Page 10 of A Minute Past Midnight

“Definitely good,” he replied before going to the door and letting room service inside.

Samir reached inside his pocket and peeled off a few bills, handing them to him. “Thank you.”

“No problem, Mr. Frost. Enjoy your night.”

Samir gave him a curt nod, then closed the door behind him.

He beckoned me to him.

I abandoned my spot and stood in front of him. “Let’s freshen up, then relax.”

The nerves returned, but I only nodded and followed him inside the bathroom. Something told me this was going to be a very interesting night.

Juliana stood nervously at the sink while I undressed down to my briefs. I started the shower, then removed my jewelry, setting them on the countertop. I could tell this was possibly the first time she’d ever done something like this.

Something meaning sleeping with a total stranger.

She seemed like a good girl, very demure but also had a slight edge to her that she tried to hide.

I saw it, though.

The guard, the intense exterior, and also the insecurity.

I didn't understand the insecurity.

Juliana was beautiful.

From her deep cinnamon complexion, light brown eyes, slender nose, plump, heart-shaped lips, and those four small dimples on her cheeks when she smiled, she had me at first sight.

I knew underneath that dress there was something vicious. Something that could possibly have me rethinking just having her for the night.

Was she a bit plain? Yes, but she was something I didn't realize I missed since middle school. Not to mention that Southern twang in her voice that I grew very fond of.

I could smell her arousal and fear at the same time. I wanted her to be comfortable with me.

To feel safe and secure.

I’d never cared about the women I’d ‘one-nighted’ before, but with Juliana, I knew this was her first time doing something unfamiliar, so I needed her to let down her inhibitions and explore the unknown with me.

If only for one night.

“Are you going to shower in your dress?” I asked, smirking at her.

“N-no,” she stuttered. “May I have a glass of champagne?”

“You can have whatever you like, beautiful. Loosen up. I promise you don't have anything I haven’t seen before.” I winked.

She giggled a little, which made me smile. I grabbed my things, stepped out of the bathroom, and put my jewelry inside the safe along with my cash, wallet, and guns. I checked my phone to power it off and saw seven missed texts from Forever. I ignored them shits, grabbed the bottle of champagne, two glasses, my small bag with my essentials, and the feminine products I ordered, then went back to the bathroom.

When I stepped inside, the dress and every other item she wore were folded neatly on the counter while she leaned against it, hair wrapped up in a bun, her body now wrapped in one of the plush towels.

I set the items down, unwrapped the foil from the champagne bottle, and used a hand towel to pop the cork. I poured each of us a half glass and handed one to her while I took the other and held it up.

“To a night we won't forget.”

She smiled and tapped my glass lightly before guzzling it down.

I smirked. “Are you nervous, Cinderella?”