HOTTER THAN HELL

2

VALERIE:

We step off the plane into tropical air that smacks you awake better than espresso. My heels click against the polished runway as I follow Cole toward the black SUV idling nearby. He’s silent, his muscles flexing without him trying. I’m already regretting my choice of leather jacket.

“Miss. Moore,” the driver says, opening my door. “Welcome to Isla del Fuego Resort.”

I thank him, haul my bags inside, and slam the door. Cole slides in beside me. The ride into the resort is a blur of palm trees and manicured gardens. I fiddle with my sunglasses, glancing at Cole momentarily. Glad he doesn’t look, and I f*****g can’t wait to be alone in my room.

The hotel is beautiful, with tall white pillars, fountains, etc. The driver drops us off.

I step out, taking in the lobby. There are guests in swimwear, and people moving. A harpist strikes a lazy chord in the corner. Cole carries my bags without a word and heads to the front desk. I stalk behind with my chin up.

“Good afternoon, Miss. Moore.” The receptionist flashes a smile. “Your suite is ready. Right this way.” A female concierge says.

I follow them down a long corridor until we get to our suite.

We step into the living room of the double suite.

“Your suite,” the lady says, handing me a key-card. “And your security station is just next door.”

“No wandering, hm.” Cole smirks, and I roll my eyes, opening my door.

The room is big with a balcony overlooking the ocean—just like I wanted. I set my tote on the chaise lounge and flip my hair.

“Finally,” I mutter. “Some peace.”

Cole dumps my luggage by the door and glances at the balcony.

“According to your itinerary, we leave for the pool in an hour or two.”

“Good,” I mutter, tossing myself on the bed with my eyes shut.

The door shuts, and I close my eyes.

Soon, it is time to go for a swim. I get dressed in a bikini, throwing on a cover and grabbing some shades. The moment I open the door, Cole opens his. Our eyes meet, and I ignore him, finding my way to the elevator.

He trails two steps behind like a SWAT team while I try so hard to ensure people do not know I am being policed. The moment I get to the lobby, the urge to get a drink hits. I spin around immediately, bumping into a silver-haired gentleman.

“Ms. Moore.” He calls out, flashing me a smile.

His teeth are so white that they almost blind me. I have no idea who he is.

“Sorry to bother you, but I am so glad I caught you. You simply must join my beach party tonight.” He grins, taking out a card from his pocket.

Before I can grab it, Cole yanks the card from the man’s hand and rips it in half. The paper flakes like confetti, and my mouth hangs open for a second.

“Hey!” I flare up.

The stranger’s smile curls.

“I’m sorry, who the hell are—”

“The bodyguard. Nice to meet you,” Cole says rudely with a straight face. “You’re interrupting my client’s schedule, and she is not interested in your offer.”

He shoves the man aside, dragging me out of the situation. My heart pounds in my chest with so many emotions going through it.

Fuck, I want to be angry, but God, why does it feel good having someone bossing me around? I have never liked it. Am I f*****g ovulating? No! And even if, I cannot find this man attractive—he is eww.

“Let go of me!” I yank my hand away, and he pulls away, causing me to stumble back. I lose footing, and he chuckles before leaning in to catch me.

Our eyes lock for a second as I grab the fabric of his shirt, with my heart slamming fast through my chest. Then he helps me stand, letting go of me.

“Try to keep up, Princess.”

He flashes a smirk, walking through the French doors onto the sun terrace reserved for me. I follow him out to protest about his attitude, but the moment I step out, my jaw falls at the sight before me, and I lose my ability to speak.