Chapter 208

Salome’s POV

“I’m perfectly fine, really,” Clementine said, resting her hand on the seat as she caught her breath.

We stood in the lobby, a tired, messy group. The day had left four of us covered in mud and smelling like hard work. We dropped Jeremiah and Richard off so they could head up first, but the rest of us weren't far behind. My legs felt like lead weights as I stepped into the elevator. Between the grime on my skin and the ache in my muscles, all I could think about was a bed. I wanted to crawl under the covers and stay there for a few days.

“Aiden, would you mind using the shower in Richard’s room?” Clementine asked, breaking the silence of the rising elevator. “Our suite only has one bathroom. If all three of us wait in line, the last person is going to be washing in cold water.”

Jeremiah’s posture went rigid. He turned his head slowly, giving Aiden a look that could have frozen water. “You’re staying in the same room as Salome?”

Aiden’s neck turned a deep shade of red. “It is a suite, Jeremiah. It has multiple rooms.”

“There are doors between us,” Clementine added, rolling her eyes. “It isn't like they are sharing a mattress. You need to relax.”

Jeremiah didn't look relaxed. His jaw was tight, a muscle jumping in his cheek as he looked at the assistant. “Gia, get Aiden his own room. Do it now.”

“He can just crash with me,” Richard offered, stepping in before the tension snapped. “My room has two beds, and there is plenty of space.”

Aiden shifted from one foot to the other. He kept cutting his eyes toward me, and it was obvious he didn't want to be pushed out of our shared space. Jeremiah noticed it too. His eyes narrowed, tracking every look Aiden sent my way.

“That works. Aiden stays with you, Richard,” Jeremiah said. His voice was flat and left no room for anyone to argue. “That way, you can keep a close eye on him.”

Aiden opened his mouth, likely to protest, but Clementine shook her head at him. “Drop it,” she whispered. “It isn't worth the fight.”

The elevator doors chimed and slid open. We stepped out, but Aiden still tried to walk toward our door. He didn't get far. Richard reached out, his large hand landing firmly on Aiden’s shoulder, and physically steered him toward the other end of the hall.

“Step this way, buddy,” Richard said, his tone cheerful but his grip firm.

Clementine let out a tired laugh as she watched Richard haul her brother away. “I’m glad Richard is here. He’s the only one who can actually keep my brother in line.”

“I just want to be clean,” I said, sighing as Clementine swiped the key card against the lock.

We stepped into the room, and the cool air hit my face. Clementine went straight for the small fridge in the corner. “You go first,” she said, pulling out a bottle of water. “I am so thirsty I might drink every bottle in this fridge. I don't even care what the hotel charges for them.”

“Just leave one for me,” I called out, already heading for the bathroom.

I shut the door and stripped off my ruined clothes. The water was steaming hot, just the way I liked it. I spent a long time under the spray, using enough lavender soap to mask the scent of the woods and the mud. When I finally stepped out, the room was thick with white steam. I wrapped myself in a thick robe and tied a towel around my damp hair.

I opened the door, feeling a little more human. “All yours,” I told Clementine.

She hurried past me while I went to my bedroom to find something clean. I pulled on my favorite jeans and a soft blue shirt. I was halfway through drying my hair when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I picked it up, and my heart took a sudden dive into my stomach.

Jeremiah: I just ordered plenty of food. Come up to my room and eat with me.

I read the text four times. My mouth felt dry, and my pulse started to race against my ribs. I didn't know what to say. I felt bad about leaving my friends, but the idea of a quiet meal sounded much better than going out to a loud restaurant. Besides, a part of me really wanted to see him. Even though he could be difficult, he had been my main source of comfort during the rough parts of the day.

I finished my hair, still feeling indecisive. I walked into the main area of the suite just as Clementine came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. I showed her the message and told her what he asked.

“Go,” Clementine said, giving me a little nudge and a wink. “Don't worry about us. I’ll just have Aiden and Richard come over here and we’ll order our own food. Go spend time with your man.”

I felt heat creep into my cheeks. “He is not my man,” I mumbled.

I grabbed my key and slipped out of the room before she could tease me more. The ride up to the penthouse felt like it took hours. My mind was a mess, switching between excitement and the urge to run back to my room. By the time I reached his door, my hands were shaking slightly.

I knocked, and the second the sound echoed in the hallway, I felt a wave of regret. I should have stayed downstairs. But before I could turn around, the door swung open.

I looked up at him and swallowed hard.

“You actually came,” Jeremiah said, his voice low.