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The elevator doors slide open and Revel steps inside first, backing up just enough to make room for the equipment case. I follow with my suitcase, and the second the doors close, his eyes drift toward me again.

“You’re thinking too hard.”

“I’m not.”

He gives me a look. “Mama, I can practically hear the argument happening in your head.”

“Ay, cállate. There is no fucking argument.”

“Sure.”

I cut my eyes toward him. “You look real smug for a man who hasn’t even seen the room yet.”

His mouth curves. “Doesn’t matter what it looks like.”

“Why?”

“Only need one thing in there.”

I already know better than to ask.

Unfortunately, curiosity is a toxic trait.

“What?”

His eyes drag over me before coming back to my face.

“That bed.”

I let out a slow breath through my nose. “You really wake up every day and choose to be like this.”

“Pretty much.”

“Sounds exhausting.”

“You like it.”

I smile sweetly. “I like that the hotel has security.”

The elevator dings and he laughs as the doors open, then lets me walk out first.

“Lead the way, Mama.”

I tighten my grip on the suitcase handle and head down the hall.

See, this is fine.

I’m fine.

I am in total control.

Room 417 is at the far end of the hall, and when I swipe the key card and push the door open, sunlight spills across pale wood floors from the balcony at the opposite end.

The room is nicer than I expected, bright and clean with one massive king bed dressed in white linen, a narrow desk beneath a large mirror that’ll be perfect for my laptop and equipment, and a small sitting area tucked beside the sliding glass doors.

I set my purse on the desk and wander toward the bathroom while Revel drops his duffel beside the bed.

Then I stop.