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The elevator door closes, and we are whisked up to the same place I first met him. He walks me to the kitchen table, pulling out a chair for me to sit. “Would you like a drink? Maybe a glass of wine.”
“Do you have something stronger?”
The ghost of a smile appears on his lips as he nods. Opening the freezer, he pulls out a bottle of tequila and pours a shot into a glass he grabbed from the cabinet.
“Salt and lime?” he asks when placing the glass in front of me.
Instead of answering, I simply take the glass and bring it to my lips. Tipping it, I let the cold liquid flow down my throat until it settles into my stomach with a heat only tequila can provide.
“Now talk,” I order.
“Booze makes you bossy. I’ll have to remember that.”
“No, you don’t because after you tell me what is going on, I’m going to leave and never come back.”
“I advise against it.”
“Are you saying you’re holding me against my will?”
“No, I’m saying I’m trying to protect you.”
“By keeping me prisoner?”
“Did someone drag you here against your will? Has your door been locked? Have you been cuffed, starved, or hurt in any way?”
Dammit, he has a point.
My burning anger simmers down to a low flame. “Are you saying I can walk out of here right now?”
“If that’s really what you want, I’ll walk you downstairs myself. I’ll even call you a cab if you like… but I strongly advise against leaving.”
“Is that a threat?”
“There is a threat, yes, but it’s not me. It’s the people your brother borrowed money from. They still want to teach him a lesson, and that lesson is you.”
“How do you know all of that, and why did they want me to plant a bug in the first place?”
“Look, I know you want answers, but I just can’t give them to you. You already know way more than you should. You’ll just have to trust me. I’m trying to help you.”
“Why? I mean, why are you trying to help me?” If he doesn’t answer anything else, he should at least be able to reveal this.
“Because I know you’re innocent. You got caught up in all of this because of your brother. You don’t deserve what those people have planned for you.” A shudder runs down my spine at his words. I don’t dare to ask what that plan is.
I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or his words that calm my nerves. “Let’s say I believe you. That doesn’t explain this hotel and what I heard on the eleventh floor. Someone screaming like they were being tortured or something.”
Mason doesn’t acknowledge my concerns. Without a word, he pours me another shot and pushes the glass toward me.
“Why doesn’t the hotel have a name? And why is no one allowed to stay here?”
“People stay here all the time,” Mason quips. You just have to be a member to get a room.”
“I’m not a member.”
“Indeed. As a matter of fact, you are the first person who’s ever stayed at the hotel without being a member.”
“Yay me,” I huff sarcastically, pumping a fist into the air.
“I know this doesn’t make sense to you. You’ll just have to trust me. I am not the bad guy. I’m trying to protect you and your brother, whether you believe me or not.”
I believe you.
I’m not sure why I don’t say the words out loud. And I definitely don’t know why I believe him, but I do. At least for now.
“Come on, I’ll take you back to your room.”
“I’d rather stay here for a bit longer. I’m bored out of my mind downstairs.” And I don’t want to be alone.
Mason hardly ever shows emotion on his face, but he can’t hide the shocked look in his eyes from me this time. It takes him a few more moments to gather his thoughts before he speaks. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Why not? Are you scared I’ll get drunk and try to kiss you again?” My cheeks heat when I think of my lips brushing against his.
He snorts. “I didn’t even know that you tried to kiss me. You need to work on your flirting game.” Puffing out his chest as if he is offended. “I’ve not been scared of anything in a really long time.”
“Great!” I take the second shot, slamming the glass on the counter once it’s empty. “How about a movie?”
“A movie.” He says it like it’s the most absurd thing he’s ever heard.
“Yeah, a movie. You know, pictures and sound on a TV. You sit down and watch it, maybe eat some popcorn. Have you heard of it?”
“Bossy and a smart-ass. Have you heard of that?”
“Many times. Two of the many services I offer free of charge. Add sarcasm, and you’re rounding out my top three.” I stand from my chair, the tequila making my legs slightly shaky, but I play it off. “Are we going to do this movie thing or what?”
