Chapter Thirty-Eight
Addison
“Can we stop? Pleeeease.” Theo whines like a child in the backseat. He’s all slouched over, his long limbs spreading and taking up most of the space.
Poor Dom is crowded towards the door, his body turned as he drowns us all out. He’s broody, and probably the only normal one in this vehicle.
“You made us pull off at the last rest stop,” Rowan says with impatience seeping into his tone. “You can wait a few more hours.”
The blonde assassin groans as if he’s just received the worst news of his life as he slumps down further.
I roll my lips in to keep from laughing at his meltdown as I place a hand on Rowan’s bicep. “Maybe we should stop for a bit? It’s getting late and I’m tired.”
The sound of the blinker fills the cab as Rowan takes the next exit without a second thought.
“Seriously?” Theo snorts. “She asks one time, and it’s yes, my perfect wife. I’ll do anything for you!” His voice is mocking and high-pitched from the back, and I have to hold it together so I don’t encourage him further.
Rowan’s eyes flicker to the blonde in the rearview. “I can stop your paychecks from hitting your account. Keep playing with me.”
I walk my fingers up Rowan’s bicep, a dreamy smile on my face. “Actually, I can stop his paychecks. You’ve been demoted, Boss Man.”
Rowan smirks over at me. “Can I put in a formal request?”
“Of course,” I grin.
“Hold off on Theodore Reese’s payments until I approve them.” He jokes.
The blonde assassin scoffs, folding his arms over his chest. “She wouldn’t do that—”
“Approved,” I interrupt him.
Theo sits forward, throwing his hands up. “You can’t do that—”
“Actually, she can.” Rowan shrugs. “She was just promoted to the Midwestern branch Human Resources department.”
“That’s not even a real thing!” Theo says exasperatedly as he looks comically between us.
“It is now.” I turn my head so he can’t see that I’m almost in tears from laughing so hard. I settle my features before glancing back at him. “I would like to speak to you about your performance rate—”
“My performance rate is exceptional,” Theo nudges Dom, who doesn’t give him the time of day. “Just ask Dominic. He’ll tell you.”
The quiet man only clears his throat before subtly shifting further away from his friend.
“Oooo,” Rowan drawls. “That’s workplace harassment.”
“Recording it now,” I pretend to type away on my phone, but as the phrase Theo is a big idiot materializes, I have to hold my giggles in as I flash it to him. “See? Now you’re on record.”
He deadpans. “Fuck you.”
Rowan scowls in the mirror. “Watch the way you talk to my wife.”
“Yeah,” I parrot, throwing a finger at the blonde. “Watch the way you talk to me—”
Rowan grabs my throat, his fingers pressing into my pulse as he uses it to control me. He draws my face close as he speaks. “What did I say about that fucking mouth, Sunshine?”
My lips squish as my brow draws. “How am I in trouble? I’m HR.”
My husband gives me a stern warning. “You’re HR over them, but not me. I make the rules.”
Arousal flares in me as my thighs shift in the seat. I hum. “Fucking the boss seems like some kind of violation…”
His lips quirk. “Oh, Sunshine. You aren’t fucking anything.”
The implication behind his meaning draws more heat in my lower belly before he turns off into a parking garage. The hotel he chose is massive with a busy valet out front. The men in black vests and slacks handle baggage, while others check in guests.
“This looks nice,” I muse.
“I may have done a little research at our last stop and booked us a honeymoon suite.” Rowan shrugs with a smirk.
“You dog,” Theo pats his shoulder. “Hope you like sharing the bed. I'm a cuddler.”
Rowan gives him a hard stare in the rear-view. “I don’t know where you're staying, but it isn't with us.”
The blonde’s mouth falls open in shock. “Oh, come on. You don't want to share with us?” He wraps an arm around Dom’s shoulder, jostling him.
“Not in your wildest dreams,” Rowan grumbles.
We file out of the truck, and I keep my amusement at their bickering contained as we step onto the crosswalk. Rowan intertwines our fingers, shouldering both of our bags as he leads us into the elegant lobby.
The air is filled with the subtle scent of fresh linen and wood.
The floors are sparkling marble, and gilded chandeliers hang low from the tall ceiling.
There’s a cozy sitting area situated in front of a roaring fire, and the front desk stretches to the far left.
There’s a spacious bar across from us, and a timeless piano that makes up the center stage.
It’s breathtaking.
Rowan releases my hand before placing a chaste kiss on the top of my head. “Sit, and I'll get us checked in.”
I smile. “Okay.”
Dom and Theo follow him up to the front desk as I recline back in a leather chair. The weight of the last twenty-four hours is heavy, but I'm not nearly as tired as I thought I would be.
