AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“This way,” he murmured as he stalked toward the elevator. Everything about his demeanor had me inknots.
There was more to this than the fear of losing the money, which I desperately needed to prevent deportation. Emotions were also a trigger for addicts. Now, while Drew pushed me away, I’d have to fight even harder to be around him, to protect him from his dark desires and hidden fears. I’d let down my guard and this was what my weekend had become, one bitter, cold battle for oursurvival.
We rode the elevator to the top floor in silence. The bellhop glanced between us. The tension was obvious. Hell, it was so thick, it could practically be cut with a knife. When the doors opened, he motioned for me to exit first. Then Drew followed. He had both the cards and I wasn’t even going to bother asking for one. I’d be glued to his angry ass, so it didn’t reallymatter.
As we trudged down the hall, I’d swear it grew longer. I began to think we’d never make it to the room. Finally, Drew pulled out the keycard and pressed it to the lock, which flashed green, then he opened the door. I reluctantly entered. Instead of being relaxed, like I’d been not so long ago, I was now on alert. Scoping out the room, I saw the minibar was fully stocked. “Can you have all of this removed?” I asked thebellhop.
“Yes miss.” He nodded and hastily exited thesuite.
“And there’s the trust we all know I deserve,” Drew sniped. “Don’t worry. I won’t cost you your precious payout. Happy to help line your pockets any day, pussy cat. Hell, there might even be a bonus in it for you, if you leave a list of your other services and pricing on my nightstand.” He gestured to the one in between the queen-sizedbeds.
“You are such a bastard,” I muttered as I gathered everything he’d bought me for the wedding. I turned on my heels and marched into the bathroom, closing the door so I could hang the garment bag. I set the jewelry on the vanity, the shoe box on the floor, and then I opened the bag with the purse and pulled it out. I planned to switch everything over while we waited for housekeeping to come empty the liquor from the room. Angry as I was, I flung open the door in time to catch him opening a Grey Goose minibottle.
“Goddamn it,” he hissed at being caught. “Leave me the fuck alone.” He sighed and began to pace, but he didn’t release the bottle. “You know, when I called you pussy cat, I was being nice. You’re giving me pause toreconsider.”
“Don’t get pissy with me,” I grumbled as I threw my bags on the bed and strode over to him. “You’re the one breaking the rules. Hand it over.” I held my open palm out to him. When he failed to respond, I narrowed my eyes. “Now.”
“No.” Drew crossed his arms over his body, the bottle tightly clenched in hisfist.
“Cut the crap, Drew. Don’t make me call Ty.” My brow rose inchallenge.
He laughed, a cold, disheartening sound. “You can’t handle me so you’re going to call in back up. Awesome.” He rolled hiseyes.
“Is that what you think?” I sank down on the bed. “I’m not able to physically wrestle the bottle from you. I’m not even going totry.”
“Wrestling. Could be fun,” he taunted. Then he hopped on the other bed. “Come and getme.”
Filled with frustration, I shook my head as tears pricked my eyes again. It had been a long time since I’d been this emotional. Oh, but back then it was inspired by an addict too. Maybe that’s why this hurt so much. I hadn’t been able to save her, and now I was failing abysmally at saving Drew. “I don’t know why I thought I could do this,” I murmured as I rubbed my temples and stared at thecarpet.
“Me neither.” He chuckled sadly. When I looked at him he was laying on the bed, holding the closed bottle above him. “I don’t see me stayingsober.”
I watched him for a moment. “The key is to get a handle on youremotions.”
He turned to me, his brows raised. “Like you? I’ve never known anyone moreemotional.”
I stood angrily. “For the record, you’re simply remarkably good at pressing all mybuttons.”
Drew rolled to his side and leaned on his elbow. “So, now it’smyfault.”
Stomping my foot, I huffed. “I didn’t say that, but naturally that’s what you heard. This is my fault for letting you in, for not setting boundaries, for caring about you. Still, as far as you’re concerned, it’s easier to act like the victim than own your life, right, Drew?” I spun angrily on my heels, wishing I could be anywhere but here, and knowing full well I was out of options. I’d made a commitment. I couldn’t run away because it washard.
“You’re leaving?” I could hear the fear in hisvoice.
My shoulders slumped. “Of course not. Why would I leave?” I looked him over. “Was this part of the friendshiptest?”
“Friendship test?” He scrunched his faceup.
“Yeah. You know. The test you give everyone who gets close to you. The one where you push them by degrees to see who’s going to stick it out with you.” I sighed. “I’m not like everyoneelse.”
Drew sat up on the bed. “That’s right. You’re paid to be my friend.” He shrugged. “Makessense.”
“No, nothing makes sense yet. You have no idea…” Before I could finish, there was a knock at the door and housekeeping arrived with an empty cart and abasket.
“I’ll take care of this, miss.” The woman nodded atme.
“Be sure to get the one from his hand,” I commentedabsently.
Drew glared as he dropped it into her basket. “Happy?”
