I start walking towards the door in front of me, I open it and see the heavy Sicilian marble, deep soaking tub, and soft designer bathrobes hanging. It's gonna be a good bath...
??
Damn, what a bath it was... ironically a warm shower helped me cool down. Funny isn't it?
I take a towel and dry myself up. I am not in the mood for a bathrobe, because after a steamy shower—it feels heavy as fuck.
While humming a bollywood song, I wrap it around my waist–enough that it doesn't fall. Although, even if it does–I am alone. I shrug and open the door to go to my bedroom, and—
"Holy fuck! What the hell are you doing here?!"
I tighten my hold on the towel as I see the man lying on my bed, with his head supported on his hand and him lying on the side facing me. He is in a black shirt and dark brown pants.
Although they are not on the mattress and hanging outside... Is he actually on my bed in his loafers? The au-da-city of this man!
He doesn't answer me because his eyes are distracted by something else entirely.
I see how his lascivious gaze travels from my face to my lithe and glistening body. I see how his eyes are completely transfixed on my slick chest and that makes my skin crawl.
What the fuck is he doing? I didn't even know he was like–
The way his eyes ravish my abs and then fall on the white towel wrapped around my lower half–makes my blood turn cold and I feel embarrassed about the way I am in front of him right now.
His ogling eyes are making me nauseous and my pulse rises with terror.
This is wrong. So fucking wrong. And I don't like it.
I gather up all the courage in me and “Answer me! What are you doing in my room?!” I question him.
He doesn't answer and just stands up and starts walking towards me. His movements are slow like a wolf, and his lust-filled eyes are still on my body.
My adrenaline rushed body backs off as he comes closer and closer. With his every step forward my heart races faster. "D-don't come near me!" I warn him, but it comes out as more of a squeal.
"Stay—" All of the negative thoughts start flooding inside my brain as he has completely backed me off on the stoney cool wall.
"Relax..." His hoarse voice makes goosebumps rise in my skin. His pupils are dilated, almost absorbing the iris of his eyes.
"S-Stay away!"
"Hmm, you shouldn't say that..."
He raises his hand and brings it closer to my body, and I close my eyes hoping for the worst. "We will be closer after tonight, after all."
He puts his forefinger on my dripping chestline and then trails it to my abs. His touch feels like it's burning my skin in the worst way possible.
He removes his hand from my torso and puts his finger in his mouth as if sucking it. The whole action looks completely malicious.
"The fuck are you doing, Vance?!"
A/N??
I know this chapter would have been a triggering one for a lot of people.
And it's okay if it's not your cup of tea, reader's comfort is top priority ??
Were you able to guess who was the person on the bed or not?
Thoughts on Vance?
What about world building?
Fun fact: the hotel they are staying in was the filming location for The white lotus season-2.