Mikhail brushed himself down, muttered something in Russian, then strode off towards the elevator. Sarah slammed the door behind him and stepped back into the room. She folded her arms across her chest, refusing to allow Dylan into her heart or mind again. “Alright, what’s going on?”
Natalia strode out of the bathroom. “It’s my fault, Mrs Quinlan. I honestly had no idea Dylan was married.” She turned to Dylan and almost spat at him. “You disgusting cheating dog, how dare you?”
Sarah’s mind unravelled as she tried to keep up. She refrained from reminding Natalia that she was allegedly cheating on her husband. Instead, she decided to tell her the truth. “Look, Dylan and I aren’t really –”
“Ah, yes,” Dylan said. “Natalia, I’m sorry for the confusion. Sarah and I have been on a break…”
“Yes, rather a lengthy one,” Sarah scoffed.
“But I still love her,” Dylan said. “That’s why I wanted to meet up with you tonight, Natalia. To break it off. To tell you that I’m sorry. I hope you understand.” He transferred his attention to Sarah and appealed to her with a cool expression. “I hope you’ll take me back. Right, Mrs Quinlan?”
Sarah spoke through gritted teeth. “Whatever you say.”
“Thank you.” He gazed deeply into her eyes – connecting with her soul in that gorgeous way of his – then he pulled them both back to reality. “First things first, though. How are we gonna get Natalia out of here? She can’t just walk out. I bet Orlov’s henchmen have got the place surrounded.”
Sarah shrugged. “Not my problem, Dylan. But I’m sure you’ll think of something. I’ve got a hotel to run. Have a nice life.”
With the blood sloshing in her ears, Sarah turned to leave, determined to get back to work and away from this madness.
“Sarah, wait!”
She halted. Don’t look into his eyes, Sarah, that’s how he gets under your skin… But maybe… beyond this door lay life as usual; hectic, bland, unfulfilling. Maybe she wanted Dylan back in her life. Perhaps an adventure might be nice…
He came up behind her again and rested a firm hand on her shoulder, causing her to melt into a pool of lust. “Please…” he said, electrifying her with his dazzling touch.
She turned slowly, feeling the tractor beam of his gorgeous eyes pull her in. She shrugged. “What do you want now?”
He threw her a half-smile. “Have you got a maid’s uniform we can borrow? I think Natalia should wear it.”
Sarah’s passion turned to anger and she raised her hand to slap him. “How dare you involve me in your sordid sex games!”
Dylan caught her wrist. “I don’t want it for sexual titillation! I’ve got an idea of how we can get Natalia out of here.”
Sarah retrieved her arm. “We? Why should I help you?”
He cupped her chin as if he intended to kiss her passionately. “Because I’m asking you. Please?”
She severed eye contact. “Oh, alright. I’ll get the maid’s uniform, and you two try to keep your hands off each other until I get back.” She lowered her voice. “But this is the last time, Dylan. If you’re in trouble with Russians, I don’t want anything to do with you. I’ve got a bloody hotel to run. Right?”
Chapter Two
The stifling July humidity hit Dylan as he strolled into night with Sarah and Natalia. He’d never really noticed how secluded this hotel was, considering it was right in the middle of London. But now – as he walked down the carpeted steps and through the ostentatious doorway into the courtyard – the silence and darkness struck him like a punch. He scoured his eyes for trouble across the vast parking lot – which was crammed full with Jaguars, Rolls Royces, and Bentleys. If any of Orlov’s henchmen were out here, they were well-hidden. Hopefully he could make it to the car before anyone lurking realised what had happened.
Dylan loosened his tie, regretting his self-imposed rule about always looking ready for business. But at least he’d looked decent for his impromptu reunion with Sarah. He reached out and held her hand as they walked behind Natalia – who was dressed as a maid and carrying a suitcase stuffed with a pillow. The scene was farcical. But hopefully convincing…
Natalia looked so different now that she’d removed her make-up, brushed her hair, and ditched the false eyelashes. Dylan realised she was pretty, but nothing special – just like most the women he met. She was nice enough, and he’d enjoyed their liaisons over the last couple of weeks. But last time they’d met, she’d become clingy and had threatened to tell the papers about their affair. That would’ve been a death warrant for Dylan. Orlov wasn’t someone to be messed with. So he’d met with her tonight to call it off. Thank goodness Sarah had been there to help, or he’d possibly be dead right now.