I let my mind wander as I get lost in the flames licking along the glass encasing the fireplace. I don't register as a man leans over the chair beside mine.
“Is this seat taken?”
I jump, my eyes connecting with shimmering steel ones. He’s young despite his pristine, gray suit. His dark hair is styled into an undercut and flops effortlessly over his vision. He gives me a charming smile, and I frown at him.
“No.”
He smirks before settling down beside me. I shift my weight away from him, allowing the flame to suck me back in before he interrupts me. Again.
“What’s your name?”
I sigh. “Thalia Kingsley."
“Kingsley?” He turns the name over on his tongue, and it makes my insides recoil at the way he utters it. “That’s unique. So, Thalia, what brings a woman as beautiful as yourself to a place like this?”
Ugh.
Sarcasm sits on the tip of my tongue, but I don't get the chance to tear into this guy as a dangerous, cold tone freezes both of us.
“She’s here for her honeymoon,” Rowan bites. He’s towering over the back of the guy’s chair with low-lidded eyes that pierce like daggers.
The man shoots up, clearing his throat as he fixes his suit jacket. “Pardon me. I had no idea—”
“No,” Rowan seethes possessively. “You didn't. Get the fuck out of here.”
Businessman wastes no time getting the hell out of Dodge. He’s gone before I can blink.
Rowan shakes his head as his eyes track him scurrying across the lobby. “I need to get a ring on that finger. As soon as possible.”
I grin proudly as I stand and join him. I wrap an arm around his waist as he squishes me to him. “Sounds like we’re going ring shopping once we get back to Ohio.”
“Damn right,” he mutters as he places a kiss on the top of my head.
Theo and Dom saunter up to us, and the blonde sighs. “Our room won't be ready for another hour.”
His eyes scan the bar across from us, and he stops on a curvy woman seated alone at the bar’s top. She’s dressed in a blue curve-hugging, halter maxi dress. She’s gorgeous with thick, blonde, highlighted curls that drape past her generous bust.
Theo elbows Dom with a smirk. “Paris looks amazing this time of year.”
The silent man nods before they make their way to the bar.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“Uh…” Rowan hands me a pamphlet. “There’s a spa package included with our room.”
I snatch it from him, watching as Theo takes the seat to the right of the woman and Dominic takes the left. The gears slowly shift, cranking as realization dawns on me.
“Wait. Are they both going to…” My voice trails.
“Don’t ask questions you aren't ready for the answers to, Sunshine.” My husband smirks before slinging an arm across my shoulder. He turns us so I'm no longer facing the bar, then steers me towards the elevators.
“What did Theo mean by the Paris thing?” I ask, unable to drop this as Rowan presses a finger to the button.
He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Please don't make me explain Eiffel Towering to you, Sunshine.”
I grab his bicep, shaking it with a sly smile. “Come on, Row Row! Tell me! I'm dying to know now.”
He rests his head back against his shoulders before the elevator door slides open with a chime. We step in, and I'm practically buzzing beside him. When he gives a resigned sigh, I know I’ve got him.
“I can't believe I'm telling you this,” he mutters. “Eiffel Towering is when there’s someone in the middle giving oral to the person in front of them while being penetrated by another from behind.”
I blink. “Oh…”
“Yeah, oh,” he chuckles at my stupefied expression.
“Well, good for them. Glad they're close enough to do that.” I shrug as I open the pamphlet. “Wait! There’s a sauna here?”
Rowan peers over at it, his brow rising. “It’s included with the honeymoon package. Did you want to go?”
“Is that even a question?” I snort.
“You’re going to make me go to a sauna?”
I stare at my husband with faux innocence. “I’m not making you do anything. I guess I'll be there all alone. Gleaming with sweat and naked—”
“Suana, it is.” He decides.
I smile at my triumph.
Once we reach our floor, Rowan is quick to lead me to our room. It’s like stepping into a condo, and I look around in wonder at the high ceiling lined with dazzling chandeliers, the massive made-up bed with rose petals forming a heart shape, and the giant claw-foot tub in the open bathroom.
Rowan tosses our bags down, then opens a closet and yanks out two bathrobes. He gives me a stern look as he lays them out on the bed. “You’re still dressed?”
I plant my hands on my hips. “Can’t a girl admire her honeymoon suite?”
“She can do that while she strips,” he smirks.
“You are a dog,” I mutter, but I'm smiling right along with him as I stretch my arms out. “Maybe I want to unwind first?”
I'm drawing it out to drive him crazy, and he knows it. It’s fun to toy with him, and pushing his buttons is my favorite thing.
He tilts his head as he posts up with crossed arms. “Do you need to unwind, Sunshine, or are you testing me?”
I shuffle towards the bed before picking up a rose petal and smelling it. “I bet you the view is spectacular from here.”