Dorian's POV
"Wow! Your room is so big!" she gasped, her eyes widening as we entered.
I kicked the door shut behind us, keeping my grip steady on her waist. Her laughter bubbled up, soft and intoxicating, sending heat straight through me.
Christ. She was stunning, and I was dying to get my hands on her.
She grabbed my shirt collar, yanking me closer. Those eyes sparkled with pure temptation, her mouth curving into a wicked smile.
"You're such a beautiful man," she breathed.
Unexpected warmth crept up my neck at her bluntness. Beautiful? No one had ever said that to me. Still, I wasn't about to get swept away by drunk compliments from a complete stranger.
"Can I touch it?" she whispered, her forehead wrinkling slightly.
My cock twitched hard and I gave her a quick nod.
But her finger didn't go where I expected. Instead, she traced the jagged edge of my scar.
I sucked in a sharp breath. She must've thought it was pleasure because her mouth found mine. I crushed her against me, grinding my hardness into her leg.
She tasted like that gin and tonic I'd bought her, and I deepened our kiss, wanting more of that sweetness.
I hoisted her up and she laughed again, the sound stoking the fire inside me. At the bed, I set her down carefully. My mouth worked along her throat and she trembled beneath me.
When I started moving lower, her hand pressed against my chest.
"Do you... have protection?" Her face flushed crimson.
"Yeah. Give me a sec," I muttered, reaching toward the nightstand.
The hotel always stocked complimentary condoms in the drawer.
While I searched, she sat up, her palm returning to my cheek. I froze, my pulse stuttering as our gazes met.
"What happened there?"
Her tone was so tender, I almost wanted to tell her everything.
Instead, I managed a smile. "Long story."
"Look, I know we're strangers," she said quietly, "but I shared something personal with you. You could do the same."
My eyebrows pulled together. "You don't recognize me?"
"Should I?" Her voice pitched higher, mixing alarm with intensity.
One look into those eyes told me she genuinely had no clue. No wonder she'd approached the bar and brushed off my security when they tried to intercept her.
"Should I?" she repeated, fear thickening her words.
I was floored. She was the first woman to ever say that.
Then again, I'd been coming and going from New York irregularly.
I knew dropping my name would change everything—everyone knew my family—but something held me back.
No names. No baggage.
"You never mentioned your job," I deflected, finally locating the condom.
Her blush deepened. "I... I just—"
"Let's leave it that way, sugar."
I caught the flash of rebellion in her eyes before they went soft. "Fine."
"If you really want to know about me," I added, climbing back onto the bed, "I'm in New York for... family business." The words left a bitter taste.
For a second, my thoughts wandered to my family's arrangements, and my jaw locked tight.
"So you don't live here?"
"Not exactly," I exhaled, pushing the memory aside. "Australia's home. But my family's here. When I visit, this hotel's where I stay. That's all."
She made a small humming sound, apparently satisfied. Desperate for distraction, I dropped to my knees in front of her. When she spread her thighs, my body jerked at the scent of her arousal.
I wanted nothing more than to bury my face there, to taste her with my tongue. But I didn't even know her name, so I used my hands instead.
She gasped as I stroked her thighs, sliding upward until I reached her center.
I brushed a finger over her clit and she squeezed her eyes shut, turning her head with pleasure.
"Look at me, sugar," I urged, circling her gently.
She obeyed, her eyes blazing with want. I pushed another finger inside and she melted under my touch.
"I can't..." she gasped. "I'm going to..."
"Wait for me," I whispered, stripping off my clothes with my free hand.
I stood up, and her eyes went wide as I rolled on the condom. I stretched out beside her, kissing every inch of skin as I peeled away her clothes too.
I took her hard pink nipple between my lips, sucking hungrily. As I moved to her other breast, I noticed the mark beneath her left one.
"What's this?"
"Birthmark," she said breathlessly, pulling me closer. "Please. Don't stop."
Her shaky voice undid me, and I returned to her mouth. I kissed her fiercely, then pushed inside her.
I moved slowly at first, savoring every sound she made before picking up speed. She clung to me, legs wrapping around my waist. Soon, I was lost in the heat we created together.
With one final drive, I sent us both over the edge.
As I rolled onto my side, I noticed the condom had ripped. Panic shot through me instantly, but I forced myself to stay calm. She wasn't going anywhere tonight. I'd tell her in the morning, I decided.
But when morning came, she'd vanished.
My phone's shrill ring jolted me awake and I sat up with a groan. My skull pounded as I fumbled for the screaming device.
"Yeah," I answered without checking the caller ID.
"Where the hell are you? I can't keep covering for you."
I immediately placed the annoyed voice. My cousin.
"Morning to you too, Quentin."
"Shit. You're still in bed." Quentin's annoyance spiked. "It's been three days, Dorian. Three days since you got back to New York. You can't keep hiding. Your mother's going to figure it out, and she'll kill me for lying to her."
I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "I'll call you back," I said, hanging up before he could argue.
I dragged myself to my feet and stumbled to the bathroom. I splashed ice-cold water on my face, waiting for the shock to clear my head. When the fog persisted, I headed for the shower.
After a long, freezing shower, I returned to the bedroom.
My chest felt strangely hollow as I stared at the bed.
She was gone.
Her side looked untouched, like she'd never been there at all; like she was just a dream.
But she had been real; I could still catch hints of her scent, and it filled me with an odd ache.
I shook my head to dispel the thoughts, then went to the hotel closet and got dressed.
It was time. I knew that now. No point in running from my responsibilities anymore.
Minutes later, I left the room.
When my car reached my parents' estate, I spotted trouble immediately. My mother stood outside, fury burning in her gaze. Quentin was beside her, looking sheepish.
"Just stop here, Axel," I told my driver, stepping out.
"Three days in New York and you couldn't come home?" my mother snapped.
"Hello, Mother," I said evenly.
"Don't." She held up her hand. "Your father's attorneys are waiting inside. If you don't marry today, the company transfers to your half-brother. It's your responsibility to keep everything in the family."
My jaw clenched. Responsibility. That word always twisted my gut. This was my father's final power play. He knew I'd never let the company fall to my half-brother—that's why he'd included the clause.
My mind wandered to the woman in red, and panic flared. I just hoped she'd been smart enough to take a morning-after pill.
The memory of our night haunted me. She'd left me, and that strangely shattered something inside.
But what had I expected?
That she'd stick around so we could ride off into the sunset together?
I laughed bitterly at my own foolishness, though it didn't ease the ache.
"The Knights family is here," my mother went on, cutting through my thoughts. "The celebration has been planned since—"
"Fine, Mother," I said calmly. It was time. No point in pining for a woman who didn't even know me—or care to. "I'm ready."
My mother and Quentin shared a glance.
I balled my hands into fists, letting rage take control. "Let's get this engagement party started."