"Tomorrow." His barked word was a reprieve and a warning. I'd not get a second chance.
12
"Soon as I wake up, I'll call you," I told Samson.
Rohan waved a hand in farewell and dragged me toward the coat check.
I put on my jacket then tried to go back. "I have no shoes," I explained.
He swung me into his arms, ignoring my yelp of protest. My smacks to his chest were half-hearted since my feet hurt.
I held my tongue until we were safely in a cab going back to the hotel. "You almost ruined everything, you faking bastard."
"I pulled the plug on your night. Tough shit. This isn't about enjoying Samson's attention. Or him enjoying yours."
"Why should it matter? This is just a hook-up."
"I was talking about the job."
"So am I. You shouldn't have made me a groupie if you couldn't deal with me embracing the part."
"My groupie."
"As you keep reminding me."
Rohan's grip tightened on the seat belt strapped across his chest. "I've given you a lot of leeway, Lolita, but going home with King was not part of the plan. Especially not with you primed to make stupid decisions."
I crossed my arms. "That was never going to happen."
"Apparently neither was a thank you."
There was no talking to him in this mood. I peered bleary-eyed out the window at the silent streets, the occasional passing car disturbing the stillness of deepest night.
My three minutes of good mood ended when we pulled up to the hotel and Rohan unceremoniously scooped me up and carried me inside. He deposited me on the lobby floor, both of us bristling at each other.
That's when we ran into Lily, clad in cute pink sweats, glowing with fresh-faced beauty, hair in a neat bun, and her glasses perched on her nose. Versus the dirty girl vibe I rocked in the all worst ways: sweat-stained hair falling over in a mess, smeared body paint, and lack of shoes.
My night was complete.
"Hey guys! Just getting in?" Her bright smile leeched the last of my energy. "I couldn't sleep. Came to get my fix." She held up a small cellophane-wrapped package of tea, the motion causing the sleeve of her hoodie to shift. A very familiar silver bracelet with a stylized design inlaid in onyx was on her wrist.
"You have the same bracelet?"
Lily glanced down at hers. "The Om? Yeah. I gave it to Ro –"
"Right before his first tour. I heard."
Rohan one-arm hugged her. "I charmed you into buying it for me."
Lily snorted and ducked out from his hold. "You're lucky I didn't throw it at your head. You were such a jerk that day."
"I was cranky from lack of sleep." Rohan gave her a pointed stare and Lily blushed.
Kill me. The E was wearing off, leaving me with an edgy restless thread coursing through my exhaustion. "Well, it was a very long night and it's way past my bedtime."
"It looks like you had fun." I tensed at her words but she didn't sound snarky. In fact, I'd swear a wistful expression crossed over her face. What was certain was the brief glance she turned on Rohan.
Ah.
Rohan saw it too. His expression softened. "You wouldn't have enjoyed it, Lils." He took her hands in his. "Besides, I want to hang out where we can talk. I miss that."
I dug my nails into my palms. I'd forgotten that coming off E always left me emotionally wide-open. "I'm off. Have a good night."
"Sleep well, Lolita," Lily called out.
I was really starting to hate that name. At least I'd gotten better about not looking back, though that left me making eye contact with that darling desk clerk as I made my way to the elevator. Any pretense of professionalism was beyond him. He scowled at me like I was a plague who'd infested his pristine realm. I'm sure we were both wondering what twist of fate made him present for all my best moments. Sighing, I kept my head held high the entire time it took for the world's slowest elevator to get to the lobby and then crawl up to the third floor. Just because I was alone in the elevator didn't mean I didn't have my pride.
I stepped out to find Rohan waiting for me by the stairwell door. Doing my best not to slump in exhaustion, I stomped past him, the carpet scratchy underfoot.
Rohan's arm shot out to the wall, blocking me. The two of us faced in different directions. How apt.
"Move," I said
He didn't budge.
I stared resolutely ahead.
Finally he dropped his arm.
I pulled my keycard from my coat, walking directly to my room. No passing go. No collecting $200.
"Don't leave." He spoke quietly but in the silence of the corridor, I had no trouble hearing him.