His hesitation lasted a beat, maybe two. Then, with a heavy sigh, he reached for the phone.
I caught his wrist, fingers curling around it, guiding it back down to the mattress. “Ben.”
His eyes met mine in the dim light, searching, uncertain.
“Just ignore it,” I whispered. “Stay with me.”
Something flickered in his gaze.
He exhaled slowly, then switched the phone off, tucking it under the pillow.
His arms wound around me again, pulling me flush against him, his lips pressing against my forehead.
“Always,” he murmured and for the last time, I let myself believe him.
The memory clings to me like smoke, thick and suffocating.
Always.
A promise that shattered the moment reality came knocking. Sophie had offered to come with me, she said to meet me here, but she’s late and I don’t have the patience for late. Every second only fuels the fire clawing deeper in my chest.
Screw it.
I march straight to the reception desk. The woman behindthe counter barely glances up from her screen before pasting on a professional smile.
“Hello, I need to see Ben Ashcroft,” I say, cutting straight through the polite hum of the room.
Her brows lift slightly. “I’m sorry, miss, but I can’t give out guest details.”
I exhale through my nose, barely holding on to my patience. “I know he’s staying here.”
“I’m afraid I can’t confirm or deny that.”
“Look,” I grit out, pressing my palms flat against the counter. “I just need to—”
“Lila!”
I spin just as Sophie rushes in, breathless, her bag nearly slipping off her shoulder. “Sorry, sorry! Traffic was insane.” She stops short, scanning my face before glancing at the receptionist, immediately sensing the stand-off. “Is everything okay?”
“She won’t let me up,” I mutter, throwing a glare toward the woman behind the desk. Sophie straightens, smoothing a hand over her blouse as she flashes a warm, practiced smile, the kind that wins over boardrooms and, more importantly, hotel staff. “I think there’s been a little mix-up,” she says smoothly, her tone friendly but firm. “Mr Ashcroft is expecting us.”
The receptionist hesitates, lips pressing into a thin line.
Sophie leans in slightly, her voice dropping to something conspiratorial. “Come on, Lisa,” she says, her smile widening. “Mr Kingsley wouldn’t be too happy if he knew you were making his girlfriend wait in the lobby.”
Lisa lets out a slow breath, her fingers tapping against the keyboard.
“I don’t suppose you’re asking me this as a guest?” Lisamutters, already reaching for the spare key card.
Sophie grins. “I’m asking you as someone who will personally make sure you get the best shifts next week.”
Lisa sighs, but there’s no real fight in it. With a small shake of her head, she pulls a card from the drawer and slides it across the counter. “Penthouse suite.”
I snatch it before she can change her mind.
“You’re the best, Lisa,” Sophie says, winking. “I owe you one.”
Lisa rolls her eyes but doesn’t protest. The moment we step toward the lift, I press the button for the top floor, gripping the key card tight.
